You hear them everywhere. In movies, podcasts, office meetings, even casual WhatsApp voice notes from friends abroad. “Figure it out.” “Bring it up.” “Hold on.” For English learners, phrasal verbs often feel like a secret code native speakers never explain. Same verb, different preposition, completely different meaning. Confusing? Absolutely. Unavoidable? Also yes.
But here’s the twist most teachers miss: phrasal verbs aren’t hard because they’re complex. They’re hard because they’re taught the wrong way. Once you understand how they work in real life, they stop being scary—and start sounding natural.
What exactly are phrasal verbs?
A phrasal verb is a combination of:
A verb + a particle (preposition or adverb)
Together, they create a new meaning that’s often different from the original verb.
For example:
“Look” means to see
“Look after” means to take care of
“Look into” means to investigate
English uses phrasal verbs constantly in spoken communication. According to usage research referenced by the British Council (https://www.britishcouncil.org), native speakers prefer phrasal verbs over formal alternatives in everyday speech.
That’s why “continue” becomes “carry on,” and “discover” becomes “find out.”
Why phrasal verbs feel difficult (and why they shouldn’t)
Most learners struggle with phrasal verbs for three main reasons.
First, the meaning isn’t always logical. “Give up” has nothing to do with physically giving something upward.
Second, one verb can combine with many particles. “Get” alone forms dozens of phrasal verbs.
Third, textbooks often teach them as long, boring lists—without context.
But native speakers don’t memorize lists. They learn phrasal verbs through repetition, situations, and daily use. Language frameworks referenced by Cambridge English (https://www.cambridgeenglish.org) emphasize context-based learning for exactly this reason.
The most common phrasal verbs you hear every day
Let’s start with the ones that actually matter. These show up constantly in conversations, emails, and work discussions.
| Phrasal Verb | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| get up | wake up | I get up at seven |
| go on | continue | Go on, I’m listening |
| find out | discover | I found out later |
| give up | stop trying | Don’t give up |
| pick up | collect or learn | I’ll pick you up |
| turn on | start a device | Turn on the light |
| turn off | stop a device | Turn it off |
| look for | search | I’m looking for it |
| run out of | have no more | We ran out of time |
| bring up | mention | She brought it up |
Notice something important. These aren’t advanced. They’re basic. And native speakers choose them automatically instead of “terminate,” “investigate,” or “continue.”
Phrasal verbs with “get” (the most powerful verb)
If English had a survival verb, it would be “get.”
| Phrasal Verb | Meaning | Daily Usage |
|---|---|---|
| get up | wake up | I got up late |
| get in | enter | Get in the car |
| get out | leave | Get out now |
| get over | recover | I’m getting over it |
| get along | have good relations | We get along well |
| get back | return | I’ll get back soon |
Fluent speakers use “get” to avoid complicated vocabulary. That’s why mastering “get” phrasal verbs boosts fluency fast.
Phrasal verbs for work and daily life
These come up constantly in offices, calls, and messages.
| Phrasal Verb | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| set up | arrange | Let’s set up a meeting |
| follow up | check again | I’ll follow up tomorrow |
| point out | highlight | She pointed it out |
| carry out | complete | The plan was carried out |
| work on | focus on | I’m working on it |
| figure out | understand | We’ll figure it out |
Government and workplace language guides used in ESL programs across English-speaking countries often highlight these exact phrasal verbs because of their real-world frequency, including resources aligned with public education standards (https://www.ed.gov).
Separable vs inseparable phrasal verbs (made simple)
This is where learners panic—but it’s simpler than it looks.
Separable phrasal verbs allow the object in the middle:
Turn off the light
Turn the light off
If the object is a pronoun, it must go in the middle:
Turn it off
Not: Turn off it
Inseparable phrasal verbs cannot be split:
Look after the kids
Not: Look the kids after
Don’t overthink this. Native speakers learn it by exposure, not rules.
How to actually learn phrasal verbs (without memorizing)
Here’s what works.
Learn them in short phrases, not single meanings
Notice them while watching shows or listening to podcasts
Use one or two per day in real sentences
Repeat them out loud
Language acquisition research summarized by institutions aligned with CEFR standards shows that spaced repetition and usage matter far more than memorization.
If you use “figure out” five times this week, it sticks. If you just read it once, it disappears.
Phrasal verbs vs formal English (know the difference)
Phrasal verbs sound natural and conversational. Formal verbs sound distant.
Compare:
“Please continue” vs “Please carry on”
“Investigate the issue” vs “Look into the issue”
“Postpone the meeting” vs “Put off the meeting”
In emails, meetings, and daily talk, native speakers often prefer the phrasal version unless the context is very formal.
FAQs:
Are phrasal verbs necessary for fluency?
Yes. Native speakers use them constantly in everyday conversation.
How many phrasal verbs should I learn first?
Start with 30–50 high-frequency phrasal verbs used in daily life.
Can I avoid phrasal verbs and still speak English?
You can, but your English may sound overly formal or unnatural.
