Phrasal verbsEnglish level A2
Phrasal verbs: basics
A verb plus a small word (up, on, off, for) with a meaning of its own: get up = leave your bed.
Rule
A phrasal verb is verb + particle, and its meaning often cannot be guessed from the parts. Learn each one as a single item of vocabulary.
Word list
| Phrase | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| get up | leave your bed | I get up at seven. |
| turn on / turn off | start / stop a device | Turn on the light, please. |
| look for | try to find | I'm looking for my keys. |
| put on / take off | dress / undress an item | Put on your coat - it's cold. |
| wake up | stop sleeping | I woke up at six today. |
| go out | leave home for fun | We go out every Friday. |
| come back | return | She comes back at five. |
| give up | stop trying / quit | Don't give up! |
Notes
- Many take an object between the parts: turn the light on = turn on the light
- But pronouns must go between: turn it on, not
turn on it
Practice
I missing word at seven every day.
It's dark - missing word the light, please.
Here's your coat - put missing word.