Phrasal verbs for daily conversation |
FOR DAILY CONVERSATION
Introduction:
English is a fascinating language with many complexities and nuances. In this blog post, we will explore what phrasal verbs are. Why and when we use them, the best ways to learn them, and a list of the top 45 phrasal verbs to use daily.
What is a phrasal verb?
A phrasal verb is a verb that contains two or more words as a whole. The first word is usually a verb, and the second is an adverb or a preposition. Together, they create a new meaning that is different from individual words.
For instance, the phrasal verb lookup means to search for information. The separate words look and up do not have this meaning alone. But they create a new one when used together.
Where and when do we use phrasal verbs?
Phrasal verbs are significant in English, especially in spoken language. They add variety and depth to our language and allow us to express more complex ideas and emotions. They are common in many idiomatic expressions. They have meanings that are not clear from the individual words.
We use phrasal verbs in informal writing and speaking, emails, text messages, and casual conversations.
In informal speech or writing:" Phrasal verbs are often used in casual conversation or informal writing such as emails or text messages.
In everyday situations: Phrasal verbs describe daily actions: getting up in the morning or turning off the lights at night.
In business or professional situations: Phrasal verbs are also used in business and professional situations, such as for meetings or presentations.
Best ways to learn phrasal verbs:
Learning phrasal verbs can be challenging, but there are several effective ways to improve your understanding and usage.
Read and listen to English: Reading and listening to English: Reading and listening to English materials such as books, news articles, podcasts, and TV shows can expose you to phrasal verbs in context. It can help you understand and improve your vocabulary.
Creating flashcards with phrasal verbs and their meanings can help- you memorize them more easily.
Practice using phrasal verbs in contexts such as in sentences. Conversations can help you remember them and become more comfortable using them.
Grouping phrasal verbs based on their meanings, such as those related to movement, emotions, or relationships, can help you remember them more easily.
Top 45 phrasal verbs to use in daily life:
1. act up: to misbehave, to malfunction.
My computer is acting up again.
2. back up: to support making a copy of data or files.
Please back me up in the argument
3. bring up: to raise, to mention.
Who brought up this idea?
4. call off: to cancel.
They called off the party due to the bad weather.
5. come across: to find to meet by chance.
I came across an old friend in the park yesterday.
6. drop off: to deliver, to fall asleep.
I need to drop off this package at the post office.
7. dress up: wear formal clothes or fancy dress.
We are going to dress up for the wedding.
8. eat out: dine at a restaurant.
Let us eat out tonight instead of cooking at home.
9. end up: to finally arrive or reach a certain point.
I ended up staying home instead of going to the function.
10. figure out: to solve, to understand.
I can't figure out how to use this new software.
11. fill out: to complete a form.
Please fill out this application.
12. give up: to quit to surrender.
Don't give up on your dreams.
13. hangout: to spend time together casually.
We hung out at the park this afternoon.
14. hold on: to wait, to pass.
Hold on! Don't finish the project now. We have to get a few more permissions to finish it.
15. keep up: to maintain, to continue at the same rate.
You keep up with your progress.
16. lookup: to search for information.
Can you look up the definition of this word in the dictionary?
17. makeup: to reconcile, to invent.
We made up after our argument.
18. move-in: to start living in a new place.
We are moving into our grandfather's the next day.
19. opt-out: to choose not to participate or be involved.
I decided to opt out of the team's social events.
20. pass out: to faint, to distribute.
He passed out during the concept.
21. pick up: to collect, to learn.
Can you pick up my brother on your way home?
22. set up: to arrange or establish.
I need to set up a meeting with my supervisor.
23. show up: to arrive, to appear.
I hope she shows up for our meeting.
24. take off: remove clothing or something from a surface.
He took his coat and hung it on the hook.
25. take up: to start a new business or activity.
She took up painting and found it therapeutic.
26. tear up: rip something into pieces.
He tore off the letter and threw it in the trash.
27. think over: consider carefully before making a decision.
I need to think the job over and offer before I accept it.
28. throw away: to discard or get rid of something.
Don't throw away that old shirt which is for rags.
29. turn down: to deny an offer or request.
She turned down the invitation to the party because she had other plants.
30. turn on: to start or switch on a device.
If you turn on the radio, I shall listen to music.
31. turn up: to increase the volume or intensity of something.
Can you turn up the volume of the TV?
32. wait up: to wait for someone running late.
I will wait up for you to finish your work.
33. wake up: to stop sleeping and become conscious.
Disciplined people wake up early in the morning.
34. walkout: to leave a place in protesting or disagreement.
The employees Walked the meeting out of frustration.
35. warm-up: prepare for the activity by stretching or exercising lightly.
We need to warm up before starting soccer.
36. wash up: clean dishes are oneself.
I will wash up the dishes after dinner.
37. wear out: to use something until it becomes useable or ineffective.
She wore out her shoes from walking so much.
38. write down: make a note of something.
I wrote down the address so I would not forget it.
39.zip up: close a zipper.
She zipped up her jacket before going outside.
40. zone out: to stop paying attention or become lost in thought.
I zone out during long meetings.
41. add up: to make sense or add correctly.
The numbers in the spreadsheet didn't add up correctly.
42. ask out: to invite someone on a date.
He asked her out to dinner.
43. back up: to make a copy or support someone.
You should back up your files in case your computer crashes.
44. call off: to cancel an event or engagement.
The concert has been called off, due to bad weather.
45. cut off: to stop something suddenly or disconnect.
He cut off all communication with her ex-boyfriend after the breakup.