50 most common phrasal verbs for English learners
| to encounter or find something or someone unexpectedly
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| Example: While hiking, they came across an old abandoned house in the woods.
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| to search for something or someone
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| Example: He went out to look for his lost keys.
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| to recover from a difficult or emotional experience
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| Example: It took her a long time to get over the loss of her pet.
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| to remove something, like clothing, or to become airborne
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| Example: Before the flight, passengers are asked to take off their shoes.
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| to yield or submit to something, especially after resisting
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| Example: After a long argument, he finally gave in to her request.
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| to establish or arrange something, often a business or organization
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| Example: They set up a new company together.
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| to activate or start a device, like a light or television
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| Example: She turned on the TV to watch the evening news.
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| to have no more of something left
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| Example: We ran out of milk, so we need to buy some more.
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| to raise or mention a topic or subject in a conversation
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| Example: He didn't want to bring up the issue during the meeting.
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| to give something as a gift or to reveal a secret
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| Example: They gave away free samples of their new product.
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| to be excited or eager about something that is going to happen
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| Example: He looks forward to the weekend to spend time with his family.
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| to wait or pause
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| Example: Please hold on for a moment while I find the information.
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| to be watchful or vigilant
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| Example: Look out! There's a car coming towards us.
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| to appear or arrive, especially when expected or required
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| Example: He promised to come to the meeting, but he didn't show up.
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| to restrain or keep something from happening
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| Example: She held back her tears and tried to stay strong.
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| to distribute or hand out something
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| Example: They gave out free samples of their new product at the event.
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| to cause or make something happen
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| Example: The new law will bring about significant changes in the industry.
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| to collect or lift something or someone
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| Example: He offered to pick up the groceries on his way home.
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| to take care of or be responsible for someone or something
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| Example: She looks after her younger brother while their parents are at work.
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| to begin or start a hobby or activity
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| Example: She decided to take up painting as a creative outlet.
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| to postpone or delay something
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| Example: They decided to put off the meeting until next week.
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| to introduce or include something
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| Example: The company plans to bring in new technology to improve efficiency.
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| to display or exhibit something with the intention of impressing others
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| Example: He likes to show off his skills on the guitar.
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| to stop doing or trying something, usually because it is difficult
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| Example: She didn't give up despite facing many challenges.
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| to begin a journey or a task with a particular goal
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| Example: They set out on a road trip across the country.
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| to encounter someone unexpectedly or by chance
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| Example: I ran into my old friend at the supermarket.
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| to delay or cause someone or something to be delayed
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| Example: The traffic accident held up the morning commute.
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| to accept or begin to do a task or responsibility
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| Example: She decided to take on the role of project manager.
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| to arrive or appear, especially unexpectedly
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| Example: He didn't expect her to turn up at the party.
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| to continue or proceed with an action or event
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| Example: The show must go on, despite the technical difficulties.
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| to remove something, like clothing, or to become airborne
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| Example: Before the flight, passengers are asked to take off their shoes.
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| to think of or produce an idea or solution
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| Example: They came up with a brilliant plan to solve the problem.
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| to investigate or examine something
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| Example: The authorities promised to look into the matter.
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| to end a romantic relationship or a gathering of people
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| Example: They decided to break up after years of being together.
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| to review or examine something in detail
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| Example: She asked her friend to go over her presentation for feedback.
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| to keep or retain something
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| Example: She held onto her childhood toys for sentimental reasons.
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| to produce or emit something, like light, heat, or an odor
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| Example: The flowers give off a pleasant fragrance.
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| to dress oneself in clothing or to perform a play or show
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| Example: She put on her coat before going outside.
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| to have a harmonious or friendly relationship with someone
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| Example: They get along very well as they have similar interests.
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| to undertake or assume a responsibility or challenge
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| Example: She's not afraid to take on difficult tasks.
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| to cancel or abandon something that was planned
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| Example: They had to call off the outdoor event due to bad weather.
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| to have no more of something left
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| Example: We ran out of milk, so we need to buy some more.
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| to experience or undergo a process or difficult situation
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| Example: She had to go through a series of interviews to get the job.
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| to take care of or be responsible for someone or something
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| Example: She looks after her younger brother while their parents are at work.
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| to begin a journey or a task with a particular goal
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| Example: They set out on a road trip across the country.
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| to absorb or comprehend information
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| Example: It was hard to take in all the details at once.
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| to regard or treat someone or something as inferior
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| Example: He looks down on people who don't share his educational background.
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| to display or exhibit something with the intention of impressing others
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| Example: He likes to show off his skills on the guitar.
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| to tolerate or endure a difficult or unpleasant situation
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| Example: She decided she could no longer put up with the constant noise.
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| to arrive or appear, especially unexpectedly
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| Example: He didn't expect her to turn up at the party.
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