This is a list of about 200 common phrasal verbs, with meanings and examples. Phrasal verbs are usually two-word phrases consisting of verb + adverb or verb + preposition. Think of them as you would any other English vocabulary. Study them as you come across them, rather than trying to memorize many at once. Use the list below as a reference guide when you find an expression that you don't recognize. The examples will help you understand the meanings. | Phrasal Verbs List This is a list of about 200 common phrasal verbs with meanings and examples. Phrasal verbs are usually two-word phrases consisting of verb adverb or verb preposition. Think of them as you would any other English vocabulary. Study them as you come across them rather than trying to memorize many at once. Use the list below as a reference guide when you find an expression that you don t recognize. The examples will help you understand the meanings. If you think of each phrasal verb as a separate verb with a specific meaning you will be able to remember it more easily. Like many other verbs phrasal verbs often have more than one meaning. As well as learning their meanings you need to learn how to use phrasal verbs properly. Some phrasal verbs require a direct object someone something while others do not. Some phrasal verbs can be separated by the object while others cannot. Review the grammar lesson on phrasal verbs from time to time so that you don t forget the rules Most phrasal verbs consist of two words but a few consist of three words which always stay together. Verb Meaning Example ask someone out invite on a date Brian asked Judy out to dinner and a movie. ask around ask many people the same question w I asked around but nobody has seen my wallet. add up to something equal Your purchases add up to . back something up reverse You ll have to back up your car so that I can get out. back someone up support My wife backed me up over my decision to quit my job. blow up explode The racing car blew up after it crashed into the fence. blow something up add air We have to blow 50 balloons up for the party. break down stop functioning vehicle machine Our car broke down at the side of the highway in the snowstorm. break down get upset The woman broke down when the police told her that her son had died. break something down divide into smaller parts Our teacher broke the final project down into three separate parts. 1 break in force entry to a .
