Phrasal verbs are combinations of verbs with prepositions or adverbs that change the original meaning of the verb. They are very common in English, and knowing them can make your communication smoother. Here are 10 commonly used phrasal verbs and their meanings:
Break down: To stop functioning (for machines or vehicles) or to become emotionally upset.
Example: My car broke down on the way to work. / She broke down in tears after hearing the news.
Give up: To stop doing something, often because it’s difficult.
Example: I won’t give up learning English, no matter how hard it gets.
Look after: To take care of someone or something.
Example: I have to look after my younger brother while my parents are away.
Run out (of): To have none left of something.
Example: We ran out of milk, so I need to go to the store.
Turn up: To appear or arrive, often unexpectedly or after being lost.
Example: Don’t worry, your keys will turn up eventually.
Take off: To leave the ground and start flying (for planes) or to become successful quickly.
Example: The plane took off on time. / Her business really took off after she launched the new product.
Call off: To cancel something that was planned.
Example: They had to call off the event because of the bad weather.
Figure out: To understand or solve something.
Example: I need more time to figure out how this machine works.
Put off: To delay or postpone something.
Example: We decided to put off our vacation until next year.
Get along (with): To have a good relationship with someone.
Example: I get along really well with my coworkers.
Mastering phrasal verbs will help you understand native speakers better and make your own speech sound more natural and conversational. They’re essential in everyday English communication!