Here is a list of phrasal verbs commonly used at New Year. I have a lesson all about phrasal verbs perfect for intermediate and advanced students to improve their vocabulary and natural expressions. Scroll down for practice and answer keys! 

New Year’s Eve

To count down – To count backwards from 10-1

On New Year’s Eve we count down to midnight.

To dress up - To wear nice clothes / To wear a costume.

If you are going out to celebrate New Year most people dress up in fancy clothes.

To stay up – To go to bed later than usual

On New Year’s Eve parents let their children stay up late.  

To sit out – To pass on an activity that other people are doing

This year a lot of people are sitting out New Year’s activities because of coronavirus.

To set off – To cause something to operate/happen

In London there is usually a concert on New Year’s Eve and at midnight fireworks are set off.

Practice – Remember to put the phrasal verbs into the correct tense/conjugation

On New Year’s Eve everyone _______ late to bring in the New Year. Usually people ________ and go somewhere special. However, this year in most countries people are ________ New Year’s Eve celebrations. But after _______ fireworks will still be _______ in London at midnight.

New Year’s Resolutions

To give up – to stop doing something

This year I’m going to give up smoking.

To take up – To start a new hobby or activity

One of my New Year’s resolutions is to take up tennis.

To cut down on – to have/do less of than usual

My sister wants to cut down on her spending this year.

To brush up on – to get better at something (usually something you started in the past)

Last year I wanted to brush up on my French but I didn’t so I’m going to make it this year’s resolution.

To get around to – to finally do something you’ve been planning to do

This year I hope to finally get around to cleaning out the attic.

Practice - Remember to put the phrasal verbs into the correct tense/conjugation

Most people try to make New Year’s resolutions. The most popular are losing weight and _______ ______ unhealthy foods. Some people try to _______ bad habits like smoking while others _____ ___ new hobbies such as sports, arts or learning a language. At least for the first few months of this year we will still be staying at home as much as possible so it’s a good opportunity to _______ skills you haven’t had time to practice or to _______ something that you’ve been putting off.

Answer Key: 1. Stays up 2. Dress up 3. Sitting out 4. Counting down 5. Set off

Answer Key

1.      Cutting down on 2. Give up 3. Take up 4. Brush up on 5. Get round to