Understanding Phrasal Verbs Well

Understanding Phrasal Verbs in Context

One of the biggest mistakes learners make is trying to translate phrasal verbs word-for-word. Instead, it’s more effective to understand them in full phrases. Let’s take a few examples and see how they are used in daily situations:

Wake up – "I wake up at 7 AM every day."
Run into – "I ran into an old friend at the supermarket."
Look after – "She looks after her younger brother when their parents are away."
Put off – "We had to put off the meeting until next week."
Bring up – "He brought up an interesting point during the discussion."

When you encounter new phrasal verbs, focus on how they function in sentences rather than memorizing them in isolation.

Applying Phrasal Verbs in Conversation

To use phrasal verbs naturally, try these techniques:

Listen and Observe: Pay attention to how native speakers use phrasal verbs in conversations, movies, or interviews. Notice their tone and context.
Replace Formal Words with Phrasal Verbs: Instead of saying, "I will postpone the meeting," try "I will put off the meeting."
Practice with Daily Activities: Describe your routine using phrasal verbs, such as "I get up, pick out my clothes, and head out to work."
Create Short Stories: Form sentences using multiple phrasal verbs, like "Yesterday, I ran into an old friend, and we caught up over coffee."

Common Phrasal Verbs for Different Situations

To help you use them effectively, here are some useful phrasal verbs grouped by situation:

Work & Study: catch up (on work), hand in (an assignment), take on (a task), figure out (a solution)
Socializing: get along (with someone), bring up (a topic), turn down (an invitation)
Daily Routine: wake up, go out, set up (a meeting), come back (home)
Problem-Solving: work out (a problem), give up (on something), put off (a decision)

Final Tip: Learn Phrasal Verbs Naturally

Don’t force yourself to learn too many at once. Start with a few, practice them in context, and gradually add more to your vocabulary. The key is to use them regularly so they become second nature.

Try using at least one new phrasal verb each day and soon, they’ll feel as natural as any other words in your English conversations! Take the class to find out more and get practising.