Updated on December 12, 2022
The most common phrasal verbs in English
Did you know that there are thousands of phrasal verbs in English?
Well, it’s true – and you need to learn all of them.
Just kidding!
While there are actually thousands of them, they’re not all equally common or useful.
To make it easy for you, we’ve compiled a list of some of the most used phrasal verbs in English.
→ To mention something
I want to go to that party! Maybe if I bring it up when my mom is in a good mood, she’ll let me go.
→ To take care of a child until adulthood
She lives in a big city now, but her parents brought her up in the countryside.
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→ To stop yourself or someone else from being upset, angry or excited
The baby has been crying all morning. I can’t calm her down!
→ To do something again
My teacher wasn’t happy with my essay; she’s asked me to do it over.
→ To wear formal clothes, usually for a special occasion.
Let’s do something fun this weekend. Why don’t we dress up and go out for a fancy dinner?
→ To wear special clothes or a costume to change your appearance.
My favourite holiday has always been Halloween. I love dressing up in scary costumes!
→ To eat at a restaurant
We’re trying to save money this year, so we’re going to stop eating out so often.
→ To finally be in a particular place or situation
I always thought I wanted to be a doctor but I ended up being a web designer.
→ To solve or understand something
Can you help me with my math homework? I just can’t figure it out!
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→ To type or write information on a document or official form
If you’re interested in this job, please fill out the online application form.
→ To become completely full; to make something completely full
Don’t fill up on snacks! We’ll be eating lunch in 20 minutes.
→ To like and have friendly interactions with someone
The first time I met you, we got along so well that I knew we’d be friends.
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→ To give someone something they had before
I’ll let you use my pen, but you have to give it back at the end of class.
→ To stop doing something that you do regularly
She gave up smoking six months ago and she says she feels much healthier now.
→ To quit doing something you’ve been trying to do
We’ve been trying to solve this math problem for an hour – I give up!
→ To check something carefully
I finished writing my cover letter for my job application. Can you go over it to see if I made any mistakes?
→ To practise something in order to learn it
The talent show is on Friday. We need to go over our dance routine a few more times so it’s perfect when we perform!
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→ To spend time in a certain place (alone or with others), relaxing or socialising
I didn’t do much this weekend; I just hung out at home watching TV with my sister.
→ To wait
Hold on one minute! I just need to get my jacket, then I’ll be ready to go.
→ To continue doing something
If you keep on being late for work, you’re going to get fired!
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→ To search for something or someone
I’m looking for my house key – have you seen it anywhere?
→ To search for information in a reference book or online
I’m not sure where that store is located. I’ll look it up on Google Maps.
→ To choose from a group of options
When you go to the supermarket, make sure to pick out the reddest tomatoes.
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→ To use or sell all of something so there isn’t any left.
Can you go buy some dish soap? We ran out yesterday.
→ To put an item of clothing on your body to see if it is the right size and if it looks good.
I don’t like shopping for clothes online because you can’t try them on before buying them.
→ To exercise
Every January, I decide to start working out regularly to get stronger – it never lasts longer than a month!
→ To happen in a positive way; to have a successful outcome
They were married for five years, but it didn’t work out. They were just too different.
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