Phrasal Verbs for Memory: A Comprehensive Guide for English Learners
Phrasal verbs are combinations of a verb and one or more particles (prepositions or adverbs) that create a unique meaning. They are essential for fluent English communication, and mastering them can significantly improve your memory of vocabulary. Below is a detailed list of phrasal verbs related to memory, along with examples and exercises.
1. Bring Back
Meaning: To recall or remind someone of something from the past.
- The old photograph brought back memories of my childhood.
- Listening to that song brings back memories of our school days.
- Her story brought back the pain of losing a loved one.
2. Think Back
Meaning: To reflect on past events or experiences.
- When I think back to my first job, I realize how much I’ve learned.
- She thought back to her wedding day with a smile.
- He thought back on his mistakes and vowed to improve.
3. Call Up
Meaning: To remember something, often with effort.
- I can’t call up his name right now, but I know I’ve met him before.
- She tried to call up the details of the event but couldn’t.
- The smell of coffee called up memories of my grandmother’s kitchen.
4. Come Back
Meaning: When a memory returns to your mind.
- Suddenly, the memory of that day came back to me.
- His face came back to me when I saw the old yearbook.
- The taste of the dish made the vacation come back vividly.
5. Go Over
Meaning: To review or repeat something to remember it better.
- Before the exam, I went over all my notes.
- Let’s go over the vocabulary one more time.
- She went over the instructions to ensure she understood them.
6. Jog Memory
Meaning: To help someone remember something.
- The photo album jogged my memory about our trip to Paris.
- Can you give me a hint to jog my memory?
- Hearing his voice jogged my memory of our conversation.
7. Slip One’s Mind
Meaning: To forget something unintentionally.
- I’m sorry I forgot your birthday—it completely slipped my mind.
- The meeting slipped my mind because I was so busy.
- Her name slipped my mind even though we just met.
8. Blank Out
Meaning: To suddenly forget something, especially under pressure.
- During the presentation, I blanked out and forgot my lines.
- He blanked out on the exam and couldn’t answer the first question.
- I blanked out her phone number when I needed it most.
9. Brush Up On
Meaning: To review or practice something to improve memory or skill.
- I need to brush up on my Spanish before the trip.
- She brushed up on her coding skills before the interview.
- He decided to brush up on history before the quiz.
10. Take In
Meaning: To absorb or understand information to remember it.
- It was hard to take in all the details at once.
- She slowly took in the instructions to avoid mistakes.
- I couldn’t take in everything he said because I was distracted.
Exercises to Practice Phrasal Verbs for Memory
Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks
Complete the sentences with the correct phrasal verb from the list above.
- The smell of fresh bread _______ memories of my grandmother’s kitchen.
- I need to _______ my notes before the test tomorrow.
- His name _______ when I saw him at the party.
- Sorry, your appointment completely _______—I’ll reschedule it.
- She _______ the math problems before the exam.
Exercise 2: Matching
Match the phrasal verb with its correct meaning.
| Phrasal Verb | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Bring back | To suddenly forget something |
| Blank out | To recall past memories |
| Brush up on | To review something to remember it better |
| Slip one’s mind | To forget unintentionally |
Exercise 3: Create Sentences
Write three sentences using any of the phrasal verbs listed above.
- ________________________________________________________
- ________________________________________________________
- ________________________________________________________