Phrasal Verbs for Children: A Fun and Easy Guide
Phrasal verbs are combinations of a verb and a preposition or adverb (or both) that create a new meaning. They are very common in English and can be tricky for young learners. This guide will help children understand and use phrasal verbs correctly with clear explanations, examples, and fun exercises!
Common Phrasal Verbs for Children
1. Wake up
Meaning: To stop sleeping and become awake.
- I wake up at 7 o’clock every morning.
- The baby woke up crying because she was hungry.
- Please wake up your brother; it’s time for school.
2. Put on
Meaning: To wear clothes or accessories.
- She put on her favorite dress for the party.
- Don’t forget to put on your coat; it’s cold outside.
- He put on his glasses to read the book.
3. Turn off
Meaning: To stop a machine or light from working.
- Please turn off the TV before you go to bed.
- Mom asked me to turn off the lights when I leave the room.
- Did you remember to turn off the computer?
4. Pick up
Meaning: To lift something or someone from a surface.
- Can you pick up your toys from the floor?
- Dad will pick up my sister from school today.
- She picked up the book and started reading.
5. Look after
Meaning: To take care of someone or something.
- My big sister looks after me when Mom is at work.
- Can you look after my cat while I’m on vacation?
- Grandma looks after the plants when we’re away.
6. Run out
Meaning: To have no more of something left.
- We ran out of milk, so I can’t have cereal.
- The printer ran out of paper, so we couldn’t print.
- Hurry! The movie tickets will run out soon!
Exercises: Practice Using Phrasal Verbs
Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks
Choose the correct phrasal verb from the list to complete the sentences.
- 1. Please ___ the lights when you leave the room. (turn off / wake up)
- 2. I need to ___ my little brother while Mom is shopping. (look after / run out)
- 3. Don’t forget to ___ your shoes before entering the house. (pick up / put on)
- 4. We ___ of cookies, so we can’t have any more. (ran out / woke up)
- 5. What time do you usually ___ in the morning? (wake up / turn off)
Exercise 2: Match the Phrasal Verb to Its Meaning
| Phrasal Verb | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Put on | To wear clothes |
| Pick up | To lift something |
| Look after | To take care of |
| Run out | To have no more left |
| Wake up | To stop sleeping |
Exercise 3: Write Your Own Sentences
Use each phrasal verb in a sentence of your own.
- 1. Wake up: ________________________________________________
- 2. Put on: _________________________________________________
- 3. Turn off: ________________________________________________
- 4. Pick up: _________________________________________________
- 5. Look after: ______________________________________________
Answer Key
Exercise 1 Answers:
- 1. turn off
- 2. look after
- 3. put on
- 4. ran out
- 5. wake up
Exercise 2 Answers:
All matches in the table are correct as shown.
Exercise 3 Answers:
(Example answers—your sentences may vary!)
- 1. I wake up early on school days.
- 2. She put on her raincoat because it was raining.
- 3. Turn off the fan when you’re cold.
- 4. Can you pick up the pencil I dropped?
- 5. My aunt looks after our dog when we travel.