Phrasal Verbs for ESL Students: A Comprehensive Guide
Phrasal verbs are an essential part of English, but they can be challenging for ESL learners because their meanings often differ from the individual words. This guide will help you understand common phrasal verbs, their meanings, and how to use them in sentences. Each section includes definitions, examples, and exercises to test your knowledge.
What Are Phrasal Verbs?
A phrasal verb is a combination of a verb and one or more particles (prepositions or adverbs) that together create a new meaning. For example, “give up” means “to quit,” which is different from the literal meaning of “give.”
Common Phrasal Verbs with Meanings and Examples
1. Break Down
Meaning: To stop working (for machines) or to lose control emotionally.
- My car broke down on the highway yesterday.
- She broke down in tears after hearing the bad news.
- The old computer broke down and needed replacement.
2. Call Off
Meaning: To cancel something.
- They called off the meeting due to bad weather.
- The concert was called off because the singer got sick.
- We had to call off our trip because of the storm.
3. Find Out
Meaning: To discover or learn something.
- I just found out that she’s moving to Canada.
- Did you find out what time the train leaves?
- The police found out who stole the money.
4. Give Up
Meaning: To stop trying or quit.
- He gave up smoking last year.
- Don’t give up on your dreams!
- She gave up learning the piano because it was too hard.
5. Look After
Meaning: To take care of someone or something.
- Can you look after my dog while I’m away?
- She looks after her younger brother every afternoon.
- He looked after the plants while his neighbor was on vacation.
6. Put Off
Meaning: To postpone or delay something.
- They put off the meeting until next week.
- Don’t put off your homework until the last minute.
- She put off going to the dentist for months.
7. Take Off
Meaning: To remove clothing or to leave the ground (for airplanes).
- He took off his jacket when he entered the room.
- The plane took off at 3 PM.
- She took off her shoes before entering the house.
8. Turn Down
Meaning: To refuse an offer or reduce volume.
- He turned down the job offer because of the low salary.
- Can you turn down the music? It’s too loud.
- She turned down the invitation to the party.
9. Run Out Of
Meaning: To have no more of something left.
- We ran out of milk, so I need to buy more.
- He ran out of time and couldn’t finish the test.
- The car ran out of gas on the highway.
10. Set Up
Meaning: To arrange or establish something.
- They set up a new business last year.
- Can you help me set up the chairs for the meeting?
- She set up a meeting with the manager.
Exercises: Practice Using Phrasal Verbs
Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks
Choose the correct phrasal verb from the list to complete each sentence.
- 1. She ___ her coat before entering the house. (took off / put off)
- 2. The meeting was ___ because the boss was sick. (called off / broke down)
- 3. I need to ___ who stole my wallet. (find out / give up)
- 4. He ___ smoking last year. (gave up / ran out of)
- 5. Can you ___ my cat while I’m on vacation? (look after / turn down)
Exercise 2: Rewrite the Sentences
Replace the underlined words with the correct phrasal verb.
- 1. She canceled the party. → She ___ the party.
- 2. He discovered the truth. → He ___ the truth.
- 3. They established a new company. → They ___ a new company.
- 4. We have no more sugar. → We ___ sugar.
- 5. The plane left the ground at noon. → The plane ___ at noon.
Answer Key
Exercise 1 Answers:
- took off
- called off
- find out
- gave up
- look after
Exercise 2 Answers:
- called off
- found out
- set up
- ran out of
- took off
By practicing these phrasal verbs regularly, you’ll become more comfortable using them in everyday conversations. Keep learning and expanding your vocabulary!