Phrasal Verbs for Fluent English: A Comprehensive Guide
Phrasal verbs are an essential part of fluent English. They consist of a verb combined with a preposition or adverb, creating a new meaning that often differs from the original verb. Mastering phrasal verbs can significantly improve your conversational and written English. Below is a detailed guide to common phrasal verbs, their meanings, examples, and exercises to test your understanding.
1. Common Phrasal Verbs with Meanings and Examples
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 sad news.
- The negotiations broke down because neither side would compromise.
Call Off
Meaning: To cancel something.
- They had to call off the meeting due to bad weather.
- The football match was called off because of heavy rain.
- She called off her engagement after realizing they weren’t compatible.
Find Out
Meaning: To discover or learn something.
- I need to find out what time the train leaves.
- He was shocked when he found out the truth.
- Did you find out who won the competition?
Give Up
Meaning: To stop trying or quit a habit.
- She gave up smoking last year.
- Don’t give up on your dreams—keep trying!
- He gave up his seat to an elderly passenger.
Look After
Meaning: To take care of someone or something.
- Can you look after my dog while I’m on vacation?
- She looks after her younger brother every afternoon.
- He looked after the house while his parents were away.
2. Separable vs. Inseparable Phrasal Verbs
Some phrasal verbs can be separated by an object, while others cannot.
| Type | Example | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Separable | Turn off the light or Turn the light off | The object can come between the verb and the particle. |
| Inseparable | Look after the baby (NOT Look the baby after) | The object must follow the entire phrasal verb. |
3. Exercises to Test Your Knowledge
Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks
Choose the correct phrasal verb from the list below to complete the sentences.
- break down, call off, find out, give up, look after
- She decided to _____ smoking for her health.
- The concert was _____ because the singer was ill.
- Can you _____ my plants while I’m on holiday?
- I need to _____ what time the movie starts.
- His car _____ in the middle of nowhere.
Exercise 2: Match the Phrasal Verb to Its Meaning
| Phrasal Verb | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Break down | A. To cancel |
| Call off | B. To stop working (machine) |
| Find out | C. To discover |
| Give up | D. To take care of |
| Look after | E. To quit |
4. Answer Key
Exercise 1 Answers:
- give up
- called off
- look after
- find out
- broke down
Exercise 2 Answers:
- Break down – B
- Call off – A
- Find out – C
- Give up – E
- Look after – D
By practicing these phrasal verbs regularly, you’ll enhance your fluency and sound more natural in English conversations. Keep learning and using them in daily communication!