As everybody knows, sometimes studying Phrasal verbs
is not an easy task, does it? When I was a student, it was really hard (for me
) learning and realizing what phrasal verbs were about. I bought a Dictionary about phrasal verbs, I would use them in class with my Professors & classmates, English native speakers and so on. But then, I noticed that there were some very common and very useful Phrasal verbs
to study as well as keeping in mind during an English conversation. This is my list:
(Most of these phrasal verbs have several meanings, so make sure you remember them all!)
1. Add up
a- To be added together and equal the expected or correct total.
Example: “We added up the apples: there were 12″
b-To make sense : to seem to be logical or true.
Example: “Her story didn’t add up, I think she was lying, it didn’t make sense”
2. Blow up
a- To fill (something) with air or gas
Example: “Please could you blow up those balloons?”
b- To explode or to cause (something, such as a bomb) to explode.
Example: “The building was blown up by a bomb”
c- To become very angry.
Example: “When I said I couldn’t go to her party, she blew up”
3. Bring up
a- To take care of and teach (a child who is growing up).
Example: “Their grandparents brought them up because their parents were always travelling”
b- To mention (something) when talking : to start to talk about (something).
Example: “Don’t bring up the fight again, please!”
4. Call off
a- To stop doing or planning to do (something) .
Example: “Maria called off the wedding, she decided she didn’t love him”
b- To cause or tell (a person or animal) to stop attacking, chasing, etc.
Example: “Call off your dog! He’s attacking my cat”
5. Carry on
a- To continue to do what you have been doing
Example: “Sorry I interrupted, carry on talking!”
b- To behave or speak in an excited or foolish way.
Example: “The little boy was carrying on: shouting and kicking all day long”
6. Come across
a- To seem to have a particular quality or character : to make a particular impression.
Example: “Julia came across as a bit bossy”
b- To be expressed to someone.
Example: “I tried to sound happy but it came across as over-excited”
c- To meet or find (something or someone) by chance.
Example: “Luis was leaving the fruit shop and he came across Tom, what a coincidence”
7. Come up with
a- To get or think of (something that is needed or wanted).
Example: “We finally came up with a solution to the problem!”
8. Fall apart
(Oh, listen to the song "Emotions" by Bee Gees & Samantha Sang)
a- To break into parts in usually a sudden and unexpected way,
Example: “My cake fell apart when I tried to cut it”
b- To become unable to live in a normal way because you are experiencing a lot of confusion or emotional pain
Example: “After the divorce, she fell apart”
9. Get along
a- To be or remain friendly
Example: “We’re not together anymore, but we get along great”
b- To make progress while doing something.
Example: “How are you getting along at playing the guitar?”
c- To leave a place
Example: “It was lovely to see you, but my friend has to get along, she has class”
d- To become old.
Example: “Her grandma is getting along; she’s almost 99″
10. Get away
a- To go away from a place.
Example: “I can0t wait to get away from the city”
b- To avoid being caught : to escape
Example: “The thieves managed to get away in a stolen car”
c- To not be criticized or punished for (something).
Example: “Yvonne is always lying, I can’t understand how she gets away with it”TO BE CONTINUED