<< Back to Index

Phrasal Verbs

What are Phrasal Verbs?

A phrasal verb is a combination of words (a verb + a preposition or verb +adverb) that when used together, usually take on a different meaning to that of the original verb.

  1. break down, check in, tear up

When we use phrasal verbs, we use them like normal verbs in a sentence, regardless if it’s a regular or irregular verb.

  1. Ella tore up the letter after she read it.
  2. Their car broke down two miles out of town.
  3. Did the manager deal with that customer’s complaint.

Click here for an extensive list of phrasal verbs


Choose the correct phrasal verb from the parenthesis at the end of the sentence.

  1. Someone broke into my car last night and stole the stereo. (broke down/broke into)
  2. Will you be able to get by this month with the little you have?(get off / get by)
  1. His father always taught him not to ____ those people with less. (look up to / look down on)
  2. Stop complaining and ____ your work! (get on with / get over)
  3. The boss wants you to _____ your figures for this month to him. (hand out / hand in)
  4. We’re going to have to _____ our trip to Spain until September. (put up/ put off)
  5. I _____ Amir today at the supermarket. It was great to see him. (ran out of / ran into)
  6. I’m so tired of Sophie ___her engagement ring all the time. (showing off, showing up)
  7. The police would not _____ to the kidnapper’s demands. (give up/ give in)
  8. I thought I would ____ for a cup of coffee. Is that okay? (drop off/ drop in)
  9. Have you ever ______ such an unusual piece of art? (come forward/come across)


  1. look down on
  2. get on with
  3. hand in
  4. put off
  5. ran into
  6. showing off
  7. give in
  8. drop in
  9. come across