Free English Lesson: Top 10 Daily Used Phrasal Verbs
Date
Nov 23, 2024
Author
Daily Native English
Why Native Speakers Love Phrasal Verbs and Why You Should Too
When learning English, you’ve probably come across phrases like “pick up,” “run out of,” or “put on.” These are phrasal verbs—short phrases made of a verb and one or more particles (like up, on, or out) that completely change the meaning of the verb. While they may seem confusing at first, they are absolutely essential for understanding and speaking natural English.
Native speakers use phrasal verbs all the time, and for good reason. They’re:
Expressive Yet Simple: Phrasal verbs allow people to say complex ideas in short, casual phrases. For example, instead of saying “remove,” a native speaker might say “take off.”
A Core Part of Everyday English: From casual chats to professional conversations, phrasal verbs pop up everywhere. They’re as important as basic grammar and vocabulary.
Versatile and Efficient: A single phrasal verb often has multiple meanings depending on context. For instance, “pick up” can mean lifting something, collecting someone, or even learning something new!
For English learners, understanding and using phrasal verbs can feel like unlocking a secret level of fluency. Why? Because they help you:
1. Sound Natural
Imagine saying, “Can you activate the lights?” versus “Can you turn on the lights?” The first might make sense, but the second feels smooth and conversational. Native speakers naturally gravitate toward phrasal verbs because they fit the rhythm and flow of the language.
2. Build Confidence in Listening
Movies, TV shows, and even business meetings are full of phrasal verbs. If you understand them, you won’t get stuck trying to guess what someone means when they say, “Let’s wrap this up,” or “We’ve run out of time.”
3. Handle Everyday Situations Effortlessly
From shopping to traveling, phrasal verbs cover it all. Knowing phrases like “look for,” “put on,” or “get up” can help you navigate life in English-speaking environments without hesitation.
Why Should You Focus on Phrasal Verbs?
Mastering phrasal verbs doesn’t just improve your vocabulary—it transforms the way you communicate. They give you a sense of control and flexibility with the language. Plus, they’re not just for casual conversations; you’ll hear them in offices, classrooms, and even news reports.
In this blog, we’ll explore the top 10 most commonly used phrasal verbs that native speakers use every day. You’ll learn:
What they mean.
How to use them correctly.
Real-life example sentences.
Let’s dive into these powerful, everyday phrases that will take your English to the next level!
1. Get up
Core Meaning: To rise from a lower position, especially out of bed.
Morning Routine: This is the most common use when talking about starting your day.
Examples:
I usually get up at 6 a.m. during the week.
It’s hard to get up early when it’s cold outside.
Other Meanings:
To rise physically:
After falling, he quickly got up and continued running.
To prepare or organize something:
The team got up an event to celebrate her promotion.
2. Turn on
Core Meaning: To activate or switch on a device.
Everyday Use: This applies to electronics like TVs, lights, or computers.
Examples:
Can you turn on the TV? I want to watch the news.
Don’t forget to turn on the headlights when driving at night.
Other Meanings:
To excite or stimulate:
The idea of traveling always turns me on.
To direct attention or energy toward something:
He turned on his charm to win her over.
To suddenly attack or criticize someone:
The dog turned on its owner unexpectedly.
3. Turn off
Core Meaning: To deactivate or switch off a device.
Opposite of “turn on” and equally common in daily life.
Examples:
Please turn off the lights when you leave the room.
I always turn off my laptop before going to bed.
Other Meanings:
To lose interest or enthusiasm:
His negative attitude really turns me off.
To divert attention or focus away from something:
The movie’s slow pace completely turned me off.
4. Take off
Core Meaning 1: To remove something, especially clothes or accessories.
This meaning is common in both literal and figurative contexts.
Examples:
It’s polite to take off your hat indoors.
She took off her glasses and rubbed her eyes.
Core Meaning 2: When an airplane leaves the ground.
Travel Context: This is widely used in airports and travel discussions.
Examples:
Our flight is scheduled to take off at 8 a.m.
The plane took off smoothly despite the strong winds.
Other Meanings:
To suddenly leave a place:
He took off without saying goodbye.
To become successful or popular quickly:
Her new business really took off after the first year.
5. Put on
Core Meaning: To wear or apply something to your body.
Daily Use: Often used for clothes, shoes, makeup, or accessories.
Examples:
I always put on sunscreen before going outside.
He put on his jacket and stepped out into the rain.
Other Meanings:
To pretend or fake something:
Don’t put on that sad face; I know you’re not upset.
To organize or produce something:
The school is putting on a play for the holidays.
To gain weight:
I put on a few pounds during the winter.
6. Look for
Core Meaning: To search for something or someone.
Everyday Use: Common when talking about trying to find misplaced items or seeking information.
Examples:
I’m looking for my phone. Have you seen it?
She’s looking for a new job in the city.
Other Meanings:
To expect or anticipate something:
We’re always looking for ways to improve our service.
To depend on or hope for help or support:
They’re looking for investors to fund their project.
7. Look after
Core Meaning: To take care of someone or something.
Common in caregiving contexts, such as babysitting, pet care, or responsibility for property.
Examples:
Can you look after the kids while I run some errands?
He’s been looking after his elderly parents for years.
Other Meanings:
To ensure something is in good condition:
It’s your job to look after the company’s finances.
8. Give up
Core Meaning: To stop trying or to quit something.
Used when someone surrenders due to difficulty or lack of interest.
Examples:
Don’t give up! You’re so close to finishing the project.
I gave up smoking last year, and I feel much healthier.
Other Meanings:
To allow someone else to have something you own:
She gave up her seat for the elderly man.
To stop believing or hoping in something:
Many people gave up on the idea of peace after the conflict.
9. Pick up
Core Meaning 1: To lift something or someone from a lower position.
Common in both literal and figurative contexts.
Examples:
Can you pick up that box for me? It’s too heavy.
I picked up my little brother from school.
Core Meaning 2: To acquire or learn something new, often informally.
This meaning is frequently used for languages, skills, or habits.
Examples:
I picked up a bit of French while traveling in Paris.
She’s been picking up some bad habits lately.
Other Meanings:
To improve or increase:
Sales usually pick up during the holiday season.
To respond to or answer a call:
He didn’t pick up when I called earlier.
10. Run out of
Core Meaning: To have no more of something left.
Often used for resources like food, time, or energy.
Examples:
We ran out of bread, so I need to go grocery shopping.
I can’t believe we’ve run out of time already!
Other Meanings:
To leave a place in a hurry:
He ran out of the office as soon as the meeting ended.
To expire or become invalid:
My passport ran out of validity last month.
How to Practice These Phrasal Verbs
Identify Real-Life Situations:
Think about when and where you might use these phrasal verbs in your daily life. For example:“I need to look for my keys before leaving for work.”
“We’re running out of time to finish this assignment.”
Write Your Own Sentences:
Try using each phrasal verb in sentences that reflect your routine.Practice with a Partner or App:
Use ChatGPT or a language buddy to practice phrasal verbs in conversation. For example:A: “What time did you get up today?”
B: “I got up late because I ran out of energy last night!”
Listen for Phrasal Verbs:
Watch movies, listen to podcasts, or read articles. Pay attention to how phrasal verbs are naturally used.
