A phrasal verb is a verb + one or more prepositions or an adverb that results in a different meaning from the meaning of the original root verb.
Do you know any phrasal verbs? Learn some in the lesson below:
✅ Add up
Meaning 1: inseparable (no object) - to logically fit together.
Ex: Her story is hard to believe, it just doesn’t add up. This phrasal verb is often negative.
Meaning 2: separable - to calculate the total.
Ex: What do I owe you for your time? Could you add your hours up for me?
✅ Ask out - separable
To ask someone to go on a date.
Ex: Louis finally asked Marnie out last night.
✅ Back off - inseparable (no object)
To not continue with a threat.
Ex: The police were going to press charges against John for the car accident that he caused but they backed off once they understood that he wasn’t at fault.
✅ Back up
Meaning 1: inseparable (no object) - to move backwards or in reverse.
Ex: You parked a little too close to the fire hydrant. Would you mind backing up a bit?
Meaning 2: separable - to confirm a story, facts, or information.
Ex: If you don’t believe me, talk to Ray. He’ll back me up.
Meaning 3: separable - to make a copy for protection to use if there are problems with the original.
Ex: When my computer crashed, I lost everything. I’m so thankful that I regularly back it up.
✅ Blow up
Meaning 1: inseparable (no object) - to suddenly become very angry.
Ex: When I broke her iPad she blew up at me.
Meaning 2: separable - to fill with air.
Ex: Can you blow these balloons up for the party, please?
Meaning 3: separable - to explode, to destroy by exploding.
Ex: That old building down the street blew up last weekend because of a gas leak.
✅ Bring back - separable
To return something.
Ex: Can I borrow your cell phone? I’ll bring it back in a minute.
✅ Bring up - separable
To mention (as a discussion topic).
Ex: I’ve been meaning to bring our company’s environmental practices up in our board meetings for quite some time.
✅ Call back - separable
To make a phone call to someone who called you earlier, to call someone again.
Ex: Sorry to call you back; I forgot to ask you an important question about the meeting tomorrow.
✅ Call off - separable
To cancel something that was scheduled or that has already started.
Ex: We’re calling the party off because of the snow.
✅ Calm down
Meaning 1: inseparable (with or without an object) - to become relaxed or less upset.
Ex: Could you please calm down? Everyone is okay. This isn’t the worst thing that could have happened.
Meaning 2: separable - to help someone become relaxed or less upset.
Ex: I know that Julie’s angry but could you please try to calm her down? She’s going to wake the baby.
✅ Care for
Meaning 1: inseparable (with object) - to like, to be interested in.
Ex: Would you care for something to drink?
Meaning 2: inseparable (with object) - to take care of, to watch and be responsible for.
Ex: We decided to care for my mother at home after she was released from the hospital.
✅ Cheer up - separable
To help someone feel less worried or sad.
Ex: I’ve been feeling pretty down recently. Thanks for coming over today to cheer me up.
✅ Give up
Meaning 1: inseparable (no object) - to decide not to complete something challenging.
Ex: I still don’t know the answer. I give up. Could you just tell me what it is?
Meaning 2: separable - to stop doing a habit.
Ex: My knees aren’t doing too well these days. My doctor says that I have to give up playing tennis.
Let’s practice!
Complete the following sentences with the correct phrasal verb.
1) I was very unhappy at my old job but I’ve __________________ at my new one.
(become happier)
a. looked up
b. cheered up
c. cheered on
2) I’ve __________________ drinking. (stopped)
a. given back
b. given away
c. given up
3) The tennis match has been __________________. (cancelled)
a. called off
b. called out
c. called on
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