Phrasal Verbs: Phrasal verbs are phrases that combine a verb with a preposition or adverb (or both) to create a meaning different from the original verb. They are commonly used in English and can be idiomatic, making them essential for fluency. For example, “give up” means to stop trying, as in “She gave up on the puzzle.”
- Break down
- Meaning: To stop functioning (for machines) or to lose control emotionally.
- Example: The car broke down on the highway, so we called for help.
- Bring up
- Meaning: To mention or introduce a topic; also, to raise a child.
- Example: She brought up an interesting point during the meeting.
- Call off
- Meaning: To cancel something.
- Example: They called off the wedding due to unforeseen circumstances.
- Come across
- Meaning: To find or meet by chance; to give a certain impression.
- Example: I came across an old photo while cleaning the attic.
- Get over
- Meaning: To recover from an illness, emotional pain, or difficulty.
- Example: It took her months to get over the breakup.
- Look after
- Meaning: To take care of someone or something.
- Example: Can you look after my dog while I’m on vacation?
- Pick up
- Meaning: To collect something/someone; to learn or improve a skill informally.
- Example: I’ll pick you up at 7 PM for the party.
- Run into
- Meaning: To meet someone unexpectedly; to encounter a problem.
- Example: I ran into an old friend at the supermarket yesterday.
- Turn down
- Meaning: To reject or refuse something.
- Example: She turned down the job offer because it wasn’t the right fit.
- Work out
- Meaning: To exercise; to resolve a problem or be successful.
- Example: They worked out their differences and are now good friends.
