Essential Phrasal Verbs for Daily English Communication

Essential Phrasal Verbs for Communication

Get Away (from)

Definition: To leave or escape from a person or place, often when it is difficult to do this.

• Example: We walked to the next beach to get away from the crowds.

Be/Get Carried Away

Definition: To be overcome by one’s feelings (excitement, emotion, etc.).

• Example: She was/got carried away by the excitement.

Throw Out

Definition: To get rid of by throwing or by force (expulsar, echar; rechazar).

• Example: He was thrown out of the meeting.

Bring Something In

Definition: To introduce something new such as a product or a law.

• Example: New safety regulations have been brought in.

Stand Up To (Confront)

Definition: To show resistance to; to confront someone bravely.

• Example: He stood up to the bigger boys who tried to bully him.

Let On (to Somebody)

This phrasal verb has two uses:

1. Let On (Reveal a Secret)

   Definition (Informal): To tell a secret.

   • Example: I'm getting married next week, but please don't let on to anyone.

2. Let On That... (Disclose Information)

   Definition: To reveal information (often followed by 'that').

   • Example: She let on that she was leaving.

Cover Something Up

Definition: To hide the truth about something by not telling what you know or by preventing other people from telling what they know.

• Example: It was a real scandal, but the school tried to cover the whole thing up.

Stamp Out

Definition: To end something bad or unpleasant by taking strong and determined action.

• Example: It is our duty to stamp out any abuses of political power.

Set Somebody Up

Definition (Informal): To trick somebody, especially by making them appear guilty of something.

• Example: He denied the charges, saying the police had set him up.

Own Up To Doing Something / Own Up To Something

Definition: To admit that you are responsible for something bad or wrong (to confess).

• Examples:
  • I'm still waiting for someone to own up to the breakages.
  • Why don’t you just own up and hope she forgives you?

Go With

Definition: To combine well with something; to match.

• Examples:
  • Does this jacket go with this skirt?
  • Those colours don’t really go (together).

Wrap Up / Wrap Somebody Up

Definition: To put warm clothes on somebody/yourself.

• Example: She told them to wrap up warm/warmly.

Pull On

Definition: To put on (a piece of clothing) quickly.

• Example: She pulled on a sweater.

Dress Up

Definition: To wear clothes that are more formal than those you usually wear.

• Example: There's no need to dress up—come as you are.

Catch On

Definition: To become popular or fashionable.

• Example: He invented a new game, but it never really caught on.

Settle Down

This phrasal verb has two main meanings:

1. Settle Down (Comfort)

   Definition: To get into a comfortable position, either sitting or lying.

   • Example: She settled down in an armchair to watch television.

2. Settle Down (Lifestyle)

   Definition: To start to have a quieter way of life, living in one place.

   • Example: It's time I settled down.

Chill Out

Definition (Informal): To spend time relaxing; to relax and stop feeling angry or nervous about something.

• Example: Sit down and chill out!

Keep (Somebody) Out (of Something)

This phrasal verb has two main meanings:

1. Keep Out (Stay Outside)

   Definition: To not enter a place; to stay outside.

   • Example: The sign said ‘Private Property—Keep Out!’

2. Keep Somebody/Something Out (Prevent Entry)

   Definition: To prevent somebody/something from entering a place.

   • Example: Keep that dog out of my study!