Mastering English Phrasal Verbs: Usage and Examples

Cope With

I'm finding it hard to cope with all the work I've got at the moment. I'm so stressed.

Back Up

I always back up my important photos onto a pen drive in case I lose the original.

Calling For

The public are calling for (demanding) new elections as soon as possible.

Called Off

Unfortunately, the concert was called off (cancelled) because the band were ill.

Come Round

He always used to come round (visit) to my house after school when we were kids.

Cluttered Up

The front of his car is so cluttered up (filled untidily) with McDonald's boxes that you can't see the floor.

Came Across

I came across (found) my old CD collection while I was cleaning the attic, I'd completely forgotten about it.

Up To

What are you up to tomorrow night? (doing)

Act On

He gave me great advice but I didn't act on (follow) it and now look at the mess I'm in!

Broken Up

After the war Yugoslavia was broken up (separated) into several different countries.

Died Out

The Dodo died out after pirates killed and ate them all.

Fiddling With

Stop fiddling with your pen, the noise is so annoying!

Fit In

When I first started here I found it very difficult to fit in.

Went Off

A bomb went off in the city centre, miraculously no one was killed!

Keeping Up With

I'm having trouble keeping up with the amount of paperwork I have to do in my new job.

Go For

When I go to a sushi restaurant I always go for the sashimi!

Head For

If you get lost just head for the big red house at the bottom of the mountain.

Ended Up

We took a wrong turn on the motorway and ended up in the middle of nowhere!

Drops Off

My grandad sometimes drops off while we're having lunch at his house, it's quite funny!

Drop Out

My brother had to drop out of the marathon after 15 miles because he injured his knee.

Deal With

I had to deal with 10 complaints this morning, it was horrible, and all the people were so rude!