About the Phrasal Verbs List
A phrasal verb is a verb combined with a small word, such as up, off or out, that changes the meaning: give up, look after, turn down. They are everywhere in spoken English and often confuse learners because the meaning is rarely obvious from the parts. This list has more than 50 of the most common ones, each with a simple meaning, an example sentence and a label showing whether it is separable. Search for a verb or a meaning, filter by type, and read the example to see how it is used in a real sentence. The list is written in plain words and is useful for exams, work English and daily conversation.
Updated October 2026
How to use the Phrasal Verbs List
- 1Type a verb or a meaning in the search box.
- 2Filter by separable or inseparable if you want to study one type.
- 3Read the meaning and the example sentence.
- 4Notice where the object goes in the sentence.
- 5Write your own sentence with each new phrasal verb.
How they work in a sentence
A phrasal verb is used like any verb and can change tense: She gave up smoking, she is giving up, she will give up. Some take an object, some do not. Look up is used with an object (look up a word), but wake up does not take one (I woke up at six). The label separable or inseparable tells you where an object may go.
Three-word phrasal verbs like look forward to and come up with are always inseparable, and the final word of look forward to is a preposition, so it is followed by a noun or an -ing form: I look forward to meeting you.
Learning them efficiently
- Group them by the main verb (get up, get over, get along).
- Or group them by the particle (take off, switch off, turn off).
- Learn the most common meaning first.
- Always learn an example sentence with each one.
- Review with spaced flashcards and use new ones in speaking.
- Notice them in films, songs and news stories.
Related tools
Save the ones you want to remember in the Flashcard Maker. The English Idioms List and the Irregular Verbs Table cover two other tricky areas of vocabulary, and the Sentence Word Order Game practises building correct sentences. Use the Spelling Practice Test for written accuracy. Short daily practice works best.
Features
- Over 50 common phrasal verbs
- Plain meanings
- Example sentences
- Separable and inseparable labels
- Search and filter
- Alphabetical order
- Free for learners
Frequently asked questions
What is a phrasal verb?
A verb plus a particle (a preposition or adverb) that together make a new meaning, such as look up (search for information).
What does separable mean?
With a separable phrasal verb, the object can go between the verb and the particle: turn the light off. With an inseparable one it cannot: look after the baby, not look the baby after.
Do pronouns need to go in the middle?
Yes. With separable verbs, a pronoun object must come in the middle: turn it off, not turn off it.
Why are phrasal verbs hard?
Because the meaning often has little to do with the parts, and the same verb can have many meanings. Learn them in sentences and learn only a few at a time.
Are phrasal verbs informal?
Many are fairly informal, and some have a more formal one-word equivalent such as postpone for put off. Both are correct; choose by situation.
Can one phrasal verb have several meanings?
Yes. Pick up can mean to collect, to learn or to lift. This list shows the most common meaning of each.
How should I practise them?
Make flashcards, write a short story using five of them, or find them in a film or podcast and note the situation.