ENGLISH PHRASAL VERBS
ENGLISH PHRASAL VERBS
As speakers of the English language, we use a lot of verbs and phrasal verbs in our everyday communication. Most of the time, we are not aware that we are making use of these verbs. This article on phrasal verbs will enlighten you with the meaning, definition and examples of phrasal verbs. The Oxford Learner’s Dictionary defines a phrasal verb as “a verb combined with an adverb or a preposition, or sometimes both, to give a new meaning, for example, ‘break up’, ‘give up’ and ‘see to’.”
Phrasal verbs can be said to be formed by the combination of a verb and an adverb or a preposition. In some cases, it is a combination of all the three parts of speech – verb, adverb and preposition. Though each of these parts of speech have different functions, they play the role of the verb when they are put together. They can also act as a phrase and that is why these verbs are called phrasal verbs.
THE IMPORTANCE OF PHRASAL VERBS
1) You will notice that you’re understanding English conversations more easily.
So, you’ve been studying English for a while and have a good handle on the language, but you still get the sense that you’re falling short with your listening skills. You may recognize the actual words you’re hearing, but they don’t make any sense together and you cannot grasp their meaning.
That’s because in spoken English, tons of phrasal verbs are used, and to understand the actual meaning of what is said, you need to know what the phrasal verbs mean.
2) You will sound more natural in English.
A common problem that English learners struggle with is sounding overly formal in casual conversations. But if you want to speak English comfortably, you’ll need to learn how to vary your vocabulary according to the context. Because phrasal verbs are a typical feature of the spoken English language, understanding and using them appropriately makes a huge difference.
3) You’ll learn how English is actually spoken.
Part of the reason some English learners sound too formal is that they often choose to learn the single-word alternative of the phrasal verb. A lot of the time, the single-word alternative is derived from Latin, which might make it easier for speakers of Romance languages to remember. The thing is, the phrasal verb is almost always more common and less formal than the single-word alternative. That’s why devoting some time to learning phrasal verbs is essential for higher levels of fluency and better communication skills in English.
COMMON EXAMPLES OF PHRASAL VERBS
1) Break off
Meaning : To end a relationship.
She BROKE OFF their engagement when she found out that he'd been unfaithful.
2) Go ahead
Meaning : To proceed.
We now intend to GO AHEAD with the final stage of the project.
3) Get away
Meaning : To escape
She went on vacation in the country in order to GET AWAY from the city for a while.
4) Pass out
Meaning : To distribute.
The protesters PASSED OUT leaflets to the growing crowd.
5) Track down
Meaning : To find after a long search.
It took me ages to TRACK my friends DOWN in the crowd at the football game.
6) Walk up
Meaning : To go to someone.
A man WALKED UP and asked me the time.
7) Cut off
Meaning : To isolate or make inaccessible.
The heavy snow has blocked many roads and CUT OFF a number of villages.
8) Run over
Meaning : To exceed a time limit.
The meeting RAN OVER by twenty minutes.
9) Hand back
Meaning : To return something.
The police officer checked my license and then HANDED it BACK.
10) Pile in
Meaning : To enter a place quickly, in a disorganized way.
We all PILED IN the bus to go to the concert.