Lesson 1 of 6
Everyday Phrasal Verbs
Use the verb + particle combinations Americans prefer in daily life.
Native speakers almost always choose a phrasal verb over a formal one-word verb. They say "find out", not "discover", and "put off", not "postpone". Learners who use only formal verbs sound like a textbook. These are the phrasal verbs you'll hear every day.
LearnThe key ideas
Top everyday phrasal verbs
| Phrasal verb | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| figure out | understand or solve | I can't figure out this app. |
| find out | discover information | I just found out she's moving. |
| hang out | spend free time together | Wanna hang out this weekend? |
| run into | meet by chance | I ran into my old teacher. |
| put off | postpone | Stop putting off your homework. |
| show up | arrive, appear | He showed up an hour late. |
| give up | stop trying | Don't give up on English! |
| look forward to | be excited about | I'm looking forward to the trip. |
Separable phrasal verbs
Some phrasal verbs can be split by the object: "pick up the kids" or "pick the kids up". With a pronoun you must split them: "pick them up", never "pick up them". The same goes for turn it off, call her back and figure it out.
ListenListen and repeat
- I finally figured it out!Solved the problem.
- Let's hang out sometime.Spend time together.
- I'll call you back in five.Return a call.
- I'm really looking forward to it.Excited about the future.
AvoidCommon mistakes
SpeakShadowing practice
Press Listen, then repeat straight away, copying the speed, rhythm and tone. Say each sentence three times, then record yourself.
- I ran into Ali at the mall yesterday.
- Can you figure out what's wrong with my laptop?
- I'm really looking forward to seeing you.
CheckQuick quiz
1. "I ran into Sara" means:
2. Correct sentence:
3. "Stop putting it off" means:
PracticeToday's speaking task
Write 8 sentences about your own life, each with a different phrasal verb from this lesson. Say them aloud.