Grammar Rules
An Extensive List of Phrasal Verbs
Phrasal Verb | Meaning | Example |
See complete definition in Reverso Define, with examples abide by |
To respect or obey a decision, a law or a rule | If you want to keep your job here, you must abide by our rules. |
See complete definition in Reverso Define, with examples account for |
To explain, give a reason | I hope you can account for the time you were out! |
See complete definition in Reverso Define, with examples add up |
To make sense, seem reasonable | The facts in the case just don't add up. |
See complete definition in Reverso Define, with examples advise against |
To recommend not doing something | I advise against walking alone in this neighborhood. |
See complete definition in Reverso Define, with examples agree with |
To have the same opinion as someone else. | I agree with you. I think you should go as well. |
See complete definition in Reverso Define, with examples allow for |
To take into consideration | We need to allow for unexpected charges along the way. |
See complete definition in Reverso Define, with examples appeal to |
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See complete definition in Reverso Define, with examples apply for |
To make a formal request for something (job, permit, loan etc.) | He applied for a scholarship for next semester. |
See complete definition in Reverso Define, with examples back away |
To move backwards, in fear or dislike | When he saw the bear, he backed away in fright. |
See complete definition in Reverso Define, with examples back down |
To withdraw, concede defeat | Local authorities backed down on their threats to build on that part of the beach. |
See complete definition in Reverso Define, with examples back up |
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See complete definition in Reverso Define, with examples bank on |
To base your hopes on something / someone | I'm banking on you to help with the charity event. |
See complete definition in Reverso Define, with examples black out |
To faint, lose consciousness | Jenna fell in the parking lot and blacked out. |
See complete definition in Reverso Define, with examples block off |
To separate using a barrier. | The police blocked off the street after the explosion. |
See complete definition in Reverso Define, with examples blow up |
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See complete definition in Reverso Define, with examples boil down to |
To be summarized as | It all boils down to who has more power. |
See complete definition in Reverso Define, with examples boot up |
To start a computer by loading an operating system or program | You need to boot up your computer before you begin to work. |
See complete definition in Reverso Define, with examples break away |
To separate from a crowd | One of the wolves broke away from his pack. |
See complete definition in Reverso Define, with examples break down |
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See complete definition in Reverso Define, with examples break into |
To enter by force | Burglars broke into my car last night. |
See complete definition in Reverso Define, with examples break out |
To start suddenly | Rioting broke out after the government raised the fuel prices again. |
See complete definition in Reverso Define, with examples break out of |
To escape from a place by force | Several prisoners broke out of jail. |
See complete definition in Reverso Define, with examples break up |
To come to an end (marriage, relationship) | She broke up with Daniel after dating him for five years. |
See complete definition in Reverso Define, with examples bring up |
To raise (a child) | Sara is bringing up her children by herself. |
See complete definition in Reverso Define, with examples brush up on |
To improve, refresh one's knowledge of something | I must brush up on my French before going to Paris next month. |
See complete definition in Reverso Define, with examples bump into |
To meet by chance or unexpectedly | I bumped into Adam at the bank. He says "hello". |
See complete definition in Reverso Define, with examples burn out |
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See complete definition in Reverso Define, with examples call back |
To return a phone call | Could please call back in ten minutes? |
See complete definition in Reverso Define, with examples call off |
To cancel | The game was called off because of bad weather. |
See complete definition in Reverso Define, with examples calm down |
To become more relaxed, less angry or upset | It took Kylie several hours to calm down after she saw the accident. |
See complete definition in Reverso Define, with examples carry on |
To continue | The soldiers carried on walking in order to get to their post before dark. |
See complete definition in Reverso Define, with examples carry out |
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See complete definition in Reverso Define, with examples check in |
To register at a hotel or airport | They said I must check in at least three hours before my flight. |
See complete definition in Reverso Define, with examples check out |
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See complete definition in Reverso Define, with examples clam up |
To refuse to speak | When the police started asking questions, the suspect clammed up. |
See complete definition in Reverso Define, with examples clamp down on |
To act strictly to prevent something | The local authorities have decided to clamp down on illegal parking in handicapped parking places. |
See complete definition in Reverso Define, with examples come across |
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See complete definition in Reverso Define, with examples come forward |
To present oneself | Has the owner of the winning lotto ticket come forward? |
See complete definition in Reverso Define, with examples count on |
To rely or depend on (for help) | You can count on me to keep your secret. |
See complete definition in Reverso Define, with examples cut down on |
To reduce in number or size | I've decided to cut down on the amount of sweets I eat. |
See complete definition in Reverso Define, with examples cut out |
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See complete definition in Reverso Define, with examples deal with |
To handle, take care of (problem, situation) | Catherine is not good at dealing with stress. |
See complete definition in Reverso Define, with examples die down |
To calm down, become less strong | After the storm died down, we went outside to see the damage it had caused. |
See complete definition in Reverso Define, with examples do without |
To manage without | She didn't get a salary this month, so she'll have to do without extra treats. |
See complete definition in Reverso Define, with examples drag on |
To last longer than expected | The suspect's trial dragged on longer than we had expected! |
See complete definition in Reverso Define, with examples draw up |
To write (contract, agreement, document) | They drew up a contract and had me sign it. |
See complete definition in Reverso Define, with examples dress up |
wear elegant clothes | Their wedding gave us a chance to dress up and get out of the house. |
See complete definition in Reverso Define, with examples drop in |
To visit, usually on the way somewhere | Why don't you drop in to see us on your way home? |
See complete definition in Reverso Define, with examples drop off |
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See complete definition in Reverso Define, with examples drop out |
To leave school without finishing | Zack dropped out of college and joined the army. |
See complete definition in Reverso Define, with examples ease off |
To reduce, become less severe or slow down (pain, traffic, work) | Traffic usually eases off about 7pm |
See complete definition in Reverso Define, with examples end in |
To finish in a certain way; result in | Her marriage ended in divorce. |
See complete definition in Reverso Define, with examples end up |
To finally reach a state, place or action | If you don't improve your work habits, you'll end up being fired. |
See complete definition in Reverso Define, with examples fall through |
To fail; doesn't happen | His plans to trek through South America fell through when he got sick. |
See complete definition in Reverso Define, with examples figure out |
To understand, find the answer | He's trying to figure out how to earn enough money to go on the trip to Spain. |
See complete definition in Reverso Define, with examples fill out |
To complete (a form/an application) | Please fill out the enclosed form and return it as soon as possible. |
See complete definition in Reverso Define, with examples find out |
To discover or obtain information | I'm going to to find out who's responsible for the power cut. |
See complete definition in Reverso Define, with examples focus on |
To concentrate on something | Tom had difficultty focusing on work the day before his holiday started. |
See complete definition in Reverso Define, with examples get along (with) |
To be on good terms; work well with | It's important to get along with your team supervisor. |
See complete definition in Reverso Define, with examples get at |
To imply | What are you getting at? Do you think I’m to blame? |
See complete definition in Reverso Define, with examples get away |
To escape | I think we should get away for the weekend. |
See complete definition in Reverso Define, with examples get by |
To manage to cope or to survive | Students without jobs have a hard time getting by. |
See complete definition in Reverso Define, with examples get in |
To enter | When did you get in last night? |
See complete definition in Reverso Define, with examples get into (+noun) |
To enter | How did you get into your car without the keys? |
See complete definition in Reverso Define, with examples get off |
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See complete definition in Reverso Define, with examples get on |
To board (bus, train, plane) | I'm trying to get on the flight to Brussels. |
See complete definition in Reverso Define, with examples get on with (something) |
To continue to do; make progress | After they split up, she had a hard time getting on with her life. |
See complete definition in Reverso Define, with examples get on (well) with (somebody) |
To have a good relationship with | He doesnt get on very well with the other members of the committee. |
See complete definition in Reverso Define, with examples get out |
To leave | He had a hard time getting out of Newark because of the snow? |
See complete definition in Reverso Define, with examples get out of |
To avoid doing something | Edna's trying to get out of working the night shift. |
See complete definition in Reverso Define, with examples get over |
To recover from (illness, disappointment) | Has she gotten over the flu? |
See complete definition in Reverso Define, with examples get over |
To recover from (illness, disappointment) | Mary had the chickenpox last week but she got over it. |
See complete definition in Reverso Define, with examples get rid of |
To eliminate | Please get rid of that old t-shirt. It’s so ragged. |
See complete definition in Reverso Define, with examples get together |
To meet each other | Let's get together for your birthday on Saturday. |
See complete definition in Reverso Define, with examples get up |
To rise, leave bed | Will you please get up? You’ve got a class in 20 minutes. |
See complete definition in Reverso Define, with examples give in |
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See complete definition in Reverso Define, with examples give up |
To stop doing something | Morris gave up drinking 10 years ago. |
See complete definition in Reverso Define, with examples go through |
To experience | Andy went through a lot of pain after his mother died. |
See complete definition in Reverso Define, with examples grow up |
To spend one's childhood; develop; become an adult | He's like Peter Pan. He never really grew up at all. |
See complete definition in Reverso Define, with examples hand in |
To submit (report, homework) | Please hand in your papers before Friday. |
See complete definition in Reverso Define, with examples hand out |
To distribute | Susan volunteered at the shelter where she handed out warm clothes. |
See complete definition in Reverso Define, with examples hang out |
To spend time in a particular place or with a group of friends | Which pub does the team hang out at after the game? |
See complete definition in Reverso Define, with examples hang up |
To end a phone conversation | If you hang up now, I'll never speak to you again. |
See complete definition in Reverso Define, with examples hold on |
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See complete definition in Reverso Define, with examples hurry up |
To be quick, act speedily | Hurry up and finish your lunch or we’ll miss the train. |
See complete definition in Reverso Define, with examples iron out |
To resolve by discussion, eliminate differences | The two countries met at the conference to iron out their differences. |
See complete definition in Reverso Define, with examples join in |
To participate | Yes David, you can join in the discussion any time you like. |
See complete definition in Reverso Define, with examples join up |
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See complete definition in Reverso Define, with examples keep on |
To continue doing something | If you keep on making that noise I will get annoyed. |
See complete definition in Reverso Define, with examples keep up with |
To stay at the same level as someone or something | I read the paper every day to keep up with the news. |
See complete definition in Reverso Define, with examples kick off |
To begin, start | The rugby match kicked off at 3 o'clock. |
See complete definition in Reverso Define, with examples leave out |
To omit, not mention | Please check your form again and make sure nothing is left out. |
See complete definition in Reverso Define, with examples let down |
To disappoint | I feel so let down because they promised me a puppy but all I got was a doll. |
See complete definition in Reverso Define, with examples look after |
To take care of | Andy can you look after your sister until I get back? |
See complete definition in Reverso Define, with examples look down on |
To consider as inferior | She's such a snob. She always looks down on anyone who is poor. |
See complete definition in Reverso Define, with examples look on |
To be a spectator at an event | If you don't want to take part in the game you can look on for now. |
See complete definition in Reverso Define, with examples look for |
To try to find something | Harry went to the shop to look for a new computer. |
See complete definition in Reverso Define, with examples look forward to |
To await or anticipate with pleasure | I'm looking forward to my birthday. It's in two days time. |
See complete definition in Reverso Define, with examples look up to |
To admire | I always looked up to my father. He was a great man. |
See complete definition in Reverso Define, with examples make fun of |
To laugh at/ make jokes about | It's not nice to make fun of people in wheelchairs. |
See complete definition in Reverso Define, with examples make up |
To invent (excuse, story) | That's a good excuse. Did you make up it up yourself? |
See complete definition in Reverso Define, with examples mix up |
To mistake one thing or person for another | She had so many cats that she kept mixing up their names. |
See complete definition in Reverso Define, with examples move in |
To arrive in a new home or office | Did you hear? Our new neighbors are moving in this afternoon. |
See complete definition in Reverso Define, with examples move out |
To leave your home/office for another one. | When are you moving out? We need your office for the new guy. |
See complete definition in Reverso Define, with examples nod off |
To fall asleep | You were so tired after the game that you nodded off on the couch. |
See complete definition in Reverso Define, with examples own up |
To admit or confess something | Come on. Own up. We know you did it! |
See complete definition in Reverso Define, with examples pass away |
To die | Your grandfather passed away peacefully in his sleep last night. |
See complete definition in Reverso Define, with examples pass out |
To faint | He didn't drink enough water so he passed out at the end of the race. |
See complete definition in Reverso Define, with examples pay back |
To reimburse | I'll pay you back as soon as I get the loan. |
See complete definition in Reverso Define, with examples put off |
To postpone, arrange a later date | Don't put off until tomorrow, what you can do today. |
See complete definition in Reverso Define, with examples put on |
To turn on, switch on | It's very dark in here. Please put on the light on. |
See complete definition in Reverso Define, with examples put out |
To extinguish | The fire fighters were able to put out fire in ten minutes. |
See complete definition in Reverso Define, with examples put up |
To accommodate, give somebody a bed | I can put you up until the weekend but then I’m going away. |
See complete definition in Reverso Define, with examples pick up |
To collect somebody | I'll pick you up at around 7:00 to take you to the airport. |
See complete definition in Reverso Define, with examples point out |
To indicate/direct attention to something | As I already pointed out, there was a mistake in your calculation. |
See complete definition in Reverso Define, with examples rely on |
To count on, depend on, trust | You can rely on me. I always arrive on time. |
See complete definition in Reverso Define, with examples rule out |
To eliminate | Since he had a sound alibi, the police ruled him out as a suspect. |
See complete definition in Reverso Define, with examples run away |
To escape from a place or suddenly leave | He ran away from home and joined the circus. |
See complete definition in Reverso Define, with examples run into |
To meet by accident or unexpectedly (also: bump into) | I'm so glad I ran into you. I need to ask you something. |
See complete definition in Reverso Define, with examples run out of |
To have no more of something. | We've run out of milk. I'll just pop next door to borrow some. |
See complete definition in Reverso Define, with examples set off |
To start a journey; | Let's set off early to miss the rush hour traffic. |
See complete definition in Reverso Define, with examples set up |
To start a business | They set up their own company when they were still in high school. |
See complete definition in Reverso Define, with examples shop around |
To compare prices | Don't buy that. Let's shop around and see if we can find something cheaper. |
See complete definition in Reverso Define, with examples show off |
To brag or want to be admired | He's such a show off. He has to tell everybody about his new computer. |
See complete definition in Reverso Define, with examples show up |
To appear/arrive | I don’t think she'll show up tonight. Her daughter is sick. |
See complete definition in Reverso Define, with examples shut up (impolite) |
To be silent, stop talking | Shut up, you're spoiling the movie! |
See complete definition in Reverso Define, with examples sit down |
To take a seat | I think you should sit down. It's bad news. |
See complete definition in Reverso Define, with examples stand up |
To rise from a sitting position | The whole stadium stood up for the national anthem. |
See complete definition in Reverso Define, with examples stick up for |
To defend | My big brother always stuck up for me when I got into a fight. |
See complete definition in Reverso Define, with examples take after |
To resemble, in appearance or character | Angie really takes after her grandmother. |
See complete definition in Reverso Define, with examples take care of |
To look after | Please take care of my cat when I'm away. |
See complete definition in Reverso Define, with examples take off |
To leave the ground | The plane will take off as soon as the fog lifts. |
See complete definition in Reverso Define, with examples take on |
To hire or engage staff | I hear they're taking on extra staff for this event. |
See complete definition in Reverso Define, with examples take out |
To remove; extract | Please take out your mobile phones and turn them off. |
See complete definition in Reverso Define, with examples tell off |
To reprimand/criticize severely | The coach told her off for not trying hard enough. |
See complete definition in Reverso Define, with examples think over |
To consider | Take your time and think it over before you decide. |
See complete definition in Reverso Define, with examples try on |
To wear something to see if it suits or fits | Go ahead, try it on and see if it fits? |
See complete definition in Reverso Define, with examples turn down |
To refuse | I asked her out but she turned me down flat. |
See complete definition in Reverso Define, with examples use up |
To finish a product (so that there's none left) | Your parents used up all the coffee! |
See complete definition in Reverso Define, with examples watch out |
To be careful | Watch out! There's a dog in the road. |
See complete definition in Reverso Define, with examples wear out |
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See complete definition in Reverso Define, with examples work out |
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See complete definition in Reverso Define, with examples wipe off |
To clean (board, table). | I'll wash up if you wipe off the table. |