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800 PHRASAL VERB TIẾNG ANH THÔNG DỤNG

What are phrasal verbs?

1. Phrasal verb là một động từ đi kèm với giới từ hoặc trạng từ để tạo ra một từ có nghĩa khác hẳn
với từ gốc.

Example: I ran into my teacher at the movies last night. Run +

into = meet He ran away when he was 15. Run + away = leave
home

2. Một số phrasal verb là nội động từ. Nội động từ không có tân ngữ đi
kèm.

Example: He suddenly showed up. “show up” cannot take

an object

3. Một số phrasal verb là ngoại động từ. Ngoại động từ có tân ngữ đi
kèm

Example: I made up the story. “story” is the object of

“make up”

4. Một số phrasal verb là ngoại động từ có thể chèn tân ngữ vào giữa. Tân ngữ được đặt giữa
động từ và giới từ. Ở cuốn Từ điển Phrasal verb này, những phrasal verb có thể chèn tân ngữ
được đánh dấu bằng một dấu * giữa động từ và giới từ/ trạng từ.

Example
:

I talked my mother into letting me borrow the

car. She looked the phone number up.

5. Một số phrasal verb là ngoại động từ thì không thể chèn tân ngữ vào giữa. Tân ngữ đứng sau
giới từ. Ở cuốn Từ điển Phrasal verb này, hững phrasal verb không thể chèn tân ngữ được
đánh dấu bằng một dấu + giữa động từ và giới từ/ trạng từ.

Example
:

I ran into an old friend yesterday.

They are looking into the
problem.

6. Một số phrasal verb là ngoại động từ có thể chèn được tân ngữ ở cả 2 vị trí. Ở cuốn từ
điển Phrasal verb này, những phrasal verb như thế được đánh dấu bằng cả dấu + và *

1
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Example:
I looked the number up in the phone book. I looked up the number in the phone book.
7. CHÚ Ý! Mặc dù có một số phrasal verb có thể chèn được tân ngữ ở cả 2 vị trí,
bạn phải đặt tân ngữ ở giữa động từ và giới từ nếu tân ngữ đó là một đại từ.
Example:
I looked the number up in the phone book. I looked up the number in the phone book. I
looked it up in the phone book. correct I looked up it in the phone book. incorrect
Phrasal Verb ( A )
Phrasal Verb
2 Definition Example
behave or
act up
function improperly
I think I need to take my car to the mechanic because it's acting up again.
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 3
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add * up + calculate a sum I added up the receipts and it totaled $135.46.
add up to + equal an amount The total expenses added up to $325.00.
add up make sense Her story doesn't add up. I think she is lying.
ask * out + invite on a date I can't believe that Joe finally asked me out on a date!
ask * over + invite to one's home Why don't we ask the Johnsons over for dinner?
Phrasal Verb ( B )
Phrasal Verb Definition Example
Jane
back down stop defending your opinion in a debate wins arguments.
never backs down. She always

back out not keep (a promise, agreement,deal) Sam backed out at the last second.
Sam backed out of the agreement at
back out of + not keep (a promise, agreement, deal)
the

last second.
back * up + give support You need examples to back up your opinion.
back up move backwards, reverse Could you back up a little so I can open this
drawer. bawl * out criticize, reprimand (inf.) She bawled him out for arriving late.
bear down on +
The soldier had to bear down on the leather
4 bite strap while the doctor removed a bullet

from the soldier's arm. bear down on + take strong measures against The U.S.A. is
bearing down on drug traffickers. bear on + have to do with This information may bear
on this case.
I didn't think he would bear up so well in
bear up withstand
that situation. bear up under +
withstand How did he bear up under such extreme
pressure. bear with + be patient Please bear with me while I fill out the
My cousin blew in unexpectedly with his
paperwork. blow in visit unexpectedly (inf.)
entire family.
All this negative publicity will blow over in a
blow over pass without creating a problem
 couple of weeks.
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blow * up + make explode;destroy using explosives The terrorists blew the bridge up.

blow up explode The bomb blew up before they could defuse it.
 5
When Joan heard the news, she blew up
blow up suddenly become very angry
and rushed out of the room.
We need to break this problem down in
break * down + analyze in detail
order to solve.
break down stop working properly The truck broke down in the desert.
break down become mentally ill She broke down after her husband died.
break * in + wear or use something new until it is I need to break these shoes in before I
go
hiking.
6
comfortable
While we were discussing the situation, Terri
break in interrupt
broke in to give her opinion.
break in enter a place unlawfully The burglar broke in between midnight and 3
Jane broke in on the conversation and told
AM. break in on + interrupt (a conversation)
us

to get back to work.

The burglar broke into the house between
break into + enter a house unlawfully
Jane broke into the
midnight and 3 AM. break into + interrupt (a conversation)
conversation and told us

what she knew.

break * off + end something Sally broke her engagement to John off.
Violent protests broke out in response to the
break out appear violently
military coup.
break out + use something extravagant for
celebration
He broke out the champagne to celebrate his promotion.
break out of + escape The murderer broke out of the prison.
I broke the cracker up into pieces and put it
break * up + break into pieces
The police broke the
in the soup. break * up + disperse (a crowd), stop (a fight)
demonstration up

before it got out of control.

 Sam and Diane broke up again. What a
break up end a relationship
rocky relationship.
Democracy brought about great change in the
bring * about + cause to happen
lives of the people.
When we go to the forest, bring your wildlife
bring * along + bring with
guide along.
change someone's mind,
bring * around
convince someone
She doesn't want to go, but we'll eventually bring her around.
My trip across the Sahara was difficult,
bring * away learn or gain (from an experience)
but I

succeed at
brought a new appreciation for life away from the experience. bring * off +
something difficult
or unexpected
I
You robbed the bank! I can't believe you brought that off. bring * on + cause something
can't believe she got so angry. What brought

that on?
bring * out + highlight, stress Your new shirt brings out the color of your eyes.
When you visit me, why don't you bring over
bring * over + bring to someone's house
your son.
7
We used smelling salts to bring her to after
bring * to revive consciousness
I didn't want to bring up the fact that she
she fainted. bring * up + mention
was unemployed.
Sam was brought up in South Carolina.
bring * up + raise ( a child)
Mary brushed her ex-boyfriend off at the
brush * off + ignore something or someone (inf.)
party.
burn * down +
The children burned the house down
destroy by setting fire to
while playing with matches.
 Two buildings burnt down in the fire.
burn down burn until completely gone (building)
I am burning up in here - open the
burn up be hot
window.
The papers were burned up in the fire.
burn up consume by fire
He burnt up the files.
burn * up + destroy by fire
buy * out + buy the shares of a company or the
shares the other person owns of a
business
Pacific Inc. was bought out by a company from Oregon.
buy * up + purchase the entire supply of
something
We bought up all the beer in the store.
8
Phrasal Verb ( C )
Definition Example
Phrasal Verb
call for + require (as in a recipe) This recipe calls for milk, not water.
call * off + cancel something They called the picnic off because of the rain.
He called off the dogs when he saw it
call * off + order to stop (an invasion, guard dogs)
was his neighbor. call on + visit Mark called on Naomi while he was in town.
invite someone to speak in a meeting
call on +
or a classroom
Professor Tanzer called on Tim to answer the question.
I called Sam up to see if he wanted to go to
call * up + telephone
You can calm the baby down by rocking
the movies. calm * down + make someone relax
her gently.
care for + nurse someone or something He cared for the bird until its wing healed.
care for + like someone or something I don't care for sour cream on my potato.
carry on + continue (a conversation, a game) Please, carry on. I didn't mean to interrupt
He kept carrying on about how much
you. carry on about + continue in an annoying way
money he makes.
I want you to carry on with the project while
carry on with + continue
I am out of town.
9
 The secret agent carried out his
carry * out + complete and/or accomplish something
orders

exactly as planned.
carry * over + continue on a subsequent day, page,
etc.
The meeting carried over into lunch time.
catch on slowly start to understand (inf.) He caught on after a few minutes.
catch up make up for lost time I will never catch up. I am too behind in my
work. catch up with + speed up to be at the same place as a I had to run to catch up
with the others.
10
person or thing in front of you
I need to catch up on world events. I
catch up on + become up-to-date
haven't seen the news in ages.
We will check back tomorrow to make sure
check back return to see if everything is OK
the project is finished.
We need to check by the office to see
check by + go to a place to see if everything is OK
if

the documents are ready.

They checked for termites before they
check for + try to find
bought the house.
check in enter a hospital, hotel etc. They need to check in before noon.
check into + enter a hospital, hotel etc. They checked into the hotel at 11:00 AM.
investigate, look for (often
check into +
We are checking into discount flights to
through a service)
London. check * off + make a mark next to (an item on a list) Check each name off the
list.
Let's check on the baby again before we
check on + make sure something is OK
He checked out the new restaurant
go to sleep. check * out + investigate, take a look at
down

the street. check out leave a hotel, hospital It's already eleven. We need to check out.
check out of + leave a hotel, hospital We checked out of the hotel before ten.
check * over + closely examine the condition of
something
He checked over the old car to see if it was worth buying.
check up on + investigate someone or something The police are checking up on the
bomb
threats. check * through send luggage through (to a destination) Your luggage will be
checked through to
He needs to check with his parents
Paris. check with + ask a person for confirmation
before he goes.
cheer * up make someone feel cheerful The party really cheered me up.
cheer up become cheerful Cheer up. Everything will be all right.
chew * up + chew into small pieces The dog chewed up my shoe.
chop * down + fell/cut ( a tree) The lumberjack chopped the tree down.
chop * up + chop/cut into small bits He chopped the meat up into little pieces.
clean * up + tidy Susan cleaned the mess up before she left.
clear out leave ( inf.) Everybody clear out! We're closed.
clear * up + tidy Susan cleared up the mess before she left.
11
The corner market closed down because
close * down + close a place permanently
they didn't have many customers.
The bar was closed down because they
close down close permanently
The rebels were closing in
served alcohol to minors. close in on + approach and threaten
on the capital,

so the government called in the army.

12
They are closing the ski resort up for
close * up + close temporarily
the summer.
close up close temporarily The ski resort is closing up for the summer.
come about occur / happen How did you idea for the book come about.
They came across some lost Mayan ruins
come across + discover by accident
in the jungle.
come across + initially seem or have the appearance He comes across as rather rude,
but he isn't.
come along accompany someone If you want, you can come along.
come along with +
accompany Sam came along with us to the beach.
come along progress How's the research paper coming along.
come along with +
How are you coming along with the
progress
research paper.
leave a place with a particular
come away
feeling or impression
I came away from the meeting feeling like the presentation was a success.
come back return What time are you coming back?
come by + get, receive How did you come by that new Mercedes?
come by visit a person at their house I'll come by later this afternoon.
become sick with He came down with the flu. He
come down with + come into + inherit
came into a large sum of money

when his aunt died.

The handle came off the suitcase when I
come off + fall off, break off
picked it up.
I didn't see the car at first. It came
come out appear
out of nowhere.
come out reveal you are homosexual Sam finally came out last month.
come out turn out, end up The pictures came out great.
Microsoft is coming out with a new
come out with + produce and distribute a product
video

game system next month. come over visit someone at their house Why don't you come
over after work for
Don't worry! She faints all the time. She
dinner. come to regain consciousness
always comes to after a few minutes. come through do what is needed or expected
Terry really came through for us in the end.
come up to + approach; to equal The job offer didn't come up to her
expectations.
13
She came up with a great proposal for
come up with + produce or create (an idea, a plan)
the

new advertising campaign.

The computer system doesn't come
come with + include (an accessory)
with a printer. count * in + include Did you count expenses in?
count on + depend/rely on You can really count on Sarah.
14
Phrasal Verb ( D )
Phrasal Verb Definition Example
die away diminish in intensity The applause died away after 5 minutes.
The controversy about the president's affair finally
die down diminish in intensity
died down.
You can count James out. He hates
count * out + exclude
playing poker.
Count the change up and see how much
count * up + add
we have.
crack down on + become tougher on, better enforce laws
on
die off/out become extinct Whales are in danger of dying off.
disagree with cause to feel sick due to food or + drink
The police have been cracking down on drunk driving.
crack up laugh uncontrollably, laugh a lot When I told the joke, they all cracked up.
laugh uncontrollably about, laugh a
crack up at +
I cracked up at his joke.
lot about
cross * out + draw a line through something, eliminate Why did you cross my name out
on the list?
cut down decrease the amount of You eat too much fat. You need to cut down.
cut down on + decrease the amount of You need to cut down on your fat intake.
cut in interrupt She suddenly cut in and delivered the news
She cut in on the conversation and
cut in on + interrupt
delivered the news.
interrupt someone while they
cut * off
were speaking
She cut him off before he said something he would regret later.
His finger was accidentally cut off in an
cut * off + sever ( with a knife)
industrial accident. cut * out + remove He cut the bone out of the steak.
cut * out stop an action Cut it out! You're bothering me.
He cut the beef up and put the pieces in
cut * up + cut into small pieces
the soup.
Spicy food disagrees with me.
do away with +
Some Americans want to do away with the
abolish
death penalty.
15
You made many mistakes, so I want you to do the
do * over + repeat
report over.
16
manage without something one
do without +
I couldn't do without a car in California.
wants or needs
Let's draw an agreement up before we go any
draw * up + create ( a contract)
further with this project. dress * down reprimand severely The mother dressed her son
down for skipping
school.
17
I am dressing down because we're going to a
dress down dress casually
barbecue by the beach. dress * up + decorate You could dress this house up with some
bright
colors dress up wear elegant clothes She always dresses up at work.
drive * back + repulse The invaders were driven back by the army.
drop in visit someone unexpectedly Meg dropped in yesterday after dinner.
drop in on + visit someone unexpectedly Let's drop in on Julie since we're driving by her
house. drop out quit an organized activity Yuri isn't on the team any more. He dropped
out.
It's difficult to get a good job if you drop
drop out of + quit an organized activity (school)
out of

high school. drop over visit someone casually Drop over any time you feel like talking.
Phrasal Verb ( E )
Phrasal Verb Definition Example
eat away gradually destroy, erode The heavy rains ate away at the sandstone cliffs.
eat * up + devour Ken ate the cookies up.
eat in eat inside the home We usually eat in instead of going out for dinner.
eat out eat outside the home They eat out once a week.
Phrasal Verb ( F )
Phrasal Verb Definition Example
 acknowledge something
face up to + difficult or embarrassing
I'll never be able to face up to my colleagues after getting so drunk last night at the work
be able to use in case
party. fall back on +
of emergency
Yuki can fall back on her degree in biology if she doesn't succeed in her acting career.
fall behind go slower than scheduled, lag Hurry up or you will fall behind!
fall behind in +
Cheryl has missed several days of school and now
go slower than scheduled, lag
she is falling behind in her homework.
Interest in the project fell off when they realized it
fall off decrease
I had a falling out with my
wouldn't be profitable. fall out with + have an argument with
sister last month and we

haven't talked to each other since.

18
Unfortunately, my trip to Indonesia fell through
fall through fail to happen
because I couldn't save enough money.
feel * up + grope She sued her boss for sexual harassment after he felt
her up.
feel up to + have the energy to do
something
I don't feel up to going out tonight because I had a long day at work.
Where do you figure on living when you move to
figure on + expect
the the U.S.A.?
19
I finally figured the joke out. Now I understand
figure * out + solve something, understand
why

I need to figure my expenses up before I

everybody was laughing. figure * up + calculate
give

you an estimate.
fill * in + complete Don't forget to fill in all the blanks on the application.
fill in substitute Who is going to fill in while you're gone?
Miguel filled in for me at the meeting yesterday because
fill in for + substitute for
 I was sick. fill * out + complete (an application) I filled out an application to rent the
apartment last week.
fill out mature, get breasts Now that you're filling out honey, we need to get you a
bra. fill * up + fill to the top Fill the car up with unleaded gas, please.
find out + discover You will never find out all my secrets!
Vicky's parents are going to be so mad when they
find out discover
find out she got a tattoo.
fix * up + repair, renovate, remodel My neighbors are fixing their house up.
Phrasal Verb ( G )
Definition Example
Phrasal Verb
get * across + cause to be understood It's difficult to get humor across in another
language. get ahead make progress I can't get ahead even though I work two jobs.
You need to work overtime in order to get
get ahead of + surpass
ahead of schedule.
get along have a good relationship Do you and your sister get along?
get + along with
have a good relationship Giovanna doesn't get along with her two brothers.

Some people get around paying taxes by

get around + avoid someone or something
hiring a good accountant. get around go many places It's easy to get around town with
public
transportation. get away escape The bank robbers got away.
get away with +
do something against the rules or illegal and not get caught or punished
My sister gets away with everything!
20
survive without having the things
I get by
lost my job, so I am having a hard time getting by you need or want
this year.
It's nearly impossible to get by on making
get by on + survive with minimal resources
You don't need a computer. You can get by
minimum wage. get by with + manage with
with the typewriter. get down to + get serious about a topic Enough small talk. Let's get
down to business.
get in + enter ( a car, a small boat) Get in the front seat. You will have more leg room.
21
get in enter Get in. I will give you a ride to school
get * off + send (a package) I finally got my sister's birthday present off
yesterday. get * off remove ( a spider from your shirt) Can you get this spider off my
shirt?
get off + leave (a bus, plane, train, boat) We need to get off the bus at the next stop.
get off leave It's dangerous to sit on the roof. Get off!
idiomatic phrase - How does he
get off
Where does he get off saying that?! You
justify saying that?! get * on put on (clothes)
should get your jacket on because it's going

to be cold.
enter (a bus, train), mount (a
get on
The train is leaving. Quick, get on!
horse, a bike)
enter (a bus, train), mount ( a
get on +
Get on my bike and I will give you a ride home.
horse, a bike) get on have a good
relationship Natasha doesn't get on with her co-workers.
get on with + have a good relationship Do you get on with your neighbors?
Now that the police have left, let's get on
get on with + continue an activity
with the party! get out of + exit (a small boat, car, an enclosed
area)
recover (a cold, a
I fell into the water when I tried to get out of the canoe. get over +
disease, an

Jennifer still hasn't gotten over her breakup with

ex- boyfriend/ex-girlfriend)
We will never get through all of these boxes by
Peter. get through + complete
9:00 PM.
get through + penetrate We need a stronger drill to get through this wall.
get through penetrate The door was jammed, so we couldn't get through.
get through (with) +
finish Have you gotten through with your homework yet?
get + through to
make contact It's hard to get through to Janet because

her telephone line is always busy.

cause someone to rise (from a
get * up
sitting position or a lying position)
Ahmed got Abdul up at 5:30 in the morning by turning the music up really loud.
get up rise (from sitting position or a bed) What time did you get up this morning?
give something without asking
give * away +
Why did Nancy give all of her furniture away?
for anything in exchange
We are having a surprise party for Susan next
give * away + betray (a secret)
Saturday, so don't give our surprise away by acting suspicious.
22
 23
When are you going to give that book back
give * back + return something you borrowed
to

your teacher? give in stop trying Never give in! You can do it!
give off + release (a smell, light) That white flower gives off a beautiful smell.
give * out + distribute I earn extra money by giving out brochures on the
24
street.
I hope this car doesn't give out in the middle
give out become very tired (inf.)
of the desert.
give * up + surrender something The police told the thief to give his gun up.
give up surrender Never give up learning English!
go away leave I yelled at the dogs to make them go away.
go back return When are you going back to your house?
go by + go past, go close to, visit quickly We go by the coffee shop everyday.
go back on + not keep (one's word, a promise) Don't trust him. He always goes back on
his
promises. go down decrease The cost of flight tickets is going down.
go for + try to achieve Our team is going for the gold medal in the
idiomatic phrase - I am
Olympics. go for
I could go for pepperoni pizza.
craving pepperoni pizza. go in for + participate ( inf.) Are
you going to go in for soccer this year at
school? go into + discuss in detail I really don't want to go into that now.
go off explode The bomb could go off at any moment.
begin, start (used with signals,
go off
The alarm clock went off at 6:00 AM.
alarms, warning sounds) go off stop (said of a
The DVD player goes off automatically if you
machine)
are not using it.
Maria went off last night after I told her about
go off become angry
losing her bike.
go on continue Please, go on. Don't let me interrupt you.
go on happen This place is a mess! What went on here last
I think we should go on with the
night? go on with + continue ( a plan, a conversation)
meeting and
stop wasting time.
go out stop burning ( a fire) The fire went out after three days.
take part in social activities
go out
They love to go out every Saturday night.
(usually at night)
go over + review Do you usually go over your notes before class?
go over be well received, succeed That didn't go over well.
I need to have my lawyer go through this
go through + examine in detail, study carefully
contract before I sign it.
25
 26
endure; experience
go through +
challenges, difficulties or traumas
She has gone through so much in her life.
go through with +
I have decided to go through with the
continue or proceed despite difficulties or fears
operation.

go with + match (clothing) That shirt doesn't go with those pants.

go with + accompany a person I am going with Alejandro to the party.
27
go with + have a boyfriend/girlfriend I am going with Yuri.
abstain from something you
go without +
A person can go without water for three days.
want or need grow under go out of
The restaurant went under after it lost its
business
liquor license.
Your brother needs to grow up and start thinking
grow up mature
about his future.
Phrasal Verb ( H )
Phrasal Verb Definition Example
Is the teacher going to hand back our
hand * back + return
tests today?
The president is going to hand his
hand * down + pronounce formally
When my
decision down on health care tonight. hand * down + give as an inheritance
clothes got too small for me as a

child, I handed them down to my sister.

hand * in + submit I have to hand in an offer by March 12.
hand * out + distribute We should hand the concert fliers out at
Hand your car keys over. You're too
school. hand * over + relinquish control of
Maria and Salvador usually
drunk to drive. hang around + stay in a place for fun ( inf.)
hang around

the beach after school. hang around stay in a place for fun Those guys just hang around
all day.
hang * up + suspend (clothes on a hanger) You can hang your jacket up in the front
closet. hang up put down the telephone receiver Don't hang up. I'm going to change
phones.
hang out + stay in a place for fun (inf.) Let's go hang out at the mall tonight.
hang out stay in a place for fun What are you doing? - - I'm just hanging out.
have * on + wear Do you have your hiking boots on?
Why don't we have Mr. and Mrs. Jones
have * over invite guests to your home
over for dinner tonight. hear from + receive news from (a letter, an e-mail) Have you
heard from Steve lately?
hear of + know about something or somebody Have you heard of chocolate covered
ants?
28
I hit on the idea while watching the
hit on + find on accident
Simpsons show.
29
Jay's friend Marc was trying to hit on my
hit on + flirt with
sister last night.
The police held the demonstrators back
hold * back + restrain
while the politicians entered the building.
hold back not allow to advance in school The teacher held Frank back a year, so he
30
couldn't enter fifth grade.
Mr. Johnson held the dog off while we
hold * off + restrain
We should hold off on making dinner until
crossed the yard. hold off on + delay
your parents arrive.
Hold on tight! The roller coaster is about to
hold on grasp tightly
take off. hold on tell someone to wait on the telephone Hold on a minute. I'll get Carol.
Make sure you hold on to the hand rail as
hold on to + grasp tightly
Stop holding out and tell
you walk down the stairs. hold out not give in, continue to resist
us where you

found all of these old records. hold out against +

not give in, resist They held out against enemy attack.
hold * up + delay (a flight, traffic); The accident held traffic up for an hour.
hold * up + rob (a bank, a person) with a weapon Five men held the bank up yesterday.
make the electrical connections
hook * up +

required for a machine or information service

Can you hook up the fax machine for me?
Phrasal Verb ( I )
Phrasal Verb Definition Example
iron * out eliminate We need to have a meeting this week in order to iron out the
distribution
problems.
Phrasal Verb ( J )
Phrasal Verb
Definition Example
jack up + to raise We need to jack up the car before we change the
tire. joke around to be humorous Mike is always joking around at work.
jump in enter a conversation Feel free to jump in at any moment while we are
talking. jump to + make a quick, poorly thought out
decision
You shouldn't jump to conclusions.
Phrasal Verb ( K )
31
Phrasal Verb Definition Example
keep * around
I always keep a dictionary around to translate
have handy, have accessible
new words.
keep at + not give up (an activity), to persevere You should keep at your studies.
keep * away prevent access to, hold back Keep the kids away from the cookies.
maintain a safe distance,
keep * back cause to maintain a safe distance
Keep back! The burning building is about to collapse.
keep * down not vomit, not throw up, keep in one's If I ate that, I down know if I could
keep it down.
32
stomach
keep in a particular place,
keep * in
have something in a specific location
When I am not using it, I keep my passport in this drawer.
prevent from stepping or climbing
keep * off
 Keep the cat off the couch.
on to something
keep on continue He kept on talking after everybody asked him to
Keep the dog out of the garden; he keeps
stop. keep * out prevent from entering
digging up the flowers.
cover something with, put
keep * over
something above
I keep a tarp over my bicycle at night to prevent it from getting wet. keep to + continue,
Everybody said she would never finish the
persist in (an activity) puzzle, but she kept to it
until it was done. keep up stay on the required schedule You have to keep up if you
want to work here.
keep * up + continue You are doing a great job! Keep it up.
keep up with +
stay on schedule with (a person,
I have so much reading that I can't keep up the workload, homework)
with the writing exercises.
After work, I like to kick back in front of the TV
kick back sit or lie back (to relax)
and relax. kick in begin taking effect The medicine takes one hour to kick in.
Phrasal Verb ( L )
Phrasal Verb Definition Example
lay away + save for the future Why don't you lay away your wedding outfit?
lay down + establish (laws, rules) Lori lays down the law in her class. English only!
My mom really laid in on me when I got
lay in on + scold or criticize severely
I saw Reto's
home at 4:00 in the morning last night. lay into + scold or criticize severely
mom lay into him when he came

suspend someone from a job

home late last night. lay * off +
(during a slow period)
The company was losing money, so they had to lay off 100 workers. lay * out + arrange
Why don't we lay the pieces of the table out

before we put it together.

Why did your parents leave you out of their
leave * out + not include, omit
vacation plans?
33
I felt let down when I didn't receive a birthday
let * down disappoint
card from my sister.
let * down lengthen (pants in sewing) My uncle is a tailor, so he can let your pants
down. let * out release I am happy my brother was let out of prison
I need to let out this skirt because I have
early. let * out make bigger (in sewing)
gained weight.
34
let up weaken in intensity I told her NO a thousand times, but she won't let
up. lie down rest, recline I need to lie down before we go out tonight.
lie down on + rest, recline ( on a couch, bed) I'm going to lie down on the sofa for a
while.
Whether or not you can go to the party lies
lie with + be decided by
with your father.
light * up + illuminate Let's get some candles to light this room up.
Do you have to light up another cigarette? I
light up + to smoke
thought you were trying to cut down.
live in a way that a shameful
live * down +
or embarrassing event is forgotten
Jose will never live down singing that song at the karaoke bar.
live on + survive from I could live on bread and cheese.
It would be hard to live up to her
live up to + keep a standard
parent's expectations. They are so demanding. look after + take care of (a child, a
When my sister goes on vacation, I look after
house, a pet)
When I look back on my childhood, I
her dog. look back on + to remember nostalgically
often

feel angry.
She's so conceited. She looks down on
look down on + see as inferior
everybody else.
look for + to seek or search for I'm looking for my keys. Have you seen them?
I am looking forward to traveling to New York
look forward to + anticipate with pleasure
next year.
look into + investigate The police are looking into the murder.
look on observe as a spectator Everybody just looked on as the two men
be careful, pay attention, heed a
fought. look out
 Look out, there's a black widow spider on the
certain danger wall. look * over + examine,
When I'm camping, I look my shoes over
review
before I put them on.
look * up + search for (in a dictionary) I takes time to look up new vocabulary words.
If you ever travel to California, you should
look * up + locate and visit
look me up.
look up to + respect, admire someone He looks up to his father.
35
Phrasal Verb
(M)
 36
Phrasal Verb Definition Example
make * out decipher I can't make out your handwriting. What does this say?
write a check or
make * out +
Who should I make this check out to?
other document
make out succeed He really made out in the stock market last year.
make out progress How is your son making out in his new job?
37
I saw Benno and Isabelle making out in the movie
make out kiss passionately
kiss someone passionately Did you make out with
theater last night! make out with +
Sally?
make * over do again The teacher made me do my homework over.
make * up + invent ( a story) Don't believe anything she says. She always makes things
Fortunately, my professor let me make up the
up. make * up + complete what was missed
exam I

missed yesterday. make * up + put on cosmetics I takes me 10 minutes to make my

face up.
You two have been friends for so long that I think you
make up reconcile
should make up. make up for + compensate for Allen made up for being late by getting
me flowers.
mix * up + confuse I sometimes mix the verb tenses up.
We need to mix up these different kinds of nuts before we
mix * up + blend
put them in a bowl.
mix * up + make lively (a party) Let's mix up this party with a little disco music.
Phrasal Verb ( N )
Phrasal Verb Definition Example
name * after +
I was named after my grandfather.
name a child using another family member's name
The movie was so boring that I nodded off
nod off fall asleep
before it was finished.
nose around +
sneak around I hate it when my mother noses around my room.
Phrasal Verb ( O )
Phrasal Verb
Definition Example
pop into one's mind, come
occur to +
It didn't occur to us that we had left the iron on.
to one's mind
I'm glad that John feels comfortable enough around me to
open up share feelings
open up.
out to + verb
She is out to get revenge now that her husband left
try to
her for another woman.
38
Phrasal Verb ( P )
Phrasal Verb Definition Example
pan out be successful, turn out well The trip to Vegas didn't pan out.
After battling cancer for several years, he
pass away die
finally passed away at the age of 87.
39
try to convince someone that
pass * off +
He tried to pass the fake watch off as a real
something is real
Rolex. pass * on + transmit Please pass this message on to your co-workers.
not accept (an invitation to eat or
pass on +
Jennifer passed on the invitation to join us for
do something)
dinner. pass on die I am afraid Professor Johnson has passed on.
We need to pass out these flyers for the
pass * out + distribute
concert tomorrow. pass out become unconscious He passed out because the room was
too hot.
I can't believe she passed up the
pass * up + not take advantage (of an opportunity)
opportunity to

study in Rome.
pay * back + repay If I loan you money, will you pay me back.
pay * off + complete payment on a debt It took me ten years to pay off my credit card
Don't try to pay the police officer off if you get
debt. pay * off + to bribe
pulled over for speeding.
pick on + to tease, bully She keeps picking on me! Make her stop.
pick * out + choose Diane picked out a lovely dress for the dance.
pick * up + to lift an object with the hands Keep your back straight when you lift the TV
up.
pick * up + come and get someone in a car What time are you going to pick me up.
It's possible to pick up enough English in two
pick * up + learn something without effort
weeks to get by on your trip to Los Angeles.
try to initiate a relationship with
pick * up +
Some weird guy tried to pick Patricia up at the
someone (often in a bar) bar. pick up
grow, increase (inf.) Business is really picking up this quarter.
make less important (inf.) The President played down his affair with the
play * down +
She played up her part in the new movie, but it
intern. play * up highlight something (inf.)
was actually a very small role.
flatter someone for your
play up to +
personal advantage
She has been playing up to the boss because she wants a promotion. point * out +
I'd like to point out that figures in column two
indicate
might be outdated. pull down earn He pulls down about $300,000 a year.
pull in park (a vehicle) Mark pulled in too quickly and crashed into the
wall. pull out depart (a vehicle) Our train pulls out at 8:00, so don't be late.
40
 41
I didn't think she was going to make it, but she
pull through barely survive
pulled through in the end.
put * across +
communicate (an idea or suggestion) clearly so that it is understood
I thought Ms. Smith put her ideas across rather clearly in the meeting.
put * away + return to the proper place of storage I told you kids to put your toys away.
put * down + insult, say bad things about She always puts down people who don't share
her
42
opinions.
officially submit a request (in the
put in +
He put in for a transfer to the division in Los
armed forces or public services)
Angeles. put * off + postpone Don't put off your work - do it now!
Make sure you put on a sweater before
put * on + wear
you go outside.
I didn't believe a thing he said. I think he was
put * on + deceive
putting me on. put * out + extinguish (a fire) Don't use water to put out a grease fire.
I don't want to put you out, but could you pick
put * out + inconvenience someone
spend (usually used with
me up at the airport. put out +
unreasonably large sums of money)
I can't put out that much money each month.
have a guest stay in your house for a
put * up
Can you put me up while I'm in town.
short time put up with + tolerate Sandy will not put
up with smoking in her house.
Phrasal Verb ( Q )
Phrasal Verb Definition Example
quiet * down +
be quiet, or cause to be quiet
The neighbors told us to quiet down last night or they would call the police.
Phrasal Verb ( R )
Phrasal Verb Definition Example
I need to read up on the company before I go
read up on + research a topic for a reason
on
 the job interview. ring * up telephone Jack rung me up last night at 3:00 in the morning.
I wouldn't rule out the possibility of moving to
rule * out + eliminate
I ran
another country if I get a good job offer. run across + find or meet unexpectedly
across some old photos while I was

cleaning my house. run against + compete in an election Gore ran against Bush in the
2000 elections in the
leave home permanently before
U.S.A. run away you are a legal adult
The child ran away because her parents beat her.

43
escape from The child ran away from its parents. Have
run away from + run * down Trace
you run down those phone numbers I asked

for last week? run * down criticize My boss runs everyone down.
run * down hit with a car My dog was run down by a bus.
44
run down loose power, be very tired You need to wind your watch so it doesn't run
down.
run for + campaign for a government
position
Gore is running for president of the U.S.A.
I ran into my English teacher at the movies last night.
run into + meet unexpectedly
She's so nice!
The new government is trying to run the drug
run * off + make leave
traffickers off.
Would you mind running off 10 copies of this
run * off reproduce (photocopies)
document for me? run off leave quickly Why did you run off after the party?
You shouldn't swim where the sewage runs off
run off Waste water
into the ocean.
We ran out of milk this morning, so we need
run out of + not have any more of something
to go

to the store.
Phrasal Verb ( S )
Phrasal Verb Definition Example
 I hope I will be able to save up enough money
save * up + accumulate (money)
My dad said he was going to
to go to school. see about + Arrange or consider something
see about buying

say good-bye to someone at the

me a car. see * off
beginning of their trip (at the airport, train station)
Did you see your sister off at the train station?
see to + make sure something happens, arrange I'll see to it that Mr. Ramirez gets your
message.
see * through
Are you going to be able to see your
finish something despite difficulties studies through
My partner in crime sold me out for
now that you have a baby? sell * out tell on someone
a

reduced jail sentence.

set * up Arrange a relationship My mom set me up with her friend's son.
I don't think he killed those men. Somebody set
set * up falsely incriminate a person
I set up an appointment with
him up. set up + arrange (an appointment, a meeting,etc.)
my doctor at 3:30

this afternoon. settle on + make a decision after a period of time I settled on the job at
the oil company.
settle up pay one's debts We need to settle up before you move.
45

show * off + show to everybody with a lot of pride He always shows off his new things.
 46
show off boast, draw attention to oneself Young boys show off in order to impress girls.
He's always trying to show up his co-
show * up make someone seem inferior
workers in order to get ahead.
I hadn't seen my cousin for years, and all of a
show up arrive without previous notice
sudden, he showed up at my workplace yesterday!
47
If you don't pay your electric bill, your
shut * off stop from functioning
Would someone shut him up! He's
power is going to get shut off. shut * up make quiet
talking so

loudly that we're going to get in trouble.

slow * down +
Because Mary's level in English is lower
make move more slowly
than the rest of the students, she slows the class down. slow * up + make move more
Because Mary's level in English is lower
slowly
to explain something in
than the rest of the students, she slows the class up. spell * out +
a detailed way

so that the meaning is clearly understood

He's so stupid that you have to spell everything our for him.
I need you to stand by and answer the phone
stand by wait
SCUBA stands for "self contained
when my broker calls. stand for + represent
underwater breathing apparatus."
stand for + Tolerate I won't stand for people criticizing me.
Soledad is so beautiful! She really stands out
stand out be very noticeable
in a crowd.
stand * up not arrive to a date or an appointment
(inf.)
I arranged to meet Joe at the library at 8:00, but he stood me up. I hope he has a good
excuse.
stand up for +
Every individual must stand up for what they
defend (something one believes in)
believe in.
 defend oneself against
stand up to + someone or something
I think you should stand up to your older brother and tell him to stop pushing you
It takes you so long to take the
around. stay over spend the night at a person's house
bus home, so

My boss really
why don't you just stay over? stick it to + Severely criticize a person (inf.)
stuck it to me when I arrived late

to work for the third time this week.

Even though English is a hard language to
stick to + persevere, keep trying
Joseph joined the
master, you must stick to it! stick up for + defend oneself or opinions
army because he

believes he must stick up for his country.

Phrasal Verb ( T )
Phrasal Verb Definition Example
48
take after + resemble a parent or relative I take after my father. Who do you take after?
take * away + remove, seize or capture The soldiers took the captives away.
take * back + retract something you said I demand that you take back what you said.
The dress my grandmother bought for me didn't
take * back + return an item to a store
fit, so I took it back and exchanged it for a pair of pants. take * down + write down what
Would you mind taking down my messages while
is said
I am on vacation?
take * down + remove (from a high place) The city government made the shop take
down their
49
bright, neon sign.
50 take * for consider, view as Do you take me for an idiot?
take * in + learning Are you taking in all of these phrasal verbs?
take * in + deceive a person He was taken in by the con artist.
I lost weight, so I need to take some of my skirts
take * in + Make smaller when sewing
to the tailor to have them taken in.
when a plane or rocket leaves
take * off
My stomach felt funny when the plane took off.
the ground
 In many cultures, it is appropriate to take off your
take * off + remove
shoes when entering a house.
leave work or school for a
take * off +
I was sick last week, so I took a few days off of
period of time
work. take off Leave We took off after dinner.
take on + accept (responsibilities, work) She has taken on too much responsibility in this
Who is going to take over the family business
project. take * over + take control of
when Aretha's father dies?
If the President is assassinated, the Vice-
take over take control of
president will take over.
accompany a person on a date
take * out +
(for dinner, the movies)
I can't meet you tonight because I am taking Fernanda out to dinner. take * up + Begin a
Have you taken up any new hobbies since you
new hobby
moved here?
take * up + discuss (at a later date) We should take this issue up in the meeting
tomorrow. take * up + shorten a garment when sewing This dress is too long, I am going
to take it up.
take up + occupy space This couch takes up too much space in the living
room. talk back respond in an impolite way to an
adult
Don't talk back!
talk back to + respond in an impolite way to an
adult
Children should not talk back to their parents.
I hope my parents talk their relationship problems
talk * over + discuss
The county decided to tear down the
over before they get divorced. tear * down + destroy
dilapidated

school and build a new one.

I always tear up my personal papers before I
tear * up + tear or rip into small pieces
throw them out.
criticize a person severely,
Carolina tell * off +
reprimand (inf.)
told me off when she found out I was gossiping about her date with Martin. tell on +
report a crime to the police or

bad behavior to a parent

Every time I did something wrong when I was a child, my sister would tell on me.
think * over + consider Think over the offer before you sign the contract.
You need to think this through carefully before you
think * through + consider carefully
make a decision.
think * up + create or invent a false story I need to think up an excuse for not going to
her
party.
51
throw * away + discard Don't throw away those bottles; we can recycle
I asked him not to throw out the Sunday
them. throw * out + discard newspaper because
remove by force from (a room,
I wanted to save an article. throw * out +
school, a house, etc.)
Mary threw out her roommate because she stopped paying rent.
throw up Vomit If you drink too much alcohol, you might throw up.
tie * up + tie securely When we dock, make sure you tie the boat up.
tire * out cause someone to be very tired Speaking English all day tires me out.
The presidential candidates touched on the
touch on + talk about for a short time
subject of health care during the debates.
We didn't paint the whole kitchen, we just
touch * up Make the final improvements
touched up the cabinets.
put on to make sure a piece of
try * on +
Try on the pants before you buy them.
clothing fits
try * out Test Try out this massage chair - it feels great!
They turned us away at the border
turn * away refuse to deal with or give service
because we

didn't have visas.

turn * around change or reverse direction Turn the car around and go back home.
She turned down
turn * down + refuse an offer; reject an application because she didn't
the new job
want to move.
in New York,

lower the volume or intensity of a

turn * down +
I'm studying! Please turn down the TV.
TV, radio, or other machine
turn * in submit You need to turn your essays in next week.
turn in go to bed (inf.) It's getting late. I think it is about time to turn in.
turn into + become something different,
transform
When she kissed the frog, it turned into a handsome prince.
stop the function of (a stove, a
turn * off +
water faucet, a car, etc.)
Don't forget to turn off the iron before you leave the house.
turn on + attack unexpectedly The pit bull suddenly turned on the small child.
Scientists have discovered that the smell of
turn * on cause to be excited sexually
cinnamon turns many people on.
start the function of a TV, a
turn * on +
radio, a machine
Turn on the TV. The baseball game starts in a few minutes.
turn * out produce The weavers can turn out two or three rugs a
month. turn * out switch off a light Turn out the light before you go to bed.
52
 53
turn out audience members to a function Over 100,000 people turned out for the
concert.
turn out end up being She turned out to be the murderer after all.
give to authorities (said of
turn * over
They turned the wallet over to the police.
evidence or stolen / lost property) turn * up +
increase the volume or intensity

Turn up the TV. I can't hear what they're saying.

of a TV, radio, or other machine
54
turn up find unexpectedly My keys turned up in the bedroom.
Phrasal Verb ( U )
Phrasal Verb Definition Example
use * up use all of something I used up all of the soap, so we need to buy some more.
Phrasal Verb ( V )
Phrasal Verb Definition Example
veer away from + stay away from, avoid I veer away from the same old summer
blockbuster films.
Phrasal Verb ( W )
Phrasal Verb Definition Example
Each waitress waits on three different tables
wait on + serve, service (a table)
not sleep because you are waiting
in the restaurant. wait up
Don't wait up. not sleep because you are waiting
for something or someone wait up for +
Let's wait up for Mary to see how her date went.
for someone or something
wake * up + Awaken someone The car alarm woke me up at 6:00 in the
morning. wake up Awaken Wake up. It's time to get ready for work.
wash up clean oneself Make sure you wash up before dinner.
If we work together, we can wash the kitchen up
wash * up + Clean
in a few minutes.
watch out be careful Watch out - there's a rattlesnake!
watch out for +
Watch out for snakes while you are hiking
be careful of
in the desert.
The affects of the medicine will wear off after a
wear off disappear after a period of time
few hours.
wear * out use until something is not useable
anymore
If you wear the same shoes everyday, you'll wear them out.
wear * out cause to be very tired Her three kids wore me out.
If he doesn't get his act together, he is going to
wind up + finish (inf.)
wind up in jail.
55
tighten the spring of a watch or
wind * up +
He wound up the toy dog and set it on the floor.
similar machine
wind * up + cause an animal or a child to behave
wildly
The kids always get wound up when Uncle Henry comes over.
wipe * out + massacre or destroy The tidal wave wiped out the small fishing
village. wipe * out cause to be very tired After surfing all day, I was completely wiped
out.
56
work * out + Solve I hope you two can work out your problems.
work out exercise I work out three times a week at the fitness
center. work out be successful I am glad your new catering business is working
Record Write down the directions so you don't forget
out. write * down +
He wrote out the lyrics so I could
them. write * out + write down every word or letter
understand

He wrote up a business
what the singer was saying. write * up + Prepare a report
proposal in order to

get a loan.
Phrasal Verb ( Y )
Phrasal Verb Definition Example
to continue talking in an annoying way ("on"
yak on
He just yakked on and on and on.
can be repeated for emphasis)
to continue talking in an annoying way
yak on about +

about something ("on" can be repeated for emphasis)

She just yakked on and on about her husband's new job.
 to talk in an annoying way or complain ("on"
yammer on
They yammered on and on and
can be repeated for emphasis)
on.
yammer on about +
to talk in an annoying way about something or complain about ("on" can be repeated for
emphasis)
He just yammered on and on about how horrible the waiter was.
57
Phrasal Verb ( Z )
Phrasal Verb
Definition Example
zero in on + discover, pinpoint I think I have zeroed in on what has been causing the
problem.
move quickly from place
zip around + to place
I zipped around town after work today.

zone out stop paying attention He zoned out during class.

Jill was so exhausted after taking the TOEFL test that she
zonk out fall asleep
zonked out before dinner.
zoom in Focus You need a telephoto lens to zoom in.
zoom in on +
focus on something, pinpoint
She zoomed in on his face while taking the picture.
58