Basic English Phrasal Verbs (Pre-Intermediate to Intermediate)

Students - Read the Phrasal Verb List and Take the Quiz!

This is a list of 57 basic phrasal verbs for intermediate students. I am North American, so these verbs are especially common in North America. You can see the list below. After you study the list, play the new Barton Phrasal Verb Quiz to test your knowledge!

What's a Phrasal Verb?

A phrasal verb is like an idiom -- it is a phrase that has a special meaning. Phrasal verbs have a main verb and another word that is usually either an adverb or a preposition. Here are some examples:

Let's get together on Tuesday. (main verb + adverb)
I decided to put off the meeting until next week. (main verb + preposition)

Phrasal verbs are very common in spoken English, especially in informal (casual) speech.

ESL Teachers - A Resource

If you have pre/lower-intermediate students or intermediate students who want to learn English phrasal verbs, then these materials are a good starting point. I compiled a list of 57 basic English phrasal verbs that every student should learn.

I've created two documents that can be found below.

1) Basic English Phrasal Verb List

Download: EC-Phrasal-verbs-Intermediate-list.doc (note: does not contain phrasal verb definitions)

This is a list of the phrasal verbs with an example sentence showing their usage. This may be all you need. Print this off and go over half a page or so per class. Your students will likely already know some of them. I am North American, so naturally, this list contains phrasal verbs that are most familiar to English speakers in North America.

Advice

Don't try to teach all of the phrasal verbs right away! Do half a page at a time and finish them off over the course of several classes.
Maybe save 15 minutes of class to study phrasal verbs. Don't spend a whole class on phrasal verbs.
Always review the phrasal verbs you studied in the previous class. Here is a good warm-up activity (requiring pictures) to review them.
After you have taught 10 or so phrasal verbs, do this role-play activity to give your students a chance to use the expressions in conversation.

Here is the Pre-Intermediate to Intermediate English Phrasal Verbs list:

calm down	"Calm down, Mike. There's no need to yell." Definition = to get control of your emotions
hold on	The secretary asked me to hold on while she checked her computer. Definition =to wait (while someone does something)
get along	I don't really get along with my boss. Definition =to have a good relationship with sb
give up	After an hour, Mike gave up. He couldn't fix the computer. Definition = to stop trying (to do sth)
grow up	I want to be a fireman when I grow up. Definition =to become a (mature) adult
fill out	"Please fill out this form." Definition =to complete by writing
break down	The stupid printer has broken down again. Definition = to stop working; to become inoperable
pass out	People were passing out flyers in front of the station. Definition =to distribute, to give sth to people by hand. (note: same as "hand out")
get together	Everyone from class is getting together tonight at 7 p.m. Definition =to meet or gather as a group
work out	Bryan likes to work out at least five times a week. Definition =to exercise to make your muscles stronger
make up	I didn't have an excuse, so I made one up. Definition = to invent sth, e.g. a story or game
pass away	My grandfather passed away at the age of 98. Definition =to die (note: this expression is softer and more polite than 'die')
break up	Mark and Kate are always fighting. They should break up. Definition = to end a relationship with someone
eat out	I'm trying to save money. I don't eat out anymore. Definition = to go to a restaurant for breakfast/lunch/dinner
hang up	Kate hung up on me. She didn't want to speak anymore. Definition =to put down the phone to end a conversation
check out	"Hey, check out that man over there. He's huge!." Definition =to look at sth
figure out	No one could figure out where the ninja went. Definition = to find the answer to sth by thinking carefully
cheer up	Brenda looked sad, so I told her a joke to cheer her up. Definition = to make sb feel happier; to feel happier
look after	I agreed to look after Renee's dog while she is away. Definition =to take care of sth; to care for sth
shut up	"Shut up, Lisa! I can't hear the TV!" (note: impolite expression) Definition = to be quiet (strong/impolite)
look out	"Look out -- there's a deer on the road!" Definition = to look up in order to see something dangerous
run out	The boys ran out of beer so they walked to the store to get some more. Definition =to no longer have enough of something you need
check in	We checked in to our hotel at 2 pm. Definition = to register after arriving at the hotel or airport
deal with	We have a big problem today that we need to deal with before we go home. Definition =to handle, or manage a situation or problem
pick up	I have to pick up my girlfriend at the airport at 8 p.m. Definition =to go somewhere to get sth; to collect sb
drop off	I need to drop off a book at the library. Definition =to take sb to a place they want to go to, or deliver sth to a place
end up	After college, and then two years in the military, Mark ended up in Taiwan. Definition =to finally finish in a certain position/situation, especially without planning it.
go on	The mountain climber could no longer go on. It was too cold. Definition =to continue
set on doing sth	Jason is set on becoming an Olympic wrestler. That's all he talks about. Definition =to be firmly decided to do something
tie up	I was tied up so I couldn't answer the phone. Definition = to be too busy to do sth else
beat up	A tourist was beaten up last night in Central Park. Definition =to physically hurt sb in a fight
catch up	After her vacation, it took Janice all morning to catch up on her e-mails. Definition =to go from behind to where you should be; to reach sb ahead of you
cut back on sth	The doctor told Alan to cut back on fatty foods. Definition =to use less of sth; to consume less of sth
cut sth out	"Bobby, can you cut it out?? The sound your making is annoying." Definition =to stop doing sth (usually sth stupid/unreasonable)
find out sth	Yesterday, Mark found out that his wife has been cheating on him. Definition =to learn something new; to discover sth
do over	I had to do my report over because my computer crashed. Definition =to do again
go ahead	"A: Can we start eating, mom?” B: “Sure, go ahead." Definition =to start before sb else
go on	Mark heard shouting, so he went to the hallway to see what was going on. Definition =to happen
count on	I trust Mike. He's responsible. We can count on him to do a good job. Definition =to depend/rely on sb to do sth; to trust sb will do sth
hit it off	Margaret likes her new boss. They have really hit it off. Definition =to quickly form a good relationship with sb
set up	The journalist managed to set up a meeting with the company CEO. Definition =to arrange/organize sth
keep sth up	Jenny hasn't smoked in 24 hrs but she's not sure how long she can keep it up. Definition =to continue doing sth
mess up	I don't like giving big speeches. Every time I do it, I mess up. Definition =to make a mistake
call off	The football game was called off because of rain. Definition = to cancel sth
take after	Darryl takes after his father. They are both really funny. Definition =to resemble sb in your family
think sth over	"Give me a few days to think it over, OK?" Definition =to spend time thinking about a choice/problem
point out	Janice pointed out a small error on the report's cover page. Definition = to make sb aware of sth
put sth off	The meeting was put off until tomorrow because the boss was sick. Definition =to decide to do sth later
rip sb off	The cab driver tried to rip me off by charging 40 dollars for a ride to the airport. Definition =to get money unfairly from sb; to make sb pay too much money
show off	Greg enjoyed showing off his muscles at the beach. Definition = to show sth you are proud of
bring up	No one at the meeting brought up the issue of overtime. Definition =to mention sth in a conversation; to introduce a topic in a conversation
show up	Gladys didn't show up to the party until 10 p.m. Definition = to arrive at a place; to appear somewhere
sleep in	Mark usually sleeps in until noon on Saturdays. Definition =to sleep longer than usual
speak up	Alex had to speak up so his grandfather could hear him. Definition =to speak louder than usual
base on	This movie is based on a true story. Definition =to make sth by using an idea/story from somewhere else
work on	I need to work on my pronunciation. Definition = to work to improve sth
stand out	At 195 cm with red hair, Alan really stood out in Japan. Definition = to be easily noticeable in your surroundings; to be conspicuous

2) Basic Phrasal Verb Lesson Plan (7 one-page lessons)

Download: EC-Phrasal-verbs-Intermediate-lesson.doc (DOC)

I've also made seven short phrasal verb lesson plans. Each lesson plan teaches 8 or so of the basic phrasal verbs from the above list. This would be ideal for teachers who want to give their students some exercises based on the phrasal verbs, along with homework.

Here is a web-version of the lesson plans:

Group 1 — Phrasal Verbs

· "Calm down, Mike. There's no need to yell."

· The secretary asked me to hold on while she checked her computer.

· I don't really get along with my boss.

· After an hour, Mike gave up. He couldn't fix the computer.

· I want to be a fireman when I grow up.

· "Please fill out this form."

· The stupid printer has broken down again.

· People were passing out flyers in front of the station.

· Everyone from class is getting together tonight at 7pm.

Write the correct phrasal verb beside its definition.

Phrasal Verb	Definition
	to distribute, to give sth to people by hand
	to complete by writing
	to have a good relationship with sb
	to stop trying (to do sth)
	to get control of your emotions
	to meet or gather as a group
	to become a (mature) adult
	to wait
	to stop working, to become inoperable

Make your own sentences using the below ideas (note: good as homework)

hold on / schedule	e.g. I asked her to hold on while I checked my schedule.
dog / calm down
grow up
policeman / fill out
break down / angry
never / get together
get along / uncle
pass out / sample
give up / diet

Group 2 — Phrasal Verbs

· I didn't have an excuse, so I made one up.

· My grandfather passed away at the age of 98.

· Mark and Kate are always fighting. They should break up.

· I'm trying to save money. I don't eat out much anymore.

· After new years, Ken plans to start working out.

· Kate hung up on me. She didn't want to speak anymore.

· "Hey, check out that man over there. He's huge!"

· No one could figure out where the ninja went.

· Brenda looked really sad, so I told her a joke to cheer her up.

Write the correct phrasal verb beside its definition.

Phrasal Verb	Definition
	to go to a restaurant for breakfast/lunch/dinner
	to make sb feel happier
	to look at sth
	to exercise to make your muscles stronger
	to die
	to end a relationship with someone
	to invent sth, e.g. a story or game
	to put down the phone to end a conversation
	to find the answer to sth by thinking carefully

Make your own sentences using the below ideas (note: good as homework)

eat out / month
cheer up / ice cream
check out / new house
lazy / work out
pass away / 2011
break up / girlfriend
pet / make up / name
hang up / quickly
figure out / mystery

Group 3 — Phrasal Verbs

· I agreed to look after Renee's dog while she is away.

· I dropped off my car at the repair shop yesterday. I hope they have fixed it by now.

· The boys ran out of beer so they walked to the store to get more.

· “Shut up, Lisa! I can't hear the TV!"

· We checked in to our hotel at 2 pm.

· I have to pick up my girlfriend at the airport at 8pm.

· After high school, and then five years in the military, Mark ended up in Taiwan.

· “Look out -- there's a deer on the road!"

Write the correct phrasal verb beside its definition.

Phrasal Verb	Definition
to take care of sth; to care for sth
to take sb to a place they want to go to, or deliver sth to a place
to finally finish in a certain position/situation, especially without planning it.
to no longer have enough of something you need
to register after arriving at the hotel or airport
to go somewhere to get sth; to collect sb
to look up in order to see something dangerous
to be quiet (strong/impolite)

Make your own sentences using the below ideas (note: good as homework)

look after / old
angry / shut up
look out
emergency / run out
check in / late
pick up / dinner
drop off / park
end up / Mexico

Group 4 — Phrasal Verbs

· Yesterday, Mark found out that his wife has been cheating on him.

· I was tied up so I couldn't answer the phone.

· The mountain climber could no longer go on. It was too cold.

· The doctor told Alan to cut back on fatty foods.

· "A: Can we start eating, mom? B: Sure, go ahead."

· I had to do my report over because my computer crashed.

· "Bobby, can you cut it out?? The sound you're making is annoying."

· After her vacation, it took Janice all morning to catch up on her e-mails.

Write the correct phrasal verb beside its definition.

Phrasal Verb	Definition
to use less of sth; to consume less of sth
to be too busy to do sth else
to continue
to go from behind to where you should be; to reach sb ahead of you
to stop doing sth (usually sth stupid/unreasonable)
to learn something new; to discover sth
to do again
to start before sb else

Make your own sentences using the below ideas (note: good as homework)

cut down on / health
tied up / all day
tired / go on
catch up / schoolwork
singing / cut / it / out
boy / find out
do over / quiz
lady / go ahead

Group 5 — Phrasal Verbs

· I hate giving big speeches. Every time I do it, I mess up.

· The journalist managed to set up a meeting with the company CEO.

· Mark heard shouting, so he went to the hallway to see what was going on.

· Jason is really set on becoming an Olympic wrestler. That's all he talks about.

· The football game was called off because of rain.

· Jenny hasn't smoked in 24 hrs but she's not sure how long she can keep it up.

· We have a big problem today that we need to deal with before we go home.

· I trust Mike. He's responsible. We can count on him to do a good job.

Write the correct phrasal verb beside its definition.

Phrasal Verb	Definition
to happen
to depend/rely on sb to do sth; to trust sb will do sth
to arrange/organize sth
to continue doing sth
to make a mistake
to cancel sth
to be firmly decided to do something
to handle, or manage a situation or problem

Make your own sentences using the below ideas (note: good as homework)

go on / upstairs
children / count on
set up / interview
exercise / keep / it / up
date / mess up
call off / marriage
set on / England
deal with / mistake

Group 6 — Phrasal Verbs

· Janice pointed out a small error on the report's cover page.

· The cab driver tried to rip me off by charging 40 dollars for a ride to the airport.

· Darryl takes after his father. They are both really funny.

· "Give me a few days to think it over, OK?"

· Greg wears tank tops so he can show off his muscles.

· The meeting has been put off until tomorrow.

· A tourist was beaten up last night in central park.

· Margaret likes her new boss. They have really hit it off.

Write the correct phrasal verb beside its definition.

Phrasal Verb	Definition
to resemble sb in your family
to physically hurt sb in a fight
to quickly form a good relationship with sb
to spend time thinking about a choice/problem
to make sb aware of sth
to decide to do sth later
to get money unfairly from sb; to make sb pay too much money
to show sth you are proud of;

Make your own sentences using the below ideas (note: good as homework)

high school / beat up
I / take after
hit it off
think over / marriage
point out / problem
put off / lazy
rip off / salesman
rich / show off

Group 7 — Phrasal Verbs

· No one at the meeting brought up the issue of overtime.

· Gladys didn't show up to the party until 10 p.m.

· Mark sleeps in until noon on Saturdays.

· Alex had to speak up so his grandfather could hear him.

· This movie is based on a true story.

· I need to work on my pronunciation.

· At 195 cm with red hair, Alan really stood out in Japan.

Write the correct phrasal verb beside its definition.

Phrasal Verb	Definition
to mention sth in a conversation; to introduce a topic in a conversation
to speak louder than usual
to sleep longer than usual
to repair sth; to work to improve sth
to be easily noticeable in your surroundings
to make sth by using an idea/story from somewhere else
to arrive at a place; to appear somewhere

Make your own sentences using the below ideas (note: good as homework)

brought up / politics
movie star / show up
wish / sleep in
speak up / nightclub
base on / facts
this year / work on
foreigner / stand out

Students, try the Phrasal Verb Quiz to test your skill! Or if you have a question or find a mistake, please leave a comment below!

----

Copyright Matthew Barton, July 2011, of Englishcurrent.com. Do not remove website name or URL from printable materials.

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53 comments on “Basic English Phrasal Verbs (Pre-Intermediate to Intermediate)”

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Abdi Ali Raabuush (Posted on 9-28-2015 at 09:06) Reply ↓
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kavita (Posted on 6-12-2016 at 10:18) Reply ↓
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Mir khan (Posted on 9-12-2017 at 14:11) Reply ↓
Use the Bring off in sentance
1. mb Post author (Posted on 9-14-2017 at 01:42) Reply ↓
  You should make your request more polite (Use ‘please’). ‘Bring off’ is not a phrasal verb I’ve used. ‘Take off’ and ‘bring up’ are, but ‘bring off’ is a strange combination.
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ghazal (Posted on 11-7-2018 at 09:15) Reply ↓
but not fr me use more phrasal verbs
John Brightam (Posted on 1-24-2019 at 08:15) Reply ↓
Learning the phrasal verbs are always like taking a deep dive into an ocean full of knowledge and wisdom. It’s indeed helpful for my Ideal English training classes in Central Burma.
Susan (Posted on 3-26-2021 at 05:18) Reply ↓
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S.Baba Imroz (Posted on 3-30-2021 at 11:30) Reply ↓
I understand
Gud study I understand the phrasal verbs
Yurii (Posted on 4-22-2021 at 13:55) Reply ↓
Actually that’s the ground basis to learn fluent English
Grammar lessons must have, but it’s nothing to do without a plenty lexicon of phrasal verbs in your head
Suhail mushtaq itoo (Posted on 5-13-2021 at 02:39) Reply ↓
That’s was quite helpful thanks a bunch love from kashmir
Anonymous (Posted on 8-17-2022 at 08:15) Reply ↓
the most easiest way of learning of phrasal verbs…Appreciated

ESL Lesson Plans, Tests, & Ideas

Basic English Phrasal Verbs (Pre-Intermediate to Intermediate)

Students - Read the Phrasal Verb List and Take the Quiz!

What's a Phrasal Verb?

ESL Teachers - A Resource

1) Basic English Phrasal Verb List

Advice

2) Basic Phrasal Verb Lesson Plan (7 one-page lessons)

53 comments on “Basic English Phrasal Verbs (Pre-Intermediate to Intermediate)”

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