get up
A1leave bed and begin the day
I usually get up at 6:30.
no objectVerb plus particle
Common phrasal verbs, organized by use.
A phrasal verb is one vocabulary unit, but its object can follow different grammar. With a separable verb, a pronoun goes in the middle: turn it down, not turn down it.
Daily life and movement
These combinations describe ordinary movement and routines. Learn the particle with the verb because it changes both meaning and grammar.
go out
A1leave home for a social activity
We went out for dinner on Friday.
no objectcome back
A1return toward this place or situation
What time will you come back?
no objectput on
A1place clothing, glasses, or a device on the body
Put your jacket on before you leave.
separabletake off
A1remove clothing, or leave the ground in an aircraft
You can take your coat off here.
separable or no objectWork and tasks
These verbs organize action at work. The object position matters, especially when the object is a short pronoun such as it or them.
set up
A2prepare, arrange, or establish something
We set up the meeting for Thursday.
separablecarry out
B1perform and complete a planned action
The team carried out three safety checks.
separablelook into
B1investigate a question or problem
I’ll look into the billing issue today.
inseparablefollow up
B1take another action after an earlier contact or task
I’ll follow up with the client tomorrow.
no objectput off
B1delay an event or action
They put the launch off until September.
separableCommunication and understanding
The base verb may look familiar, but the complete combination carries a more precise communicative job.
find out
A2discover information
I need to find out when the office closes.
inseparablepoint out
B1direct attention to an important fact
She pointed out a mistake in the schedule.
separablebring up
B1introduce a topic into a conversation
He brought the budget up near the end.
separablespell out
B2explain something explicitly and in detail
The contract spells out each person’s responsibilities.
separableget across
B2communicate an idea successfully
The diagram gets the main idea across quickly.
separableProblems, decisions, and change
These combinations are common when people discuss plans and problems. Compare the whole situation, not only the base verb.
work out
A2find a solution, calculate, or end successfully
We worked out a simpler solution.
separable or no objectdeal with
B1take action about a person, task, or problem
I’ll deal with the urgent requests first.
inseparableturn down
B1refuse an offer or reduce a level
She turned the job offer down.
separableend up
B1reach a final, often unexpected, situation
We ended up taking a later train.
no objectcome up with
B2produce an idea, answer, or plan
The group came up with two practical options.
inseparable