Phrasal verbs you need to know

Phrasal verbs are an essential part of communication. They are generally used in informal communication. You will find very few phrases which are used during formal communications.

Phrasal verbs are framed in 3 different ways, depends on whether the verb is combined with preposition, particle or both. Here, we have explained the concept using some suitable examples.

Phrasal Verbs

Examples of phrasal verbs

1. Verb + Preposition

E.g. Rama is looking after the kids.

Here ‘after’ is a preposition which conveys the prepositional phrase ‘looking after'.

2. Verb + Particle

E.g. He ran away from home after receiving a call from his best friend.

Here ‘away’ is used as a particle, not a preposition.

3. Verb + Particle + Preposition

E.g. We are looking forward to a deal.

Here we’ve used verb as ‘looking’, ‘forward’ is a particle and ‘to’ is used as preposition.

After referring to the main concept, let’s see some phrasal verbs which are necessary to use for communicating effectively.

4. Beef up: to make something more interesting

E.g. Teachers have a skill of beefing up a boring topic which helps to create an interest in the topic in the mind of students.


5. Shut down: to close something

E.g. Please shut down your computer after finishing practical sessions.


6. Bounce off: to convey and try any idea on someone or a group.

E.g. Don’t bounce off your idea without asking a prior permission.


7. Wipe out: to destroy completely

E.g. Don’t be an angry person; it is a cause to wipe out a happy life.


8. Mull over: to think about something very seriously, to worry

E.g. Ram, you must mull over his suggestion and take decision accordingly.


9. To crow/brag about something: to talk about the thing achieved by oneself

E.g. He has a habit of bragging about the things which he achieved in his life.


10. Bristle at: to show anger or indignation

E.g. He bristled at his insolent remarks.


11. Think back on: to recall of something

E.g. I often think back on my childhood with great pleasure.


12. Look up to: to give a respect

E.g. I look up to my parents and all teachers, they made my life great.


13. Put up with: tolerate

E.g. Who can put up with this situation?


Hope the above explanation was fulfilling for you to understand about phrasal verbs which are essential part of your day-to-day communication. For referring our other related blogs, browse through other categories in our blog site and you can join our online English tutorials which will enhance your communication skills and English vocabulary.

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