In the topic of English language acquisition, phrasal verbs can be quite complex and full of nuances. Multi-word verbs add a layer of complexity to the language by combining a verb with one or more particles (prepositions or adverbs). They are, however, an important part of everyday communication, thus understanding their definitions and usage is key. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the top 100 commonly used A to Z phrasal verbs, providing you with clear meanings and illustrative examples. By the end of this article, you’ll be equipped with a rich vocabulary to enhance your English proficiency.
A to Z Phrasal Verbs with Meaning and Example
Phrasal Verbs Starting with A
Here under A to Z Phrasal Verbs, first we will explore the Phrasal Verbs Starting with A with its meaning and example to understand the phrasal verbs in a effective way and also to enhance your English fluency fast:
- Aim for: To set a specific goal or target and work towards achieving it.
Example: She aims for a promotion by consistently performing well in her job.
- Add up: To calculate the total of a series of numbers or to make sense when considering various factors.
Example: The accountant needs to add up all the expenses to determine the company’s financial status.
- Ask around: To inquire or seek information from various sources.
Example: He asked around to find the best restaurant in town.
- Act on: To take action based on information or a suggestion.
Example: The manager decided to act on the customer’s feedback.
- Agree with: To have a similar opinion or be in harmony with someone or something.
Example: I agree with the idea that we should reduce our carbon footprint.
Phrasal Verbs Starting with B
Here under A to Z Phrasal Verbs, after exploring and understanding Phrasal Verbs Starting with A, now it’s time to explore the Phrasal Verbs Starting with B with its meaning and example to understand the phrasal verb in a effective way and also to enhance your English fluency fast:
- Break down: To stop functioning.
Example: The car broke down on the highway.
- Break up: To end a relationship or group.
Example: They decided to break up after years of dating.
- Bring up: To mention or introduce a topic in conversation.
Example: She brought up an interesting point during the meeting.
- Back off: To retreat or withdraw from a situation.
Example: He decided to back off when he saw the angry dog.
- Bear with: To be patient and wait for a moment.
Example: Bear with me for a second while I find the information.
Phrasal Verbs Starting with C
Here under A to Z Phrasal Verbs, after exploring and understanding Phrasal Verbs Starting with B, now it’s time to explore the Phrasal Verbs Starting with C with its meaning and example to understand the phrasal verb in a effective way and also to enhance your English fluency fast:
- Call off: To cancel an event or activity.
Example: Due to bad weather, they had to call off the picnic.
- Check out: To investigate or examine something.
Example: You should check out that new movie; it’s excellent.
- Come across: To find or encounter something unexpectedly.
Example: She came across an old photo while cleaning the attic.
- Count on: To rely on or trust someone.
Example: You can count on him to finish the project on time.
- Cut down on: To reduce the amount of something.
Example: I’m trying to cut down on sweets for a healthier diet.
Phrasal Verbs Starting with D
Here under A to Z Phrasal Verbs, after exploring and understanding Phrasal Verbs Starting with C, now it’s time to explore the Phrasal Verbs Starting with D with its meaning and example to understand the phrasal verb in a effective way and also to enhance your English fluency fast:
- Deal with: To handle or manage a situation or problem.
Example: She knows how to deal with difficult customers.
- Do away with: To eliminate or get rid of something.
Example: They decided to do away with the old policies.
- Draw up: To create or prepare a document or plan.
Example: The lawyer will draw up a contract for the sale of the house.
- Drop by: To visit someone briefly and informally.
Example: Feel free to drop by my office anytime.
- Dwell on: To think or talk about something for a long time.
Example: Don’t dwell on your mistakes; learn from them.
Phrasal Verbs Starting with E
Here under A to Z Phrasal Verbs, after exploring and understanding Phrasal Verbs Starting with D, now it’s time to explore the Phrasal Verbs Starting with E with its meaning and example to understand the phrasal verb in a effective way and also to enhance your English fluency fast:
- End up: To ultimately reach a particular result or conclusion.
Example: We took a wrong turn and ended up in a small village.
- Ease up: To reduce pressure or intensity.
Example: After a long day, she decided to ease up and relax.
- Embark on: To start a new project or journey.
Example: He’s about to embark on a world tour.
- Even out: To become more equal or balanced.
Example: Over time, the playing field will even out.
- Explain away: To offer an explanation or excuse for something.
Example: He tried to explain away his absence from the meeting.
Also Read: 10 Grammar Errors to Avoid
Phrasal Verbs Starting with F
Here under A to Z Phrasal Verbs, after exploring and understanding Phrasal Verbs Starting with E, now it’s time to explore the Phrasal Verbs Starting with F with its meaning and example to understand the phrasal verb in a effective way and also to enhance your English fluency fast:
- Face up to: To confront or acknowledge a difficult situation.
Example: It’s time to face up to your responsibilities.
- Fall apart: To break into pieces or fail completely.
Example: The old bridge finally fell apart after years of neglect.
- Figure out: To solve or understand a problem.
Example: Can you help me figure out this math equation?
- Fill in: To provide missing information or complete a form.
Example: Please fill in your name and address on the form.
- Find out: To discover or obtain information.
Example: I need to find out the time of the meeting.
Phrasal Verbs Starting with G
Here under A to Z Phrasal Verbs, after exploring and understanding Phrasal Verbs Starting with F, now it’s time to explore the Phrasal Verbs Starting with G with its meaning and example to understand the phrasal verb in a effective way and also to enhance your English fluency fast:
- Get along with: To have a good relationship with someone.
Example: She gets along well with her colleagues.
- Give in: To surrender or yield to a request or demand.
Example: He finally gave in and agreed to their proposal.
- Go on: To continue or proceed.
Example: The show must go on despite the technical issues.
- Grow up: To mature or become an adult.
Example: She grew up in a small town.
- Give away: To donate or provide something for free.
Example: The charity gives away food to those in need.
Phrasal Verbs Starting with H
Here under A to Z Phrasal Verbs, after exploring and understanding Phrasal Verbs Starting with G, now it’s time to explore the Phrasal Verbs Starting with H with its meaning and example to understand the phrasal verb in a effective way and also to enhance your English fluency fast:
- Hang around: To spend time in a particular place or with a group of people.
Example: They like to hang around the park on weekends.
- Hold on: To wait or pause for a moment.
Example: Hold on; I’ll be with you in a minute.
- Hurry up: To move or do something quickly.
Example: We need to hurry up if we want to catch the bus.
- Hear about: To learn or receive information about something.
Example: Have you heard about the new restaurant downtown?
- Hand over: To give or transfer something to someone.
Example: He reluctantly handed over the keys to his car.
Also Read: Is Grammar Really Important for Spoken English?
Phrasal Verbs Starting with I
Here under A to Z Phrasal Verbs, after exploring and understanding Phrasal Verbs Starting with H, now it’s time to explore the Phrasal Verbs Starting with I with its meaning and example to understand the phrasal verb in a effective way and also to enhance your English fluency fast:
- Invite in: To welcome someone into your home or space.
Example: They invited in their neighbors for a chat.
- Iron out: To resolve or smooth out difficulties or problems.
Example: The negotiation helped iron out the contract details.
- Inquire into: To investigate or look into something.
Example: The committee will inquire into the matter.
- Introduce to: To make someone familiar with something or someone new.
Example: Allow me to introduce you to my colleague.
- Invest in: To put money or effort into something for future gain.
Example: It’s a good idea to invest in real estate.
Phrasal Verbs Starting with J
Here under A to Z Phrasal Verbs, after exploring and understanding Phrasal Verbs Starting with I, now it’s time to explore the Phrasal Verbs Starting with J with its meaning and example to understand the phrasal verb in a effective way and also to enhance your English fluency fast:
- Jot down: To quickly write or note something.
Example: Let me jot down the important points from the meeting.
- Jump in: To get involved or participate quickly.
Example: She decided to jump in and help with the project.
- Join in: To become a part of an activity or group.
Example: Would you like to join in the game?
- Jazz up: To make something more interesting or exciting.
Example: She jazzed up the party with colorful decorations.
- Joke around: To engage in playful or humorous behavior.
Example: They like to joke around during their breaks.
Phrasal Verbs Starting with K
Here under A to Z Phrasal Verbs, after exploring and understanding Phrasal Verbs Starting with J, now it’s time to explore the Phrasal Verbs Starting with K with its meaning and example to understand the phrasal verb in a effective way and also to enhance your English fluency fast:
- Keep up: To maintain or stay at the same level or pace.
Example: She works hard to keep up with her studies.
- Kick back: To relax and unwind.
Example: After a long day at work, he likes to kick back with a book.
- Knock out: To defeat or eliminate someone or something.
Example: He knocked out his opponent in the boxing match.
- Kiss up to: To flatter or be excessively nice to someone in authority.
Example: She’s always kissing up to her boss to get ahead.
- Key in: To enter information or data into a computer or device.
Example: Please key in your password to access your account.
Also Read: How to Learn English Grammar Guide
Phrasal Verbs Starting with L
Here under A to Z Phrasal Verbs, after exploring and understanding Phrasal Verbs Starting with K, now it’s time to explore the Phrasal Verbs Starting with L with its meaning and example to understand the phrasal verb in a effective way and also to enhance your English fluency fast:
- Look after: To take care of or watch over someone or something.
Example: She looks after her younger brother while their parents are at work.
- Log in: To access a computer system or website by entering a username and password.
Example: You can log in to your email account from any device.
- Lay off: To terminate or dismiss employees from a job.
Example: The company had to lay off several employees due to financial constraints.
- Live up to: To meet or fulfill expectations or standards.
Example: She always strives to live up to her parents’ expectations. - Lash out at: To react angrily or violently towards someone.
Example: He was stressed and lashed out at his colleagues.
Phrasal Verbs Starting with M
Here under A to Z Phrasal Verbs, after exploring and understanding Phrasal Verbs Starting with L, now it’s time to explore the Phrasal Verbs Starting with M with its meaning and example to understand the phrasal verb in a effective way and also to enhance your English fluency fast:
- Make up: To reconcile after a disagreement.
Example: They decided to make up and put their differences aside.
- Mark down: To reduce the price of a product.
Example: The store marked down the prices for the clearance sale.
- Mess up: To make a mistake or cause something to go wrong.
Example: He didn’t want to mess up the important presentation.
- Mix up: To confuse or mistake one thing for another.
Example: I always mix up the twins; they look identical.
- Move on: To progress or continue forward in life.
Example: It’s time to move on from the past and embrace the future.
Phrasal Verbs Starting with N
Here under A to Z Phrasal Verbs, after exploring and understanding Phrasal Verbs Starting with M, now it’s time to explore the Phrasal Verbs Starting with N with its meaning and example to understand the phrasal verb in a effective way and also to enhance your English fluency fast:
- Narrow down: To reduce the number of options or possibilities.
Example: Let’s narrow down our choices before making a decision.
- Nod off: To fall asleep unintentionally.
Example: He nodded off during the boring lecture.
- Note down: To write or make a brief record of something for future reference.
Example: Don’t forget to note down the important points from the meeting.
- Nail down: To specify or determine something with precision or certainty.
Example: We need to nail down the exact terms of the contract before signing.
- No-show: To not attend or appear for a scheduled event, appointment, or reservation without prior notice.
Example: The restaurant was fully booked, but there was a significant number of no-shows for their reservations.
Phrasal Verbs Starting with O
Here under A to Z Phrasal Verbs, after exploring and understanding Phrasal Verbs Starting with N, now it’s time to explore the Phrasal Verbs Starting with O with its meaning and example to understand the phrasal verb in a effective way and also to enhance your English fluency fast:
- Open up: To start sharing one’s thoughts or feelings.
Example: She finally opened up about her struggles.
- Opt for: To choose or select something among available options.
Example: I’ll opt for the vegetarian option, please.
- Own up to: To admit or confess to a mistake or wrongdoing.
Example: It’s essential to own up to your errors and learn from them.
- Opt out of: To choose not to participate or be involved in something.
Example: He decided to opt out of the team’s weekend trip.
- Own up to: To take responsibility for one’s actions.
Example: He decided to own up to the mistake and apologize.
Phrasal Verbs Starting with P
Here under A to Z Phrasal Verbs, after exploring and understanding Phrasal Verbs Starting with O, now it’s time to explore the Phrasal Verbs Starting with P with its meaning and example to understand the phrasal verb in a effective way and also to enhance your English fluency fast:
- Pick up: To learn or acquire a skill or habit.
Example: She quickly picked up the art of playing the piano.
- Pass away: To die.
Example: Her grandmother passed away peacefully in her sleep.
- Put off: To delay or postpone something.
Example: They had to put off the meeting until next week.
- Point out: To bring attention to or highlight something.
Example: He was quick to point out the error in the report. - Pull through: To recover from an illness or difficult situation.
Example: With proper treatment, he managed to pull through.
Phrasal Verbs Starting with Q
Here under A to Z Phrasal Verbs, after exploring and understanding Phrasal Verbs Starting with P, now it’s time to explore the Phrasal Verbs Starting with Q with its meaning and example to understand the phrasal verb in a effective way and also to enhance your English fluency fast:
- Quiet down: To become less noisy or disruptive.
Example: The children finally quieted down after their playtime.
- Queue up: To wait in line for something.
Example: People started to queue up outside the store before it opened.
- Quell the anger: To calm or suppress intense anger or agitation.
Example: He tried to quell his anger by taking deep breaths.
- Quench your thirst: To satisfy one’s thirst.
Example: On a hot day, there’s nothing like an ice-cold drink to quench your thirst.
- Quick to: To be prompt or speedy in doing something.
Example: She’s always quick to help those in need.
Also Read: What is Grammar? Why is it important?
Phrasal Verbs Starting with R
Here under A to Z Phrasal Verbs, after exploring and understanding Phrasal Verbs Starting with Q, now it’s time to explore the Phrasal Verbs Starting with R with its meaning and example to understand the phrasal verb in a effective way and also to enhance your English fluency fast:
- Run out of: To deplete the supply of something completely.
Example: We’ve run out of milk; we need to buy more.
- Rise above: To overcome challenges or difficulties.
Example: She managed to rise above adversity and achieve her goals.
- Ramp up: To increase or intensify efforts or production.
Example: The company decided to ramp up its marketing campaign.
- Round off: To finish or complete something in a satisfying way.
Example: The concert was a great way to round off the weekend.
- Rack up: To accumulate or gather something, often points or scores.
Example: He managed to rack up a high score in the game.
Phrasal Verbs Starting with S
Here under A to Z Phrasal Verbs, after exploring and understanding Phrasal Verbs Starting with R, now it’s time to explore the Phrasal Verbs Starting with S with its meaning and example to understand the phrasal verb in a effective way and also to enhance your English fluency fast:
- Set up: To establish or arrange something.
Example: They set up a charity to help the homeless.
- Show up: To appear or arrive at a place or event.
Example: Will he show up at the party tonight?
- Speak up: To express one’s opinion or thoughts assertively.
Example: Don’t be afraid to speak up in the meeting.
- Sort out: To organize or resolve a problem.
Example: They need to sort out their differences.
- Stay in: To remain at home or a specific location.
Example: I decided to stay in and watch a movie.
Phrasal Verbs Starting with T
Here under A to Z Phrasal Verbs, after exploring and understanding Phrasal Verbs Starting with S, now it’s time to explore the Phrasal Verbs Starting with T with its meaning and example to understand the phrasal verb in a effective way and also to enhance your English fluency fast:
- Take on: To accept or undertake a task or responsibility.
Example: She’s always ready to take on new challenges.
- Turn into: To change or transform into something else.
Example: The caterpillar will turn into a butterfly.
- Talk back: To respond disrespectfully or defiantly.
Example: The child shouldn’t talk back to their parents.
- Think over: To consider or reflect on something before making a decision.
Example: I’ll need some time to think over your proposal.
- Take up: To begin or start a new hobby or activity.
Example: She decided to take up painting as a hobby.
Phrasal Verbs Starting with U
Here under A to Z Phrasal Verbs, after exploring and understanding Phrasal Verbs Starting with T, now it’s time to explore the Phrasal Verbs Starting with U with its meaning and example to understand the phrasal verb in a effective way and also to enhance your English fluency fast:
- Use up: To consume or deplete a resource completely.
Example: They used up all the available materials for the project.
- Undertake to: To commit to doing something.
Example: He undertook to complete the task by the deadline.
- Upset about: To be emotionally disturbed or bothered by something.
Example: She was upset about the news of the accident.
- Understand why: To comprehend the reasons behind something.
Example: It’s essential to understand why certain decisions are made.
- Usher in: To introduce or bring in something new.
Example: The new policy will usher in significant changes.
Phrasal Verbs Starting with V
Here under A to Z Phrasal Verbs, after exploring and understanding Phrasal Verbs Starting with U, now it’s time to explore the Phrasal Verbs Starting with V with its meaning and example to understand the phrasal verb in a effective way and also to enhance your English fluency fast:
- Venture out: To go outside or explore new places.
Example: They decided to venture out into the wilderness.
- Vouch for: To confirm or guarantee the credibility of someone or something.
Example: I can vouch for his honesty; he’s a trustworthy person.
- Value highly: To place a high level of importance or worth on something.
Example: She values highly the time she spends with her family.
- Visualize as: To imagine or picture something as a particular concept.
Example: Try to visualize success as a key motivator.
- Vote against: To cast a vote in opposition to something.
Example: She chose to vote against the proposed legislation.
Phrasal Verbs Starting with W
Here under A to Z Phrasal Verbs, after exploring and understanding Phrasal Verbs Starting with V, now it’s time to explore the Phrasal Verbs Starting with W with its meaning and example to understand the phrasal verb in a effective way and also to enhance your English fluency fast:
- Wake up: To rouse from sleep or become aware of something.
Example: I need a cup of coffee to wake up in the morning.
- Warm up: To prepare or become ready for an activity.
Example: Athletes usually warm up before a workout.
- Wipe out: To eliminate or destroy completely.
Example: The virus wiped out entire populations in some regions.
- Work out: To engage in physical exercise or find a solution.
Example: She works out at the gym to stay fit.
- Write down: To make a written record of something.
Example: Don’t forget to write down the important details.
Also Read: 5 Effective Ways to Learn English
Phrasal Verbs Starting with X
Here under A to Z Phrasal Verbs, after exploring and understanding Phrasal Verbs Starting with W, now it’s time to explore the Phrasal Verbs Starting with X with its meaning and example to understand the phrasal verb in a effective way and also to enhance your English fluency fast:
- X-ray into: To examine closely or investigate thoroughly.
Example: The detective x-rayed into the case to find clues.
- Xerox copies: To make photocopies using a Xerox or similar copying machine.
Example: I need to Xerox copies of these documents for the meeting.
- X out: To mark or eliminate something with an “X” as a way of canceling or removing it.
Example: Please X out the items on the list that are no longer needed.
- X out of: To exit or remove oneself from a situation or activity.
Example: He decided to X out of the online meeting due to a poor internet connection.
- Xplode with: To burst or erupt with a particular emotion, often used to describe extreme excitement or anger.
Example: The crowd Xploded with joy when their team won the championship.
- Xamine into: To closely inspect or investigate a subject or issue.
Example: The investigators will examine into the cause of the accident.
Phrasal Verbs Starting with Y
Here under A to Z Phrasal Verbs, after exploring and understanding Phrasal Verbs Starting with X, now it’s time to explore the Phrasal Verbs Starting with Y with its meaning and example to understand the phrasal verb in a effective way and also to enhance your English fluency fast:
- Yield to: To give in or surrender to someone or something, often in a conflict or argument.
Example: After a lengthy negotiation, the company had to yield to the demands of the striking workers.
- Yank up: To pull something upwards with a sudden, forceful motion.
Example: He yanked up the window shade to let in more light.
- Yearn for: To have a strong and deep desire or longing for something.
Example: She yearned for the peacefulness of the countryside after living in a bustling city for years.
- Yell out: To shout or cry out loudly in a sudden or intense manner.
Example: He yelled out in excitement when his favorite team scored a goal.
- Yield up: To give up or surrender something, often unwillingly or after a struggle.
Example: The detective questioned the suspect until he finally yielded up the information about the stolen jewelry.
Phrasal Verbs Starting with Z
Here under A to Z Phrasal Verbs, after exploring and understanding Phrasal Verbs Starting with Y, now it’s time to explore the Phrasal Verbs Starting with Z with its meaning and example to understand the phrasal verb in a effective way and also to enhance your English fluency fast:
- Zoom in: To focus or magnify an image or view by bringing it closer, often referring to digital images or camera functionality.
Example: You can zoom in on the map to get a closer look at the street names.
- Zone in on: To concentrate or direct your attention with precision on a particular subject or goal.
Example: To improve productivity, it’s essential to zone in on your most important tasks for the day.
- Zone out: To mentally disengage or become oblivious to one’s surroundings.
Example: She tends to zone out during long meetings.
- Zap away: To eliminate or remove something quickly.
Example: The software can zap away viruses from your computer. - Zip up: To fasten or close a zipper, typically on clothing, by pulling it up.
Example: She realized she forgot to zip up her jacket on the chilly winter morning.
Conclusion – A to Z Phrasal Verbs
Now that you’ve gained insights into these top 100 commonly used A to Z phrasal verbs, it’s time to put your knowledge into practice. Understanding these phrasal verbs and their meanings will undoubtedly enhance your English language skills, making you a more effective communicator.
Remember, language learning is a journey, and every step you take brings you closer to proficiency. So, don’t hesitate to dive into English conversations and writings to enhance your understanding and usage of these versatile phrasal verbs. Know More – The Fluent Life
FAQs – A to Z Phrasal Verbs
1. What are phrasal verbs?
A. Phrasal verbs are multi-word verbs formed by combining a verb with one or more particles (prepositions or adverbs). They often have unique meanings that may not be obvious from the individual words.
2. Why are phrasal verbs important to learn?
A. Phrasal verbs are a crucial part of everyday English communication. Learning them helps you understand and use the language more effectively, especially in informal settings.
3. How can I remember phrasal verbs?
A. Practice is key. Try using phrasal verbs in sentences, and expose yourself to English materials like books, movies, and conversations to see them in context.
4. Are phrasal verbs used in formal writing?
A. While formal writing tends to use more precise language, phrasal verbs are acceptable in some contexts. It’s essential to understand when and how to use them appropriately.
5. Can I create my own phrasal verbs?
A. English is a flexible language, and you can often create new phrasal verbs to express specific ideas or actions. However, it’s essential to ensure they are clear and contextually appropriate.
