And How to Master Them!

If you’ve been learning English for a while, you’ve probably noticed something tricky: phrasal verbs! These are verbs combined with prepositions or adverbs that change their meaning completely. They can be confusing, but don’t worry—we’ll help you understand them!

What Are Phrasal Verbs?

A phrasal verb = verb + preposition/adverb = a new meaning!

For example:

• Look up ≠ «mirar arriba» → It means buscar información.
• Give up ≠ «dar arriba» → It means rendirse o dejar de hacer algo.

Common Phrasal Verbs You NEED to Know

1. Give up (Rendirse, dejar de hacer algo)

✔ I tried learning the guitar, but I gave up.
(Intenté aprender guitarra, pero me rendí.)

2. Look after (Cuidar de alguien o algo)

✔ Can you look after my dog while I’m on holiday?
(¿Puedes cuidar de mi perro mientras estoy de vacaciones?)

3. Run out of (Quedarse sin algo)

✔ We ran out of milk. Can you buy some?
(Nos quedamos sin leche. ¿Puedes comprar?)

4. Pick up (Recoger o aprender algo nuevo)

✔ I’ll pick you up from the airport at 8.
(Te recogeré del aeropuerto a las 8.)

✔ She picked up English very quickly.
(Ella aprendió inglés muy rápido.)

5. Turn on / Turn off (Encender / Apagar)

✔ Can you turn on the light?
(¿Puedes encender la luz?)

✔ Don’t forget to turn off the TV before you leave.
(No olvides apagar la tele antes de irte.)

6. Put off (Posponer)

✔ We had to put off the meeting until next week.
(Tuvimos que posponer la reunión hasta la próxima semana.)

7. Get along with (Llevarse bien con alguien)

✔ I get along with my colleagues.
(Me llevo bien con mis compañeros de trabajo.)

Why Does English Have So Many Phrasal Verbs?

Unlike Spanish, where verbs can be very formal and structured, English uses short, simple words combined to create new meanings. Native speakers prefer phrasal verbs because they sound more natural!

For example:

• «Raise a topic» (formal) → «Bring up a topic» (natural!)
• «Extinguish the fire» (formal) → «Put out the fire» (common!)

How to Learn Phrasal Verbs Easily?

✔ Learn them in context, not alone! (Use full sentences.)
✔ Watch series, listen to music, and read in English.
✔ Practice using them in conversations!

Do you know any other phrasal verbs?

Written by Aimee Wilkinson, Principal at The Harrogate International Academy