English Phrasal Verbs - Explanation and Exercises
Phrasal verbs grouped by base verb (get, take, put, go, and more), explained and practiced: free interactive exercises with instant answer checking, from intermediate (B1) to advanced (C1).
Quick Grammar Review: Phrasal Verbs in English
What is a phrasal verb?
A phrasal verb is a combination of a verb and one or more particles (prepositions or adverbs) that together produce a meaning that is often very different from the individual words. Phrasal verbs are extremely common in everyday spoken English and informal writing.
She gave up smoking. (= she stopped, not "gave something upward")
The meeting was called off. (= cancelled, not "called from a high place")
Separable vs. inseparable phrasal verbs
Separable phrasal verbs allow, and sometimes require, the object to be placed between the verb and the particle.
| Type | Rule | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Separable (noun object) | Object can go before or after the particle | Turn off the TV. / Turn the TV off. |
| Separable (pronoun object) | Pronoun MUST go between verb and particle | Turn it off. ✗ Turn off it. |
| Inseparable | Object always follows the particle, never separated | She looked after the children. ✗ She looked the children after. |
| Three-part (always inseparable) | Verb + two particles, never separated | I can't put up with this noise. |
Transitive vs. intransitive phrasal verbs
Transitive phrasal verbs take a direct object: She picked up her keys.
Intransitive phrasal verbs do not take an object: The engine broke down.
Some phrasal verbs can be both depending on context: She gave up smoking. (transitive) / Don't give up! (intransitive)
Common phrasal verbs with GET
| Phrasal verb | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| get up | rise from bed; stand up | I get up at 7am every day. |
| get on with | have a good relationship with | She gets on well with her colleagues. |
| get over | recover from | He finally got over his cold. |
| get away with | escape punishment for | He got away with cheating on the test. |
| get across | communicate successfully | Did I get my point across? |
Common phrasal verbs with TAKE
| Phrasal verb | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| take off | remove (clothing); (plane) leave the ground; become successful | The plane took off on time. |
| take over | gain control of | She took over the business. |
| take up | begin a hobby; occupy space or time | He took up cycling last year. |
| take after | resemble a family member | She takes after her mother. |
| take back | retract a statement; return an item | I take back what I said. |
Common mistakes to avoid
- Separating inseparable phrasal verbs: ✗ She looked the baby after. → ✓ She looked after the baby.
- Not separating when a pronoun is the object: ✗ Turn off it. → ✓ Turn it off.
- Guessing meaning from the individual words: Give up does not mean to give something upward. Always learn phrasal verbs as whole units with their meanings.
- Using formal verbs where phrasal verbs are expected: In informal spoken English, phrasal verbs are strongly preferred: put off over postpone, find out over discover, go on over continue.
All Phrasal Verbs Exercises
(B) = Beginner (A1/A2) | (I) = Intermediate (B1/B2) | (A) = Advanced (C1/C2)
Phrasal Verbs by Base Verb
These exercises group phrasal verbs by their main verb, making it easier to learn and remember related meanings together. Working through these verb-by-verb is one of the most effective ways to build your phrasal verb vocabulary.
- Phrasal verbs with GET 1 I/A
- Phrasal verbs with GET 2 I/A
- Phrasal verbs with TAKE I/A
- Phrasal verbs with PUT I/A
- Phrasal verbs with GO I/A
- Phrasal verbs with MAKE I/A
- Phrasal verbs with RUN I/A
- Phrasal verbs with TURN I/A
- Phrasal verbs with BREAK I/A
- Phrasal verbs with CALL I/A
- Phrasal verbs with COME I/A
- Phrasal verbs with STAND I/A
- Phrasal verbs with PULL I/A
- Phrasal verbs with CATCH I/A
- Phrasal verbs with GIVE I/A
- Phrasal verbs with HOLD I/A
- Phrasal verbs with KEEP I/A
- Phrasal verbs with LET I/A
- Phrasal verbs with LOOK I/A
- Phrasal verbs with PLAY I/A
- Phrasal verbs with SIT I/A
- Phrasal verbs with THROW I/A
Mixed & Structural Practice
Once you're comfortable with individual base verbs, these exercises mix phrasal verbs together and test the structural patterns that make them tricky: separable vs. inseparable, transitive vs. intransitive.
