PHRASAL VERBS

PHRASAL VERBS

1. A phrasal verb is a verb plus a preposition which creates a meaning different from the original verb.
EXAMPLE:
I ran into my teacher at the movies last night.
NOTE:
You didn’t physically run into your teacher, but you met your teacher unexpectedly. ________________________________________
2. A phrasal verb can be transitive or intransitive.
A transitive verb is followed by an object.
EXAMPLE:
I made up the story.
An intransitive verb is not followed by an object.
EXAMPLE:
He suddenly showed up.
________________________________________
3. Transitive phrasal verbs can be separable or non-separable.
Separable verbs take the object between the verb and the preposition:
EXAMPLE:
I talked into my mother letting me borrow the car. Not Correct
I talked my mother into letting me borrow the car. Correct
Note: “talk into” is separable

Non-separable verbs take the object after the preposition:
EXAMPLE:
I ran my sister into. Not Correct
I ran into my sister. Correct
Note: “run into” is non-separable

Some phrasal verbs can take a preposition in both places.
EXAMPLE:
I made an excuse up. Correct
I made up an excuse. Correct
Note: “make up” is both separable and non-separable ________________________________________
4. In this phrasal verb dictionary, the following symbols will be used with transitive phrasal verbs to indicate whether they are separable, non-separable or take prepositions in both places:
+ non-separable
EXAMPLE: run into +
* separable
EXAMPLE: talk * into
* + Indicates that an object can be placed in both positions
EXAMPLE: made * up +

A
act up- behave or function improperly-I think I need to take my car to the mechanic because it’s acting up again.
add * up + calculate a sum I added up the receipts and it totaled $135.46.
add up to + equal an amount-The total expenses added up to $325.00.
add up- make sense- Her story doesn’t add up. I think she is lying.
ask * out + invite on a date- I can’t believe that Joe finally asked me out on a date!
ask * over + invite to one’s home- Why don’t we ask the Johnsons over for dinner?

B

back down-stop defending your opinion in a debate-Jane never backs down. She always wins arguments.
back out-not keep (a promise, agreement,deal)-Sam backed out at the last second.
back out of +-not keep (a promise, agreement, deal)-Sam backed out of the agreement at the last second.
back * up +-give support-You need examples to back up your opinion.
back up-move backwards, reverse-Could you back up a little so I can open this drawer.
bawl * out -criticize, reprimand (inf.)-She bawled him out for arriving late.
bear down on +-bite-The soldier had to bear down on the leather strap while the doctor removed a bullet from the soldier’s arm.
bear down on +-take strong measures against-The U.S.A. is bearing down on drug traffickers.
bear on +-have to do with-This information may bear on this case.
bear up-withstand-I didn’t think he would bear up so well in that situation.
bear up under +-withstand-How did he bear up under such extreme pressure.
bear with +-be patient-Please bear with me while I fill out the paperwork.
blow in-visit unexpectedly (inf.)-My cousin blew in unexpectedly with his entire family.
blow over-pass without creating a problem-All this negative publicity will blow over in a couple of weeks.
blow * up +-make explode;destroy using explosives-The terrorists blew the bridge up.
blow up-explode-The bomb blew up before they could defuse it.
blow up-suddenly become very angry-When Joan heard the news, she blew up and rushed out of the room.
break * down +-analyze in detail-We need to break this problem down in order to solve.
break down-stop working properly-The truck broke down in the desert.
break down-become mentally ill-She broke down after her husband died.
break * in +-wear or use something new until it is comfortable-I need to break these shoes in before I go hiking.
break in-interrupt-While we were discussing the situation, Terri broke in to give her opinion.
break in-enter a place unlawfully-The burglar broke in between midnight and 3 AM.
break in on +-interrupt (a conversation)-Jane broke in on the conversation and told us to get back to work.
break into +-enter a house unlawfully-The burglar broke into the house between midnight and 3 AM.
break into +-interrupt (a conversation)-Jane broke into the conversation and told us what she knew.
break * off +-end something-Sally broke her engagement to John off.
break out-appear violently-Violent protests broke out in response to the military coup.
break out +-use something extravagant for celebration-He broke out the champagne to celebrate his promotion.
break out of +-escape-The murderer broke out of the prison.
break * up +-break into pieces-I broke the cracker up into pieces and put it in the soup.
break * up +-disperse (a crowd), stop (a fight)-The police broke the demonstration up before it got out of control.
break up-end a relationship-Sam and Diane broke up again. What a rocky relationship.
bring * about +-cause to happen-Democracy brought about great change in the lives of the people.
bring * along +-bring with-When we go to the forest, bring your wildlife guide along.
bring * around-change someone’s mind, convince someone-She doesn’t want to go, but we’ll eventually bring her around.
bring * away-learn or gain (from an experience)-My trip across the Sahara was difficult, but I brought a new appreciation for life away from the experience.
bring * off +-succeed at something difficult or unexpected-You robbed the bank! I can’t believe you brought that off.
bring * on +-cause something-I can’t believe she got so angry. What brought that on?
bring * out +-highlight, stress-Your new shirt brings out the color of your eyes.
bring * over +-bring to someone’s house-When you visit me, why don’t you bring over your son.
bring * to-revive consciousness-We used smelling salts to bring her to after she fainted.
bring * up +-mention-I didn’t want to bring up the fact that she was unemployed.
bring * up +-raise ( a child)-Sam was brought up in South Carolina.
brush * off +-ignore something or someone (inf.)-Mary brushed her ex-boyfriend off at the party.
burn * down +-destroy by setting fire to-The children burned the house down while playing with matches.
burn down-burn until completely gone (building)-Two buildings burnt down in the fire.
burn up-be hot-I am burning up in here – open the window.
burn up -consume by fire-The papers were burned up in the fire.
burn * up +-destroy by fire-He burnt up the files.
buy * out +-buy the shares of a company or the shares the other person owns of a business-Pacific Inc. was bought out by a company from Oregon.
buy * up +-purchase the entire supply of something-We bought up all the beer in the store.

C

call for +-require (as in a recipe)-This recipe calls for milk, not water.
call * off +-cancel something-They called the picnic off because of the rain.
call * off +-order to stop (an invasion, guard dogs)-He called off the dogs when he saw it was his neighbor.
call on +-visit-Mark called on Naomi while he was in town.
call on +-invite someone to speak in a meeting or a classroom-Professor Tanzer called on Tim to answer the question.
call * up +-telephone-I called Sam up to see if he wanted to go to the movies.
calm * down +-make someone relax-You can calm the baby down by rocking her gently.
care for +-nurse someone or something-He cared for the bird until its wing healed.
care for +-like someone or something-I don’t care for sour cream on my potato.
carry on +-continue (a conversation, a game)-Please, carry on. I didn’t mean to interrupt you.
carry on about +-continue in an annoying way -He kept carrying on about how much money he makes.
carry on with +-continue-I want you to carry on with the project while I am out of town.
carry * out +-complete and/or accomplish something-The secret agent carried out his orders exactly as planned.
carry * over +-continue on a subsequent day, page, etc.-The meeting carried over into lunch time.
catch on-slowly start to understand (inf.)-He caught on after a few minutes.
catch up-make up for lost time-I will never catch up. I am too behind in my work.
catch up with +-speed up to be at the same place as a person or thing in front of you-I had to run to catch up with the others.
catch up on +-become up-to-date-I need to catch up on world events. I haven’t seen the news in ages.
check back-return to see if everything is OK-We will check back tomorrow to make sure the project is finished.
check by +-go to a place to see if everything is OK-We need to check by the office to see if the documents are ready.
check for +-try to find-They checked for termites before they bought the house.
check in-enter a hospital, hotel etc.-They need to check in before noon.
check into +-enter a hospital, hotel etc.-They checked into the hotel at 11:00 AM.
check into +-investigate, look for (often through a service)-We are checking into discount flights to London.
check * off +-make a mark next to (an item on a list)-Check each name off the list.
check on +-make sure something is OK-Let’s check on the baby again before we go to sleep.
check * out +-investigate, take a look at-He checked out the new restaurant down the street.
check out-leave a hotel, hospital-It’s already eleven. We need to check out.
check out of +-leave a hotel, hospital-We checked out of the hotel before ten.
check * over +-closely examine the condition of something-He checked over the old car to see if it was worth buying.
check up on +-investigate someone or something-The police are checking up on the bomb threats.
check * through-send luggage through (to a destination)-Your luggage will be checked through to Paris.
check with +-ask a person for confirmation-He needs to check with his parents before he goes.
cheer * up-make someone feel cheerful-The party really cheered me up.
cheer up-become cheerful-Cheer up. Everything will be all right.
chew * up +-chew into small pieces-The dog chewed up my shoe.
chop * down +-fell/cut ( a tree)-The lumberjack chopped the tree down.
chop * up +-chop/cut into small bits-He chopped the meat up into little pieces.
clean * up +-tidy-Susan cleaned the mess up before she left.
clear out-leave ( inf.)-Everybody clear out! We’re closed.
clear * up +-tidy-Susan cleared up the mess before she left.
close * down +-close a place permanently-The corner market closed down because they didn’t have many customers.
close down-close permanently-The bar was closed down because they served alcohol to minors.
close in on +-approach and threaten-The rebels were closing in on the capital, so the government called in the army.
close * up +-close temporarily-They are closing the ski resort up for the summer.
close up-close temporarily-The ski resort is closing up for the summer.
come about-occur / happen-How did you idea for the book come about.
come across +-discover by accident-They came across some lost Mayan ruins in the jungle.
come across +-initially seem or have the appearance-He comes across as rather rude, but he isn’t.
come along-accompany someone-If you want, you can come along.
come along with +-accompany-Sam came along with us to the beach.
come along-progress-How’s the research paper coming along.
come along with +-progress-How are you coming along with the research paper.
come away-leave a place with a particular feeling or impression-I came away from the meeting feeling like the presentation was a success.
come back-return-What time are you coming back?
come by + -get, receive-How did you come by that new Mercedes?
come by-visit a person at their house-I’ll come by later this afternoon.
come down with +-become sick with-He came down with the flu.
come into +-inherit-He came into a large sum of money when his aunt died.
come off +-fall off, break off-The handle came off the suitcase when I picked it up.
come out-appear-I didn’t see the car at first. It came out of nowhere.
come out-reveal you are homosexual-Sam finally came out last month.
come out-turn out, end up-The pictures came out great.
come out with +-produce and distribute a product-Microsoft is coming out with a new video game system next month.
come over-visit someone at their house-Why don’t you come over after work for dinner.
come to-regain consciousness-Don’t worry! She faints all the time. She always comes to after a few minutes.
come through-do what is needed or expected-Terry really came through for us in the end.
come up to +-approach; to equal-The job offer didn’t come up to her expectations.
come up with +-produce or create (an idea, a plan)-She came up with a great proposal for the new advertising campaign.
come with +-include (an accessory)-The computer system doesn’t come with a printer.
count * in +-include-Did you count expenses in?
count on +-depend/rely on-You can really count on Sarah.
count * out +-exclude-You can count James out. He hates playing poker.
count * up +-add-Count the change up and see how much we have.
cross * out +-draw a line through something, eliminate-Why did you cross my name out on the list?
cut down-decrease the amount of-You eat too much fat. You need to cut down.
cut down on +-decrease the amount of-You need to cut down on your fat intake.
cut in-interrupt-She suddenly cut in and delivered the news
cut in on +-interrupt-She cut in on the conversation and delivered the news.
cut * off-interrupt someone while they were speaking-She cut him off before he said something he would regret later.
cut * off +-sever ( with a knife)-His finger was accidentally cut off in an industrial accident.
cut * out +-remove-He cut the bone out of the steak.
cut * out-stop an action-Cut it out! You’re bothering me.
cut * up +-cut into small pieces-He cut the beef up and put the pieces in the soup.

D

die away-diminish in intensity-The applause died away after 5 minutes.
die down-diminish in intensity-The controversy about the president’s affair finally died down.
die off/out-become extinct-Whales are in danger of dying off.
disagree with +-cause to feel sick due to food or drink-Spicy food disagrees with me.
do away with +-abolish-Some Americans want to do away with the death penalty.
do * over +-repeat-You made many mistakes, so I want you to do the report over.
do without +-manage without something one wants or needs-I couldn’t do without a car in California.
draw * up +-create ( a contract)-Let’s draw an agreement up before we go any further with this project.
dress * down-reprimand severely-The mother dressed her son down for skipping school.
dress down-dress casually-I am dressing down because we’re going to a barbecue by the beach.
dress * up +-decorate-You could dress this house up with some bright colors
dress up-wear elegant clothes-She always dresses up at work.
drive * back +-repulse-The invaders were driven back by the army.
drop in-visit someone unexpectedly-Meg dropped in yesterday after dinner.
drop in on +-visit someone unexpectedly-Let’s drop in on Julie since we’re driving by her house.
drop out-quit an organized activity-Yuri isn’t on the team any more. He dropped out.
drop out of +-quit an organized activity (school)-It’s difficult to get a good job if you drop out of high school.
drop over-visit someone casually-Drop over any time you feel like talking.

E

eat away-gradually destroy, erode-The heavy rains ate away at the sandstone cliffs.
eat * up +-devour-Ken ate the cookies up.
eat in-eat inside the home-We usually eat in instead of going out for dinner.
eat out-eat outside the home-They eat out once a week.

F

face up to +-acknowledge something difficult or embarrassing-I’ll never be able to face up to my colleagues after getting so drunk last night at the work party.
fall back on +-be able to use in case of emergency-Yuki can fall back on her degree in biology if she doesn’t succeed in her acting career.
fall behind-go slower than scheduled, lag-Hurry up or you will fall behind!
fall behind in +-go slower than scheduled, lag-Cheryl has missed several days of school and now she is falling behind in her homework.
fall off-decrease-Interest in the project fell off when they realized it wouldn’t be profitable.
fall out with +-have an argument with-I had a falling out with my sister last month and we haven’t talked to each other since.
fall through-fail to happen-Unfortunately, my trip to Indonesia fell through because I couldn’t save enough money.
feel * up +-grope-She sued her boss for sexual harassment after he felt her up.
feel up to +-have the energy to do something-I don’t feel up to going out tonight because I had a long day at work.
figure on +-expect-Where do you figure on living when you move to the the U.S.A.?
figure * out +-solve something, understand-I finally figured the joke out. Now I understand why everybody was laughing.
figure * up +-calculate-I need to figure my expenses up before I give you an estimate.
fill * in +-complete -Don’t forget to fill in all the blanks on the application.
fill in-substitute-Who is going to fill in while you’re gone?
fill in for +-substitute for-Miguel filled in for me at the meeting yesterday because I was sick.
fill * out +-complete (an application)-I filled out an application to rent the apartment last week.
fill out-mature, get breasts-Now that you’re filling out honey, we need to get you a bra.
fill * up +-fill to the top-Fill the car up with unleaded gas, please.
find out +-discover-You will never find out all my secrets!
find out-discover-Vicky’s parents are going to be so mad when they find out she got a tattoo.
fix * up +-repair, renovate, remodel-My neighbors are fixing their house up.

G

get * across +-cause to be understood-It’s difficult to get humor across in another language.
get ahead-make progress-I can’t get ahead even though I work two jobs.
get ahead of +-surpass-You need to work overtime in order to get ahead of schedule.
get along-have a good relationship-Do you and your sister get along?
get along with +-have a good relationship-Giovanna doesn’t get along with her two brothers.
get around +-avoid someone or something-Some people get around paying taxes by hiring a good accountant.
get around-go many places-It’s easy to get around town with public transportation.
get away-escape-The bank robbers got away.
get away with +-do something against the rules or illegal and not get caught or punished-My sister gets away with everything!
get by-survive without having the things you need or want-I lost my job, so I am having a hard time getting by this year.
get by on +-survive with minimal resources-It’s nearly impossible to get by on making minimum wage.
get by with +-manage with-You don’t need a computer. You can get by with the typewriter.
get down to +-get serious about a topic-Enough small talk. Let’s get down to business.
get in +-enter ( a car, a small boat)-Get in the front seat. You will have more leg room.
get in-enter-Get in. I will give you a ride to school
get * off +-send (a package)-I finally got my sister’s birthday present off yesterday.
get * off- remove ( a spider from your shirt)-Can you get this spider off my shirt?
get off +-leave (a bus, plane, train, boat)-We need to get off the bus at the next stop.
get off-leave-It’s dangerous to sit on the roof. Get off!
get off-idiomatic phrase – How does he justify saying that?!-Where does he get off saying that?!
get * on-put on (clothes)-You should get your jacket on because it’s going to be cold.
get on-enter (a bus, train), mount (a horse, a bike)-The train is leaving. Quick, get on!
get on +-enter (a bus, train), mount ( a horse, a bike)-Get on my bike and I will give you a ride home.
get on-have a good relationship-Natasha doesn’t get on with her co-workers.
get on with +-have a good relationship-Do you get on with your neighbors?
get on with +-continue an activity-Now that the police have left, let’s get on with the party!
get out of +-exit (a small boat, car, an enclosed area)-I fell into the water when I tried to get out of the canoe.
get over +-recover (a cold, a disease, an ex-boyfriend/ex-girlfriend) -Jennifer still hasn’t gotten over her breakup with Peter.
get through +-complete-We will never get through all of these boxes by 9:00 PM.
get through +-penetrate-We need a stronger drill to get through this wall.
get through-penetrate-The door was jammed, so we couldn’t get through.
get through (with) +-finish-Have you gotten through with your homework yet?
get through to +-make contact-It’s hard to get through to Janet because her telephone line is always busy.
get * up-cause someone to rise (from a sitting position or a lying position)-Ahmed got Abdul up at 5:30 in the morning by turning the music up really loud.
get up-rise (from sitting position or a bed)-What time did you get up this morning?
give * away +-give something without asking for anything in exchange-Why did Nancy give all of her furniture away?
give * away +-betray (a secret)-We are having a surprise party for Susan next Saturday, so don’t give our surprise away by acting suspicious.
give * back +-return something you borrowed-When are you going to give that book back to your teacher?
give in-stop trying-Never give in! You can do it!
give off +-release (a smell, light)-That white flower gives off a beautiful smell.
give * out +-distribute-I earn extra money by giving out brochures on the street.
give out-become very tired (inf.)-I hope this car doesn’t give out in the middle of the desert.
give * up +-surrender something-The police told the thief to give his gun up.
give up-surrender-Never give up learning English!
go away-leave-I yelled at the dogs to make them go away.
go back-return-When are you going back to your house?
go by +-go past, go close to, visit quickly-We go by the coffee shop everyday.
go back on +-not keep (one’s word, a promise)-Don’t trust him. He always goes back on his promises.
go down-decrease-The cost of flight tickets is going down.
go for +-try to achieve-Our team is going for the gold medal in the Olympics.
go for-idiomatic phrase – I am craving pepperoni pizza.-I could go for pepperoni pizza.
go in for +-participate ( inf.)-Are you going to go in for soccer this year at school?
go into +-discuss in detail-I really don’t want to go into that now.
go off-explode-The bomb could go off at any moment.
go off-begin, start (used with signals, alarms, warning sounds)-The alarm clock went off at 6:00 AM.
go off-stop (said of a machine)-The DVD player goes off automatically if you are not using it.
go off-become angry-Maria went off last night after I told her about losing her bike.
go on-continue-Please, go on. Don’t let me interrupt you.
go on-happen-This place is a mess! What went on here last night?
go on with +-continue ( a plan, a conversation)-I think we should go on with the meeting and stop wasting time.
go out-stop burning ( a fire)-The fire went out after three days.
go out-take part in social activities (usually at night)-They love to go out every Saturday night.
go over +-review-Do you usually go over your notes before class?
go over-be well received, succeed-That didn’t go over well.
go through +-examine in detail, study carefully-I need to have my lawyer go through this contract before I sign it.
go through +-endure; experience challenges, difficulties or traumas-She has gone through so much in her life.
go through with +-continue or proceed despite difficulties or fears-I have decided to go through with the operation.
go with +-match (clothing)-That shirt doesn’t go with those pants.
go with +-accompany a person-I am going with Alejandro to the party.
go with +-have a boyfriend/girlfriend-I am going with Yuri.
go without +-abstain from something you want or need-A person can go without water for three days.
grow under-go out of business-The restaurant went under after it lost its liquor license.
grow up-mature-Your brother needs to grow up and start thinking about his future.

H

hand * back +-return-Is the teacher going to hand back our tests today?
hand * down +-pronounce formally-The president is going to hand his decision down on health care tonight.
hand * down + -give as an inheritance-When my clothes got too small for me as a child, I handed them down to my sister.
hand * in +-submit-I have to hand in an offer by March 12.
hand * out +-distribute-We should hand the concert fliers out at school.
hand * over +-relinquish control of-Hand your car keys over. You’re too drunk to drive.
hang around +-stay in a place for fun ( inf.)-Maria and Salvador usually hang around the beach after school.
hang around-stay in a place for fun-Those guys just hang around all day.
hang * up +-suspend (clothes on a hanger)-You can hang your jacket up in the front closet.
hang up -put down the telephone receiver-Don’t hang up. I’m going to change phones.
hang out +-stay in a place for fun (inf.)-Let’s go hang out at the mall tonight.
hang out-stay in a place for fun-What are you doing? – - I’m just hanging out.
have * on +-wear-Do you have your hiking boots on?
have * over-invite guests to your home-Why don’t we have Mr. and Mrs. Jones over for dinner tonight.
hear from +-receive news from (a letter, an e-mail)-Have you heard from Steve lately?
hear of +-know about something or somebody-Have you heard of chocolate covered ants?
hit on +-find on accident-I hit on the idea while watching the Simpsons show.
hit on +-flirt with-Jay’s friend Marc was trying to hit on my sister last night.
hold * back +-restrain-The police held the demonstrators back while the politicians entered the building.
hold back-not allow to advance in school-The teacher held Frank back a year, so he couldn’t enter fifth grade.
hold * off +-restrain-Mr. Johnson held the dog off while we crossed the yard.
hold off on +-delay-We should hold off on making dinner until your parents arrive.
hold on-grasp tightly -Hold on tight! The roller coaster is about to take off.
hold on-tell someone to wait on the telephone-Hold on a minute. I’ll get Carol.
hold on to +-grasp tightly-Make sure you hold on to the hand rail as you walk down the stairs.
hold out-not give in, continue to resist-Stop holding out and tell us where you found all of these old records.
hold out against +-not give in, resist-They held out against enemy attack.
hold * up +-delay (a flight, traffic);-The accident held traffic up for an hour.
hold * up +- rob (a bank, a person) with a weapon-Five men held the bank up yesterday.

I

iron * out-eliminate-We need to have a meeting this week in order to iron out the distribution problems.

J

jack up +-to raise-We need to jack up the car before we change the tire.
joke around-to be humorous-Mike is always joking around at work.
jump in -enter a conversation-Feel free to jump in at any moment while we are talking.
jump to +-make a quick, poorly thought out decision-You shouldn’t jump to conclusions.

K

keep * around-have handy, have accessible-I always keep a dictionary around to translate new words.
keep at +-not give up (an activity), to persevere-You should keep at your studies.
keep * away-prevent access to, hold back-Keep the kids away from the cookies.
keep * back-maintain a safe distance, cause to maintain a safe distance-Keep back! The burning building is about to collapse.
keep * down-not vomit, not throw up, keep in one’s stomach-If I ate that, I down know if I could keep it down.
keep * in-keep in a particular place, have something in a specific location-When I am not using it, I keep my passport in this drawer.
keep * off-prevent from stepping or climbing on to something-Keep the cat off the couch.
keep on-continue-He kept on talking after everybody asked him to stop.
keep * out-prevent from entering-Keep the dog out of the garden; he keeps digging up the flowers.
keep * over-cover something with, put something above-I keep a tarp over my bicycle at night to prevent it from getting wet.
keep to +-continue, persist in (an activity)-Everybody said she would never finish the puzzle, but she kept to it until it was done.
keep up-stay on the required schedule-You have to keep up if you want to work here.
keep * up +-continue -You are doing a great job! Keep it up.
keep up with +-stay on schedule with (a person, the workload, homework)-I have so much reading that I can’t keep up with the writing exercises.

L

lay away +-save for the future-Why don’t you lay away your wedding outfit?
lay down +-establish (laws, rules)-Lori lays down the law in her class. English only!
lay in on +-scold or criticize severely-My mom really laid in on me when I got home at 4:00 in the morning last night.
lay into +-scold or criticize severely-I saw Reto’s mom lay into him when he came home late last night.
lay * off +-suspend someone from a job (during a slow period)-The company was losing money, so they had to lay off 100 workers.
lay * out +-arrange-Why don’t we lay the pieces of the table out before we put it together.
leave * out +-not include, omit-Why did your parents leave you out of their vacation plans?
let * down-disappoint-I felt let down when I didn’t receive a birthday card from my sister.
let * down-lengthen (pants in sewing)-My uncle is a tailor, so he can let your pants down.
let * out-release -I am happy my brother was let out of prison early.
let * out-make bigger (in sewing)-I need to let out this skirt because I have gained weight.
let up-weaken in intensity-I told her NO a thousand times, but she won’t let up.
lie down-rest, recline -I need to lie down before we go out tonight.
lie down on +-rest, recline ( on a couch, bed)-I’m going to lie down on the sofa for a while.
lie with +-be decided by-Whether or not you can go to the party lies with your father.
light * up +-illuminate-Let’s get some candles to light this room up.
light up +-to smoke-Do you have to light up another cigarette? I thought you were trying to cut down.
live * down +-live in a way that a shameful or embarrassing event is forgotten-Jose will never live down singing that song at the karaoke bar.
live on +-survive from-I could live on bread and cheese.
live up to +-keep a standard -It would be hard to live up to her parent’s expectations. They are so demanding.
look after +-take care of (a child, a house, a pet)-When my sister goes on vacation, I look after her dog.
look back on +-to remember nostalgically-When I look back on my childhood, I often feel angry.
look down on +-see as inferior-She’s so conceited. She looks down on everybody else.
look for +-to seek or search for-I’m looking for my keys. Have you seen them?
look forward to +-anticipate with pleasure-I am looking forward to traveling to New York next year.
look into +-investigate-The police are looking into the murder.
look on-observe as a spectator-Everybody just looked on as the two men fought.
look out-be careful, pay attention, heed a certain danger-Look out, there’s a black widow spider on the wall.
look * over +-examine, review-When I’m camping, I look my shoes over before I put them on.
look * up +-search for (in a dictionary) -I takes time to look up new vocabulary words.
look * up +-locate and visit-If you ever travel to California, you should look me up.
look up to +-respect, admire someone-He looks up to his father.

M

make * out-decipher-I can’t make out your handwriting. What does this say?
make * out +-write a check or other document-Who should I make this check out to?
make out-succeed-He really made out in the stock market last year.
make out-progress-How is your son making out in his new job?
make out-kiss passionately-I saw Benno and Isabelle making out in the movie theater last night!
make out with + -kiss someone passionately-Did you make out with Sally?
make * over-do again-The teacher made me do my homework over.
make * up +-invent ( a story)-Don’t believe anything she says. She always makes things up.
make * up +-complete what was missed-Fortunately, my professor let me make up the exam I missed yesterday.
make * up +-put on cosmetics-I takes me 10 minutes to make my face up.
make up-reconcile-You two have been friends for so long that I think you should make up.
make up for +-compensate for-Allen made up for being late by getting me flowers.
mix * up +-confuse-I sometimes mix the verb tenses up.
mix * up +-blend-We need to mix up these different kinds of nuts before we put them in a bowl.
mix * up +-make lively (a party)-Let’s mix up this party with a little disco music.

N

name * after +-name a child using another family member’s name-I was named after my grandfather.
nod off-fall asleep-The movie was so boring that I nodded off before it was finished.
nose around +-sneak around-I hate it when my mother noses around my room.

O

occur to +-pop into one’s mind, come to one’s mind-It didn’t occur to us that we had left the iron on.
open up-share feelings-I’m glad that John feels comfortable enough around me to open up.
out to + verb-try to-She is out to get revenge now that her husband left her for another woman.

P

pan out-be successful, turn out well-The trip to Vegas didn’t pan out.
pass away-die-After battling cancer for several years, he finally passed away at the age of 87.
pass * off +-try to convince someone that something is real-He tried to pass the fake watch off as a real Rolex.
pass * on +-transmit-Please pass this message on to your co-workers.
pass on +-not accept (an invitation to eat or do something)-Jennifer passed on the invitation to join us for dinner.
pass on-die-I am afraid Professor Johnson has passed on.
pass * out +-distribute-We need to pass out these flyers for the concert tomorrow.
pass out-become unconscious-He passed out because the room was too hot.
pass * up +-not take advantage (of an opportunity)-I can’t believe she passed up the opportunity to study in Rome.
pay * back +-repay-If I loan you money, will you pay me back.
pay * off +-complete payment on a debt-It took me ten years to pay off my credit card debt.
pay * off +-to bribe-Don’t try to pay the police officer off if you get pulled over for speeding.
pick on +-to tease, bully-She keeps picking on me! Make her stop.
pick * out +-choose-Diane picked out a lovely dress for the dance.
pick * up +-to lift an object with the hands-Keep your back straight when you lift the TV up.
pick * up +-come and get someone in a car-What time are you going to pick me up.
pick * up +-learn something without effort-It’s possible to pick up enough English in two weeks to get by on your trip to Los Angeles.
pick * up +-try to initiate a relationship with someone (often in a bar)-Some weird guy tried to pick Patricia up at the bar.
pick up-grow, increase (inf.)-Business is really picking up this quarter.
play * down +-make less important (inf.)-The President played down his affair with the intern.
play * up-highlight something (inf.)-She played up her part in the new movie, but it was actually a very small role.
play up to +-flatter someone for your personal advantage-She has been playing up to the boss because she wants a promotion.
point * out +-indicate-I’d like to point out that figures in column two might be outdated.
pull down-earn-He pulls down about $300,000 a year.
pull in-park (a vehicle)-Mark pulled in too quickly and crashed into the wall.
pull out-depart (a vehicle)-Our train pulls out at 8:00, so don’t be late.
pull through-barely survive-I didn’t think she was going to make it, but she pulled through in the end.
put * across +-communicate (an idea or suggestion) clearly so that it is understood-I thought Ms. Smith put her ideas across rather clearly in the meeting.
put * away +-return to the proper place of storage-I told you kids to put your toys away.
put * down +-insult, say bad things about-She always puts down people who don’t share her opinions.
put in +-officially submit a request (in the armed forces or public services)-He put in for a transfer to the division in Los Angeles.
put * off +-postpone-Don’t put off your work – do it now!
put * on +-wear-Make sure you put on a sweater before you go outside.
put * on +-deceive-I didn’t believe a thing he said. I think he was putting me on.
put * out +-extinguish (a fire)-Don’t use water to put out a grease fire.
put * out +-inconvenience someone-I don’t want to put you out, but could you pick me up at the airport.
put out +-spend (usually used with unreasonably large sums of money)-I can’t put out that much money each month.
put * up-have a guest stay in your house for a short time-Can you put me up while I’m in town.
put up with +-tolerate-Sandy will not put up with smoking in her house.

Q

quiet * down +-be quiet, or cause to be quiet-The neighbors told us to quiet down last night or they would call the police.

R

read up on +-research a topic for a reason-I need to read up on the company before I go on the job interview.
ring * up-telephone-Jack rung me up last night at 3:00 in the morning.
rule * out +-eliminate-I wouldn’t rule out the possibility of moving to another country if I get a good job offer.
run across +-find or meet unexpectedly-I ran across some old photos while I was cleaning my house.
run against +-compete in an election-Gore ran against Bush in the 2000 elections in the U.S.A.
run away-leave home permanently before you are a legal adult-The child ran away because her parents beat her.
run away from +-escape from-The child ran away from its parents.
run * down-trace-Have you run down those phone numbers I asked for last week?
run * down-criticize-My boss runs everyone down.
run * down-hit with a car-My dog was run down by a bus.
run down-loose power, be very tired-You need to wind your watch so it doesn’t run down.
run for +-campaign for a government position-Gore is running for president of the U.S.A.
run into +-meet unexpectedly-I ran into my English teacher at the movies last night. She’s so nice!
run * off +-make leave-The new government is trying to run the drug traffickers off.
run * off-reproduce (photocopies)-Would you mind running off 10 copies of this document for me?
run off-leave quickly-Why did you run off after the party?
run off-waste water-You shouldn’t swim where the sewage runs off into the ocean.
run out of +-not have any more of something-We ran out of milk this morning, so we need to go to the store.

S

save * up +-accumulate (money)-I hope I will be able to save up enough money to go to school.
see about +-arrange or consider something-My dad said he was going to see about buying me a car.
see * off -say good-bye to someone at the beginning of their trip (at the airport, train station)-Did you see your sister off at the train station?
see to + -make sure something happens, arrange-I’ll see to it that Mr. Ramirez gets your message.
see * through-finish something despite difficulties-Are you going to be able to see your studies through now that you have a baby?
sell * out-tell on someone-My partner in crime sold me out for a reduced jail sentence.
set * up -arrange a relationship-My mom set me up with her friend’s son.
set * up-falsely incriminate a person-I don’t think he killed those men. Somebody set him up.
set up +-arrange (an appointment, a meeting,etc.)-I set up an appointment with my doctor at 3:30 this afternoon.
settle on +-make a decision after a period of time-I settled on the job at the oil company.
settle up-pay one’s debts-We need to settle up before you move.
show * off +-show to everybody with a lot of pride-He always shows off his new things.
show off-boast, draw attention to oneself-Young boys show off in order to impress girls.
show * up-make someone seem inferior-He’s always trying to show up his co-workers in order to get ahead.
show up-arrive without previous notice-I hadn’t seen my cousin for years, and all of a sudden, he showed up at my workplace yesterday!
shut * off-stop from functioning-If you don’t pay your electric bill, your power is going to get shut off.
shut * up-make quiet-Would someone shut him up! He’s talking so loudly that we’re going to get in trouble.
slow * down +-make move more slowly-Because Mary’s level in English is lower than the rest of the students, she slows the class down.
slow * up +-make move more slowly-Because Mary’s level in English is lower than the rest of the students, she slows the class up.
spell * out +-to explain something in a detailed way so that the meaning is clearly understood-He’s so stupid that you have to spell everything our for him.
stand by-wait -I need you to stand by and answer the phone when my broker calls.
stand for +-represent-SCUBA stands for “self contained underwater breathing apparatus.”
stand for +-tolerate-I won’t stand for people criticizing me.
stand out-be very noticeable-Soledad is so beautiful! She really stands out in a crowd.
stand * up-not arrive to a date or an appointment (inf.)-I arranged to meet Joe at the library at 8:00, but he stood me up. I hope he has a good excuse.
stand up for +-defend (something one believes in)-Every individual must stand up for what they believe in.
stand up to +-defend oneself against someone or something-I think you should stand up to your older brother and tell him to stop pushing you around.
stay over-spend the night at a person’s house-It takes you so long to take the bus home, so why don’t you just stay over?
stick it to +-severely criticize a person (inf.)-My boss really stuck it to me when I arrived late to work for the third time this week.
stick to +-persevere, keep trying-Even though English is a hard language to master, you must stick to it!
stick up for +-defend oneself or opinions-Joseph joined the army because he believes he must stick up for his country.

T

take after +-resemble a parent or relative-I take after my father. Who do you take after?
take * away +-remove, seize or capture-The soldiers took the captives away.
take * back +-retract something you said-I demand that you take back what you said.
take * back +-return an item to a store-The dress my grandmother bought for me didn’t fit, so I took it back and exchanged it for a pair of pants.
take * down +-write down what is said-Would you mind taking down my messages while I am on vacation?
take * down +-remove (from a high place)-The city government made the shop take down their bright, neon sign.
take * for-consider, view as-Do you take me for an idiot?
take * in +-learning-Are you taking in all of these phrasal verbs?
take * in +-deceive a person-He was taken in by the con artist.
take * in +-make smaller when sewing-I lost weight, so I need to take some of my skirts to the tailor to have them taken in.
take * off-when a plane or rocket leaves the ground-My stomach felt funny when the plane took off.
take * off +-remove-In many cultures, it is appropriate to take off your shoes when entering a house.
take * off +-leave work or school for a period of time-I was sick last week, so I took a few days off of work.
take off-leave-We took off after dinner.
take on +-accept (responsibilities, work)-She has taken on too much responsibility in this project.
take * over +-take control of-Who is going to take over the family business when Aretha’s father dies?
take over-take control of-If the President is assassinated, the Vice-president will take over.
take * out +-accompany a person on a date (for dinner, the movies)-I can’t meet you tonight because I am taking Fernanda out to dinner.
take * up +-begin a new hobby-Have you taken up any new hobbies since you moved here?
take * up +-discuss (at a later date)-We should take this issue up in the meeting tomorrow.
take * up +-shorten a garment when sewing-This dress is too long, I am going to take it up.
take up +-occupy space-This couch takes up too much space in the living room.
talk back-respond in an impolite way to an adult-Don’t talk back!
talk back to +-respond in an impolite way to an adult-Children should not talk back to their parents.
talk * over +-discuss-I hope my parents talk their relationship problems over before they get divorced.
tear * down +-destroy-The county decided to tear down the dilapidated school and build a new one.
tear * up +-tear or rip into small pieces-I always tear up my personal papers before I throw them out.
tell * off +-criticize a person severely, reprimand (inf.)-Carolina told me off when she found out I was gossiping about her date with Martin.
tell on +-report a crime to the police or bad behavior to a parent -Every time I did something wrong when I was a child, my sister would tell on me.
think * over +-consider-Think over the offer before you sign the contract.
think * through + -consider carefully-You need to think this through carefully before you make a decision.
think * up +-create or invent a false story-I need to think up an excuse for not going to her party.
throw * away +-discard-Don’t throw away those bottles; we can recycle them.
throw * out +-discard-I asked him not to throw out the Sunday newspaper because I wanted to save an article.
throw * out +-remove by force from (a room, school, a house, etc.)-Mary threw out her roommate because she stopped paying rent.
throw up-vomit-If you drink too much alcohol, you might throw up.
tie * up +-tie securely-When we dock, make sure you tie the boat up.
tire * out-cause someone to be very tired-Speaking English all day tires me out.
touch on +-talk about for a short time-The presidential candidates touched on the subject of health care during the debates.
touch * up-make the final improvements-We didn’t paint the whole kitchen, we just touched up the cabinets.
try * on +-put on to make sure a piece of clothing fits-Try on the pants before you buy them.
try * out-test-Try out this massage chair – it feels great!
turn * away-refuse to deal with or give service-They turned us away at the border because we didn’t have visas.
turn * around-change or reverse direction-Turn the car around and go back home.
turn * down +-refuse an offer; reject an application-She turned down the new job in New York, because she didn’t want to move.
turn * down +-lower the volume or intensity of a TV, radio, or other machine-I’m studying! Please turn down the TV.
turn * in-submit-You need to turn your essays in next week.
turn in-go to bed (inf.)-It’s getting late. I think it is about time to turn in.
turn into + -become something different, transform-When she kissed the frog, it turned into a handsome prince.
turn * off +-stop the function of (a stove, a water faucet, a car, etc.)-Don’t forget to turn off the iron before you leave the house.
turn on +-attack unexpectedly-The pit bull suddenly turned on the small child.
turn * on-cause to be excited sexually -Scientists have discovered that the smell of cinnamon turns many people on.
turn * on +-start the function of a TV, a radio, a machine-Turn on the TV. The baseball game starts in a few minutes.
turn * out-produce -The weavers can turn out two or three rugs a month.
turn * out-switch off a light-Turn out the light before you go to bed.
turn out-audience members to a function-Over 100,000 people turned out for the concert.
turn out-end up being-She turned out to be the murderer after all.
turn * over-give to authorities (said of evidence or stolen / lost property)-They turned the wallet over to the police.
turn * up +-increase the volume or intensity of a TV, radio, or other machine-Turn up the TV. I can’t hear what they’re saying.
turn up-find unexpectedly-My keys turned up in the bedroom.

U

use * up-use all of something-I used up all of the soap, so we need to buy some more.

W

wait on +-serve, service (a table)-Each waitress waits on three different tables in the restaurant.
wait up-not sleep because you are waiting for something or someone-Don’t wait up.
wait up for +-not sleep because you are waiting for someone or something-Let’s wait up for Mary to see how her date went.
wake * up +-awaken someone-The car alarm woke me up at 6:00 in the morning.
wake up-awaken-Wake up. It’s time to get ready for work.
wash up-clean oneself-Make sure you wash up before dinner.
wash * up +-clean-If we work together, we can wash the kitchen up in a few minutes.
watch out-be careful-Watch out – there’s a rattlesnake!
watch out for +-be careful of-Watch out for snakes while you are hiking in the desert.
wear off-disappear after a period of time-The affects of the medicine will wear off after a few hours.
wear * out-use until something is not useable anymore-If you wear the same shoes everyday, you’ll wear them out.
wear * out-cause to be very tired-Her three kids wore me out.
wind up +-finish (inf.)-If he doesn’t get his act together, he is going to wind up in jail.
wind * up +-tighten the spring of a watch or similar machine-He wound up the toy dog and set it on the floor.
wind * up +-cause an animal or a child to behave wildly-The kids always get wound up when Uncle Henry comes over.
wipe * out +-massacre or destroy-The tidal wave wiped out the small fishing village.
wipe * out -cause to be very tired-After surfing all day, I was completely wiped out.
work * out +-solve-I hope you two can work out your problems.
work out-exercise-I work out three times a week at the fitness center.
work out-be successful-I am glad your new catering business is working out.
write * down +-record-Write down the directions so you don’t forget them.
write * out +-write down every word or letter-He wrote out the lyrics so I could understand what the singer was saying.
write * up +-prepare a report-He wrote up a business proposal in order to get a loan.

Z

zero in on +-discover, pinpoint-I think I have zeroed in on what has been causing the problem.
zip around +-move quickly from place to place-I zipped around town after work today.
zone out-stop paying attention-He zoned out during class.
zonk out-fall asleep-Jill was so exhausted after taking the TOEFL test that she zonked out before dinner.
zoom in-focus-You need a telephoto lens to zoom in.
zoom in on +-focus on something, pinpoint-She zoomed in on his face while taking the picture.