Common Phrasal Verbs for Everyday Life

Small words, big meanings! Learning English can feel like climbing a mountain sometimes. But don’t worry, you don’t need to pack hiking boots. One way to make your English sound more natural is to learn phrasal verbs. These are short phrases made up of a verb and one or two little words (like up, on, or off). They’re used all the time in everyday English. In fact, it’s hard to have a conversation without them!Here are some of the most common phrasal verbs you’ll hear, and maybe even use today.

Here are some of the most common phrasal verbs you’ll hear, and maybe even use today.

Wake up

This means to stop sleeping. It’s the first thing most of us do every morning (unless we sleep in by mistake). Example: I wake up at 7am, but I don’t get out of bed until 7:30. (Let’s be honest – 7:45.)

Pick up

This one has a few meanings. It can mean to lift something from the ground, or to collect someone. It can also mean to learn something quickly. Example 1: Can you pick up your socks, please? This isn’t a laundry museum. Example 2: I’ll pick up my sister from school at 3. Example 3: He picked up a few words of Spanish on holiday.

Turn on / Turn off

These are very useful at home, especially if you like lights, music, or kettles.
● Turn on = start something.
● Turn off = stop it.
Example: It’s cold in here. Can you turn on the heater? And maybe turn off the fan?
(Also works with people: “He always turns on the charm!” But maybe save that for later.)

Give up

This means to stop trying. But try not to use this one too often! Example: I wanted to learn the guitar, but I gave up after one lesson. My fingers hurt!
(Top tip: Don’t give up. You can always try again, maybe the ukulele? It didn’t work for me, but you could be more successful.)

Get up

This is what you do after you wake up… eventually. Example: I get up at 6. (That’s what I tell people. Really, it’s 7:30. Shh.)

Look after

This means to take care of someone or something. Example: Can you look after my cat while I’m away? She likes tuna and doesn’t like people.
These phrasal verbs are short, but they do a lot of work. Start using them in your daily life. The more you practise, the easier they become, and the more natural your English will sound.

Don’t worry if you don’t remember all of them at once. Just keep going, and soon you’ll pick up even more. And if you feel tired, take a break then get back to it!