How to Use Common Phrasal Verbs (Explained, Examples & Worksheet)

A phrasal verb is a common type of phrase that combines a standard verb with a "particle"—an adverb or a preposition. The combo creates an entirely new word; one distinct from either word individually

How to use phrasal verbs in sentences

Phrasal verbs use the same conjugations rules as other verbs, though the main verb only requires modifying. The particle, which is usually a preposition or adverb, does not change. Use the same conjugations as you would a regular, standalone verb.

Let’s use the phrasal verb find out.

I need to find out what time the movie starts.
She found out the secret yesterday.
He has found out more information since we last spoke.

As you can see, only the verb find changes form (found), while the particle out remains the same. This allows phrasal verbs to function across all grammatical tenses.

Types of phrasal verbs

To use them correctly, it helps to understand their classifications. Phrasal verbs fall into two key pairs: transitive/intransitive and separable/inseparable.

Transitive Phrasal Verbs A transitive verb requires a direct object—the person or thing receiving the action.
- Please turn off the lights. (The object is "the lights.")
Intransitive Phrasal Verbs An intransitive verb does not have a direct object.
- He woke up early. (There is no object.)
Separable Phrasal Verbs Some transitive phrasal verbs are separable. This means the direct object can be placed between the verb and the particle.
- She handed her homework in.
Inseparable Phrasal Verbs With inseparable verbs, the verb and particle must stay together. All intransitive phrasal verbs are inseparable, as are some transitive ones.
- I am looking for my keys.

Word Order Rules

For inseparable phrasal verbs, the word order is fixed. The verb and particle always stay next to each other.

Separable phrasal verbs are more flexible. When the direct object is a noun, it can usually go either after the phrase or in the middle.

She picked up the phone.
She picked the phone up.

However, there is a firm rule for pronouns (it, him, her, them, etc.). When the direct object is a pronoun, it must go between the verb and the particle.

Correct: She picked it up.
Incorrect: She picked up it.

Common Phrasal Verbs with Examples

Here are some common phrasal verbs and how they are used in sentences.

back [someone] up
- Meaning: To support or defend someone.
- My colleagues will back me up in the meeting.
break down
- Meaning: To stop functioning (used for machines).
- Our car broke down on the side of the road.
call [something] off
- Meaning: To cancel a planned event.
- We had to call the game off because of the rain.
calm down
- Meaning: To relax after being excited or upset.
- Please calm down and tell me what happened.
check [something] out
- Meaning: To examine or look at something with interest.
- Let's check out that new café this weekend.
cheer [someone] up
- Meaning: To make someone feel happier.
- I told a joke to cheer him up.
come across [something]
- Meaning: To find something or meet someone by chance.
- I came across an old photograph while cleaning my room.
end up
- Meaning: To eventually arrive at a place or conclusion.
- We got lost and ended up on the other side of town.
figure [something] out
- Meaning: To understand or solve something.
- I can't figure out how to assemble this bookshelf.
get along with [someone]
- Meaning: To have a friendly relationship with someone.
- She gets along with all of her coworkers.
give up
- Meaning: To quit or stop trying.
- He decided to give up after three failed attempts.
go on
- Meaning: To continue.
- The show must go on.
hold on
- Meaning: To wait for a short time.
- Please hold on while I transfer your call.
look after [someone/something]
- Meaning: To take care of.
- Can you look after my cat while I'm away?
put [something] on
- Meaning: To wear clothing or accessories.
- He put his coat on and left.