Phrasal Verbs: List of Common Phrasal Verbs and Meanings

In this lesson, you will learn a huge list of phrasal verbs in English. Each phrasal verb will have meaning and example sentence to help you understand it clearly.

What Are Phrasal Verbs? 

A phrasal verb is a verb combined with one or more particles — usually a preposition (in, on, at, up, down, over, etc.) or an adverb (away, back, out, etc.) — that together create a new meaning different from the original verb.

For example:

• look up → to search for information (I looked up the word in the dictionary.)

• turn on → to start something (Please turn on the light.)

• give up → to quit (Don’t give up on your dreams!)

Structure of Phrasal Verbs

A phrasal verb is made of:

1. Verb + Adverb → wake up, run away, get up

2. Verb + Preposition → look after, listen to, believe in

3. Verb + Adverb + Preposition → put up with, get along with, look forward to

Each combination creates a unique meaning that often cannot be guessed from the words alone.

Examples of Common Phrasal Verbs

Why Phrasal Verbs Are Important

Learning phrasal verbs helps ESL learners:

1. Understand native speakers better — They use phrasal verbs every day.

2. Sound more natural — Native speakers often prefer phrasal verbs instead of formal words.

   • Example: continue → carry on, discover → find out, arrive → show up

3. Expand vocabulary quickly — One verb can have many meanings depending on the particle.

   • take off, take up, take in, take out all mean different things!

Separable and Inseparable Phrasal Verbs

Example:
✅ She turned off the computer.
✅ She turned the computer off.
❌ She looked her sister after. → ✅ She looked after her sister.

List of Phrasal Verbs

Phrasal Verbs (A-H)

• add up to something 

Meaning: To ask the same question from many people

Example 1: She explained why the work was not ready, but her story does not add up.

Example 2: The clues we found at the house and the museum must add up to something.

• ask around

Meaning: To equal/corroborate a fact

Example 1: I have not seen him here but I will ask around.

Example 2: I am not sure if there are vacancies, but I will ask around the office.

• ask someone out

Meaning: To invite someone on a date

Example 1: I want to ask her out but she is dating someone.

Example 2: I wish I could muster the courage to ask her out.

• blow something up

Meaning: To exaggerate

Example 1: The girls in school always blow gossip up to huge proportions.

Example 2: My mother blows my achievements up in front of guests.

• back someone up

Meaning: To support

Example 1: The captain will not back him up just because he is his son.

Example 2: You may be wrong but I will back you up because you are my brother.

• blow up

Meaning: To explode

Example 1: The army is going to blow up that building with a bomb.

Example 2: Our calculations were wrong and the rocket blew up just after liftoff.

• break down

Meaning: To stop functioning (usually for vehicles, machines, etc.)

Example 1: The old train is certain to break down if it is not maintained properly.

Example 2: He was driving recklessly and the old car broke down.

• break something down

Meaning: To divide and subdivide

Example 1: They broke the students down into groups of four.

Example 2: The detective said they were still breaking the information down to make sense of it.

• break into something

Meaning: To enter forcibly/ interrupt

Example 1: The newspaper reported a break-in at the bank.

Example 2: Last night, two thieves broke into the house next door.

• break up

Meaning: To end a relationship

Example 1: A break up can lead to emotional trauma.

Example 2: After being together for five years they have decided to break up.

• break out

Meaning: To escape

Example 1: The Taliban helped 500 inmates break out of the Afghan jail.

Example 2: Ten inmates broke out of prison in the southern town yesterday.

• break out

Meaning: To spread

Example 1: There was a world panic when SARS broke out in China in 2002.

Example 2: The news about the adulterous affair will break out in tomorrow’s newspaper.

• bring someone down

Meaning: To upset someone or to make someone unhappy

Example 1: The boss manages to bring down my mood every day.

Example 2: His pessimistic comments bring down the whole group.

• bring someone up

Meaning: raise a child

Example 1: I was brought up in a conservative Hindu family.

Example 2: After being abandoned by his parents in Ghana he was brought up by an Italian couple.

• bring up

Meaning: To initiate a conversation on a subject

Example 1: My sister walks out of the room when I bring up the subject of sports.

Example 2: I will bring up the issue of cleanliness in the meeting today.

• call around

Meaning: To phone different places/people

Example 1: We called around but we could not find the spare part we needed.

Example 2: I have not seen him today but I will call around and inquire.

• call someone back

Meaning: To return a phone call

Example 1: Please call me back when you get this message.

Example 2: I could not answer your call earlier but I will call back shortly.

• call something off

Meaning: To abandon or cancel

Example 1: The referee has decided to call off the game due to bad weather.

Example 2: They have decided to call off the wedding due to financial troubles.

• call someone up

Meaning: To phone someone

Example 1: The boss wants you to call up the client now.

Example 2: She will call you up later to discuss the issue.

• calm down

Meaning: relax after being angry

Example 1: It is going to be okay, please calm down.

Example 2: The crew asked us to calm down during turbulence.

• catch up

Meaning: To get to the same point as someone else/ or to work hard in order to equal with someone

Example 1: You will have to walk faster if you want to catch up with Maya.

Example 2: You have studied a lot more and I need to catch up.

• check in/ check-in

Meaning: To reach and register at a hotel or airport

Example 1: When you arrive at the airport, you have to check in at the airline desk.

Example 2: At a hotel, check-in is normally required in order to obtain a room key.

• check out

Meaning: To leave a hotel

Example 1: You will have to return the room when you check out of the hotel.

Example 2: Please ensure that you are in possession of all your belongings before checking-out of the hotel.

• cheer up

Meaning: Used as an expression to ask someone to be happy

Example 1: She cheered up when she heard that the result was positive.

Example 2: Cheer up, it is your birthday!

• chip in

Meaning: To contribute/help

Example 1: If everybody chips in, we can get a bottle of the most expensive wine.

Example 2: I do not have enough money for a pizza so all of you need to chip in as well.

• clean something up

Meaning: To tidy a place

Example 1: They need to clean up the platform because it is really dirty.

Example 2: You must clean up the room before the president arrives.

• come across something

Meaning: find unexpectedly

Example 1: I came across these books when I was tidying the cupboard.

Example 2: While reading this book I came across new information regarding dinosaurs.

• come apart

Meaning: To separate/ fall down/ break down

Example 1: The flimsy decorations came apart halfway through the celebrations.

Example 2: The group of friends came apart once they went to different colleges.

• come down with something

Meaning: To become sick

Example 1: Her son came down with the flu last weekend.

Example 2: My throat is sore; I think I am coming down with a cold.

• come forward

Meaning: To support/ to take an initiative

Example 1: The hospital is anxious for more donors to come forward.

Example 2: Who will come forward and take responsibility?

• come from somewhere

Meaning: To originate in

Example 1: He resides in Brazil although he comes from Spain.

Example 2: Most of the stench comes from the open drain behind the house.

• count on someone/something

Meaning: To rely on a person or thing

Example 1: Can I count on you to complete this essay by tonight?

Example 2: I could not complete the task so I am counting on you to do it.

• cross something out

Meaning: To draw a line through something

Example 1: Kindly cross out your old telephone number and write the new one.

Example 2: That word is wrong and you need to cross it out as soon as possible.

• cut back on something

Meaning: To use or consume less of something

Example 1: My financial advisor has asked me to cut back on unnecessary expenditure.

Example 2: We need to cut back on driving since the price of petrol is at an all-time high.

• cut into

Meaning: To interrupt in between something or someone

Example 1: He cut into the argument with a point of his own.

Example 2: He asked if could cut in on the dance between Tim and me.

• cut something off

Meaning: To cut something with something sharp

Example 1: The butter is frozen. Cut off a small blob and let it rest outside so that it melts faster.

Example 2: He cut off a small piece from the large slab of cheese using a knife.

• cut something off

Meaning: To stop providing/to break all relations with someone

Example 1: The cable company cut off our connection because we did not pay our bill.

Example 2: After he was convicted, his family decided to cut him off.

• cut something out

Meaning: To remove pieces or part of something

Example 1: She looked over the article and cut the introduction out and rewrote it.

Example 2: She cut a piece out of the chunk of cheese and placed it on the counter.

• do something over

Meaning: To do something again

Example 1: You sang the wrong words this time; we will have to do it over.

Example 2: My homework assignment was unacceptable, so my teacher asked me to do it over.

• do away with something

Meaning: To dispose of or discard something

Example 1: It is time to do away with all these old files.

Example 2: My mother asked me to do away with all the unusable toys.

• dress up

Meaning: To be dressed in a fancier or better way than normal

Example 1: The party is at a fancy restaurant so we need to dress up appropriately.

Example 2: I was asked to dress up for the mayor’s party.

• drop back

Meaning: To move back in a position

Example 1: He dropped back to the fifth position because he fell off his motorcycle.

Example 2: The coach asked the attacking players to drop back.

• drop in/by/over

Meaning: To come without an appointment

Example 1: I thought I’d drop in and say hi.

Example 2: I was surprised when she dropped in unannounced at midnight.

• drop someone/something off

Meaning: To take someone/something somewhere and leave them/it there

Example 1: Can you drop me off at the bus stop?

Example 2: I will drop him off at the train station before reaching the venue.

• drop out

Meaning: To quit a class, school, etc.

Example 1: He dropped out of the chess club because it was too difficult for him.

Example 2: She dropped out of college but managed to set up her own company.

• eat out

Meaning: To eat outside of home, usually in a restaurant

Example 1: I eat out almost five days a week.

Example 2: I do not feel like cooking today so let’s eat out?

• end up

Meaning: To do/to eventually reach/to decide

Example 1: If you do not work, you will end up on the streets.

Example 2: He studied history at college but ended up working at a bank.

• fall apart

Meaning: To break into pieces

Example 1: This wall will fall apart if we do not use cement.

Example 2: The house of cards stood for a minute but then fell apart.

• fall down

Meaning: To fall on the ground/ to fall off from somewhere to the ground

Example 1: If he does not walk carefully on the ledge, he will fall down.

Example 2: He was walking carelessly and thus, fell down.

• fall out

Meaning: To separate

Example 1: The veteran cricketer has fallen out of favor.

Example 2: The coach and the player had a fall-out and the latter decided to quit.

• figure something out

Meaning: To study/understand

Example 1: She needs to figure out what the problem is.

Example 2: We need to figure out the route before commencing the trek.

• fill something in

Meaning: To write information in a form, etc.

Example 1: Fill in the blank spaces and submit the sheet.

Example 2: You must fill in the form in order to obtain a ticket.

• fill something up

Meaning: To fill something completely or to the top

Example 1: I want you to fill up the tank with diesel.

Example 2: She wanted to fill up the entire glass with wine.

• find out

Meaning: To search/discover

Example 1: How do I find out where he lives?

Example 2: I need you to find out whether he is lying or not.

• get something across/over

Meaning: To communicate

Example 1: He is a good orator and has no problem getting his message across.

Example 2: He could not get across the message.

• get along with

Meaning: To like each other

Example 1: One must get along with their colleagues.

Example 2: It is about time you buried the hatchet and got along with each other

• get away

Meaning: To go on a vacation or a leave

Example 1: They are planning a romantic get-away for their anniversary.

Example 2: We have not traveled in a while so we are planning a getaway this summer.

• get away with something

Meaning: do something (usually something wrong) without being noticed or punished

Example 1: He will not get away with an abusive remark like that.

Example 2: You cannot steal cars in broad daylight and expect to get away with it.

• get back

Meaning: To return

Example 1: She did not get back home until 5 o’clock.

Example 2: The boss needs you to get back from the Bahamas and complete the report.

• get back at someone

Meaning: To retaliate/to take a revenge

Example 1: My brother got back at me for eating his piece of cake.

Example 2: After being humiliated in public, she decided to get back at her with ruthless intent.

• get on something

Meaning: To step onto something

Example 1: The train was full so we could not get on.

Example 2: To reach the chandelier, you must get on the stool.

• get over something

Meaning: To recover/overcome

Example 1: The stock market is slowly getting over the recession.

Example 2: You need to get over the fact that he stole your bicycle.

• get together

Meaning: To meet

Example 1: Do you want to get together this Saturday?

Example 2: Let’s get together at the mall this weekend.

• get up

Meaning: To stand/get out of bed

Example 1: Please get up, this seat is reserved for ladies.

Example 2: You are not allowed to sit there, so, kindly get up.

• give something away

Meaning: To reveal/give something for free/donate

Example 1: The ice cream company is giving away free scoops tomorrow.

Example 2: Before dying, he had pledged to give away half his money to charity.

• give something back

Meaning: To return

Example 1: You must give the bone back to the dog.

Example 2: You have her mobile phone and need it to give it back to her.

• give in

Meaning: To unwillingly stop fighting or arguing

Example 1: The dictator finally gave in to the mounting pro-democracy protests.

Example 2: After arguing for over two hours, I decided to give in to her demands.

• give up

Meaning: To stop trying

Example 1: This exam is really difficult and I think I am going to give up.

Example 2: Never give up, never surrender!

• go after someone

Meaning: To follow someone

Example 1: The big dog is going to go after the cat.

Example 2: The police decided to go after the criminal after he had robbed a bank.

• go after something

Meaning: To try to achieve something

Example 1: My father always encouraged me to go after my goals.

Example 2: She is really working hard going after the top prize.

• go against someone or something

Meaning: To oppose

Example 1: Does he really want to go against the policies of the company?

Example 2: You cannot go against the coach and expect to remain with the team.

• go ahead

Meaning: To proceed/start/initiate something

Example 1: The General wants us to go ahead with the plan.

Example 2: The centre has asked the states to go ahead with FDI in the retail sector.

• go back

Meaning: To return to a place

Example 1: This place is very dangerous; I suggest you go back home.

Example 2: He needs us to go back to the office and collect his belongings.

• go out

Meaning: To leave home to go out for an occasion, etc.

Example 1: Let’s go out for dinner tonight to celebrate your promotion!

Example 2: I will go out in the evening to watch the play.

• go out with someone

Meaning: To date someone

Example 1: Tim has wanted to go out with Mary for a long time now.

Example 2: She is going out with two boys at the same time.

• go over something

Meaning: To pay a visit to someone/something nearby

Example 1: It’s great that Hari has moved next door; I can just go over to his place whenever I’m bored!

Example 2: She is going over to his place later tonight.

• go over

Meaning: To check or review

Example 1: Here are your insurance papers, please go over them carefully so that you know all the details.

Example 2: We need to go over this brochure and select a location for the meeting.

• grow apart

Meaning: To end a friendship

Example 1: We used to be great friends, but after college, we began to grow apart.

Example 2: We were good friends but grew apart after graduating from college.

• grow up

Meaning: To become an adult

Example 1: It is always hard for parents when their children grow up.

Example 2: The puppy was tiny when they found it but it grew up to be a huge dog.

• grow out of something

Meaning: To get too big for something, usually a piece of clothing

Example 1: I will buy a new pair of trousers if and when I grow out of this pair.

Example 2: I have gained weight and grown out of the pants I purchased last summer.

• grow into something

Meaning: To grow big enough to fit

Example 1: Initially he had some trouble at the new office, but things went smoothly after he grew into his role.

Example 2: She has become taller and grown into the dress.

• hand something down

Meaning: To give something used to someone else

Example 1: When I was a child, I was handed down my brother’s clothes.

Example 2: Please hand down your old books to underprivileged children.

• hand something out

Meaning: To distribute to a group of people

Example 1: The party members were spreading their propaganda by handing out fliers.

Example 2: The boss is going to hand out a list of responsibilities to everybody today.

• hand something over

Meaning: To give (usually unwillingly)

Example 1: The thieves asked us to hand over all our belongings.

Example 2: The landlord requested us to hand over the keys to the apartment.

• hang in

Meaning: To stay strong and positive

Example 1: When my friend was diagnosed with cancer, all I could say to him was, “Don’t lose hope. Hang in there.”

Example 2: Don’t lose heart, hang in there!

• hang on

Meaning: To wait for a short time

Example 1: Hang on, let me get ready and then we can leave.

Example 2: Hang on, I’m coming too!

• hang out

Meaning: To spend time relaxing or chilling out

Example 1: My friends and I generally hang out at malls.

Example 2: Let’s hang out at the bar after work tonight.

• hang up

Meaning: To end a phone call

Example 1: When I get angry with someone on the phone, I simply hang up.

Example 2: I did not wish to talk to him anymore so I decided to hang up the phone.

• hold someone/something back

Meaning: To prevent from doing/going

Example 1: If you have a complaint, don’t hold back; you cannot fix the problem if you do not voice it.

Example 2: You must hold him back from committing such a dangerous stunt.

• hold something back

Meaning: To hide an emotion/to be stopped by something or someone

Example 1: He was a great athlete, but he was held back from succeeding by his parents, who wanted him to study instead.

Example 2: He held back his tears even though he was distraught.

• hold on

Meaning: To wait for a short time

Example 1: She asked the taxi driver to hold on while she located her wallet.

Example 2: He has asked you to hold on to his book until he returns.

Phrasal Verbs (K-P)

• keep on doing something

Meaning: continue doing

Example 1: He asked them to keep on working while he looked around.

Example 2: The musicians kept on playing even though it was raining.

• keep something from someone

Meaning: To not tell/not do/to keep a secret

Example 1: Why do you keep secrets from me?

Example 2: You have a wonderful voice so you must not keep from singing.

• keep someone/something out

Meaning: To stop someone or something from entering at a place

Example 1: The insects must be kept out at all costs.

Example 2: The gate has been installed to keep out stray dogs.

• keep something up

Meaning: To continue at the same rate

Example 1: Keep up the good work!

Example 2: Keep up this speed for the rest of the journey and we will reach on time.

• let someone down

Meaning: To disappoint someone

Example 1: You can rely on her; she will never let you down.

Example 2: You have let me down with this disappointing performance.

• let someone in

Meaning: To permit to enter

Example 1: Please lock the door and do not let anybody in.

Example 2: Yes, he is a guest so please let him in.

• look after someone/something

Meaning: To take care of

Example 1: Nurses are supposed to look after patients.

Example 2: I need you to look after my dog while I’m away.

• look down on someone

Meaning: To belittle someone/ to consider someone inferior to oneself

Example 1: She always looks down on her staff and treats them badly.

Example 2: A lot of people look down on them because they are poor.

• look for someone/something

Meaning: To try to find

Example 1: Do you want to look for the pen we lost yesterday?

Example 2: Let us look for the ball in the garage.

• look forward to something

Meaning: To be excited about some future plan, etc.

Example 1: Are you looking forward to tonight’s football match?

Example 2: I am really looking forward to the weekend!

• look into something

Meaning: To investigate

Example 1: We are going to look into the price of cars today.

Example 2: They need to look into the matter carefully in order to avoid a lawsuit.

• look out

Meaning: To be careful

Example 1: Don’t forget to look out for mosquitoes in the swamp.

Example 2: Look out for speeding buses on the highway.

• look out for someone/something

Meaning: To be extra careful or vigilant

Example 1: The guide told them to look out for pickpockets in the marketplace.

Example 2: Look out for hurricane alerts on the island at this time of the year.

• look (something) over

Meaning: To check/examine

Example 1: Give the document a look over for errors.

Example 2: The teacher wants the student to look over his answers once again.

• look up to someone

Meaning: To respect someone immensely

Example 1: I look up to my sister because she is a wonderful human being.

Example 2: I look up to my coach because he was a great sportsman.

• make (something) up

Meaning: To lie about something

Example 1: When asked why I hadn’t done my homework, I made up a story about having done it but forgotten that that day was the day of submission.

Example 2: You must stop making up stories because we know you are lying.

• make up

Meaning: To forgive each other

Example 1: He returned my money very late, but tried to make up for it by treating me to lunch.

Example 2: He is taking her out to dinner to make up for being at work on their anniversary.

• makeup

Meaning: To apply cosmetics

Example 1: She was so nervous she almost went on stage without any makeup.

Example 2: That actor uses a lot of makeup before shooting a scene.

• mix something up

Meaning: To get confused

Example 1: We got through most of the show without any mix-ups, but right at the end the lead actor forgot one of his lines.

Example 2: The experienced striker pounced on a defensive mix-up to fire home into an open goal.

• pass away

Meaning: To die

Example 1: I took two weeks off work because my grandfather passed away.

Example 2: Our dog had been ill for a few months and passed away last night.

• pass out

Meaning: To lose consciousness

Example 1: It was so hot in the examination hall that one of the students passed out for a couple of minutes.

Example 2: He walked in the sun and passed out due to the heat.

• pay back

Meaning: To return the owed money

Example 1: There should be no money issues between friends, so when I lend money to my friends I tell them they can pay back whenever it is convenient for them.

Example 2: You can borrow money now but you must pay back within a week.

• pay for something

Meaning: To be punished for doing something bad

Example 1: It is my policy to pay for everything when I am out on a date.

Example 2: The police swore that the terrorist would pay for destroying the building.

• pick out

Meaning: To choose

Example 1: I always let my mother pick out my clothes, because she has excellent taste.

Example 2: The concierge at the hotel helped us pick out a nice restaurant.

• Point (someone/something) out

Meaning: To point or indicate using your finger

Example 1: I tried to give the tourists directions orally, but they couldn’t understand me, so I pointed out the turning they were supposed to take.

Example 2: I have asked the professor to point out all the mistakes in my assignment.

• put (something) off

Meaning: To postpone

Example 1: I was very tired that day, so I put off the meeting till after the weekend.

Example 2: The boss has asked us to put off our lunch plan to a later hour.

• put (something) together

Meaning: To assemble

Example 1: We had to put together the presentation in 2 days.

Example 2: The different parts have been provided in order to put together this mountain bike.

• put up with someone/something

Meaning: To bear or tolerate something or someone

Example 1: My roommate told me to move out, saying, “I can’t put up with your irresponsible ways anymore!”

Example 2: The company is not going to put up with inappropriate behavior at the workplace.

• put (something) on

Meaning: To wear a dress/accessories on your body

Example 1: I did not need to put on the t-shirt to know it was too big for me.

Example 2: Pick out a dress, put it on, and decide whether you like it or not.

Phrasal Verbs (Q-W)

• run into someone/something

Meaning: To meet someone unexpectedly

Example 1: I ran into an old friend from college the other day.

Example 2: It was a pleasant surprise when I ran into him at the mall the other day.

• run over someone/something

Meaning: To drive a vehicle over a person or thing

Example 1: Your toy is broken because I ran over it with my car.

Example 2: The truck accidentally ran over a cat on the highway.

• run away

Meaning: To leave unexpectedly/ to escape

Example 1: The bride had run away with someone else on the wedding day.

Example 2: The children made a plan to run away from home to join the circus.

• run out

Meaning: To have nothing left of something

Example 1: They ran out of sandwiches at the cafe.

Example 2: She couldn’t make tea as they had run out of milk.

• send (something) back

Meaning: To return

Example 1: I sent back the steak because it was raw.

Example 2: This product is not what we had ordered and we are going to send it back.

• set up

Meaning: To arrange/organize

Example 1: They want to set up a lemonade stall at the fair.

Example 2: The government needs to set up a commission for the riot victims.

• set (something) up

Meaning: To trick/trap someone or something

Example 1: The hunter set the lion up for the trap but it escaped.

Example 2: The people at the bank were part of a set up by the police to catch the criminal.

• show off

Meaning: To act boastfully when people watch

Example 1: He wants to show off his house by illuminating it.

Example 2: Most people simply love to show off their wealth in front of their friends.

• sleepover

Meaning: To stay somewhere out of home, for the night

Example 1: Jack is planning a sleepover at his place on his birthday.

Example 2: The first sleepover at a friend’s place can be a big deal for some children.

• sort something out

Meaning: To organize/ to resolve a situation

Example 1: You may want the lawyers to sort the issue out.

Example 2: We need to sort out these cards and arrange them according to size.

• stick to something

Meaning: To continue doing something

Example 1: You will not lose weight if you do not stick to the diet.

Example 2: Most people do not stick to the same job for a long period.

• switch something off

Meaning: To turn off

Example 1: Could you switch the light off, please?

Example 2: Please switch off the television before going to bed.

• switch something on

Meaning: To turn on

Example 1: He switch the machine on again and it stopped making noise.

Example 2: Grandmother wants you to switch on the radio for her.

• take something back

Meaning: To return something

Example 1: I need to take my money back from him.

Example 2: He can keep my bag for now but I’m going to take it back tomorrow.

• take off

Meaning: To start flying

Example 1: I feel that the most thrilling part of any plane journey is when it takes off.

Example 2: The plane finally took off after taxiing for twenty minutes.

• take something off

Meaning: To remove something (usually, items of clothing)

Example 1: I was about to take off my clothes when I realised there was someone else in the room.

Example 2: I want you to take this off the list and include that instead.

• take out

Meaning: To remove from a place

Example 1: She took out some money from the safe.

Example 2: Please take out the garbage after dinner.

• take someone out

Meaning: To take someone out with yourself and also to pay for them

Example 1: My girlfriend was very depressed because she had lost her job so I took her out for dinner.

Example 2: On the last day of college the professor took the students out for lunch.

• tear something up

Meaning: To rip something into pieces

Example 1: My boss simply tears up the articles he doesn’t like.

Example 2: The cat tore up the newspaper.

• think back

Meaning: To recall or remember

Example 1: Whenever I think back to my school days, tears of nostalgia come to my eyes.

Example 2: Think back to the time when we were at the beach.

• think something over

Meaning: To consider

Example 1: You must think this job offer over before taking a decision.

Example 2: This is my proposal, think it over, and let me know.

• throw something away

Meaning: To trash something or to dispose of

Example 1: I like that bag, please do not throw it away.

Example 2: These dirty clothes need to be thrown away.

• turn down

Meaning: To decrease the volume

Example 1: I want to turn down the volume.

Example 2: The old man has asked me to turn down the volume.

• turn something/someone down

Meaning: To refuse

Example 1: He asked her to marry him but she turned him down.

Example 2: He turned down the offer from ABC Corporation.

• turn something off

Meaning: To switch off

Example 1: He turned off the lights before going to bed.

Example 2: Please turn off the fans when you leave.

• turn something on

Meaning: To switch on

Example 1: She forgot to turn on the charger so her cell stayed off.

Example 2: He asked her to turn on the coffee machine.

• try something out

Meaning: To test

Example 1: Do you want to try out this new shampoo?

Example 2: Most people refrain from trying out a new cuisine.

• use something up

Meaning: To use something entirely or to finish all

Example 1: I get very tense when my friends come over because they use up all my supplies.

Example 2: I cannot print this page because all the ink in the printer has been used up.

• wake up

Meaning: To stop sleeping

Example 1: I generally wake up at about 7 in the morning.

Example 2: You need to wake up early in the morning for karate practice.

• warm up

Meaning: To prepare the body for exercise

Example 1: It is a good idea to warm up before engaging in strenuous physical activity.

Example 2: It is essential to warm up a little before swimming.

• wear off

Meaning: To diminish in quality because of frequent use

Example 1: The difference between superior and inferior products is that the latter wear out much more quickly.

Example 2: The sole of this old shoe has worn out.

• work out

Meaning: To exercise

Example 1: My lifestyle has gotten so sedentary since I joined the office that I have signed up for daily workouts at the gym.

Example 2: Only a few people take gym memberships to actually work out.

• work out

Meaning: To be successful with something

Example 1: I really hope that things work out for you.

Example 2: This job will work out only if I can get my own office.