Every English student knows that phrasal verbs can be a nightmare to learn. Phrasal verbs are verbs that are combined with a preposition, an adverb or both a preposition and an adverb. Though they are difficult to learn, they serve a very important purpose in the English language. They change the meaning of the root verb to give us a clearer understanding and more specific description of the action.
Are you using these 8 phrasal verbs in your everyday English?
1. Set up
Definition: to arrange, organize or configure something
Examples:
- The boss set up a meeting with all of the employees on Friday.
- They needed 10 people to set up the stage before the concert.
- I got a new phone today, can you help me set it up?
2. Pick out
Definition: to choose something from various options
Examples:
- I went shopping and picked out 4 dresses to try on.
- Dave picked out the thief from the group of suspects.
- My boyfriend picked out the perfect birthday present for me.
3. Go with
Definition: if something goes with another thing, it means that they suit each other or look good together
Examples:
- Do these shoes go with my dress?
- I don’t think the new sofa goes with the other furniture in the living room.
- This music doesn’t go with the mood of the party.
4. Ask out
Definition: to invite someone on a date
Examples:
- John asked Judy out on a date this Saturday.
- Pete asked me out, but I’m not interested so I declined.
- Sarah asked Brian out to dinner and a movie.
5. Break up
Definition: to end a relationship
Examples:
- We broke up because we weren’t happy together anymore.
- My girlfriend broke up with me and I’m heartbroken.
- I’m going to break up with Dan because he treats me badly.
6. Give away
Definition: to give something to somebody for free
Examples:
- The library is giving away books this weekend.
- I’m going to give away my old clothes to charity.
- Sorry, I don’t have any more cookies. I gave them all away.
7. Find out
Definition: to discover, to realize or to become aware of something
Examples:
- She found out about the surprise party because Sarah told her.
- I just found out that I got an A on my exam!
- The scientists are doing experiments to find out if their hypotheses are correct.
8. Give up
Definitions: to stop trying or to quit a habit
Examples:
- She gave up smoking one month ago.
- I’ve been trying to solve this math problem for an hour, I give up!
- He gave up learning the clarinet because he wasn’t improving.
Use these 8 new phrasal verbs to improve your English in everyday conversations! Follow Dreaming California on social media for more tips and information for improving your English skills.