Phrasal Verbs

What this unit covers

The resources here are grouped around phrasal verbs in English. Many are built around one base verb, such as get, look, give, take, run or keep. Others are built around a particle, such as up, down, on, in and into. Some follow a theme, such as work, travel, fashion, feelings and emotions, or science.

Where to start

Begin with the idea of how phrasal verbs behave. The Separable and inseparable phrasal verbs quiz asks questions such as whether turn down is separable, and the flowchart TYPES OF PHRASAL VERBS gives you the structure. The SEPARABLE PHRASAL VERBS deck is a useful follow-up.

Next, choose a theme. The Science Phrasal Verbs deck covers break down, carry out, find out, give off and work out. The mind map B2 Phrasal verbs for work groups verbs by the preposition that follows, such as deal with, rely on and set up.

Using quizzes and maps together

1. Read a mind map on one verb, for example the maps called GET or LOOK.
2. Go through a matching flashcard deck, such as Phrasal Verbs with Look.
3. Take a quiz on the same verb, such as PHRASAL VERBS: GET, and note which gaps you missed.
4. Go back to the map for those verbs only.

Quizzes like Three-word phrasal verbs (3) use gap-fill sentences, so you have to choose the right particle from context.

Exam practice

Some resources mention exams. You will find items for FCE, B2 First, CAE, IELTS and TOEFL, including FCE Phrasal Verbs True or False Quiz and Phrasal Verbs on the TOEFL. Teachers can use these as ready-made practice or warm-up tasks.

Where it fits

This unit sits in the strand Grammar: Verbs and Tenses, within the English language subject. It works well beside your other verb and tense revision.

Choose one verb or particle today, open its map and then test yourself with a quiz.