B1 Phrasal verbs
Quick rules you’ll need
- Types: intransitive (no object), transitive inseparable (verb + particle + object), transitive separable (verb + object + particle / verb + particle + object). Three-word verbs are usually inseparable.
- Pronouns with separable verbs go in the middle: ✓ hand it in, ✓ pick her up, ✗ hand in it.
- Patterns you’ll see below: go on = continue; look forward to + -ing; keep on + -ing.
- Register: some are informal (hang out, come on!).
Phrasal verbs
| # | Phrasal verb | Type | Core meaning / pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 31 | give up | tr., separable | stop doing/taking | I’m going to give up sugar. |
| 32 | give way | intr. | let another vehicle go first (BrE road sign) | The car didn’t give way to the ambulance. |
| 33 | go for | tr., inseparable | try to get/achieve; fixed phrase go for it! | You should go for the job. |
| 34 | go off | intr. | stop working / alarm starts / bomb explodes; BrE also food goes off = spoils | The alarm went off at six. |
| 35 | go on | intr. | happen / continue | Be quiet—an exam is going on. |
| 36 | go out | intr. | leave home for fun; also “go out with” = date (tr., inseparable) | We’re going out tonight. |
| 37 | go with | tr., inseparable | look/taste good together | This wine goes with the fish. |
| 38 | go together | intr. | look good together | Blue and gold go together. |
| 39 | grow up | intr. | become an adult (not *grow someone up*) | She grew up in the countryside. |
| 40 | hand in | tr., separable | submit to a person in authority | Please hand in your essays. |
Phrasal verbs
| # | Phrasal verb | Type | Core meaning / pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 41 | hand out | tr., separable | give one to each person | The teacher handed out the exams. |
| 42 | hang out | intr. | spend time (informal) hang out with sb | We hang out after work. |
| 43 | hang up | intr./tr., separable | end a phone call | Sorry, I must hang up. |
| 44 | hold up | tr. | delay; (extra) rob with a weapon (not B1) | Traffic held us up. |
| 45 | keep in | tr., inseparable | make someone stay inside | The doctor kept him in overnight. |
| 46 | keep on | intr./tr. | keep on + -ing = continue | She kept on talking. |
| 47 | keep up | intr./tr. | continue doing well; (contrast) keep up with = maintain same speed | Keep up the good work! |
| 48 | knock down | tr., separable | hit so they fall; (extra) demolish a building | A bus knocked him down. |
| 49 | lie down | intr. | move into a horizontal position to rest | I’ll lie down for a bit. |
| 50 | look after | tr., inseparable | take care of | She looks after her grandma. |
Phrasal verbs
| # | Phrasal verb | Type | Core meaning / pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 51 | look for | tr., inseparable | try to find / try to get | She’s looking for a job. |
| 52 | look forward to | 3-word, inseparable | + noun / + -ing (not bare infinitive) | I look forward to meeting you. |
| 53 | look out! | intr. (imperative) | warn of danger | Look out! There’s a bike. |
| 54 | look up | tr., separable | check information (book/site/list) | Look it up online. |
| 55 | pass on | tr., separable | give something to the next person | Please pass this message on. |
| 56 | pick up | tr., separable | collect someone/something (often by car) | I’ll pick you up at 8. |
| 57 | put away | tr., separable | return to the usual place | Put the toys away. |
| 58 | put down | tr., separable | write your name/details on a list | Put my name down for tennis. |
| 59 | put off | tr., separable | postpone to a later time; passive be put off (by) = be discouraged | We put off the meeting until Tuesday. |
| 60 | put on | tr., separable | wear / switch on / gain weight | She puts on make-up every morning. |
Do not confuse: look up (search) vs look up to (admire, 3-word, not in this list); keep up vs keep up with (same speed); go off (alarm/explode) vs go out (leave / light stops burning).
Exercises:
B1 Phrasal verbs
Choose the correct phrasal verbs to complete these sentences.
1
You must
to the cars that are coming from the right.
2
The fire alarm
at six a.m.
3
He is going to
the gold medal this summer.
4
I have to
this essay by Friday.
5
The war
for over two years.
6
After the accident he couldn't walk, so he had to
golf.
7
Would you like to
for a drink tonight?
8
She had a child when she was very young and had to
very fast.
9
These shoes and this dress don’t
.
10
These shoes don’t
this dress.
B1 Phrasal verbs
Choose the correct phrasal verbs to complete these sentences.
1
The teacher will _____ the worksheets at the start of class.
A.
B.
C.
D.
2
After lectures we usually _____ in the park and chat.
A.
B.
C.
D.
3
The line was noisy, so she told me to _____ and call again later.
A.
B.
C.
D.
4
An accident on the bridge _____ us for almost an hour.
A.
B.
C.
D.
5
The doctor decided to _____ him overnight for observation.
A.
B.
C.
D.
6
Even when people interrupted her, she _____ talking.
A.
B.
C.
D.
7
You need to _____ your reading if you want to pass the course.
A.
B.
C.
D.
8
They plan to _____ the old cinema and build apartments.
A.
B.
C.
D.
9
You look exhausted—why don’t you _____ for a while?
A.
B.
C.
D.
10
When my sister works late, I _____ her children after school.
A.
B.
C.
D.
B1 Phrasal verbs
Choose the correct phrasal verbs to complete these sentences.
Fill in each gap with one phrasal verb from the box. Use the correct form.
look for
look forward to
look out
look up
pass on
pick up
put away
put down
put off
put on
1
She’s a new flat near the university.
2
I’m really the holidays.
3
! There’s a cyclist coming.
4
Can you the train times on the website?
5
Please this message to your classmates.
6
I can you at the airport at 8.
7
After you finish, your tools.
8
If you’d like to speak, please your name on the list.
9
They decided to the match until Tuesday.
10
It’s very cold. your coat.