B1 Phrasal Verbs 61–90 — form, meaning & usage

How phrasal verbs work

  • Form verb + particle (adverb/preposition): turn on, run out (of), set up.
  • Separable vs. inseparable Some can split with the object: turn the light off / turn it off. With pronouns, the particle must go after the pronoun: turn it off (not *turn off it).
  • Three-word verbs (e.g., run out of, turn into) are not separable and the preposition is fixed.
  • Transitivity Some take an object (write down the address), some don’t (set off at 7).
  • Tense Conjugate the main verb as usual: took off, has set up, is working out.

Legend in tables: Sep.=separable, Insep.=inseparable, =no object / intransitive.

61–70

#VerbMeaningExampleSep.?
61put outextinguishPut out that cigarette.Sep.
62put (sb) throughconnect by phoneCan you put me through to the manager?Sep.
63put upincrease (price/cost)They put up the price last week.Sep.
64ring backreturn a callI’ll ring you back later.Sep.
65ring upphoneShe rang me up to say hello.Sep.
66run out (of)finish a supplyWe’ve run out of milk.Insep. (of + noun)
67set offstart a journeyWe set off at dawn.
68set out (to)begin with an aimHe set out to write a novel.
69set upstart/establishThey set up a tech startup.Sep.
70show uparrive/appearHe didn’t show up to the party.

71–80

#VerbMeaningExampleSep.?
71sit downtake a seatPlease sit down.
72split up (with)end a relationshipThey split up last year.
73stay behindremain after others leaveHe stayed behind to help.
74take off (clothes)removeTake your shoes off / take off your shoes.Sep.
75take off (plane)start flyingThe flight took off on time.
76take upstart a hobby/activityShe took up yoga.Sep.
77throw awaydiscardDon’t throw it away.Sep.
78tidy upput things in orderPlease tidy up your room.Often sep.
79try ontest clothingTry these jeans on.Sep.
80turn downdecrease (level/volume)Could you turn the music down?Sep.

81–90

#VerbMeaningExampleSep.?
81turn intobecome / change toThe rain turned into snow.Insep. (+ into)
82turn offmake sth stop workingTurn the TV off / turn off the TV.Sep.
83turn onmake sth start workingShe turned on the radio.Sep.
84turn upincrease level/volumeTurn it up a little.Sep.
85wake (up)stop sleeping / make sb stopThey woke me up at six.Sep. (trans.) / — (intrans.)
86wash upwash hands/face; (BrE) wash the dishesGo wash up before dinner.— / often intrans.
87wear outuse until unusableRunning wore my shoes out.Sep.
88work outdo physical exerciseI work out three times a week.
89wrap upcover / packagePlease wrap it up — it’s a gift.Sep.
90write downrecord on paperWrite down the address.Sep.

Pronoun rule With separable verbs, pronouns sit in the middle: turn it off, pick them up.

Exercises:

B1 Phrasal Verbs

1
You must that candle before you leave the room.
2
Could you to the accounts department, please?
3
The supermarket the price of bread again last week.
4
I'm in a meeting now, but I’ll as soon as I’m free.
5
She her grandmother every Sunday.
6
We’ve milk — could you buy some on your way home?
7
They at dawn to avoid the traffic.
8
After college he write a novel.
9
Two friends a small design studio last year.
10
We waited for an hour, but the speaker never .

B1 Phrasal Verbs

1
Welcome! Please _____ and make yourself comfortable.
A.
B.
C.
D.
2
After years together, they finally decided to _____.
A.
B.
C.
D.
3
Could a few volunteers _____ after the talk to help stack the chairs?
A.
B.
C.
D.
4
Please _____ your shoes before you come into the dojo.
A.
B.
C.
D.
5
The plane is due to _____ at 18:45, weather permitting.
A.
B.
C.
D.
6
I’d like to _____ Spanish next term; I’ve always wanted to learn it.
A.
B.
C.
D.
7
These boxes are empty—let’s _____ and recycle them.
A.
B.
C.
D.
8
Your desk is a mess—could you _____ before the meeting?
A.
B.
C.
D.
9
I’m not sure about the size. Could I _____ these trainers?
A.
B.
C.
D.
10
The TV is too loud. Could you _____ the volume a bit?
A.
B.
C.
D.

B1 Phrasal Verbs

turn into turn off turn on turn up wake up wash up wear out work out wrap up write down
1
After a few hours, the snow slush.
2
Please the TV while we eat.
3
It’s getting dark—could you the lights?
4
It’s freezing— the heating a little.
5
I didn’t until nine o’clock.
6
Dinner’s ready—go and first.
7
These cheap shoes have already.
8
He at the gym every lunchtime.
9
It’s a present—could you this for me?
10
Wait, let me your email so I don’t forget.