The first phrasal verbs a learner meets: get up, turn on, look for, come back, sit down. Each one has its meaning, the sentence pattern it goes into and two example sentences, and most also show a common mistake made with it.
About the levels: Recommended learner level (estimate from two models + word-level floor), not an official CEFR grading.
At this level a phrasal verb is usually literal or close to it: sit down means to sit, and down tells you the direction. Learn these as whole phrases anyway, because the small word is the part that gets dropped or swapped.
Start with the ones you would say about your own day (get up, turn something on, put something on), and use each one in a sentence of your own rather than only reading it.
to calculate the total of two or more numbers (A2, separable)
Pattern: subject + add + noun/pronoun + up OR subject + add up + noun
Wrong: Can you add up them for me? Right: Can you add them up for me? When the object of a separable phrasal verb is a pronoun (like 'them' or 'it'), it must go between the verb and the particle.
Do not confuse this literal meaning with the idiomatic meaning 'to make sense' (e.g., 'his story doesn't add up').
to reach a place, especially at the end of a journey (A2, not separable)
Pattern: subject + arrive at + noun (place)
Wrong: We arrived to the airport very late. Right: We arrived at the airport very late. In English, we say 'arrive at' a building or specific point, not 'arrive to'.
Do not use 'arrive at' for cities or countries; use 'arrive in' instead.
to take a few steps backward to get away from a person, animal, or danger (A2, not separable)
Pattern: subject + back off + (from + noun)
Wrong: He backed off his head when the ball flew at him. Right: He pulled his head back when the ball flew at him. 'Back off' means to move your whole body backward by taking steps, not just moving a single body part.
Do not confuse this literal physical movement with the figurative meaning of stopping your aggressive behavior or demands.
to move backwards, especially in a car or on foot (A2, not separable)
Pattern: subject + back up (+ optional prepositional phrase like 'into the garage' or 'a little bit')
Wrong: He backed up the car out of the garage. Right: He backed the car out of the garage. / He backed up out of the garage. When 'back up' is used with a direct object like 'the car', it is more natural to just use 'back' without 'up', or use 'back up' intransitively without the object.
Do not confuse this with the computer sense of 'back up' (making a copy of data) or 'back someone up' (supporting someone).
to be useful, helpful, or suitable for a particular purpose, activity, or health benefit (A2, not separable)
Pattern: subject + be + good for + noun/gerund
Wrong: I want to improve my English because it is good to my career. Right: I want to improve my English because it is good for my career. We use 'good for' to express benefit or usefulness; 'good to' means being kind to someone.
Do not confuse this with 'be good at', which means having the skill to do something well.
to be in a romantic relationship with someone (A2, not separable)
Pattern: subject + be + with + person
Wrong: She is with him since last year. Right: She has been with him since last year. With 'since', you must use the present perfect tense ('has been'), not the simple present ('is').
Be careful: 'be with someone' can also literally mean just standing or sitting next to them in a room.
to move the top part of your body forward and down (A2, not separable)
Pattern: subject + bend over (+ to do something / to pick something up)
Wrong: He bent himself over to pick up the dropped pen. Right: He bent over to pick up the dropped pen. The phrasal verb 'bend over' is intransitive and does not take a reflexive pronoun like 'himself'.
Do not confuse this physical action with the idiom 'bend over backwards', which means to try very hard to help someone.
to make a flame stop burning by blowing air from your mouth (A2, separable)
Pattern: subject + blow + noun/pronoun + out
Wrong: He blew out the campfire before going to sleep. Right: He put out the campfire before going to sleep. 'Blow out' is only used for small flames you can extinguish with your breath, not large fires.
Do not use this for putting out a large fire like a house fire; use 'put out' or 'extinguish' instead.
to fill something with air or gas, like a balloon or a bicycle tire (A2, separable)
Pattern: subject + blow + noun/pronoun + up OR subject + blow up + noun
Wrong: I need to inflate up my air mattress. Right: I need to blow up my air mattress. The verb 'inflate' does not take the particle 'up'; only 'blow' does.
Be careful: this phrase also means 'to destroy with an explosion', so make sure the context is clear.
to take a person or an object with you when you go somewhere (A2, separable, informal)
Pattern: subject + bring + noun/pronoun + with + pronoun (me/you/him/her/them/us)
In standard English, this phrasal verb usually requires an object or a reflexive pronoun like 'you' or 'him' at the end (e.g., 'bring a friend with you', not just 'bring a friend with').
to go to a place, get something, and return with it to where you are now (A2, separable)
Pattern: subject + bring + object + back (or: bring + back + object)
Wrong: Can you bring back it to me from the shop? Right: Can you bring it back to me from the shop? If the object is a pronoun like 'it', 'them', or 'her', it must go between 'bring' and 'back'.
Do not confuse this with the meaning 'to return an item to a shop for a refund', which is also common.
to carry or move something from outside into a house, room, or building (A2, separable)
Pattern: subject + bring + noun/pronoun + in (or: bring + in + noun)
Wrong: Please bring inside the chairs before it rains. Right: Please bring the chairs in before it rains. We do not say 'bring inside' as a phrasal verb; we use 'bring in' (separable) or 'bring something inside'.
Do not confuse this with the figurative meaning 'to introduce a new law' or 'to earn money'.
to build a structure, or to make a building bigger by adding to it (A2, separable)
Pattern: subject + build + noun/pronoun + up (or: build + up + noun)
Wrong: They built up a high wall around the garden so nobody could see in. Right: They built a high wall around the garden so nobody could see in. For simple, single structures like a wall or a fence, we usually just use 'build'. Use 'build up' for adding height/floors to an existing building or heavily developing an area.
Do not confuse this physical sense of constructing something with the abstract meaning of 'building up' strength or a reputation.
to phone someone again later because they or you were busy before (A2, separable)
Pattern: subject + call + object (person) + back
Wrong: I will call back you tomorrow. Right: I will call you back tomorrow. Pronouns like 'you', 'him', or 'it' must always go between the verb 'call' and the particle 'back'.
If you use a pronoun like 'him', 'her', or 'me', it must go between 'call' and 'back'.
to hold something in your hands and take it outside of a room or building (A2, separable)
Pattern: subject + carry + noun/pronoun + out (or: carry + out + noun)
Wrong: The sofa is heavy, please help me carry out it. Right: The sofa is heavy, please help me carry it out. When the object is a pronoun (like 'it' or 'them'), it must always go between 'carry' and 'out'.
Do not confuse this literal sense with the abstract meaning 'to perform a task or experiment' (e.g., 'carry out research').
to report your arrival at a hotel reception desk or an airport desk (A2, not separable)
Pattern: subject + check in + (at + place)
Wrong: We arrived at the hotel and checked in ourselves. Right: We arrived at the hotel and checked in. The verb 'check in' is intransitive in this sense; you do not need to use a reflexive pronoun like 'ourselves'.
If you want to mention the place, use the preposition 'at' (check in at the hotel), not 'into'.
to officially leave a hotel or workplace after paying or recording your departure (A2, not separable)
Pattern: subject + check out + (of/from + noun)
Wrong: We checked out us from the hotel at noon. Right: We checked out of the hotel at noon. The verb 'check out' is intransitive in this sense; you do not use a reflexive pronoun like 'us' or 'ourselves'.
In this intransitive sense (leaving a hotel), do not put an object between 'check' and 'out'.
to make someone who is sad feel happier (A2, separable)
Pattern: subject + cheer + person + up
Wrong: I tried to cheer up her with a joke. Right: I tried to cheer her up with a joke. When the object is a pronoun (her, him, me, us, them, it), it must always be placed between 'cheer' and 'up'.
If you use a pronoun like 'him', 'her', or 'them', it must go between 'cheer' and 'up'.
to become happier or start feeling better after being sad or disappointed (A2, not separable)
Pattern: subject + cheer up
Wrong: After he heard the good news, he cheered up himself. Right: After he heard the good news, he cheered up. The intransitive 'cheer up' (meaning to become happy) does not use a reflexive pronoun like 'himself'.
In this intransitive sense (to become happy), do not put an object after the verb.
to make a place clean and tidy by removing dirt, rubbish, or messy things (A2, separable)
Pattern: subject + clean + (noun/pronoun) + up
Wrong: Please clean up it now. Right: Please clean it up now. With separable phrasal verbs, pronoun objects like 'it' must go between the verb and the particle.
If you use a pronoun like 'it' or 'them', you must put it between 'clean' and 'up'.
to move upwards towards the top of something, often using your hands and feet (A2, not separable)
Pattern: subject + climb up + noun
Wrong: He climbed up on the ladder to paint the ceiling. Right: He climbed up the ladder to paint the ceiling. In English, you climb up the ladder directly; adding 'on' is unnecessary and unnatural.
Do not use 'climb up' for getting into a car; use 'get into' instead.
to go somewhere with someone who is already going there (A2, not separable)
Pattern: subject + come along (+ with + person)
Wrong: I will come along you to the shop. Right: I will come along with you to the shop. 'Come along' is intransitive and cannot take a direct object. You must use 'with' to connect it to a person.
This phrasal verb is intransitive in this sense; do not put an object directly after 'along' (use 'with us' instead, or just stop at 'along').
to return to the place where you are now or where you live (A2, not separable)
Pattern: subject + come back (+ to + place)
Wrong: I am in Prague now, but next week I will come back to London. Right: I am in Prague now, but next week I will go back to London. Use 'go back' because the speaker is currently in Prague, not London. 'Come back' is only used for returning to the speaker's current location.
Do not use 'come back' if you are going to a place where you are not currently located; use 'go back' instead.
to fall to the ground, collapse, or move to a lower level (A2, not separable)
Pattern: subject (building, rain, tree) + come down
Wrong: The old bridge came down itself yesterday. Right: The old bridge came down yesterday. The phrasal verb 'come down' is intransitive and does not need a reflexive pronoun like 'itself'.
Do not confuse this physical movement with 'come down with', which means to become sick.
to move lower to a specific level, number, or position (A2, not separable)
Pattern: subject + come down to + noun
Wrong: The temperature came down on ten degrees. Right: The temperature came down to ten degrees. We use the preposition 'to' to indicate the final level or limit, not 'on'.
Do not confuse this physical sense with the idiomatic meaning 'to depend on a single important factor'.
to enter a room, building, or house (A2, not separable)
Pattern: subject + come in
Wrong: He came in the kitchen and made some coffee. Right: He came into the kitchen and made some coffee. Use 'come in' without an object. If you want to mention the specific room, you must use the preposition 'into'.
Do not use 'in' with a destination noun; use 'come into the room' instead of 'come in the room'.
to arrive, especially of a train, ship, plane, or news (A2, not separable)
Pattern: subject (train/plane/news) + come in
Wrong: The bus came in the station on time. Right: The bus came into the station on time. If you mention the place after 'come in', you must use the preposition 'into' instead of 'in'.
Do not confuse this with the meaning 'to enter a room or building'.
to visit someone at their house (A2, not separable, informal)
Pattern: subject + come over (+ to + place)
Wrong: Why don't you come over our house this weekend? Right: Why don't you come over to our house this weekend? You must use the preposition 'to' before the destination, or just say 'come over' without the destination.
This phrasal verb is intransitive, which means you cannot put an object after it; do not say 'come over my house'.
to enter a room or building through a door or entrance (A2, not separable)
Pattern: subject + come through (+ optional prepositional phrase with 'to' or 'into')
Wrong: Please come through the living room and sit down. Right: Please come through to the living room and sit down. Without 'to' or 'into', 'come through the living room' means you are just passing through it to go somewhere else, rather than entering it to stay.
Do not confuse this with 'come in', which is more general; 'come through' specifically implies passing through a doorway or corridor to reach another room.
to walk towards someone or something, especially to start a conversation or get closer. (A2, not separable)
Pattern: subject + come up to + person/place
Wrong: A man came up me and asked for the time. Right: A man came up to me and asked for the time. You must always use the preposition 'to' before the person or object you are approaching.
This phrasal verb is inseparable; you cannot put the object between 'come up' and 'to'.
to pull blankets or sheets over your body in bed to stay warm (A2, not separable)
Pattern: subject + cover up
Wrong: I was cold in bed, so I covered up myself with a blanket. Right: I was cold in bed, so I covered myself with a blanket. When you use 'cover up' to mean putting blankets on yourself in bed, it is intransitive and does not take an object like 'myself'. If you want to name the object, use 'cover myself with'.
Do not confuse this with the noun 'cover-up', which means hiding a mistake or a crime.
to make a tree or plant fall to the ground by cutting it near the base (A2, separable)
Pattern: subject + cut + noun + down
Wrong: We need to cut down the grass in the garden this weekend. Right: We need to cut the grass in the garden this weekend. We 'cut' or 'mow' grass, but we only 'cut down' trees or large woody plants.
Do not use this for small plants, flowers, or grass; use 'pull up', 'pick', or 'cut' instead.
to remove something from a larger part by using a knife, scissors, or a sharp tool (A2, separable)
Pattern: subject + cut + object + off (or: cut off + object)
Wrong: I need to cut off my hair because it is too long. Right: I need to cut my hair because it is too long. 'Cut off' implies completely removing a part (like a ponytail or a limb). For a regular haircut, just use 'cut'.
Do not use this for removing clothes from your body; use 'take off' instead.
to cut something into several smaller pieces, especially food or paper (A2, separable)
Pattern: subject + cut + noun/pronoun + up (or: cut up + noun)
Wrong: Please cut up the tree in the garden. Right: Please cut down the tree in the garden. 'Cut up' means to chop something into small pieces, whereas 'cut down' is used for making a tree fall to the ground.
Do not confuse this with 'cut down', which means to reduce the amount of something or to fell a tree.
to wear formal, smart, or special clothes, often for a party or a special event (A2, not separable)
Pattern: subject + dress up (+ for + event)
Wrong: I need to dress up myself before the guests arrive. Right: I need to dress up before the guests arrive. The phrasal verb 'dress up' is intransitive in this meaning and does not take a reflexive pronoun like 'myself'.
In this sense, the verb is intransitive, meaning you do not put an object after it (do not say 'dress up yourself').
to wear special clothes or a costume to look like another person, animal, or character (A2, not separable)
Pattern: subject + dress up + (as + noun)
Wrong: She dressed up herself like a princess. Right: She dressed up as a princess. In this sense, 'dress up' is intransitive and does not take a reflexive pronoun like 'herself', and we use 'as' instead of 'like' to introduce the costume.
Do not confuse this with 'dress up' meaning to wear elegant, formal clothes for a party or wedding.
to take someone or something to a place and leave them there (A2, separable)
Pattern: subject + drop + someone/something + off + (at/in + place)
Wrong: I will drop off you at the airport. Right: I will drop you off at the airport. When the object is a pronoun (like 'you'), it must go between 'drop' and 'off'.
If you use a pronoun like 'him', 'her', or 'it', you must put it between 'drop' and 'off'.
to have a meal at home rather than going to a restaurant (A2, not separable)
Pattern: subject + eat in (+ adverb, e.g. tonight)
Wrong: We decided to eat in the home because we were tired. Right: We decided to eat in because we were tired. The phrasal verb 'eat in' already means 'at home', so adding 'the home' is redundant and grammatically incorrect.
Do not confuse this with eating inside a restaurant (as opposed to takeaway), which is also common but a different context.
to eat your food inside the restaurant where you bought it, instead of taking it home (A2, not separable)
Pattern: subject + eat in
Wrong: We ordered a pizza to eat in our house. Right: We ordered a pizza to eat at home. 'Eat in' in this context means eating on the restaurant's premises, not inside your own home.
Do not confuse this with eating a home-cooked meal inside your house; in this sense, it specifically refers to eating inside a restaurant.
to have a meal in a restaurant instead of at home (A2, not separable)
Pattern: subject + eat out
Wrong: We ate out in the garden because the weather was beautiful. Right: We ate outside in the garden because the weather was beautiful. 'Eat out' means to dine at a restaurant. To eat in the open air, use 'eat outside' or 'eat outdoors'.
Do not use this to mean eating food outside in nature (like a picnic); it specifically means eating at a restaurant.
to eat all of something, especially until nothing is left on your plate (A2, separable)
Pattern: subject + eat + noun/pronoun + up (or: subject + eat up + noun)
Wrong: You must eat up it all. Right: You must eat it all up. The pronoun 'it' must go between the verb 'eat' and the particle 'up'.
If you use a pronoun like 'it' or 'them', it must go between 'eat' and 'up'.
to have a specific letter, sound, or word at the very finish (A2, not separable)
Pattern: subject (word/number/text) + end in + noun (letter/sound/number)
Do not confuse this with 'end up', which means to reach a final situation or place after a series of events.
to drop to the ground by accident, or to collapse and fall to the floor (A2, not separable)
Pattern: subject + fall down (often + prepositional phrase, e.g., 'on the ice')
Wrong: He fell down of the bicycle and hurt his knee. Right: He fell off his bicycle and hurt his knee. We use 'fall off' when leaving a surface like a bicycle or a horse, whereas 'fall down' means collapsing to the ground from a standing position.
Do not confuse this with 'fall' on its own; 'fall down' emphasizes hitting the ground, whereas 'fall' can just mean moving downwards.
to accidentally drop down into a hole, water, or a deep place (A2, not separable)
Pattern: subject + fall into + noun
Wrong: The boy fell to the river. Right: The boy fell into the river. We use 'into' to show movement from the outside to the inside of something deep like water or a hole.
Do not confuse this literal meaning with the figurative 'fall into a habit' or 'fall into a category'.
to separate from something and drop to the ground (A2, not separable)
Pattern: subject + fall off (+ noun)
Wrong: The picture fell down the wall. Right: The picture fell off the wall. We use 'fall off' when something detaches from a surface like a wall or a shelf.
Do not confuse this with 'fall down', which means to collapse to the ground while walking or standing.
to drop or slide out of a container, pocket, vehicle, or other enclosed space (A2, not separable)
Pattern: subject + fall out + (of + noun)
Wrong: The phone fell out from my bag. Right: The phone fell out of my bag. We use the preposition 'of' after 'fall out' to indicate the source container, not 'from'.
Do not confuse this literal meaning with the figurative 'fall out with someone', which means to have an argument.
to lose your balance and drop to the ground from a standing position (A2, not separable)
Pattern: subject + fall over
Wrong: I tripped on a stone and fell down on the street. Right: I tripped on a stone and fell over in the street. While 'fall down' is sometimes used, 'fall over' is the most natural phrasal verb when you lose your balance from a standing position on flat ground.
Do not confuse this with 'fall' on its own, which can mean dropping from a high place like a window or a cliff.
to feel sad or bad for someone because they are in a difficult or unhappy situation (A2, not separable)
Pattern: subject + feel sorry for + person
This phrasal verb is inseparable; the object (the person you pity) must always come after the preposition 'for'.
to write information in the empty spaces of an official document or form (A2, separable)
Pattern: subject + fill + form/document + out OR subject + fill out + form/document
Wrong: Could you please fill out it as soon as possible? Right: Could you please fill it out as soon as possible? With separable phrasal verbs, pronoun objects like 'it' must always go between the verb and the particle.
If you use a pronoun like 'it' or 'them', it must go in the middle: 'fill it out', not 'fill out it'.
to make something completely full of a liquid, gas, or substance (A2, separable)
Pattern: subject + fill + noun/pronoun + up (with + noun)
Wrong: I need to fill up it before we leave. Right: I need to fill it up before we leave. With separable phrasal verbs, pronoun objects like 'it' must go between the verb and the particle.
If you use a pronoun like 'it' or 'them', you must put it between 'fill' and 'up'.
to put petrol or diesel into your car's tank until it is completely full (A2, not separable)
Pattern: subject + fill up (+ at + place)
Wrong: I need to tank my car at the next station. Right: I need to fill up at the next station. The verb 'tank' is not used this way in English; we use 'fill up' or 'get petrol/fuel' instead.
In this intransitive sense, do not put an object after 'fill up'; if you want to mention the car or the tank, use 'fill up the car' or 'fill it up'.
to become completely full of something, such as a container, a room, or a space (A2, not separable)
Pattern: subject + fill up + (with + noun)
Wrong: The room filled up itself very quickly. Right: The room filled up very quickly. The phrasal verb 'fill up' is already intransitive here and does not need a reflexive pronoun like 'itself'.
In this intransitive sense, 'fill up' does not take a direct object; the subject itself is the thing that becomes full.
to stop using something because you have completed what you were doing with it (A2, not separable)
Pattern: subject + finish + with + noun/pronoun
Wrong: Are you finished the computer? Right: Are you finished with the computer? When you mean 'done using an object', you must use the preposition 'with' after 'finished'.
Do not confuse this with 'finish' on its own; 'finish with' specifically implies you are done using an object that someone else might want now.
to arrive at an airport by plane (A2, not separable)
Pattern: subject + fly in (+ to + place)
Wrong: Our plane will fly in Prague at noon. Right: Our plane will fly in to Prague at noon. You must use the preposition 'to' before the name of the destination.
When mentioning the destination, you must use the preposition 'to', as in 'fly in to London'.
to stop thinking about someone or something, or to fail to remember them. (A2, not separable)
Pattern: subject + forget + about + noun/pronoun/-ing form
Wrong: I forgot about to lock the door. Right: I forgot to lock the door. Use 'forget to do' for tasks you did not perform. Use 'forget about' with nouns or -ing forms for things you stopped thinking about.
This phrasal verb is inseparable, meaning you cannot put the object between 'forget' and 'about'.
to escape or run away from a person, place, or situation to avoid being caught (A2, not separable)
Pattern: subject + get away + (from + noun/pronoun)
Wrong: The bank robbers got away the police. Right: The bank robbers got away from the police. You must use the preposition 'from' if you mention the person or group you are escaping.
Always use the preposition 'from' if you want to mention the person or place you are escaping.
to move physically further from a person, animal, or dangerous thing (A2, not separable)
Pattern: subject + get away + (from + noun/pronoun)
Wrong: The police told the crowd to get away themselves. Right: The police told the crowd to get away. The verb 'get away' is intransitive and does not take a reflexive pronoun like 'themselves'.
Do not confuse this literal sense with 'get away' meaning to go on holiday or to escape punishment.
to return to a place, especially your home, after being somewhere else (A2, not separable)
Pattern: subject + get back (+ to + place)
Wrong: I was tired when I got back to home. Right: I was tired when I got back home. We do not use the preposition 'to' before the word 'home'.
Do not use a preposition before 'home' (e.g., say 'get back home', not 'get back to home').
to move your body to a lower position, or to help someone or something descend. (A2, separable)
Pattern: subject + get down + (from + noun) OR subject + get + object + down
Wrong: The child climbed on the table and I told him to go down. Right: The child climbed on the table and I told him to get down. We use 'get down' rather than 'go down' when commanding someone to descend from a specific object they have climbed onto.
Do not confuse this physical meaning with the informal meaning 'to feel sad or depressed' (e.g., 'this weather is getting me down').
to enter a building, room, car, or other closed space (A2, not separable)
Pattern: subject + get in
Wrong: I got in the house through the window. Right: I got into the house through the window. / I got in through the window. If you mention the specific place (the house) immediately after the verb, you must use 'get into' instead of 'get in'.
This is the intransitive sense, so do not put an object directly after 'in'; use 'get into' instead if you want to name the place.
to enter a place, building, car, or other enclosed space (A2, not separable)
Pattern: subject + get in + noun (car, house, etc.)
Wrong: I opened the door and got in the train. Right: I opened the door and got on the train. We use 'get on' for trains, buses, and planes, and 'get in' for cars and taxis.
For large public transport like trains, buses, and planes, use 'get on' instead of 'get in'.
to enter a vehicle, a building, a bed, or another enclosed space (A2, not separable)
Pattern: subject + get into + noun (car, bed, etc.)
Wrong: We got into the train just before it started moving. Right: We got on the train just before it started moving. We use 'get on' for trains, buses, and planes, and 'get into' for cars, taxis, or small spaces.
Do not use 'get into' for large public transport like buses, trains, or planes; use 'get on' instead.
to move your body down from being on top of something, like a table, horse, or bicycle (A2, not separable)
Pattern: subject + get off + noun (or 'get off' alone)
Wrong: Please get down off the bed. Right: Please get off the bed. While 'get down off' is sometimes heard in speech, 'get off' is the standard, natural, and more concise way to express this.
Do not confuse this with leaving a bus or train, which is also 'get off' but refers to public transport.
to move your body down from being on top of something, like a horse, bicycle, or table (A2, not separable)
Pattern: subject + get off + noun (or 'get off' alone)
Wrong: Please get off from the chair. Right: Please get off the chair. The preposition 'off' already expresses movement away from the surface; adding 'from' is incorrect and redundant.
Do not confuse this with 'get off' meaning to leave a bus or train, which is a related but distinct everyday use.
to move your body (or move an object) so you are no longer on top of something (A2, separable)
Pattern: subject + get off (+ noun) OR subject + get + object + off (+ noun)
Wrong: Please get off your book from my desk. Right: Please take your book off my desk. We use 'take (something) off' rather than 'get (something) off' when gently moving small objects from a surface.
Do not confuse this with leaving a bus or train, which uses the same phrase but is a different sense.
to enter a bus, train, plane, or bicycle to travel on it (A2, not separable)
Pattern: subject + get on + noun (vehicle)
Wrong: I got on the taxi and went to the hotel. Right: I got in the taxi and went to the hotel. We use 'get in' for cars and taxis, but 'get on' for larger public transport like buses and trains.
Do not use 'get on' for cars or taxis; use 'get in' instead.
to leave a room, building, car, or closed space, or to escape from a difficult situation (A2, not separable)
Pattern: subject + get out (+ of + noun)
Wrong: I got out the bus at the next stop. Right: I got off the bus at the next stop. Use 'get off' for public transport like buses and trains, and 'get out of' for cars and taxis.
When used as an imperative ('Get out!'), it can sound very angry, rude, or aggressive.
to leave a closed space, such as a car, a building, or a room (A2, not separable)
Pattern: subject + get out of + noun (car, bed, room, taxi)
Wrong: We arrived at the station and got out of the train. Right: We arrived at the station and got off the train. We use 'get off' for trains, buses, planes, and bikes, but 'get out of' for cars and taxis.
Do not use 'get out of' for large public transport like buses, trains, or planes; use 'get off' instead.
to have something returned to you after you lost it, lent it, or gave it away (A2, separable)
Pattern: subject + get + noun/pronoun + back
Wrong: I want to get back my money from him. Right: I want to get my money back from him. While putting a noun at the end is sometimes possible, it is much more natural and common to put the object between 'get' and 'back'.
If the object is a pronoun (like 'it' or 'them'), it must go between 'get' and 'back'.
to have the opportunity or permission to do something enjoyable (A2, not separable, informal)
Pattern: subject + get to + verb
Wrong: We got to visiting the castle yesterday. Right: We got to visit the castle yesterday. The phrase 'get to' must be followed by the infinitive verb, not the -ing form.
This phrase must always be followed by the base form of a verb (infinitive without 'to').
to arrive at a place, a point in a process, or a state (A2, not separable)
Pattern: subject + get to + noun (place or stage)
Wrong: We got to home very late last night. Right: We got home very late last night. The word 'home' does not take the preposition 'to' after 'get'.
Do not use the preposition 'to' before the words 'here', 'there', or 'home' (e.g., say 'get home', not 'get to home').
to arrive at or reach a place (A2, not separable)
Pattern: subject + get to + noun (place)
Wrong: What time did you get to home yesterday? Right: What time did you get home yesterday? The word 'home' acts as an adverb here and does not take the preposition 'to'.
Do not use the preposition 'to' before the word 'home' (say 'get home', not 'get to home').
to meet with other people in order to spend time with them or do something together (A2, not separable)
Pattern: subject + get together (+ with + person) (+ to do something)
When used as an intransitive verb meaning to meet, it cannot be separated (you cannot say 'get us together' to mean 'we meet').
to stand up and leave your bed after waking up in the morning (A2, not separable)
Pattern: subject + get up (+ at + time / + early / + late)
Do not confuse this with 'wake up', which only means to open your eyes and stop sleeping.
to stand up after sitting or lying down (A2, not separable)
Pattern: subject + get up (+ from + noun)
Wrong: I was so tired that I couldn't get up my chair. Right: I was so tired that I couldn't get up from my chair. You must use the preposition 'from' if you want to mention the object you are sitting on.
Do not confuse this physical action of standing up with 'wake up', which means to stop sleeping.
to climb or go up something, such as a hill, stairs, or a tree (A2, not separable)
Pattern: subject + get up + noun (hill, stairs, tree, etc.)
Wrong: We got up the mountain by the cable car. Right: We went up the mountain by cable car. 'Get up' in this literal sense usually implies active physical effort like climbing or walking, rather than riding transport.
Do not confuse this literal sense of climbing with the much more common meaning of waking up or standing up.
to give something to someone for free, often because you do not need it anymore (A2, separable)
Pattern: subject + give + noun/pronoun + away
Wrong: I don't need this old bicycle, so I will give away it. Right: I don't need this old bicycle, so I will give it away. When using a pronoun like 'it', it must be placed between the verb and the particle.
If the object is a pronoun like 'it' or 'them', it must go between 'give' and 'away'.
to return something to the person who owns it or had it before (A2, separable)
Pattern: subject + give + object (noun/pronoun) + back + (to + person)
Wrong: I found your keys on the table, so I will give back them to you. Right: I found your keys on the table, so I will give them back to you. When the object is a pronoun (like 'them' or 'it'), it must always split the phrasal verb.
If the object is a pronoun like 'it' or 'them', it must go between 'give' and 'back' (e.g., 'give it back', not 'give back it').
To leave a place or person. (A2, not separable)
Pattern: subject + go away (+ from + place)
Wrong: He went away from the room. Right: He went out of the room. We do not usually use 'go away' with a specific small space like a room; we use 'go out of' or 'leave' instead.
Saying 'Go away!' to someone can sound very rude or angry, so use it carefully.
to leave your home to spend time in another place, especially for a holiday (A2, not separable)
Pattern: subject + go away (+ for/to + time/place)
Wrong: We went away to Lipno for two weeks. Right: We went to Lipno for two weeks. We usually do not use 'go away' with a specific destination name directly after it; we just use 'go to'.
Be careful, as 'Go away!' can also be a rude command telling someone to leave you alone.
to return to a place where you have been before (A2, not separable)
Pattern: subject + go back + (to + noun)
Wrong: I must go back to home now. Right: I must go back home now. We do not use the preposition 'to' before the word 'home'.
Do not use 'to' when going back 'home' (say 'go back home', not 'go back to home').
to move to a lower level, or to sink below the horizon (for the sun) (A2, not separable)
Pattern: subject + go down (+ prepositional phrase)
Wrong: The sun went down itself at 8 PM. Right: The sun went down at 8 PM. The verb 'go down' is intransitive and does not need a reflexive pronoun like 'itself'.
Do not confuse this with 'go down' meaning to decrease in value or to be received by an audience.
To move to a lower level, position, or amount. (A2, not separable)
Pattern: subject + go down
Wrong: The temperature went down itself during the night. Right: The temperature went down during the night. The verb 'go down' is intransitive and does not need a reflexive pronoun like 'itself'.
Do not confuse this with 'go down' meaning to sink (for ships) or to fail (for computer systems).
to continue doing something without stopping, or to start doing something after a pause (A2, not separable)
Pattern: subject + go on (+ with + noun / + -ing)
Wrong: She went on to read her book all afternoon. Right: She went on reading her book all afternoon. 'Go on + infinitive' means to do something next in a sequence of events. To mean 'continue an action', you must use the -ing form.
If you want to mention the action, use 'go on + -ing form' or 'go on with + noun'.
To leave a room or a building, especially to go outside. (A2, not separable)
Pattern: subject + go out (+ of + noun)
Wrong: He went out the room without saying a word. Right: He went out of the room without saying a word. If you mention the specific place you are leaving, you must use the preposition 'of' after 'go out'.
Do not confuse this with 'go out' meaning to have a romantic relationship or to go to a party.
to leave your house to enjoy yourself, for example to go to a restaurant, cinema, or party (A2, not separable)
Pattern: subject + go out + (with someone) + (for something / to a place)
Wrong: It was hot in the room, so I decided to go out. Right: It was hot in the room, so I decided to go outside. 'Go out' means to go to a social event or public place for fun, not just to step out of a room into the fresh air.
Do not confuse this with simply exiting a room or building; use 'go outside' or 'leave' for that.
to turn or spin in a circle (A2, not separable)
Pattern: subject + go round
Wrong: The earth goes round of the sun. Right: The earth goes round the sun. We do not use the preposition 'of' after 'go round' when describing what something rotates around.
Do not confuse this with 'go around' meaning to bypass an obstacle or to be enough for everyone.
to pass or travel from one side of an area, object, or opening to the other (A2, not separable)
Pattern: subject + go through + noun (place/object)
Wrong: We went through the bridge to cross the river. Right: We went over the bridge to cross the river. You go 'through' things that enclose you (like tunnels or gates), but you go 'over' or 'across' a bridge.
Do not confuse this literal physical movement with the figurative meaning 'to experience a difficult situation'.
to study at a school, college, or university as a regular student (A2, not separable)
Pattern: subject + go to + school/college/university/name of school
Wrong: I study on Charles University. Right: I go to Charles University. In English, we do not use 'study on' for universities; we use 'go to' or 'study at'.
Do not use an article (the/a) before words like 'school', 'college', or 'university' when speaking generally about being a student there.
to visit or be present at an event, a show, or an interesting place (A1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + go to + noun (event/place)
Wrong: We went to on a football match yesterday. Right: We went to a football match yesterday. You do not need the preposition 'on' after 'go to' when attending an event.
Do not use a preposition after 'to'; go directly to the noun phrase representing the event or place.
to look, taste, or seem good when combined or used at the same time (A2, not separable)
Pattern: subject (plural) + go together OR subject + go together + with + noun
Wrong: These shoes are not going together my dress. Right: These shoes do not go with my dress. If you want to mention the second item after the verb, you must use 'go with' instead of just 'go together'.
This phrasal verb is intransitive and cannot be separated; the things being compared must be the subject.
to move to a higher position, level, or place (A2, not separable)
Pattern: subject + go up (+ prepositional phrase)
Wrong: We went up the elevator to the fifth floor. Right: We went up in the elevator to the fifth floor. You need the preposition 'in' or 'by' because you do not physically climb the elevator itself.
Do not confuse this physical movement with the meaning of prices increasing, which is also 'go up' but used differently.
to become higher in price, cost, or value (A2, not separable)
Pattern: subject (price/cost/rent) + go up
Wrong: The supermarket went up the price of milk. Right: The supermarket raised the price of milk. 'Go up' cannot take an object. If you want to say that someone increased a price, use 'raise' or 'put up'.
This verb is intransitive, which means it cannot have a direct object; things just 'go up'.
to gradually become an adult (A2, not separable)
Pattern: subject + grow up (+ adverb/prepositional phrase)
Wrong: The tomatoes are growing up very fast this summer. Right: The tomatoes are growing very fast this summer. 'Grow up' is only used for people maturing into adults, not for plants or objects increasing in size.
Do not use 'grow up' to talk about plants, animals, or businesses getting bigger; use 'grow' instead.
to give a piece of work, a document, or a found object to someone in authority (A2, separable)
Pattern: subject + hand + noun/pronoun + in (or: hand + in + noun)
Wrong: I must hand in it to the teacher today. Right: I must hand it in to the teacher today. When using a pronoun like 'it', it must always split the phrasal verb 'hand in'.
If the object is a pronoun like 'it' or 'them', it must go between 'hand' and 'in'.
to give something to each person in a group (A2, separable)
Pattern: subject + hand + object + out (or: hand + out + object)
Wrong: Could you please hand out them to the students? Right: Could you please hand them out to the students? Pronoun objects like 'them' must always go between the verb 'hand' and the particle 'out'.
If the object is a pronoun like 'it' or 'them', you must put it between 'hand' and 'out'.
to wait for a short time (A2, not separable, informal)
Pattern: hang on (+ optional clause starting with 'a minute' / 'a second')
Wrong: Please hang on, Mr. Director, the meeting is starting. Right: Please hold on, Mr. Director, the meeting is starting. 'Hang on' is too informal for addressing a director or using in a formal business context.
Do not use this in formal writing or polite business situations; use 'please wait' or 'just a moment' instead.
to hang a piece of clothing or an object on a hook, hanger, or peg (A2, separable)
Pattern: subject + hang + noun/pronoun + up
Wrong: Please hang up your coat on the floor. Right: Please don't leave your coat on the floor; hang it up. Hang up means to place something high on a hook or hanger, so it cannot be done 'on the floor'.
Do not confuse this literal meaning with the idiomatic meaning of ending a phone call.
to end a phone call by breaking the connection (A2, not separable)
Pattern: subject + hang up (+ on + person)
Wrong: I finished the call and put down the phone. Right: I finished the call and hung up. While 'put down the phone' is grammatically correct, 'hang up' is the natural phrasal verb used by native speakers to describe ending a call.
Even though modern smartphones do not have physical receivers to hang on a wall, we still use this phrase for ending a call.
to end a phone call, especially suddenly or before the other person is finished speaking (A2, separable)
Pattern: subject + hang up (+ on + person) OR subject + hang + object + up
Wrong: He got angry and hung down the phone. Right: He got angry and hung up the phone. In English, we use the particle 'up' (not 'down') for ending a phone call, which comes from the historical action of hanging a receiver up on the wall.
If you end the call because you are angry with someone, you must use the preposition 'on' before the person.
to be wearing a piece of clothing, shoes, jewelry, or glasses (A2, separable)
Pattern: subject + have + clothing/accessory + on
Wrong: I am having a warm coat on because it is cold. Right: I have a warm coat on because it is cold. The phrasal verb 'have on' is a state, so it is used in simple tenses, not continuous tenses.
This verb is not used in continuous tenses (do not say 'I am having a coat on').
to have an electronic device, like a TV, radio, or light, switched on and running (A2, separable)
Pattern: subject + have + device + on
Wrong: Please have the light on, it is dark here. Right: Please turn the light on, it is dark here. 'Have on' describes the state of being on. To start the light, you must use 'turn on' or 'switch on'.
This describes a state, not an action. Do not use it to mean the act of turning a device on.
used to say that something is necessary or required because of a rule or situation (A2, not separable)
Pattern: subject + have/has to + verb (infinitive)
Remember that the negative form 'don't have to' means something is not necessary, not that it is forbidden.
to receive a letter, email, phone call, or message from someone (A2, not separable)
Pattern: subject + hear from + person
Wrong: I didn't hear from him since last year. Right: I haven't heard from him since last year. With 'since', you must use the present perfect tense, not the past simple.
Do not use this to mean simply hearing someone's voice in the room; it always means receiving a message or news.
to help someone, especially by doing a small job or giving them some money (A2, separable)
Pattern: subject + help + (someone) + out + (with something)
Wrong: Thank you for helping out me with my homework. Right: Thank you for helping me out with my homework. When 'help out' is used with a pronoun object like 'me', the pronoun must go between the verb and the particle.
If you use a pronoun (like 'me', 'him', 'them'), it must go between 'help' and 'out'.
to hold something tightly with your hands so you do not fall or lose it (A2, not separable)
Pattern: subject + hold on + to + noun/pronoun
Wrong: Please hold on the rope with both hands. Right: Please hold on to the rope with both hands. When you specify the object you are gripping, you must use the preposition 'to' after 'hold on'.
Do not confuse this physical meaning with the common spoken expression 'Hold on!', which means 'Wait!'
to reach forward with your hand or an object in your hand (A2, separable)
Pattern: subject + hold + noun/pronoun + out (to someone)
Wrong: He held out it to the dog. Right: He held it out to the dog. When the object is a pronoun like 'it', it must go between 'hold' and 'out'.
If you use a pronoun like 'it' or 'them', you must put it between 'hold' and 'out'.
to do something more quickly, or to make someone else do something faster (A2, separable, informal)
Pattern: subject + hurry up OR subject + hurry + object + up
Wrong: We must hurry up ourselves because the train leaves in five minutes. Right: We must hurry up because the train leaves in five minutes. The phrasal verb 'hurry up' is not reflexive; you cannot say 'hurry up yourself'.
It can sound rude or impatient if you say it to a boss, a stranger, or in a formal situation.
to quickly get into a car, taxi, or other vehicle (A2, not separable)
Pattern: subject + jump in + (car/taxi/truck)
Wrong: We need to go, jump into the train! Right: We need to go, get on the train! We use 'jump in' for cars and taxis, but for trains, buses, and planes we use 'get on'.
Do not use this for large public transport like trains or planes, where we usually use 'get on'.
to leap down to the ground from a higher place, like a wall or a chair (A2, not separable)
Pattern: subject + jump off + noun (or 'jump off' alone)
Wrong: He jumped off from the bridge into the river. Right: He jumped off the bridge into the river. In English, we say 'jump off something' directly; we do not need to add the preposition 'from' after 'off'.
Do not confuse this literal physical action with the figurative 'jump off the page' (to be very noticeable).
to suddenly appear or come out from a place, often to surprise or scare someone (A2, not separable)
Pattern: subject + jump out (+ of/from + noun)
Wrong: The thief jumped out the window. Right: The thief jumped out of the window. When you emerge from inside a physical space or object, you must use 'jump out of' rather than just 'jump out'.
Do not confuse this with the figurative 'jump out at someone', which means to be very noticeable or obvious.
to leap or spring upward to get onto a higher surface (A2, not separable)
Pattern: subject + jump up + (onto + noun)
Wrong: The dog jumped up the table to eat the food. Right: The dog jumped up onto the table to eat the food. To describe landing on top of a surface, you need to use the preposition 'onto' after 'jump up'.
Do not confuse this with 'jump up' meaning to suddenly stand up from a sitting position.
to avoid going near a person, place, or thing (A2, not separable)
Pattern: subject + keep away
Wrong: The fire is dangerous, please keep away it. Right: The fire is dangerous, please keep away. In this intransitive sense, 'keep away' cannot be followed directly by an object. To include the object, you must add the preposition 'from'.
In this intransitive sense, do not put an object after 'away'; if you want to mention the object, you must use 'keep away from'.
to not enter a place, or to stay outside of an area (A2, not separable)
Pattern: subject + keep out
Wrong: The sign on the door said 'keep out the room'. Right: The sign on the door said 'keep out of the room'. If you want to mention the specific place, you must use the preposition 'of' after 'keep out'.
In this intransitive sense, do not put an object after the verb; use 'keep out of [place]' if you want to name the location.
to stop someone or something from going near a person, place, or thing (A2, separable)
Pattern: subject + keep + person/thing + away from + person/thing
Wrong: Please keep away it from the fire. Right: Please keep it away from the fire. Pronoun objects like 'it' must be placed between 'keep' and 'away', not after them.
When using a pronoun like 'him', 'her', or 'it', it must go between 'keep' and 'away'.
to come down from the air and settle on a surface (A2, not separable)
Pattern: subject + land on + noun
Wrong: The fly landed itself on my food. Right: The fly landed on my food. The verb 'land' is intransitive here and does not take a reflexive pronoun like 'itself'.
to make fun of someone in an unkind way, showing that you do not respect them (A2, not separable)
Pattern: subject + laugh at + person
Wrong: Please don't laugh on me, I am trying my best. Right: Please don't laugh at me, I am trying my best. The phrasal verb always takes the preposition 'at', not 'on' or 'to'.
Do not confuse this with 'laugh with someone', which means sharing a happy moment together.
to not turn off a light, machine, or appliance, allowing it to continue working (A2, separable)
Pattern: subject + leave + object (noun/pronoun) + on
Wrong: Please leave on the TV, I am watching. Right: Please leave the TV on, I am watching. While you can sometimes put a noun after 'leave on', it is much more natural and common to put the object before 'on'.
If you use a pronoun (like 'it' or 'them'), it must go between 'leave' and 'on'.
to allow a person, animal, or thing to enter a room, building, or car (A2, separable)
Pattern: subject + let + object + in
Wrong: The dog wants to go inside, please let in him. Right: The dog wants to go inside, please let him in. Pronouns like 'him', 'her', 'it', or 'me' must always split this phrasal verb.
If you use a pronoun (like 'me', 'him', or 'it'), it must go between 'let' and 'in'.
To put your body in a flat, horizontal position, usually on a bed or sofa to rest. (A2, not separable)
Pattern: subject + lie down (+ prepositional phrase)
Wrong: I am tired, I need to lay down. Right: I am tired, I need to lie down. 'Lay' requires a direct object (you lay something down), whereas 'lie' is used when you put yourself in a horizontal position.
Do not confuse 'lie down' (no object) with 'lay down' (which needs an object, like 'lay the baby down').
to raise something or someone to a higher physical position (A2, separable)
Pattern: subject + lift + object + up (or: subject + lift up + object)
Wrong: He lifted up it from the floor. Right: He lifted it up from the floor. If the object is a pronoun (like 'it', 'him', 'them'), it must go between the verb 'lift' and the particle 'up'.
Do not confuse this physical meaning with the metaphorical 'lift up' which means to make someone feel happier.
to start to shine or produce light (A2, not separable)
Pattern: subject (device, screen, sign) + light up
Wrong: When I entered the dark room, I lit up. Right: When I entered the dark room, I turned on the light. 'Light up' as an intransitive verb means the object itself starts to shine, it cannot be used for a person turning on a room light.
Do not use this to mean turning on a room light with a switch; use 'turn on' or 'switch on' instead.
to arrange things or people in a straight row (A2, separable)
Pattern: subject + line + noun/pronoun + up
Wrong: Please line up them on the shelf. Right: Please line them up on the shelf. When the object is a pronoun (them), it must go between the verb 'line' and the particle 'up'.
If you use a pronoun like 'it' or 'them', you must put it between 'line' and 'up'.
to arrange people or things in a straight row (A2, separable)
Pattern: subject + line + noun/pronoun + up (or: line up + noun)
Wrong: Please line up the books on the shelf in a line. Right: Please line up the books on the shelf. The phrase 'line up' already means to put things in a line, so adding 'in a line' is redundant.
Do not confuse this physical meaning with the informal meaning of 'arranging or organizing an event or meeting'.
to turn your head or body to see what is behind you (A2, not separable)
Pattern: subject + look around
Wrong: She looked around herself to see who was behind her. Right: She looked around to see who was behind her. In English, 'look around' is intransitive for this meaning; you do not need to add 'myself', 'herself', etc.
Do not confuse this with 'look around a place' (which means to explore or visit a building or city).
to walk through a building or area to see what is there (A2, not separable)
Pattern: subject + look around (+ place)
Wrong: We spent the afternoon looking around of the museum. Right: We spent the afternoon looking around the museum. You do not need the preposition 'of' after 'look around' when introducing the place you are inspecting.
If you want to mention the specific place, you must use the preposition 'around' or 'round' before the noun (e.g., 'look around the house').
to walk through a building or area to see what is there (A2, not separable)
Pattern: subject + look around + (optional: place)
Wrong: We spent the afternoon looking around of the museum. Right: We spent the afternoon looking around the museum. You do not need the preposition 'of' after 'look around'.
Do not separate the verb; you 'look around the shop', not 'look the shop around'.
to turn your eyes toward something or someone so that you can see them. (A2, not separable)
Pattern: subject + look + at + noun/pronoun
Wrong: Look on that beautiful bird in the tree! Right: Look at that beautiful bird in the tree! The phrasal verb always uses the preposition 'at', not 'on', to direct visual attention.
Do not confuse this with 'look for', which means searching for something you cannot find.
to turn your eyes towards the ground or a lower position (A2, not separable)
Pattern: subject + look down (+ optional prepositional phrase)
Wrong: He looked down himself because he was shy. Right: He looked down because he was shy. The phrasal verb 'look down' is intransitive here and does not take a reflexive pronoun like 'himself'.
Do not confuse this literal movement with 'look down on someone', which means to think you are better than them.
to try to find someone or something that is lost or that you need (A2, not separable)
Pattern: subject + look + for + noun/pronoun
Wrong: I am looking my glasses. Right: I am looking for my glasses. Without the preposition 'for', the verb 'look' just means to direct your eyes at something, not to search for it.
This phrasal verb is inseparable, so the object must always come after the preposition 'for'.
to watch carefully to avoid danger or to warn someone about a danger (A2, not separable)
Pattern: Look out! / subject + must look out
Wrong: Look out the dog, it might bite you! Right: Look out for the dog, it might bite you! If you want to mention the specific danger after 'look out', you must use the preposition 'for'.
This sense is intransitive and cannot take a direct object; do not say 'look out the car' to mean watch out for it.
to create or build an object using a specific material or substance (A2, separable)
Pattern: subject + make + object + out of + material
Wrong: He made a table from of wood. Right: He made a table out of wood. The correct prepositional phrase to indicate the material used for making something is 'out of', not 'from of'.
Remember that 'make out of' is separable; the object being created usually goes between 'make' and 'out of'.
to intend to do something, or to do something on purpose (A2, not separable)
Pattern: subject + mean to + verb
Wrong: I didn't mean to hurting your feelings. Right: I didn't mean to hurt your feelings. After 'mean to', you must use the infinitive form of the verb, not the -ing form.
This phrase is followed by an infinitive verb (mean to do), not a gerund (mean doing).
to see and spend time with someone, usually after planning it (A2, not separable)
Pattern: subject + meet up (+ with + person) (+ at/in + place)
Wrong: I will meet up my friend at the station. Right: I will meet up with my friend at the station. You cannot 'meet up someone'. You must use the preposition 'with' before the object.
This verb is intransitive; if you want to mention the person you meet, you must use 'meet up with'.
to meet someone at a planned time and place to do something together (A2, not separable, informal)
Pattern: subject + meet up + with + person
Wrong: We met up ourselves in front of the cinema. Right: We met up in front of the cinema. The verb 'meet up' is not reflexive in English; you do not need to say 'ourselves' or 'each other'.
Do not use this in very formal business contexts; use 'meet' instead.
to mix different ingredients together thoroughly, especially when preparing food (A2, separable)
Pattern: subject + mix + noun/pronoun + up (or: mix up + noun)
Wrong: I need to mix up together the eggs and milk. Right: I need to mix up the eggs and milk. The word 'together' is redundant because 'mix up' already means to combine things together.
Do not confuse this with the other common meaning of 'mix up', which means to confuse two things or people.
to leave the area where you live and go to live in a different place (A2, not separable)
Pattern: subject + move away (+ from + place)
Wrong: She decided to move away her house. Right: She decided to move away. 'Move away' is intransitive and cannot take a direct object. To mention the house, say 'move out of her house'.
This phrasal verb is intransitive, so you cannot put an object after it; use 'move away from [place]' if you want to mention the location.
to start living in a new home (A2, not separable)
Pattern: subject + move in
Wrong: I moved in the new house yesterday. Right: I moved into the new house yesterday. You cannot put a noun directly after 'move in'. You must use 'move into' if you name the place.
This is an intransitive verb; do not put an object after it. If you want to mention the place, use 'move into [place]' instead.
to open a door, a container, or a building so that people or things can go inside (A2, separable)
Pattern: subject + open (object) + up
Wrong: I have a new key but I cannot open up it. Right: I have a new key but I cannot open it up. With separable phrasal verbs, pronoun objects like 'it' must go between the verb and the particle.
If you use a pronoun like 'it' or 'them', you must put it between 'open' and 'up'.
to put things into bags, boxes, or suitcases to put them away or take them with you (A2, separable)
Pattern: subject + pack up + noun/pronoun OR subject + pack + noun/pronoun + up
Wrong: We must pack up them before we leave the hotel. Right: We must pack them up before we leave the hotel. When the object is a pronoun like 'them' or 'it', it must go between 'pack' and 'up'.
to go past a person, place, or thing without stopping (A2, not separable)
Pattern: subject + pass by (+ optional prepositional phrase with 'without' or 'and')
Wrong: A beautiful red car passed by me. Right: A beautiful red car passed me. / A beautiful red car went by. While 'pass by' is correct as an intransitive verb (without an object), when you want to specify the object/person you went past, you should use 'pass' without 'by', or use 'pass by' with 'of' in very formal contexts, but usually just 'pass [someone/something]'.
Do not confuse this with 'pass' (to succeed in an exam) or 'pass away' (to die).
to go past a person, place, or thing without stopping (A2, not separable)
Pattern: subject + pass by + noun/pronoun
Wrong: We passed the post office by without stopping. Right: We passed by the post office without stopping. When 'pass by' has a physical object like a building, it is inseparable. The object must come after 'by'.
In this transitive sense, the verb is inseparable; you cannot put the object between 'pass' and 'by'.
to remove something from a group or a place using your fingers or a tool (A2, separable)
Pattern: subject + pick + noun/pronoun + out (or: pick + out + noun)
Wrong: He picked out the bones from the fish very carefully. Right: He picked the bones out of the fish very carefully. While grammatically possible, it is much more natural to place the object before 'out' or use 'out of' when specifying the source.
Do not confuse this with the much more common meaning 'to choose or select something'.
to lift something up from a surface using your hands (A2, separable)
Pattern: subject + pick + object + up OR subject + pick up + noun
Wrong: The book fell on the floor, so I picked up it. Right: The book fell on the floor, so I picked it up. When the object is a pronoun (like 'it'), it must go between the verb 'pick' and the particle 'up'.
If you use a pronoun like 'it' or 'them', you must put it between 'pick' and 'up'.
to buy or collect something, often on your way to another place (A2, separable)
Pattern: subject + pick + noun/pronoun + up
Wrong: I need to pick up it from the station. Right: I need to pick it up from the station. With separable phrasal verbs, pronoun objects must go between the verb and the particle.
If you use a pronoun like 'it' or 'them', you must put it between 'pick' and 'up'.
to show where someone or something is by pointing with your finger or hand (A2, separable)
Pattern: subject + point + object (noun/pronoun) + out
Wrong: She pointed out me in the crowd. Right: She pointed me out in the crowd. When the object is a pronoun (like 'me', 'him', 'it'), it must go between the verb 'point' and the particle 'out'.
Do not confuse this physical action with the abstract meaning of 'pointing out' a fact or making a comment.
to remove something by pulling it with your hands (A2, separable)
Pattern: subject + pull + noun/pronoun + off (+ noun)
Wrong: I pulled off the poster from the wall. Right: I pulled the poster off the wall. When we mention the place we are pulling something away from, we use 'pull something off something' rather than keeping the verb and particle together.
Do not confuse this literal sense with the figurative B2 sense meaning 'to succeed in doing something difficult'.
to store something in its proper place, like a cupboard or drawer, after using it (A2, separable)
Pattern: subject + put + noun/pronoun + away
Wrong: After I washed the dishes, I put away them. Right: After I washed the dishes, I put them away. When the object is a pronoun like 'them', it must go between 'put' and 'away'.
If you use a pronoun like 'it' or 'them', you must put it between 'put' and 'away' (e.g., 'put them away').
to return something to the place where it is usually kept or where you found it (A2, separable)
Pattern: subject + put + noun/pronoun + back (+ into/on/in + place)
Wrong: Please put back it when you are done. Right: Please put it back when you are done. With pronouns like 'it', the phrasal verb must be separated.
If you use a pronoun like 'it' or 'them', you must put it between 'put' and 'back'.
to place something inside a container, space, or place (A2, separable)
Pattern: subject + put + noun/pronoun + in (+ noun)
Wrong: Please take your phone and put in your pocket. Right: Please take your phone and put it in your pocket. You must specify what you are putting inside; 'put in' needs an object, or 'it' if the object was already mentioned.
If you use a pronoun like 'it' or 'them', you must put it between 'put' and 'in'.
to place clothing, shoes, glasses, or makeup on your body (A2, separable)
Pattern: subject + put + noun/pronoun + on
Wrong: It was sunny, so I put on them. Right: It was sunny, so I put them on. With separable phrasal verbs, pronoun objects like 'them' or 'it' must always go between the verb and the particle.
If you use a pronoun like 'it' or 'them', you must put it between 'put' and 'on' (e.g., 'put it on', not 'put on it').
to place clothing, accessories, or decorations onto another person or a surface (A2, separable)
Pattern: subject + put + noun/pronoun + on + noun
Wrong: I put on him his shoes. Right: I put his shoes on him. When putting clothes on another person, the clothing item must come before 'on him/her'.
If the object is a pronoun (like 'it' or 'them'), it must go between 'put' and 'on'.
to place something outside of a house or building, especially for collection (A2, separable)
Pattern: subject + put + noun/pronoun + out
Wrong: I must put out the trash bin to the street. Right: I must put the trash bin out on the street. We do not use 'to' for the location here; we use 'out' on its own or with 'on/in' for the specific outside location.
Do not confuse this with 'put out a fire' (extinguish) or 'be put out' (annoyed), which are different senses of the same verb.
to place something on a high shelf, wall, or other high position (A2, separable)
Pattern: subject + put + noun/pronoun + up
Wrong: Please put up it on the shelf where the kids cannot reach it. Right: Please put it up on the shelf where the kids cannot reach it. When the object is a pronoun (like 'it' or 'them'), it must go between 'put' and 'up'.
Do not confuse this with 'put up with', which means to tolerate something annoying.
to attach something to a wall, post, or ceiling so that people can see it (A2, separable)
Pattern: subject + put + noun/pronoun + up
Wrong: I bought a new calendar and put up it in the kitchen. Right: I bought a new calendar and put it up in the kitchen. When the object is a pronoun (like 'it'), it must go between the verb 'put' and the particle 'up'.
If you use a pronoun like 'it' or 'them', you must put it between 'put' and 'up'.
to place something outside, or to make a person or animal leave a place (A2, separable)
Pattern: subject + put + object (noun/pronoun) + out
Wrong: We need to put out the dog because he is dirty. Right: We need to put the dog out because he is dirty. When the object is a pronoun or a short, specific noun phrase like a pet, it is much more natural to split the phrasal verb.
Do not confuse this with 'put out a fire' (extinguish) or 'be put out' (annoyed).
to stretch out your hand to take or touch something (A2, not separable)
Pattern: subject + reach for + noun
Wrong: She reached to her keys on the table. Right: She reached for her keys on the table. We use the preposition 'for' to show the object we want to get, not 'to'.
Do not confuse this with 'reach' on its own, which means to arrive at a place or touch something without the action of trying to grab it.
to fold something like a piece of paper, a carpet, or sleeves into a tube or cylinder shape (A2, separable)
Pattern: subject + roll + noun/pronoun + up
Wrong: Please roll up it before you put it away. Right: Please roll it up before you put it away. When the object is a pronoun (like 'it'), it must always go between the verb 'roll' and the particle 'up'.
to cross a road, field, or bridge quickly by running (A2, not separable)
Pattern: subject + run across + noun (place)
Wrong: He ran across of the bridge to meet his friend. Right: He ran across the bridge to meet his friend. The preposition 'across' is followed directly by the noun, without the word 'of'.
Do not confuse this literal sense with the idiomatic meaning 'to meet or find someone/something by chance'.
to run behind someone or something in order to catch them (A2, not separable)
Pattern: subject + run after + object (noun/pronoun)
Wrong: He ran after to her to give her the keys. Right: He ran after her to give her the keys. The preposition 'after' must be followed directly by the object (her) without adding 'to'.
Do not confuse this with 'run after' meaning to romantically pursue someone, which is a more informal, figurative sense.
to move or travel quickly from one place to another, often while being busy or active (A2, not separable)
Pattern: subject + run around (+ adverbial of place/time)
Wrong: I was running around the shops to buy a gift. Right: I was running around trying to buy a gift. When 'run around' means going to many places to do chores, it is intransitive. To mention a specific place, use 'running around at the shops' or just 'running around'.
Do not confuse this with 'run around something' in a physical circle; in this sense, it is intransitive and does not take a direct object.
to escape or leave quickly by running, especially from danger or a scary situation (A2, not separable)
Pattern: subject + run away + (from + noun/pronoun)
Wrong: The thief ran away the police. Right: The thief ran away from the police. You cannot put an object directly after 'run away'; you must use the preposition 'from'.
Do not confuse this literal sense of running with 'run away from home', which means to leave your family to live elsewhere.
To enter a place or a building quickly by running. (A2, not separable)
Pattern: subject + run into + noun/place
Wrong: He ran into the room very fastly. Right: He ran into the room. The verb 'run' already means moving fast, and 'fastly' is not a word in English; 'fast' is both an adjective and an adverb.
Do not confuse this literal sense with the common figurative meaning 'to meet someone by chance' or 'to crash into something'.
to run quickly towards a person or a place (A2, not separable)
Pattern: subject + run up + (to + person/object)
Wrong: He ran up to the hill to see the sunset. Right: He ran up the hill to see the sunset. If you are running to the top of a hill, you 'run up the hill' (preposition of direction). 'Run up to' means approaching a specific point or person.
Do not confuse this physical movement with 'run up a bill', which means to accumulate debt.
to keep money instead of spending it, usually to buy something special (A2, not separable)
Pattern: subject + save up + (for + noun/gerund)
Wrong: I am saving up a new phone. Right: I am saving up for a new phone. You must use the preposition 'for' before the thing you want to buy.
Do not put the noun representing the goal directly after the verb without the preposition 'for'.
to return something to the person, shop, or place it came from (A2, separable)
Pattern: subject + send + object + back
Wrong: I didn't like the shirt, so I sent back it. Right: I didn't like the shirt, so I sent it back. With separable phrasal verbs, pronoun objects like 'it' must go between the verb and the particle.
If you use a pronoun like 'it' or 'them', you must put it between 'send' and 'back'.
to prepare a machine, system, or equipment so that it is ready to be used (A2, separable)
Pattern: subject + set + noun/pronoun + up
Wrong: I have a new phone, but I don't know how to set up it. Right: I have a new phone, but I don't know how to set it up. When the object is a pronoun (like 'it'), it must go between the verb 'set' and the particle 'up'.
If you use a pronoun like 'it' or 'them', you must put it between 'set' and 'up'.
to guide someone through a new place, like a house or office, and explain what is there (A2, separable)
Pattern: subject + show + person + around + (optional place)
Wrong: He showed around me the new school. Right: He showed me around the new school. The object pronoun 'me' must come between 'show' and 'around'.
If you use a pronoun like 'him', 'her', or 'them', it must go between 'show' and 'around'.
to stop operating, or to make a machine, computer, or business stop operating (A2, separable)
Pattern: subject + shut down + object OR subject + shut + object + down
Wrong: Please shut down the light when you go to sleep. Right: Please turn off the light when you go to sleep. We use 'shut down' for computers, machines, or businesses, but for lights we use 'turn off' or 'switch off'.
Do not use 'shut down' for simple household items like lights or water taps; use 'turn off' instead.
to stop the flow of something like water, gas, or electricity by turning a valve or switch (A2, separable)
Pattern: subject + shut + (noun/pronoun) + off
Wrong: Please shut off it immediately. Right: Please shut it off immediately. When the object is a pronoun (like 'it'), it must go between the verb 'shut' and the particle 'off'.
If you use a pronoun like 'it' or 'them', you must put it between 'shut' and 'off'.
to enter your username and password to start using a website, app, or computer (A2, not separable)
Pattern: subject + sign in (+ to/into + noun)
Wrong: I need to sign in my computer. Right: I need to sign in to my computer. You cannot 'sign in' an object directly; you must use the preposition 'to' or 'into' before the device or website.
To mention the specific website or account, use the preposition 'to' or 'into', as in 'sign in to your account'.
to write your name on a list when you arrive at a place like an office or hotel (A2, separable)
Pattern: subject + sign + (object) + in
Wrong: When I arrived at the hotel, I signed in at the reception. Right: When I arrived at the hotel, I checked in at the reception. For hotels and airports, we use 'check in'. 'Sign in' is used for offices, schools, or gyms where you just write your name on a visitor list.
Do not confuse this physical action with 'signing in' to a website or computer, which is often called 'logging in'.
To put someone's name on an official list to join an activity, course, or group. (A2, separable)
Pattern: subject + sign + someone + up + (for something)
Wrong: I signed up me for the football tournament. Right: I signed up for the football tournament. If you register yourself, you just say 'sign up' without 'me', or you must say 'signed myself up'.
If you use a pronoun (like 'me', 'him', or 'them'), it must go between 'sign' and 'up'.
to put your name on a list to join an activity, course, or group (A2, not separable)
Pattern: subject + sign up (+ for + noun/activity)
Wrong: I signed up the English course yesterday. Right: I signed up for the English course yesterday. You must use the preposition 'for' before the noun representing the activity you are joining.
If you want to mention the activity or group, you must use the preposition 'for' after the verb.
to sing a song at the same time as you are listening to it (A2, not separable)
Pattern: subject + sing along + (with + noun/pronoun)
Wrong: I like to sing along the radio when I cook. Right: I like to sing along with the radio when I cook. You must use the preposition 'with' if you want to mention the source of the music.
This phrasal verb is intransitive and cannot be separated; you sing along 'with' a song or person, not 'sing a song along'.
to lean backwards against the back of your chair while sitting down (A2, not separable)
Pattern: subject + sit back (+ in/on + noun)
Wrong: He sat back himself in the chair. Right: He sat back in the chair. The phrasal verb 'sit back' is intransitive and cannot be used with a reflexive pronoun like 'himself'.
Do not confuse this literal physical action with the idiomatic meaning 'to relax and do nothing while others work'.
to move your body from a standing position into a seat (A2, not separable)
Pattern: subject + sit down (+ adverb/prepositional phrase)
Wrong: I sat down myself on the chair. Right: I sat down on the chair. The verb 'sit down' is intransitive in this sense and does not take a reflexive pronoun like 'myself'.
Saying 'Sit down!' as a direct command can sound very rude or bossy; use 'Please sit down' or 'Have a seat' instead.
to move your body from lying down into a sitting position (A2, not separable)
Pattern: subject + sit up (+ adverb/prepositional phrase)
Wrong: I was lying on the sofa and then I sat down to drink some water. Right: I was lying on the sofa and then I sat up to drink some water. You use 'sit up' when changing from a lying position to a sitting position. 'Sit down' is used when you are standing.
Do not confuse this with 'sit down' (moving from standing to sitting) or 'sit up' meaning to stay awake late.
to move your back into a straight, upright position while sitting (A2, not separable)
Pattern: subject + sit up (+ adverb)
Wrong: He was tired, so he sat up in the armchair. Right: He was tired, so he sat back in the armchair. 'Sit up' means to sit straight and alert. To relax into a chair, you should use 'sit back'.
Do not confuse this with 'sit down' (to take a seat) or 'stay up' (to not go to bed).
to sleep longer than usual in the morning, often on purpose (A2, not separable)
Pattern: subject + sleep in (+ time expression)
Wrong: I slept in and missed my morning train. Right: I overslept and missed my morning train. 'Sleep in' is usually a deliberate, pleasant choice, whereas 'oversleep' is an accidental mistake that causes problems.
Do not confuse this with 'oversleep', which means sleeping too late by accident and missing something like work or school.
to share a bed or a bedroom with someone for the night (A2, not separable)
Pattern: subject + sleep with + person
Wrong: I slept with my brother in the hotel because there was only one room. Right: I shared a room with my brother in the hotel because there was only one room. Using 'sleep with' can easily be misunderstood as having a sexual relationship. To avoid this ambiguity, use 'share a room' or 'share a bed'.
Be careful: this phrase is very often used as a euphemism for having sex with someone.
to speak more loudly so that people can hear you easily (A2, not separable)
Pattern: subject + speak up
Wrong: Please speak up your voice, I cannot hear you. Right: Please speak up, I cannot hear you. The phrasal verb 'speak up' is intransitive and cannot be followed by an object like 'your voice'.
This phrasal verb is intransitive, meaning it does not take a direct object; you cannot 'speak up your voice'.
to be the short form of a word, name, or idea; to represent something (A2, not separable)
Pattern: abbreviation + stand for + full name/meaning
This phrasal verb is inseparable and is always followed by an object; you cannot say 'what does it stand?'
to move your body from sitting or lying down to a standing position (A2, not separable)
Pattern: subject + stand up (+ adverb/prepositional phrase)
Do not confuse this physical action with 'stand up for someone', which means to defend or support someone.
to begin a process, a journey, or a talk, often in a particular way (A2, not separable)
Pattern: subject + start off (+ with + noun / + by + -ing verb)
Wrong: We started off to play football when it began to rain. Right: We started playing football when it began to rain. Do not use 'start off' with an infinitive (to play). Use 'start' or 'begin' instead.
If you want to mention the first action, use 'start off by doing something' or 'start off with something'.
to not go near a person, place, or thing, or to avoid them completely (A2, not separable)
Pattern: subject + stay away + (from + noun/pronoun)
Wrong: You should stay away of the broken glass on the floor. Right: You should stay away from the broken glass on the floor. We use the preposition 'from' after 'stay away', not 'of'.
Always use the preposition 'from' if you mention the person or thing you are avoiding.
to stand or remain at a safe distance from something dangerous or private (A2, not separable)
Pattern: subject + stay back (+ from + noun)
Wrong: Please stay back yourself from the edge of the cliff. Right: Please stay back from the edge of the cliff. The verb 'stay back' is not reflexive; you do not need to use 'yourself'.
This is an intransitive phrasal verb, so it does not take a direct object; do not say 'stay back the fire'.
to remain in a place after other people have left (A2, not separable)
Pattern: subject + stay behind (+ optional prepositional phrase, e.g., 'after class')
Wrong: I had to stay behind the classroom to clean the board. Right: I had to stay behind in the classroom to clean the board. 'Stay behind' is intransitive; you cannot put the place directly after it without a preposition like 'in' or 'at'.
This phrasal verb is intransitive, meaning it does not take a direct object.
to spend the evening at home instead of going out to a restaurant, cinema, or party (A2, not separable)
Pattern: subject + stay in + (optional time expression)
Wrong: We decided to stay in home because it was raining. Right: We decided to stay in because it was raining. The phrasal verb 'stay in' already implies being at home, so adding 'home' after it is redundant and grammatically incorrect.
Do not confuse this with 'stay inside', which means to remain indoors to avoid bad weather.
to remain away from home, especially late at night (A2, not separable)
Pattern: subject + stay out (+ late / all night)
Wrong: I stayed out of my house until midnight. Right: I stayed out until midnight. The phrasal verb 'stay out' already implies being away from home, so adding 'of my house' is redundant and incorrect.
Do not confuse this with 'stay out of something', which means to avoid getting involved in a situation.
to go to bed later than usual; to not sleep (A2, not separable)
Pattern: subject + stay up (+ late / until + time)
Wrong: I was staying up until midnight to finish my homework. Right: I stayed up until midnight to finish my homework. For completed actions in the past with a specific duration or end point, we use the past simple 'stayed up' rather than the past continuous.
Do not confuse this with 'stay' on its own, which just means remaining in a place, not necessarily remaining awake.
to move one or more steps physically ahead, especially when asked to identify yourself (A2, not separable)
Pattern: subject + step forward (+ adverb/prepositional phrase)
Wrong: The soldier stepped forward him to show his uniform. Right: The soldier stepped forward to show his uniform. The phrasal verb 'step forward' is intransitive and cannot take a direct object.
Do not confuse this physical action with the figurative meaning of offering help or volunteering.
to push something forward or outward so that it projects past an edge or surface (A2, separable)
Pattern: subject + stick + noun/pronoun + out (or: stick out + noun)
Wrong: He stuck out his hand to shake mine. Right: He held out his hand to shake mine. While 'stick out' is grammatically correct for extending a hand, 'hold out' is much more natural and polite for offering a handshake.
Do not confuse this with the intransitive 'stick out' (to be noticeable) or the idiom 'stick it out' (to endure a difficult situation).
to lie down with your arms and legs straight, usually to relax or sleep (A2, not separable)
Pattern: subject + stretch out (+ adverbial of place)
Wrong: I was so tired that I stretched out myself on the bed. Right: I was so tired that I stretched out on the bed. In this sense, 'stretch out' is intransitive and does not use a reflexive pronoun like 'myself'.
In this intransitive sense, do not put an object after the verb.
to stop a machine or light from working by pressing a button or turning a switch (A2, separable)
Pattern: subject + switch + noun/pronoun + off OR subject + switch off + noun
Wrong: Don't forget to switch off the water tap. Right: Don't forget to turn off the water tap. We use 'switch off' specifically for electrical devices or appliances with switches, not for mechanical valves like water taps.
Do not use 'switch off' for things that do not use electricity or gas, such as water taps or books.
to press a button or turn a switch to make an electrical device start working (A2, separable)
Pattern: subject + switch + noun/pronoun + on OR subject + switch on + noun
Wrong: Please switch on it, I want to watch the news. Right: Please switch it on, I want to watch the news. If the object is a pronoun (like 'it', 'him', 'them'), it must always go between 'switch' and 'on'.
Do not use this for things that do not use electricity, like a water tap or a book.
to leave the ground and fly into the air (usually used for airplanes or birds) (A2, not separable)
Pattern: subject (plane/bird) + take off
Wrong: The pilot took off the plane at noon. Right: The plane took off at noon. In this sense, 'take off' is intransitive and cannot have an object like 'the plane'. The plane itself is the subject that takes off.
In this sense, the verb is intransitive, which means it does not take an object.
to move something from one place to another, or to remove it from someone (A2, separable)
Pattern: subject + take + noun/pronoun + away
Wrong: Please take away your shoes from the corridor. Right: Please take your shoes away from the corridor. When using a pronoun or a short noun phrase, it is much more natural to put it between 'take' and 'away'.
Do not confuse this with buying food to eat at home, which is 'takeaway' (noun) or 'to go' (adjective).
to remove something from a wall, hook, or high place where it is hanging or fixed (A2, separable)
Pattern: subject + take + noun/pronoun + down
Wrong: Can you take down it from the wall? Right: Can you take it down from the wall? With separable phrasal verbs, pronoun objects like 'it' must go between the verb and the particle.
If you use a pronoun like 'it' or 'them', you must put it between 'take' and 'down' (e.g., 'take it down').
to remove something that is hanging on a wall, hook, or high place (A2, separable)
Pattern: subject + take + noun/pronoun + down
Wrong: Can you help me take down it? Right: Can you help me take it down? With separable phrasal verbs, pronoun objects like 'it' must go between the verb and the particle.
If you use a pronoun like 'it' or 'them', you must put it between 'take' and 'down'.
to remove something, especially a piece of clothing or an accessory from your body (A2, separable)
Pattern: subject + take + noun/pronoun + off
Wrong: It was warm, so I took off it. Right: It was warm, so I took it off. When the object of a separable phrasal verb is a pronoun (like 'it' or 'them'), it must go between the verb and the particle.
If you use a pronoun like 'it' or 'them', you must put it between 'take' and 'off'.
to remove something from inside a pocket, bag, container, or room (A2, separable)
Pattern: subject + take + noun/pronoun + out (of + noun)
Wrong: I opened my bag and took out it. Right: I opened my bag and took it out. When the object is a pronoun like 'it', it must go between the verb and the particle.
If you use a pronoun like 'it' or 'them', you must put it between 'take' and 'out'.
to carry something with you when you go to a place (A2, separable, informal)
Pattern: subject + take + object + with + pronoun
Wrong: I will take my jacket with. Right: I will take my jacket with me. In English, you cannot end the phrase with 'with'; you must specify who you are taking it with (e.g., 'with me', 'with you').
You must always include a reflexive pronoun (like 'me', 'you', 'him', 'them') after 'with'.
to hit something or someone lightly and quickly, often to get attention or make a sound (A2, not separable)
Pattern: subject + tap + on + noun/pronoun
Wrong: He tapped me on the window to let him in. Right: He tapped on the window to let him in. In English, you tap 'on' the object (the window), not the person 'on' the object.
Do not separate this phrasal verb; the object always comes after 'on' (e.g., 'tap on the window', not 'tap the window on').
to consider doing something or making a particular choice (A2, not separable)
Pattern: subject + think about + noun / -ing verb
Wrong: I am thinking about to move to London. Right: I am thinking about moving to London. The preposition 'about' must be followed by a verb ending in -ing, not an infinitive with 'to'.
If you follow this phrase with a verb, it must end in -ing (gerund), not an infinitive.
to use your mind to consider or remember someone or something (A2, not separable)
Pattern: subject + think + about + noun/pronoun/gerund
Wrong: I am thinking about to buy a new car. Right: I am thinking about buying a new car. The preposition 'about' must be followed by a gerund (-ing form), not an infinitive.
This phrasal verb is inseparable; you cannot put the object between 'think' and 'about'.
to produce a new idea, plan, or solution in your mind (A2, not separable)
Pattern: subject + think of + noun / pronoun / -ing form
Wrong: I need to invent a good excuse for being late. Right: I need to think of a good excuse for being late. While 'invent' is grammatically correct, native speakers almost always use 'think of' or 'come up with' for everyday ideas and excuses.
Do not use 'think of' in the continuous form (e.g., 'I am thinking of a good plan') when you mean the sudden moment of inventing it.
to put something you do not want anymore into the trash (A2, separable)
Pattern: subject + throw + noun/pronoun + away
Wrong: I don't need this old newspaper, I will throw away it. Right: I don't need this old newspaper, I will throw it away. With phrasal verbs, pronoun objects like 'it' must always go between the verb and the particle.
If you use a pronoun like 'it' or 'them', you must put it between 'throw' and 'away'.
to put something that you do not want anymore into the trash (A2, separable)
Pattern: subject + throw + noun/pronoun + out
Wrong: I don't need this old box, so I will throw out it. Right: I don't need this old box, so I will throw it out. When the object is a pronoun like 'it', it must go between the verb and the particle 'out'.
If you use a pronoun like 'it' or 'them', you must put it between 'throw' and 'out'.
to make a room or a place clean and neat by putting things in their correct places (A2, separable)
Pattern: subject + tidy + (noun/pronoun) + up
Wrong: I need to tidy up my homework. Right: I need to organize my homework. We tidy up physical spaces like rooms or desks, not abstract tasks or school assignments.
Do not use 'tidy up' for washing dishes or wiping floors; it mainly means putting objects back where they belong.
to put on a piece of clothing to see if it fits and looks good (A2, separable)
Pattern: subject + try + noun/pronoun + on
Wrong: These jeans look nice, I will try on them. Right: These jeans look nice, I will try them on. Pronouns like 'them' or 'it' must always go between 'try' and 'on'.
If you use a pronoun like 'it' or 'them', it must go in the middle: 'try it on', not 'try on it'.
to test something new, like a machine, method, or product, to see if you like it or if it works (A2, separable)
Pattern: subject + try + noun/pronoun + out
Wrong: I bought a new camera and I want to try out it. Right: I bought a new camera and I want to try it out. When the object is a pronoun like 'it', it must always go between 'try' and 'out'.
If you use a pronoun like 'it' or 'them', it must go between 'try' and 'out'.
to change the direction you are facing by rotating your body or an object (A2, separable)
Pattern: subject + turn (someone/something) + around
Wrong: I turned myself around to look at the map. Right: I turned around to look at the map. In English, 'turn around' is usually intransitive when referring to your own body; you do not need to say 'myself'.
Do not confuse this physical movement with the figurative meaning of improving a failing business or situation.
to move your face or body in another direction so you do not see someone or something (A2, not separable)
Pattern: subject + turn away + (from + noun/pronoun)
Wrong: She was so sad that she turned herself away. Right: She was so sad that she turned away. The verb 'turn away' in this literal, intransitive sense does not use a reflexive pronoun like 'herself'.
Do not confuse this literal sense with the transitive meaning 'to turn someone away', which means to refuse entry to a place.
to move your face or body in another direction so you do not see someone or something (A2, separable)
Pattern: subject + turn + (object) + away
Wrong: She turned away her head when she saw the blood. Right: She turned her head away when she saw the blood. When using a specific body part like 'head' or 'face' as the object, it is much more natural to place it between 'turn' and 'away'.
Do not confuse this literal physical movement with the figurative meaning of refusing entry to a place.
to stop going forward and go back in the direction you came from (A2, not separable)
Pattern: subject + turn back + (optional prepositional phrase, e.g., 'because of the rain')
Wrong: We turned back ourselves when the road was blocked. Right: We turned back when the road was blocked. The phrasal verb 'turn back' in this sense is intransitive and does not use reflexive pronouns like 'ourselves'.
Do not confuse this intransitive sense with the transitive 'turn something back' (to reverse the hands of a clock).
to change and become something different (A2, not separable)
Pattern: subject + turn into + noun
Wrong: The water turned to ice when the temperature dropped. Right: The water turned into ice when the temperature dropped. While 'turn to' is sometimes used, 'turn into' is the standard and most natural phrasal verb for a complete transformation into a new substance or state.
Do not use a preposition other than 'into' (do not say 'turn in' or 'turn to' for this meaning).
to start working or producing light, heat, or sound (for a machine or light) (A2, not separable)
Pattern: subject (device/light) + turn on
Wrong: The TV turned on itself in the middle of the night. Right: The TV turned on by itself in the middle of the night. To say something happened without human help, you must use the prepositional phrase 'by itself'.
In this intransitive sense, the machine itself is the subject (e.g., 'the heating turns on'), and you do not use an object.
to reduce the level of sound, heat, or light using a control (A2, separable)
Pattern: subject + turn + noun/pronoun + down (or: turn down + noun)
Wrong: Please turn down the light, I cannot see anything. Right: Please turn up the light, I cannot see anything. To 'turn down' means to make something lower or quieter, not to make it stronger or brighter.
Do not confuse this with the other common meaning of 'turn down', which means to reject an offer or invitation.
to stop a machine, light, or electronic device from working (A2, separable)
Pattern: subject + turn + object + off OR subject + turn off + object
Wrong: Don't forget to close the computer when you finish. Right: Don't forget to turn off the computer when you finish. In English, you 'close' a book or a door, but you 'turn off' or 'shut down' a computer.
Do not use 'close' for lights or computers; use 'turn off' or 'switch off' instead.
to stop a machine, light, or piece of electrical equipment from working (A2, separable)
Pattern: subject + turn + noun/pronoun + off
Wrong: Please turn off it before you go to bed. Right: Please turn it off before you go to bed. When the object is a pronoun like 'it', it must go between the verb 'turn' and the particle 'off'.
If you use a pronoun like 'it' or 'them', you must put it between 'turn' and 'off'.
to open a tap or valve to make water, gas, or another liquid flow (A2, separable)
Pattern: subject + turn + noun/pronoun + on
Do not confuse this with turning on electronic devices, which uses the same verb but refers to electricity, not liquids or gas.
to start a machine, light, or device by pressing a button or flipping a switch (A2, separable)
Pattern: subject + turn + noun/pronoun + on
Wrong: Please turn on it, I want to watch the movie. Right: Please turn it on, I want to watch the movie. When the object is a pronoun (like 'it'), it must go between the verb 'turn' and the particle 'on'.
If you use a pronoun like 'it' or 'them', you must put it between 'turn' and 'on'.
to flip something so that the bottom side is now facing up (A2, separable)
Pattern: subject + turn + noun/pronoun + over
Wrong: Can you turn over it? I want to see the price tag. Right: Can you turn it over? I want to see the price tag. When the object of a separable phrasal verb is a pronoun (like 'it', 'them', 'him'), it must go between the verb and the particle.
Do not confuse this with 'turn over' meaning to start an engine or to hand something to the police.
to increase the volume, temperature, or strength of something by using a control or switch (A2, separable)
Pattern: subject + turn + noun/pronoun + up
Wrong: The TV is very quiet, please turn up it. Right: The TV is very quiet, please turn it up. When the object is a pronoun like 'it', it must always go between 'turn' and 'up'.
If you use a pronoun like 'it' or 'them', it must go in the middle: 'turn it up', not 'turn up it'.
did something regularly in the past, but do not do it now (A2, not separable)
Pattern: subject + used to + infinitive verb
Wrong: I am used to live in Prague, but now I live in Brno. Right: I used to live in Prague, but now I live in Brno. Using 'am used to' with an infinitive is incorrect; for past habits, use 'used to' without 'am'.
Do not confuse this with 'be used to' (which means to be accustomed to something).
to stay in a place until someone or something arrives (A2, not separable)
Pattern: subject + wait for + noun/pronoun
Wrong: I am waiting my friend at the cafe. Right: I am waiting for my friend at the cafe. In English, you must use the preposition 'for' after 'wait' if you name the person or thing you are expecting.
Do not forget the preposition 'for' when you mention the person or thing you are expecting.
to stay in one place or delay action until something happens or someone arrives (A2, not separable)
Pattern: subject + wait for + noun/pronoun/gerund
Wrong: I am waiting my friend at the station. Right: I am waiting for my friend at the station. In English, you must use the preposition 'for' after 'wait' if you specify who or what you are expecting.
Do not forget the preposition 'for' when you mention the object or person you are expecting.
to walk slowly with no particular direction or plan, just to see a place (A2, not separable)
Pattern: subject + walk around (+ optional prepositional phrase)
Wrong: We walked around the museum to find the entrance on the other side. Right: We walked around the museum for an hour looking at the paintings. In the bad sentence, 'walk around' means physically bypassing the exterior of the building, not wandering inside it without a destination.
Do not confuse this with walking in a physical circle around an object, which uses the same words.
to hit someone or something with your body while you are walking, usually by accident (A2, not separable)
Pattern: subject + walk into + noun/pronoun
Wrong: I didn't see the tree and walked in it. Right: I didn't see the tree and walked into it. The preposition 'into' is necessary to express the movement and physical impact; 'walk in' means to enter a space.
Do not confuse this physical collision with the figurative meaning of 'easily getting a job' or 'entering a trap'.
to want to come inside a room, building, or house (A2, not separable, informal)
Pattern: subject + want + in
Wrong: The cat is waiting at the window because she wants inside. Right: The cat is waiting at the window because she wants in. In this short informal pattern, we use the adverb 'in' rather than 'inside'.
This is informal and mostly used in spoken English; do not use it in formal writing.
to wash your hands and face, especially before eating a meal (A2, not separable)
Pattern: subject + wash up
Wrong: I need to wash up my hands before dinner. Right: I need to wash up before dinner. In this American sense, 'wash up' is intransitive and does not take an object like 'hands'.
In British English, 'wash up' means to wash the dishes, so use 'wash your hands' in the UK to avoid confusion.
to wash the plates, cups, cutlery, and pans after a meal (A2, separable)
Pattern: subject + wash up (+ noun/pronoun)
Wrong: I need to wash up the dishes before we go out. Right: I need to wash up before we go out. / I need to wash the dishes before we go out. In British English, 'wash up' already means to wash the dishes, so adding 'the dishes' is redundant. You can say 'wash up' or 'wash the dishes'.
In American English, 'wash up' usually means to wash your hands and face, not the dishes.
to be careful because there is a danger or problem nearby (A2, not separable)
Pattern: subject + watch out (often used alone as an imperative: 'Watch out!')
Wrong: Watch out the car! Right: Watch out for the car! You cannot put an object directly after 'watch out'. You must use the preposition 'for'.
If you want to mention the specific danger, you must use 'watch out for' followed by a noun.
to spend time and effort trying to improve, fix, or complete something (A2, not separable)
Pattern: subject + work on + noun / pronoun / -ing form
Wrong: I have a lot of work to work on it. Right: I have a lot of work to do. We 'work on' a specific project or skill, but we 'do' work in general.
This phrasal verb is inseparable; the object must always come after 'on', even if it is a pronoun like 'it'.
to be in the same job, company, or office as another person (A2, not separable)
Pattern: subject + work together (+ at/in + place)
Wrong: We are working together in the same office since 2020. Right: We have worked together in the same office since 2020. With 'since', you must use the present perfect tense, not the present continuous.
Do not confuse this with cooperating on a specific project; it can simply mean sharing the same employer.
to cooperate or collaborate with other people to achieve a common goal (A2, not separable)
Pattern: subject + work together (+ on + noun/project) (+ with + person)
Wrong: I am happy to work together you on this task. Right: I am happy to work together with you on this task. The phrase 'work together' requires the preposition 'with' if you want to specify the person you are cooperating with.
If you want to mention the other person, use 'work together with someone', not just 'work together someone'.
to record information on paper so that you do not forget it (A2, separable)
Pattern: subject + write + noun/pronoun + down
Wrong: I need to write down it before I forget. Right: I need to write it down before I forget. With separable phrasal verbs, pronoun objects like 'it' must go between the verb and the preposition.
If you use a pronoun like 'it' or 'them', you must put it between 'write' and 'down'.
to write information in a blank space on a document or form (A2, separable)
Pattern: subject + write + noun/pronoun + in
Wrong: Please write in your name here. Right: Please write your name in here. While 'write in your name' is sometimes heard, it is much more natural to place the noun object before 'in', and a pronoun object must always go before 'in'.
If you use a pronoun like 'it' or 'them', it must go between 'write' and 'in'.
Meanings adapted by MindDory from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0). This list is shared under the same licence.