The largest group: phrasal verbs an intermediate learner is expected to understand in everyday conversation, such as give up, find out, put off and look forward to. Many have more than one meaning, and each meaning is listed on its own with its own examples.
About the levels: Recommended learner level (estimate from two models + word-level floor), not an official CEFR grading.
B1 is where phrasal verbs stop being literal. "Put something off" is not about putting anything anywhere: it means to delay it. When a phrase has two meanings here, learn them as two separate items.
Watch the pattern line. Separable verbs let the object go in the middle (put the meeting off), and with a pronoun it has to (put it off, never put off it). Verbs marked not separable keep both parts together (look after the kids).
to gradually increase in amount or total over time (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject (plural or collective) + add up
Wrong: These small costs add up the total price. Right: These small costs add up to a high total price. In this sense, 'add up' is intransitive. To connect it to a final result, you must use the preposition 'to'.
In this sense, the verb is intransitive and cannot take a direct object.
to seem true, logical, or consistent (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject (usually a story, explanation, or facts) + add up
Wrong: His explanation doesn't add up it. Right: His explanation doesn't add up. In this sense, 'add up' is intransitive and cannot have an object like 'it'.
This phrasal verb is intransitive in this sense, meaning it does not take a direct object, and it is very frequently used in the negative form ('doesn't add up').
to invite someone to go on a date with you (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + ask + someone + out + (to/for + noun)
Wrong: I want to ask out her. Right: I want to ask her out. Pronouns like 'her', 'him', or 'them' must always split separable phrasal verbs.
If you use a pronoun (like him, her, or them), it must go between 'ask' and 'out'.
to drive a vehicle backward into a parking space or garage (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + back + (object) + in / back + in + to + noun
Wrong: I had to park backward into the garage. Right: I had to back into the garage. English speakers use the phrasal verb 'back in' or 'back into' rather than combining 'park' with 'backward'.
Do not confuse this with 'go back in', which means to re-enter a building.
to drive a vehicle backward out of a garage, driveway, or parking space (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + back + (noun/pronoun) + out + (of + noun)
If you use a pronoun like 'it', it must go between 'back' and 'out' (e.g., 'back it out').
to walk backward slowly, especially because you are afraid or want to escape a dangerous situation (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + back away + (from + noun/pronoun)
Wrong: He backed away to his room to get his keys. Right: He went back to his room to get his keys. 'Back away' implies retreating from danger or a threat, not simply returning to a room to fetch something.
Do not use this to mean simply 'going back' to a place; it specifically implies moving backward while facing the danger.
to decide not to do something that you had already agreed or promised to do (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + back out + (of + noun/gerund)
Wrong: He backed out the agreement because it was too expensive. Right: He backed out of the agreement because it was too expensive. You must use the preposition 'of' if you want to specify what the person is withdrawing from.
If you mention the activity or agreement, you must use the preposition 'of' before it.
to use facts, ideas, or situations as the foundation for your opinion, decision, or calculation (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + base + noun/pronoun + on + noun
Wrong: I based my decision at the facts. Right: I based my decision on the facts. The phrasal verb 'base on' always requires the preposition 'on', never 'at' or 'in'.
This verb is very frequently used in the passive voice as 'be based on'.
to use an idea, a book, or real events to create a new story, film, or work (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + base + noun/pronoun + on + noun
Wrong: The director based the movie according to a true story. Right: The director based the movie on a true story. We use the preposition 'on' after the verb 'base', not 'according to'.
This phrasal verb is very frequently used in the passive voice as 'be based on'.
to have something as its main subject, purpose, or most important part (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + be + about + noun/pronoun/-ing
This phrasal verb is always used in the passive-like form 'be about' and cannot be separated.
to have something as the main purpose, interest, or most important part (B1, not separable, informal)
Pattern: subject + be + all about + noun / -ing form
Wrong: This book is all about of history. Right: This book is all about history. The phrase 'be all about' is followed directly by the noun, without the preposition 'of'.
Avoid using this in formal academic writing or professional reports, as it is very colloquial.
to love, be very interested in, or highly enthusiastic about a particular thing or person (B1, not separable, informal)
Pattern: subject + be + all about + noun / pronoun / -ing form
Wrong: I am all about to play video games on weekends. Right: I am all about playing video games on weekends. The preposition 'about' must be followed by a noun or a gerund (-ing form), not an infinitive.
Do not use this in formal writing or professional contexts, as it is highly colloquial.
to exist, be alive, or be present in a particular place or in the world (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + be around
Wrong: Our family business is being around for fifty years. Right: Our family business has been around for fifty years. We use the present perfect tense ('has been around') to describe how long something has existed up to the present.
This phrasal verb is intransitive, meaning it does not take a direct object.
to spend time near a person or a group of people and socialize with them (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + be + around + person
Wrong: I don't like to be around of angry people. Right: I don't like to be around angry people. The phrasal verb 'be around' is followed directly by the object, without the preposition 'of'.
In this transitive sense, 'around' must be followed by a person or pronoun object.
to use something as the foundation, origin, or reason for an idea, story, or decision (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + be + based on + noun
Wrong: The novel bases on the author's childhood memories. Right: The novel is based on the author's childhood memories. The phrase must be used in the passive form ('is based on') when describing what something is derived from.
This phrase is almost always used in the passive voice ('is based on', 'was based on') and is followed by a noun.
to be someone's responsibility, duty, or decision (B1, not separable, informal)
Pattern: it + be + on + someone (+ to do something)
Wrong: The success of the project is on our team. Right: The success of the project is up to our team. While 'on someone' means responsibility, for overall outcomes or decisions we usually use 'up to someone' or 'rests with someone' rather than 'on' in a professional context.
Do not use this in formal writing or professional reports; use 'be responsible for' instead.
to be unable to leave a place because there is too much snow outside (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + be/get + snowed in
Wrong: The heavy snow snowed in us yesterday. Right: We were snowed in by the heavy snow yesterday. The active form 'snow someone in' is very rare; it is much more natural to use the passive form 'be snowed in'.
This phrasal verb is almost always used in the passive voice ('be snowed in' or 'get snowed in').
To feel that something is normal or familiar because you have experienced it many times. (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + be + used to + noun / -ing verb
Wrong: I am used to wake up early. Right: I am used to waking up early. After 'be used to', you must use a gerund (-ing form), not an infinitive.
Do not confuse this with 'used to + infinitive' (past habits); this pattern must be followed by a noun or an -ing verb.
to agree with someone or support their opinion (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + be + with + someone
Wrong: I am with your opinion. Right: I am with you on this. You can 'be with' a person to agree with them, but you cannot 'be with' an abstract noun like an opinion.
Be careful, as 'be with someone' can also mean to be in a romantic relationship or to physically accompany them.
to hurt someone badly by hitting and kicking them many times (B1, separable, informal)
Pattern: subject + beat + object + up
Wrong: The robbers beat up him in the park. Right: The robbers beat him up in the park. When the object of a separable phrasal verb is a pronoun (him), it must go between the verb and the particle.
If you use a pronoun (him, her, them, me), it must go between 'beat' and 'up'.
to risk money on the result of a race, game, or competition (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + bet + on + noun/pronoun
Wrong: I beted on the wrong team and lost my money. Right: I bet on the wrong team and lost my money. The past tense of the verb 'bet' is also 'bet', not 'beted'.
This phrasal verb is inseparable; you cannot put the person or thing between 'bet' and 'on'.
to risk money on the result of an event, hoping to win more money if you are right (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + bet + (money) + on + noun/pronoun
Do not use a preposition other than 'on' after 'bet' when specifying the event or competitor.
to destroy something or kill someone with a bomb or explosion (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + blow + object + up OR subject + blow up + object
Wrong: The terrorists tried to explode the building. Right: The terrorists tried to blow up the building. While 'explode' can be transitive in some contexts, 'blow up' is much more natural and common when talking about actively destroying a structure with a bomb.
Do not confuse this with 'blow up' meaning to get very angry or to inflate a balloon.
to explode, or to be destroyed by an explosion (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + blow up (often in the past tense: blew up)
Wrong: The terrorists blew up in the bridge. Right: The terrorists blew up the bridge. If you want to say someone destroyed something with an explosion, you must use 'blow up' as a transitive verb with a direct object, without the preposition 'in'.
In this intransitive sense (to explode), the verb cannot take an object and is not separable.
to arrive at a hotel and register your details at the reception desk (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + book in + (at + hotel)
Wrong: We booked in the hotel at 3 PM. Right: We booked in at the hotel at 3 PM. The intransitive phrasal verb 'book in' requires the preposition 'at' before the place.
This intransitive version is more common in British and Australian English; American English prefers 'check in'.
to arrange a time for someone to have an appointment, a service, or a hotel room (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + book + object (person/thing) + in + (for + event/time)
Wrong: I need to book in my dog to the vet. Right: I need to book my dog in at the vet. The object ('my dog') should go between 'book' and 'in', and we use 'at' or 'for' rather than 'to' for the appointment destination.
When using a pronoun like 'him', 'her', or 'it', you must put it between 'book' and 'in'.
to surround a person or vehicle so they cannot move or get out (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + box + object (noun/pronoun) + in
Wrong: They boxed in me so I couldn't drive away. Right: They boxed me in so I couldn't drive away. When the object of a separable phrasal verb is a pronoun (like 'me', 'it', 'him'), it must go between the verb and the particle.
To draw a square or rectangular line around a word, number, or picture on paper. (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + box + noun/pronoun + in (or: box + in + noun)
Wrong: Please make a box around your signature. Right: Please box in your signature. While 'make a box around' is understandable, 'box in' is the natural phrasal verb used for drawing a box around something on a document.
Do not confuse this with the more common meaning of 'box someone/something in', which means to block someone so they cannot move.
to stop working or functioning, especially a vehicle or a machine (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject (machine/vehicle) + break down
Wrong: Our old washing machine was broken down yesterday. Right: Our old washing machine broke down yesterday. The verb 'break down' is intransitive and cannot be used in the passive voice (was broken down) when it means to stop functioning.
This verb is intransitive, which means it does not take a direct object and cannot be used in the passive voice.
to enter a building illegally and by force, usually to steal something (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject (thief/burglar) + break in
Wrong: The thieves broke in the house through the back window. Right: The thieves broke into the house through the back window. The phrasal verb 'break in' is intransitive and cannot be followed by an object. You must use 'break into' if you name the place.
Do not use an object directly after 'break in'; if you want to mention the place, use 'break into' instead.
to enter a building, car, or room by force, usually to steal something (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + break into + noun (building/car/property)
Wrong: The thieves broke the shop into last night. Right: The thieves broke into the shop last night. The phrasal verb 'break into' is inseparable, so the object must always come after 'into'.
This phrasal verb is inseparable; you cannot put the object between 'break' and 'into'.
to separate or fall away from something because of breaking (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject (the part) + break off
Wrong: The branch broke off itself from the tree during the storm. Right: The branch broke off the tree during the storm. The verb 'break off' is already intransitive here; you do not need to add 'itself' to show it happened on its own.
In this intransitive sense, the subject is the part that detaches, and you do not use an object after the verb.
to escape from a place where you are kept, especially a prison, by using force (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + break out (+ of + noun)
Wrong: The police caught the thief before he could break out the prison. Right: The police caught the thief before he could break out of the prison. You cannot put a noun directly after 'break out' in this sense; you must use the preposition 'of'.
This verb is intransitive in this sense; if you want to mention the place escaped from, you must use 'break out of' followed by a noun.
to destroy or demolish a physical barrier, such as a door or a wall, by hitting it hard (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + break + noun/pronoun + down
Wrong: The police broke down it to get inside the house. Right: The police broke it down to get inside the house. When the object of a separable phrasal verb is a pronoun (like 'it'), it must go between the verb and the particle.
Do not confuse this physical meaning with 'breaking down' emotionally or a car 'breaking down' (stopping working).
to wear new shoes or use new equipment until they become comfortable or work smoothly (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + break + noun/pronoun + in
Wrong: I need to break in my new shoes so they don't hurt me. Right: I need to break my new shoes in so they don't hurt me. While both are grammatically possible, it is much more natural to place the noun between 'break' and 'in' when talking about clothing or shoes, and mandatory if using a pronoun like 'them'.
Do not confuse this with 'break into', which means to enter a building illegally by force.
to separate a smaller piece from a larger object by pulling or snapping it (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + break + noun/pronoun + off (or: break + off + noun)
Wrong: He broke off a slice of bread for me. Right: He cut a slice of bread for me. / He broke off a piece of bread for me. You cannot 'break off' a slice, as a slice implies cutting with a knife. You break off a piece or a chunk.
Do not use this for cutting with a knife or scissors; it must involve snapping or pulling with your hands.
to divide or smash something into smaller pieces (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + break + noun/pronoun + up (or: break + up + noun)
Wrong: I need to break up the meat into small pieces before cooking. Right: I need to cut the meat up into small pieces before cooking. 'Break up' is used for hard, brittle, or solid things that crack or shatter, not for soft things like meat.
Do not use this for cutting food with a knife; use 'cut up' or 'chop' instead.
to separate or divide into many smaller pieces, or to fall apart completely (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject (thing/group) + break up
Wrong: The plate fell and broke up into many pieces. Right: The plate fell and broke into many pieces. We do not use 'break up' for a single fragile object like a plate shattering; we use 'break' or 'shatter' instead.
In this sense, the verb is intransitive, meaning it does not take a direct object.
to make you remember something from the past, especially a memory or a feeling (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject (trigger) + bring back + noun (memories/feelings)
Wrong: This smell brings back to me my childhood. Right: This smell brings back my childhood. We do not use 'to me' after 'bring back' in this context; the verb itself already implies the memories are returning to you.
If you use a pronoun like 'it' or 'them', it must go between 'bring' and 'back'.
to involve a new person or group in an activity, project, or organization to help (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + bring + someone + in + (to do something / to help)
Wrong: We decided to bring in him because he has a lot of experience. Right: We decided to bring him in because he has a lot of experience. When the object of a separable phrasal verb is a pronoun (him, her, us, them, it), it must go between the verb and the particle.
If you use a pronoun like 'him', 'her', or 'them', it must go between 'bring' and 'in'.
to introduce a performer or player onto a stage or into a game (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + bring + someone + on
Wrong: The coach decided to bring on him in the second half. Right: The coach decided to bring him on in the second half. With separable phrasal verbs, pronoun objects must always go between the verb and the particle.
If you use a pronoun (like 'him', 'her', or 'them'), it must go between 'bring' and 'on'.
to care for a child and teach them how to behave until they are an adult (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + bring + object (person) + up OR subject + be brought up
Wrong: I was grown up by my grandmother in the countryside. Right: I was brought up by my grandmother in the countryside. People 'grow up' (intransitive), but they are 'brought up' by someone else (transitive/passive).
This verb is very often used in the passive voice (e.g., 'I was brought up in...').
to start using an old rule, law, or system again (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + bring + noun/pronoun + back
Wrong: The school decided to bring back it next term. Right: The school decided to bring it back next term. When the object is a pronoun like 'it', it must be placed between the verb and the particle.
If you use a pronoun like 'it' or 'them', it must go between 'bring' and 'back' (e.g., 'bring it back').
to reduce a level, rate, or amount of something, such as prices, taxes, or temperatures (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + bring + noun/pronoun + down
Wrong: We must bring down it because it is too expensive. Right: We must bring it down because it is too expensive. When the object is a pronoun (like 'it'), it must always go between the verb and the particle in separable phrasal verbs.
If you use a pronoun like 'it' or 'them', it must go between 'bring' and 'down'.
to officially introduce a new law, rule, or system (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + bring + noun/pronoun + in
Wrong: The school wants to bring in it next term. Right: The school wants to bring it in next term. Pronoun objects like 'it' must go between the verb 'bring' and the particle 'in'.
If you use a pronoun like 'it' or 'them', you must put it between 'bring' and 'in'.
to change a number, amount, or total to a new level (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + bring + noun/pronoun + to + amount
Wrong: This purchase brings to fifty dollars my total spend. Right: This purchase brings my total spend to fifty dollars. The noun phrase being changed must come before the preposition 'to'.
The object being changed must go between 'bring' and 'to', while the target amount goes after 'to'.
to start talking about a subject or to introduce a topic into a conversation (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + bring + noun/pronoun + up
Wrong: Why did you bring up it when he was so angry? Right: Why did you bring it up when he was so angry? When the object of a separable phrasal verb is a pronoun (like 'it'), it must always be placed between the verb and the particle.
If you use a pronoun like 'it' or 'this', it must go between 'bring' and 'up' (e.g., 'bring it up', not 'bring up it').
to construct or install something inside a larger structure, like a wall or a piece of furniture (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + build + noun/pronoun + in
Wrong: We need to build in the wardrobe into the wall. Right: We need to build the wardrobe into the wall. If you use the preposition 'into' to specify the location, you should not use the particle 'in' right before it.
Do not confuse this with 'build on' (adding to the outside) or the figurative meaning of 'build in' (including a feature in a plan).
to gradually increase in amount, size, or strength over time (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + build up (+ noun) OR subject + build + noun/pronoun + up
Wrong: I need to build up it before the exam. Right: I need to build it up before the exam. When the object of a separable phrasal verb is a pronoun (like 'it'), it must go between the verb and the particle.
If you use a pronoun like 'it' or 'them' as the object, it must go between 'build' and 'up'.
to meet someone you know by chance when you did not plan to see them (B1, not separable, informal)
Pattern: subject + bump into + person
Wrong: I bumped into with my teacher at the cinema. Right: I bumped into my teacher at the cinema. The phrasal verb 'bump into' is transitive and takes a direct object; you must not use the preposition 'with' after it.
Do not use this in formal business contexts; use 'meet unexpectedly' or 'run into' instead, and remember it does not mean physical crashing here.
to accidentally hit someone or something while you are moving (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + bump into + noun/pronoun
Wrong: I bumped myself into the table in the dark. Right: I bumped into the table in the dark. The verb 'bump into' is not reflexive; you do not need to use 'myself', 'himself', etc.
Do not confuse this literal sense with the common figurative meaning 'to meet someone by chance'.
to accidentally hit something against another object while moving it (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + bump + object + into + noun
Wrong: I bumped into my elbow the wall. Right: I bumped my elbow into the wall. The object being moved (your elbow) must come directly after the verb 'bump', before the preposition 'into'.
Do not confuse this transitive sense with the intransitive 'bump into someone', which means to meet someone by chance.
to be completely destroyed by fire, leaving nothing but ashes or ruins (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject (building/structure) + burn down
Wrong: Our cottage was burned down last night because of a bad chimney. Right: Our cottage burned down last night because of a bad chimney. When 'burn down' is used intransitively (meaning the building itself destroyed itself in a fire), we do not use the passive voice 'was burned down'.
In this intransitive sense, the building itself is the subject of the sentence (e.g., 'the house burned down'), not the person who started the fire.
to stop burning because there is no more fuel or wood left (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject (fire/candle) + burn out
Wrong: The fire burned out because we put more wood on it. Right: The fire burned out because we didn't put any more wood on it. 'Burn out' means to stop burning due to a lack of fuel, so adding wood would prevent it from burning out.
Do not confuse this with the metaphorical meaning of 'burn out' which means to become extremely tired from work.
to stop working because a part has become too hot or used up, especially of lightbulbs (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject (lightbulb/device) + burn out
Wrong: The campfire burned out after we went to sleep. Right: The campfire went out after we went to sleep. For a fire or candle that stops burning, we say 'go out' or 'die down'. 'Burn out' in this literal sense is used for electrical parts like bulbs.
Do not use this for a fire that simply stops burning because it has no more wood; use 'go out' instead.
to completely destroy a building or structure with fire (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + burn + object (building) + down
Wrong: The criminals burned down it to get the insurance money. Right: The criminals burned it down to get the insurance money. With separable phrasal verbs, pronoun objects like 'it' must always go between the verb and the particle.
Remember that if you use a pronoun like 'it' or 'them', it must go between 'burn' and 'down'.
to completely destroy the inside of a building, vehicle, or room by fire (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + burn + object + out (or: subject + burn out + object)
Wrong: The angry crowd burned out the shop down. Right: The angry crowd burned the shop out. You cannot combine two different particles like 'out' and 'down' in this way; use either 'burn down' (destroy completely) or 'burn out' (destroy the inside).
Do not confuse this with the intransitive 'burn out', which means to become extremely tired from overworking.
to suddenly start doing something, especially crying, laughing, singing, or shining (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + burst into + noun (usually tears, laughter, song, or flames)
Wrong: When he saw the clown, he burst into to laugh. Right: When he saw the clown, he burst into laughter. The preposition 'into' must be followed by a noun (laughter), not an infinitive verb (to laugh).
This verb is inseparable; you cannot put the object between 'burst' and 'into'.
to suddenly start showing a strong emotion, especially by crying or laughing (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + burst out (+ -ing verb)
Wrong: She was so sad that she burst out to cry. Right: She was so sad that she burst out crying. The phrasal verb 'burst out' must be followed by a verb ending in -ing, not a to-infinitive.
When followed by an action, use the -ing form (e.g., 'burst out laughing'), not an infinitive.
to suddenly and forcefully come out of a closed space or container (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + burst out + (of + noun)
Wrong: He was so big that he burst out his shirt. Right: He was so big that he burst out of his shirt. You must use the preposition 'of' when specifying the container or object being burst out of.
Do not confuse this literal sense with the common figurative meaning 'to burst out laughing' or 'to burst out crying'.
to visit a place, such as a shop or someone's house, again later (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + call back + (at/to + place) + (later/tomorrow)
Wrong: I will call back to your house tomorrow. Right: I will call back tomorrow. / I will call at your house tomorrow. We do not usually say 'call back to [a house]'. We just say 'call back' on its own, or use 'at' for a place.
Do not confuse this with the much more common meaning of returning a phone call.
to shout loudly to attract someone's attention or ask them to come to you (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + call for + someone/something
Wrong: She called for me to come, but she didn't shout. Right: She asked me to come, but she didn't shout. 'Call for' in this sense physically requires a loud voice or shout.
Do not confuse this with the meaning 'to require' (e.g., 'this situation calls for action').
to telephone your office or base to give information or report your situation (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + call in + (optional: to + place/person) + (optional: with + information)
Wrong: I need to call in my boss to tell him I will be late. Right: I need to call in to my boss to tell him I will be late. Without 'to', 'call in' means to summon someone to help you, not to report your status by phone.
In this sense, the verb is intransitive and cannot take a direct object; do not say 'call in the office'.
to visit a place or a person for a short time, usually while you are going somewhere else (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + call in (+ on someone / at a place)
Wrong: I will call in my friend this evening. Right: I will call in on my friend this evening. Without 'on', 'call in' is intransitive. If you add an object (the person you visit), you must use the preposition 'on'.
If you want to mention the person or place you are visiting, you must use 'call in on [someone]' or 'call in at [a place]'.
to ask a student in a class to answer a question (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject (teacher) + call on + object (student)
Wrong: The teacher called me on to read the text. Right: The teacher called on me to read the text. The phrasal verb 'call on' is inseparable, so the object must come after the preposition 'on'.
Even though 'someone' is the object, this phrasal verb is inseparable; you cannot put the person between 'call' and 'on'.
to say or shout something loudly so that people can hear you (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + call out (+ noun/pronoun) or subject + call + noun/pronoun + out
Wrong: He called out that he is busy. Right: He called out that he was busy. When reporting what someone shouted in the past, you must follow the rules of backshift (reported speech).
Do not confuse this with the modern slang meaning 'to criticize someone publicly'.
to report information or a message by making a phone call (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + call + noun/pronoun + in
Wrong: I saw a car accident, so I called in it to the police. Right: I saw a car accident, so I called it in to the police. 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 between 'call' and 'in'.
to decide that a planned event, meeting, or activity will not happen (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + call + noun/pronoun + off
Wrong: Because of the strike, they called off it. Right: Because of the strike, they called it off. With separable phrasal verbs, pronoun objects must always go between the verb and the particle.
If you use a pronoun like 'it' or 'them', it must go between 'call' and 'off'.
to become quiet, peaceful, or less angry and excited (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + calm down
Wrong: He was very angry but after an hour he calmed himself down. Right: He was very angry but after an hour he calmed down. In this intransitive sense (to become calm), we do not use reflexive pronouns like 'himself'.
Telling an angry person to 'calm down!' can sometimes make them feel more angry, so use it carefully.
to make someone who is angry, excited, or nervous become quiet and relaxed (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + calm + object + down
Wrong: We tried to calm down him because he was very angry. Right: We tried to calm him down because he was very angry. When the object is a pronoun (him, her, me, us, them, it), it must always go between 'calm' and 'down'.
If you use a pronoun like 'him', 'her', or 'them', it must go between 'calm' and 'down'.
to look after someone who is sick, very young, or old and needs help (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + care for + person
Wrong: The nurses care about the sick children in the hospital. Right: The nurses care for the sick children in the hospital. 'Care about' means to have feelings or worry about someone, whereas 'care for' means to physically look after and do things for them.
Do not confuse this with 'care about' (which means to find someone/something important) or 'would you care for' (which is a polite offer).
to like, enjoy, or approve of something or someone (usually used in negative sentences or questions) (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + (do not) care for + noun/pronoun/gerund
Wrong: I don't care for my boss because he is very mean. Right: I don't like my boss because he is very mean. While grammatically correct, using 'care for' to mean 'like' for people in a negative way sounds overly formal or old-fashioned; 'don't like' is much more natural here.
This sense is almost always used in negative statements ('I don't care for...') or polite questions ('Would you care for...?').
to continue doing something or to keep going as before (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + carry on (+ with + noun / + -ing form)
Wrong: We decided to carry on our journey after the break. Right: We decided to carry on with our journey after the break. You cannot put a noun directly after 'carry on'; you must use the preposition 'with'.
If you want to mention the activity, you must use 'carry on with something' or 'carry on doing something'.
to continue doing an activity, a task, or a business (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + carry on + noun/pronoun OR subject + carry on + -ing verb
Wrong: We decided to carry on to walk despite the heavy rain. Right: We decided to carry on walking despite the heavy rain. After 'carry on', you must use the -ing form of the verb, not the infinitive with 'to'.
If you follow this verb with another action, you must use the -ing form, not the infinitive.
to do a task, instruction, plan, or piece of work (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + carry + (noun) + out + (noun)
Wrong: They promised to carry out it as soon as possible. Right: They promised to carry it out as soon as possible. When the object is a pronoun like 'it', it must always go between the verb and the particle.
If you use a pronoun like 'it' or 'them', it must go between 'carry' and 'out'.
to take someone or something to a different place, physically or emotionally (often by a strong force) (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + carry + object + away
Wrong: The wind carried away it. Right: The wind carried it away. When the object of a separable phrasal verb is a pronoun (like 'it', 'him', 'them'), it must go between the verb and the particle.
Do not confuse the physical meaning with the common idiom 'get carried away', which means to lose self-control.
to become popular, fashionable, or commonly used and accepted (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject (idea/trend/product) + catch on
Wrong: The new fashion style caught on many young people in our country. Right: The new fashion style caught on among many young people in our country. The verb 'catch on' is intransitive and cannot be followed directly by an object. You must use a preposition like 'among' or 'with'.
This phrasal verb is intransitive, meaning it does not take a direct object; things catch on by themselves.
to contact someone to let them know how you are or what you are doing (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + check in + with + person
Wrong: I need to call my mom to check her in. Right: I need to call my mom to check in with her. To 'check someone in' means to register them at a hotel or airport. To update someone on your situation, you must use 'check in with [someone]'.
Do not confuse this with checking in at a hotel or airport, which is a different, more formal process.
to look at someone or something to make sure they are safe, okay, or doing well (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + check on + person/thing
Wrong: I will go to check on how is he doing. Right: I will go to check on him. The preposition 'on' must be followed directly by a noun or pronoun object, not a whole clause.
This phrasal verb is inseparable; you cannot put the object between 'check' and 'on'.
to look at or ask about something to find out its current status or progress (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + check on + noun/pronoun
Wrong: I will check on the results of the test tomorrow. Right: I will check the results of the test tomorrow. Use 'check on' to monitor progress or status; use 'check' without 'on' when you just want to see the final information or correct answers.
This phrasal verb is inseparable; you cannot put the object between 'check' and 'on'.
to officially record that someone is leaving a place, or that an item is being borrowed (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + check + object + out (or: check out + object)
Wrong: Please check out it at the reception desk. Right: Please check it out at the reception desk. When the object is a pronoun like 'it', it must always be placed between 'check' and 'out'.
If you use a pronoun (like 'him', 'her', or 'it'), it must go between 'check' and 'out'.
to look at or examine something or someone because they seem interesting, attractive, or useful (B1, separable, informal)
Pattern: subject + check + noun/pronoun + out
Wrong: I need to check out it before I buy it. Right: I need to check it out before I buy it. If the object is a pronoun like 'it', 'him', or 'them', it must go between 'check' and 'out'.
This is an informal phrase; do not use it in formal academic writing or serious business reports.
to give a small amount of money or help to pay for something with other people (B1, not separable, informal)
Pattern: subject + chip in + (amount) + (for/towards + noun)
Wrong: We chipped in ourselves to buy a new coffee machine. Right: We all chipped in to buy a new coffee machine. The phrase 'chip in' already implies doing it together; you do not use reflexive pronouns like 'ourselves' with it.
Do not use this in formal business contracts or official financial documents; use 'contribute' instead.
to give some money or help to pay for something together with other people (B1, separable, informal)
Pattern: subject + chip in + (amount/something) + for/towards + noun
Wrong: We all chipped in the party. Right: We all chipped in for the party. You chip in money 'for' or 'towards' an event or item, not directly 'in' the noun.
Do not use this in formal business contracts or official financial documents; use 'contribute' instead.
to clean the inside of a container, drawer, or room by removing everything from it (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + clean + noun/pronoun + out (or: clean + out + noun)
Wrong: I need to clean out my table after dinner. Right: I need to clean my table after dinner. 'Clean out' means emptying a container or room. For a flat surface like a table, just use 'clean' or 'wipe'.
Do not use this for just wiping a flat surface like a table; it must involve emptying a space.
to clean the mess or dirt that another person (or a pet) has made (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + clean up after + person/pet
Wrong: I always have to clean after my children. Right: I always have to clean up after my children. Without 'up', 'clean after' is incorrect in this context. You need the full phrasal verb 'clean up after'.
This phrasal verb is inseparable; the object (the person who made the mess) must always come after 'after'.
to explain something or solve a misunderstanding so that people understand the truth (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + clear + noun/pronoun + up
Wrong: We need to clear up it as soon as possible. Right: We need to clear it up 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 between 'clear' and 'up'.
when a person's skin or a medical condition becomes clean, healthy, and free of spots or blemishes (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject (skin/rash/acne) + clear up
Wrong: I need to clear up my face with this new lotion. Right: My face cleared up after using this new lotion. In this sense, 'clear up' is intransitive; you cannot 'clear up your face', your face 'clears up' by itself.
In this sense, the verb is intransitive, meaning the skin or the rash itself is the subject of the sentence.
to disappear, go away, or cure itself (usually used for illnesses, skin problems, or weather issues) (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject (illness/weather) + clear up
Wrong: The doctor cleared up my skin infection with antibiotics. Right: My skin infection cleared up after I took antibiotics. In this sense, 'clear up' is intransitive; the infection itself clears up, a doctor cannot 'clear up' an infection.
In this sense, the phrasal verb is strictly intransitive, meaning it does not take a direct object.
to find or meet something or someone by chance, without planning to (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + come across + noun/pronoun
Wrong: I was looking through my old books and I came them across. Right: I was looking through my old books and I came across them. The phrasal verb 'come across' is inseparable, so the object pronoun must always come after the preposition 'across'.
Do not use a pronoun like 'it' or 'them' between 'come' and 'across' because this phrasal verb is inseparable.
to chase, pursue, or try to catch someone, often to hurt or punish them (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + come after + person
Wrong: The police came him after. Right: The police came after him. The phrasal verb 'come after' is inseparable, meaning the object must always go after the preposition 'after'.
to happen or exist later in a sequence, order, or time than someone or something else (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + come after + noun/pronoun
Wrong: Tuesday comes behind Monday. Right: Tuesday comes after Monday. We use 'come after' to talk about order in time or sequences, not 'come behind'.
Do not confuse this with the physical action of chasing or trying to catch someone.
to arrive, appear, or become available, often unexpectedly (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + come along (often in past simple or present perfect)
Wrong: A new job came along me yesterday. Right: A new job came along yesterday. The verb 'come along' in this sense is intransitive and cannot be followed by an object like 'me'.
This phrasal verb is intransitive, meaning it does not take a direct object.
to develop, improve, or make progress (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject (project/skill/person) + come along + [optional adverb like 'well' or 'nicely']
Wrong: My English is coming along it very well. Right: My English is coming along very well. The verb 'come along' is intransitive and cannot have an object like 'it'.
This phrasal verb is intransitive, which means it never takes a direct object.
to become conscious again after being unconscious, fainted, or asleep under anesthesia (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + come around
Wrong: The doctor waited for the patient to come around him. Right: The doctor waited for the patient to come around. The phrasal verb 'come around' in this sense is intransitive and cannot take a direct object.
Do not confuse this with 'come round' meaning to visit someone's house, though they look identical.
to visit someone at their house for a short time (B1, not separable, informal)
Pattern: subject + come around + (to + place)
Wrong: We came around the museum during our holiday. Right: We visited the museum during our holiday. 'Come around' is only used for visiting people at their homes, not for sightseeing or visiting public places.
Do not use this in formal or professional contexts; use 'visit' or 'attend a meeting' instead.
to return to a romantic relationship with a former partner (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + come back (+ to + someone)
Wrong: She came back with her ex-boyfriend last week. Right: She went back to her ex-boyfriend last week. In English, you 'come back to' someone (towards the speaker) or 'go back to' someone, but you do not 'come back with' them in this sense.
To mention the partner, you must use the preposition 'to' (e.g., come back to me).
to be remembered again after being forgotten for some time (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject (memory/feeling) + come back + (to + person)
Wrong: I came back my memories of childhood when I saw the old house. Right: My memories of childhood came back when I saw the old house. The memory itself must be the subject of the verb 'come back'. You cannot 'come back a memory'.
In this sense, the subject of the sentence is always the memory, feeling, or skill, not the person.
to visit a place or a person's home for a short time (B1, not separable, informal)
Pattern: subject + come by (+ optional: place/time)
Wrong: I will come by to you tomorrow. Right: I will come by tomorrow. We do not use 'to you' after 'come by'. You can say 'come by your place' or just 'come by'.
This is informal; in formal business contexts, use 'visit' or 'attend a meeting' instead.
to be destroyed or taken down, especially a building, wall, or structure (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject (structure) + come down
Wrong: The city council decided to come down the old school. Right: The city council decided to pull down the old school. 'Come down' is intransitive and cannot take a direct object. If you want an active verb with an object, use 'pull down' or 'demolish'.
This phrasal verb is intransitive in this sense, so the structure itself is the subject (e.g., 'the building came down', not 'they came down the building').
to decrease, drop, or become lower in amount, level, or price (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject (price/temperature/number) + come down
Wrong: The shop came down the price of the shoes. Right: The price of the shoes came down. 'Come down' is intransitive and cannot have an object. To show who lowered the price, use 'bring down' instead.
This is an intransitive verb, so it does not take a direct object. You cannot 'come down a price'.
to start to get sick with a mild illness like a cold or flu (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + come down with + illness (usually with 'a' or 'the')
Wrong: I think I am coming down with a cancer. Right: I think I have cancer. 'Come down with' is only used for minor, infectious illnesses like colds or flu, not for serious chronic diseases.
We do not use this phrase for extremely serious, life-threatening, or chronic diseases like cancer.
to have something as its origin, source, or starting point (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + come from + noun
Wrong: This traditional cheese is coming from France. Right: This traditional cheese comes from France. We use the present simple, not the present continuous, to state facts about origins.
This verb is not used in the continuous form (do not say 'is coming from' when talking about origin).
to become detached or separated from something it was attached to (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject (the detached part) + come off (+ of + noun)
Wrong: I came off the sticker from my new laptop. Right: I took the sticker off my new laptop. 'Come off' means to become detached by itself. If you actively remove something, use 'take off' or 'peel off'.
This phrasal verb is intransitive in this sense, meaning it does not take a direct object.
to enter the stage or playing field during a show, play, or sports game (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + come on + (optional adverbial of time/place)
Wrong: The actor came on the stage and started to sing. Right: The actor came onto the stage and started to sing. When 'come on' is used as a phrasal verb meaning to appear, it is intransitive. If you want to specify the physical surface they walk onto, use the preposition 'onto' instead of the phrasal verb.
This phrasal verb is intransitive in this sense, meaning it does not take a direct object.
to start broadcasting on TV, radio, or a device (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject (show/song/news) + come on
Wrong: I turned on the TV and the news started to come on it. Right: I turned on the TV and the news came on. We do not say 'come on it' to refer to the device; we simply say 'come on' or 'come on the TV/radio'.
This phrasal verb is intransitive in this sense, meaning it does not take a direct object.
to become known to the public, especially a secret or truth (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject (the truth/secret) + come out
Wrong: The journalist came out the secret. Right: The journalist revealed the secret. / The secret came out. 'Come out' is intransitive in this sense; it cannot be followed by an object. You must use 'reveal' or make the secret the subject.
In this sense, the verb is intransitive, meaning it cannot have a direct object.
to become available for the public to buy, read, see, or listen to (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject (book, movie, album, etc.) + come out
Wrong: The publisher will come out a new book next week. Right: The publisher will release a new book next week. / A new book will come out next week. The phrasal verb 'come out' cannot have an object. You cannot 'come out a book'; the book itself 'comes out'.
This phrasal verb is intransitive, meaning it does not take a direct object; the book or movie itself is the subject.
to have a particular result or end up in a certain state after a process (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + come out + adjective/noun
Wrong: The project came out as a success. Right: The project came out a success. When 'come out' means to end up as something, we do not use 'as' before the noun.
In this sense, 'come out' is intransitive and copulative, meaning it is followed directly by an adjective or a noun phrase, not an object.
to become conscious again after being unconscious, fainted, or asleep (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + come round
Wrong: The doctor came him round after the accident. Right: The doctor brought him round after the accident. 'Come round' is intransitive (someone comes round). If you cause someone else to wake up, you must use 'bring someone round'.
to become conscious again after fainting, an accident, or medical anesthesia (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + come to
Wrong: After the car accident, he came to himself in the hospital. Right: After the car accident, he came to in the hospital. In English, 'come to' is intransitive and does not take a reflexive pronoun like 'himself'.
Do not confuse this with 'come to' meaning 'amount to' (e.g., 'the bill came to $20') or 'come to' an agreement.
to add up to a particular cost or total amount (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject (the bill/total) + come to + amount of money/number
Wrong: The total bill was come to fifty euros. Right: The total bill came to fifty euros. The phrasal verb 'come to' is active and should not be used in the passive voice with 'was'.
This phrasal verb is always used in the active voice and cannot be separated by the object.
to meet or join in one place as a group (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject (plural or collective) + come together
Wrong: We came together our friends at the pub. Right: We met up with our friends at the pub. 'Come together' is intransitive and cannot be followed by a direct object. If you want to mention the other people, use 'meet up with' or 'gather with'.
to join together, cooperate, or reach an agreement in a friendly way (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject (plural or collective) + come together (+ to do something / as a team)
Wrong: The two rival countries came together themselves to sign the peace treaty. Right: The two rival countries came together to sign the peace treaty. The phrasal verb 'come together' is intransitive and does not take reflexive pronouns like 'themselves'.
Do not confuse this figurative meaning of uniting with the literal meaning of physically moving closer to each other.
to happen, appear, or become known, especially when you do not expect it (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject (problem / issue / question) + come up
Wrong: An interesting question came up itself during our discussion. Right: An interesting question came up during our discussion. The verb 'come up' is intransitive and does not need a reflexive pronoun like 'itself'.
This phrasal verb is intransitive, which means it never takes a direct object.
to happen unexpectedly, or to be mentioned or discussed (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject (event, problem, or topic) + come up
Wrong: An important question came up the meeting. Right: An important question came up during the meeting. Because 'come up' is intransitive, you cannot follow it directly with a noun like 'the meeting'. You must use a preposition like 'during' or 'at'.
This phrasal verb is intransitive in this sense, meaning it never takes a direct object.
to reach a particular level, height, or point on someone or something (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject (water/grass/etc.) + come up to + noun (waist/shoulder/etc.)
Wrong: The water was coming up to my knees height. Right: The water was coming up to my knees. The phrase 'come up to' already expresses height, so adding the word 'height' at the end is redundant and unnatural.
Do not confuse this physical height meaning with 'come up to' meaning 'to approach someone' or 'to meet expectations'.
to be made of or formed from specific parts, things, or people (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + consist of + noun/gerund
Wrong: The team is consisted of five experienced developers. Right: The team consists of five experienced developers. The verb 'consist' is never used in the passive voice.
Do not use this verb in the continuous form (do not say 'is consisting of') and do not use it in the passive voice.
to become less hot or to return to a normal temperature. (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject (thing, person, or weather) + cool down
Wrong: The tea is too hot, I must wait for it to cool down itself. Right: The tea is too hot, I must wait for it to cool down. The verb 'cool down' is intransitive here and does not take a reflexive pronoun like 'itself'.
Do not confuse this intransitive use with 'cool down' meaning to relax after being angry.
to need or want something because it would be helpful or pleasant (B1, not separable, informal)
Pattern: subject + could/can do with + noun / -ing form
Wrong: I did with a holiday last month because I was stressed. Right: I could have done with a holiday last month because I was stressed. You cannot use 'do with' in the simple past tense; to talk about the past, you must use 'could have done with'.
This phrase is almost always used with 'could' or 'can' and is never used in the past tense or continuous forms.
to need or want something, especially because it would be helpful or pleasant (B1, not separable, informal)
Pattern: subject + could/can + do with + noun
Wrong: I would do with a glass of water, please. Right: I could do with a glass of water, please. The phrase is fixed with the modal verbs 'could' or 'can'; you cannot use 'would' in this context.
This phrase is almost always used with 'could' or 'can' (e.g., 'I could do with a cup of tea') and is not used in progressive tenses.
to confidently expect that someone will help you, or that something will happen as planned (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + count on + person/noun/pronoun
This phrasal verb is inseparable, meaning you cannot put the object between 'count' and 'on'.
to hide the truth about something bad, illegal, or embarrassing (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + cover + noun/pronoun + up OR subject + cover up + noun
Wrong: He tried to cover up his mistake but he couldn't cover up it. Right: He tried to cover up his mistake but he couldn't cover it up. When the object is a pronoun (like 'it' or 'them'), it must go between 'cover' and 'up'.
Do not use this sense when you simply put a blanket or a lid on something to protect it; use 'cover' instead.
to put on more clothes, especially to hide your body or protect yourself from the sun (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + cover up / cover + object + up
Wrong: The children covered up with mud. Right: The children were covered in mud. 'Cover up' means to put on clothes for modesty or warmth, not to get dirty or coat oneself in a substance.
Do not confuse this with the other common meaning of 'cover up', which means to hide a crime or mistake.
to be secretly attracted to someone and have romantic feelings for them (B1, not separable, informal)
Pattern: subject + be + crushing on + someone
Wrong: She is crushing to her classmate. Right: She is crushing on her classmate. The phrasal verb always takes the preposition 'on', never 'to'.
This is an informal phrasal verb; do not use it in formal writing or professional contexts.
to make a loud sound or shout because you are hurt, scared, or sad (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + cry out + (in pain/fear/terror)
Wrong: She was so sad about the news that she cried out for two hours. Right: She was so sad about the news that she cried for two hours. 'Cry out' means to shout or scream suddenly. For shedding tears over a long period, use just 'cry'.
This does not mean to shed tears (weep); it refers specifically to the loud sound or shout made by the voice.
to interrupt someone who is speaking or to join a conversation suddenly (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + cut in (+ on + person)
Wrong: She cut in me while I was speaking. Right: She cut in on me while I was speaking. The phrasal verb 'cut in' is intransitive. To add an object (the person interrupted), you must use the preposition 'on'.
If you want to mention the person being interrupted, you must use 'cut in on someone'.
to stop providing or supplying something, such as electricity, water, gas, or money (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + cut + noun/pronoun + off
Wrong: They cut off it because we didn't pay. Right: They cut it off because we didn't pay. 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 between 'cut' and 'off'.
to stop eating, drinking, or doing something, especially because it is bad for your health (B1, separable, informal)
Pattern: subject + cut + noun/gerund + out
Wrong: I need to cut out it because it has too much salt. Right: I need to cut it out because it has too much salt. Pronouns like 'it' must always go between 'cut' and 'out' in this separable phrasal verb.
When using a pronoun like 'it' or 'them', it must go between 'cut' and 'out' (e.g., 'cut it out').
to have existed since a specific time in the past (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + date back + to + time period/year
Wrong: The church was dated back to the 14th century. Right: The church dates back to the 14th century. We use the active voice in the present tense ('dates back'), not the passive voice ('was dated back'), to state when something started.
This phrase is almost always used in the simple present tense (e.g., 'it dates back to'), even though it refers to the past.
to take action to solve a problem, perform a task, or manage a situation or person (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + deal with + noun/pronoun
Wrong: I have a lot of emails to deal. Right: I have a lot of emails to deal with. You cannot omit the preposition 'with' when 'deal' means to take action regarding something.
This phrasal verb is inseparable; the object must always come after 'with', even if it is a pronoun like 'it' or 'him'.
to choose one option from a list of possibilities after thinking about them carefully (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + decide on + noun / gerund (-ing)
Wrong: We decided on to go to Spain for our summer holiday. Right: We decided to go to Spain for our summer holiday. You cannot use an infinitive verb (to go) directly after 'decide on'. You can only use a noun or a gerund (e.g., 'decided on going' or 'decided to go').
Do not use 'on' if you are followed by a 'that' clause or an infinitive verb; use 'decide' alone instead.
to gradually become weaker, quieter, or less intense (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject (noise, wind, excitement) + die down
Wrong: The rain died down the fire. Right: The rain put out the fire. 'Die down' is intransitive and cannot have an object; a fire dies down on its own, but rain 'puts out' a fire.
This verb is strictly intransitive, meaning it never takes a direct object.
to become less common and finally stop existing completely (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject (tradition/species/language) + die out
Wrong: The government is trying to die out this ancient custom. Right: The government is letting this ancient custom die out. The verb 'die out' cannot take an object; something dies out by itself.
This verb is intransitive, which means it never takes a direct object and cannot be used in the passive voice.
to stop existing completely, especially a species of animal, a tradition, or a language (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject (plural noun or abstract noun) + die out
Wrong: The pollution died out many rare plants in the area. Right: Many rare plants in the area died out because of the pollution. The phrasal verb 'die out' cannot have an object. You cannot 'die out something'; instead, the subject itself dies out.
This verb is intransitive, meaning it never takes a direct object; something dies out by itself.
to find or remove something from the ground by digging (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + dig + noun/pronoun + up
Do not confuse this literal sense with the metaphorical meaning 'to dig up dirt on someone', which means to find damaging secrets.
to do something again from the beginning because you did not do it well the first time (B1, separable, informal)
Pattern: subject + do + noun/pronoun + over
Wrong: I made too many mistakes, so I must do over the homework. Right: I made too many mistakes, so I must do the homework over. When 'do over' has a noun object, it is usually separated, and if the object is a pronoun (like 'it'), it must be separated.
This phrase is informal and mostly used in American English; use 'redo' or 'do again' in formal writing.
to fasten, button, or zip up a piece of clothing or a bag (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + do + noun/pronoun + up
Wrong: Please do up it, the wind is strong. Right: Please do it up, the wind is strong. Pronouns like 'it' must always go between the verb 'do' and the particle 'up'.
If you use a pronoun like 'it' or 'them', it must go between 'do' and 'up'.
to repair, paint, and decorate a building or a room so that it looks new and attractive (B1, separable, informal)
Pattern: subject + do + noun/pronoun + up
This is an informal phrase; in formal or professional contexts, use 'renovate' or 'redecorate' instead.
to fall asleep, especially when you did not intend to (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + doze off (+ adverbial of time/place)
Wrong: I was so tired that I dozed off myself on the sofa. Right: I was so tired that I dozed off on the sofa. The verb 'doze off' is intransitive and cannot be used with a reflexive pronoun like 'myself'.
This phrasal verb is intransitive, meaning it cannot take a direct object.
to put a costume on someone so they look like a specific character, person, or animal (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + dress + person + up + (as + noun)
Wrong: We dressed up him as a pirate for the party. Right: We dressed him up as a pirate for the party. When the object is a pronoun (him, her, us, them, me, you), it must always split the phrasal verb.
If you use a pronoun like 'him', 'her', or 'them', it must go between 'dress' and 'up'.
to raise your glass and drink alcohol to wish someone success, happiness, or good health (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + drink to + noun/pronoun
This phrasal verb is inseparable; the object must always come after the preposition 'to'.
to travel south to a place by car (B1, not separable, informal)
Pattern: subject + drive down + to + place
Do not use this if you are traveling north, east, or west, or if you are not traveling by car.
to force an enemy, attacker, or unwanted animal to go away (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + drive + object (person/animal/group) + off
Wrong: We used a scarecrow to drive away off the birds. Right: We used a scarecrow to drive the birds off. You cannot combine 'away' and 'off' together; use either 'drive off' or 'drive away'.
Do not confuse this with the literal meaning of leaving a place in a car (e.g., 'he got in his car and drove off').
to make someone or something leave a place, or to make customers stop buying from you (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + drive + object (noun/pronoun) + away
Wrong: His bad temper drove away his friends. Right: His bad temper drove his friends away. While both are grammatically possible, it is much more natural and common to place the object before 'away', especially when using pronouns (which must always go in the middle: 'drove them away').
Do not confuse this with physically driving a car away from a place.
to force a person, animal, or group to leave a place (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + drive + object + out + (of + noun)
Wrong: The police drove out the protesters from the square. Right: The police drove the protesters out of the square. When the object is a specific noun phrase, it is much more natural to place it between 'drive' and 'out', followed by 'of'.
This does not mean taking someone for a ride in a car; it means forcing them to leave.
to make a short, unplanned visit to a person or place (B1, not separable, informal)
Pattern: subject + drop by (+ place/person)
Wrong: I will drop by you this evening. Right: I will drop by your place this evening. 'Drop by' cannot be followed directly by a person as an object; you must drop by 'a place' or use 'drop by to see you'.
Do not use this in formal business contexts or for official appointments where scheduling is required.
to start sleeping, especially without planning to (B1, not separable, informal)
Pattern: subject + drop off
Wrong: I was so tired that I dropped off myself at nine o'clock. Right: I was so tired that I dropped off at nine o'clock. The phrasal verb 'drop off' in the sense of falling asleep is intransitive and never takes a reflexive pronoun like 'myself'.
In this sense, 'drop off' is intransitive and cannot take an object (you cannot 'drop off a baby' to mean make them sleep).
to stop going to school, university, or taking part in a competition before you have finished (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + drop out + (of + noun)
Wrong: She dropped out the university last year. Right: She dropped out of university last year. You must use the preposition 'of' before the noun when specifying what the person left.
Always use the preposition 'of' if you mention the school or activity after the verb.
to make something completely dry, especially by wiping it or using heat (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + dry + noun/pronoun + up
Wrong: I need to dry up my hands after washing them. Right: I need to dry my hands after washing them. We usually use 'dry up' for dishes or wet surfaces, but for hands or hair we just use 'dry'.
Do not confuse this transitive use with the intransitive 'dry up', which means a river or lake loses all its water.
to lose all water or moisture and become completely dry (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject (river, lake, soil, plant) + dry up
Wrong: After the swim, I used a towel to dry up. Right: After the swim, I used a towel to dry off. 'Dry up' means to lose all moisture and become completely dry (like a river in a drought), whereas 'dry off' is used for drying a person's body.
Do not use this to mean drying yourself with a towel after a shower; use 'dry off' or 'dry yourself' instead.
to dry plates, cups, and cutlery with a cloth after they have been washed (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + dry up (+ noun/pronoun) or subject + dry + noun/pronoun + up
Wrong: I need to dry up my hands because they are wet. Right: I need to dry my hands because they are wet. We only use 'dry up' for dishes and cutlery, not for hands, hair, or bodies.
Do not confuse this with the intransitive 'dry up' meaning a river or source of money disappearing.
to reach a final place, situation, or condition, often without planning it (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + end up + -ing verb / prepositional phrase / adjective
Wrong: We took the wrong train and ended up to arrive in Paris. Right: We took the wrong train and ended up arriving in Paris. After 'end up', you must use the -ing form of the verb, not the infinitive.
Always use the -ing form of the verb after 'end up', not an infinitive with 'to'.
to slowly become weaker, quieter, or less clear until it disappears completely (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + fade away
Wrong: The music faded itself away at the end of the song. Right: The music faded away at the end of the song. The verb 'fade away' is intransitive and cannot be used with a reflexive pronoun like 'itself'.
to break into pieces because of being old, poorly made, or damaged (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject (object) + fall apart
Wrong: The old book fell itself apart when I opened it. Right: The old book fell apart when I opened it. The phrasal verb 'fall apart' is strictly intransitive and cannot be used with a reflexive pronoun like 'itself'.
Do not confuse this physical sense with the emotional sense of 'falling apart' (losing emotional control).
to set the clocks back by one hour in autumn when daylight saving time ends (B1, not separable, informal)
Pattern: subject + fall back (+ adverbial of time)
Wrong: We need to fall back our clocks tonight. Right: We need to set our clocks back tonight. The phrasal verb 'fall back' is intransitive and cannot be used with an object like 'clocks'.
This verb is intransitive and cannot take a direct object; you cannot 'fall back the clock'.
to make slower progress than other people, or to fail to keep up with a schedule (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + fall behind (+ in/with + noun)
Wrong: He fell behind his classmates in English. Right: He fell behind with his classmates in English. To connect 'fall behind' with the area or the group, you need the preposition 'with' or 'in', or use 'fall behind' on its own.
If you want to mention the group or standard you are failing to keep up with, you must use 'fall behind with' or 'fall behind in'.
to fail to do something or pay something on time, or to be late with regular tasks (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + fall behind (+ with/on + noun)
Wrong: I fell behind my homework because I was sick. Right: I fell behind with my homework because I was sick. You cannot connect 'fall behind' directly to the noun; you must use the preposition 'with' or 'on'.
If you want to mention the specific thing you are late with, you must use the preposition 'with' or 'on'.
to believe a lie, trick, or joke and be fooled by it (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + fall for + noun/pronoun
Wrong: The email looked real, so I fell it for. Right: The email looked real, so I fell for it. The phrasal verb 'fall for' is inseparable, so the pronoun 'it' must go at the very end.
This phrasal verb is inseparable; the object must always come after 'for', even if it is a pronoun like 'it'.
to collapse or sink inwards, especially a roof, ceiling, or ground (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject (roof, ceiling, etc.) + fall in
Wrong: The heavy snow fell in the roof of the garage. Right: The heavy snow made the roof of the garage fall in. The verb 'fall in' is intransitive and cannot have an object. You must use 'make' or 'cause' to show what forced it to collapse.
This phrasal verb is intransitive, meaning it does not take a direct object; you cannot 'fall in' something.
to start to be in a bad state, condition, or habit without intending to (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + fall into + noun (debt, depression, a habit, disrepair)
This phrasal verb is inseparable, meaning the noun or pronoun must always come after 'into'.
to happen on a specific day or date in the calendar (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject (event/holiday) + fall on + noun (day/date)
Wrong: My birthday falls itself on a Monday next year. Right: My birthday falls on a Monday next year. The verb 'fall' is intransitive here and does not take a reflexive pronoun like 'itself'.
This phrasal verb is inseparable; the date or day must always come directly after 'on'.
to have an argument with someone and stop being friendly with them (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + fall out + (with + person) + (over + reason)
Wrong: She fell out her best friend yesterday. Right: She fell out with her best friend yesterday. You must use the preposition 'with' to connect the phrasal verb to the person.
Always use 'with' if you want to mention the person you had the argument with.
to feel sympathy or pity for someone because they are going through a difficult time (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + feel + for + person
Wrong: I feel her very much because she lost her dog. Right: I really feel for her because she lost her dog. Without the preposition 'for', the verb 'feel' means to touch someone or experience an emotion physically, not to sympathise with them.
This phrasal verb is inseparable and must be followed by an object, usually a person.
to try to find something by searching with your hands, especially when you cannot see (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + feel for + noun/pronoun
Wrong: I was feeling my keys in my pocket. Right: I was feeling for my keys in my pocket. Without 'for', 'feeling my keys' means you are just touching them to experience how they feel, not searching for them.
Do not confuse this with 'feel for someone', which means to have sympathy or pity for another person.
to defend yourself by hitting or attacking someone who is attacking you (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + fight back
Wrong: He tried to fight back the attacker. Right: He tried to fight the attacker back. / He tried to fight back. In this intransitive sense of physical self-defense, you cannot put the attacker directly after 'fight back' as an object.
to defend yourself or attack someone who has attacked you first (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + fight back
Wrong: He fought back the attacker with a stick. Right: He fought off the attacker with a stick. In this intransitive sense, 'fight back' cannot have a direct object. To say you defeated an attacker, use 'fight off'.
In this sense, 'fight back' is intransitive, meaning it does not take a direct object.
to calculate an amount or a cost using numbers (B1, separable, informal)
Pattern: subject + figure + noun/pronoun + out (or: figure out + noun)
Wrong: I need to figure out the math exercise on the blackboard. Right: I need to solve the math exercise on the blackboard. We 'figure out' a total cost or a number, but we 'solve' a math problem or exercise.
Do not use this in formal academic writing or professional financial reports; use 'calculate' instead.
to find the answer to a problem or understand how someone or something works (B1, separable, informal)
Pattern: subject + figure + noun/pronoun + out OR subject + figure out + noun/question word
Wrong: I finally figured out it after two hours. Right: I finally figured it out after two hours. When the object is a pronoun like 'it', it must go between 'figure' and 'out'.
If you use a pronoun like 'it' or 'them', you must put it between 'figure' and 'out'.
to temporarily do someone else's job or duties because they are not there (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + fill in + (for + someone)
Wrong: I need to fill in my colleague because she is sick. Right: I need to fill in for my colleague because she is sick. Without 'for', 'fill in someone' means to give them information they missed, not to substitute for them.
When used in this sense (to substitute), the verb is intransitive and cannot be separated; you must use the preposition 'for' to mention the person being replaced.
to give someone the details or news about something they do not know yet (B1, separable, informal)
Pattern: subject + fill + person + in + on + topic
Wrong: Please fill me in about what happened at the conference. Right: Please fill me in on what happened at the conference. We use the preposition 'on' (not 'about') after 'fill someone in'.
Always use the preposition 'on' for the topic, not 'about' or 'with'.
to put a substance into a hole or empty space to make it flat or complete (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + fill + noun/pronoun + in (or: fill + in + noun)
Wrong: We must fill in the hole by concrete. Right: We must fill the hole in with concrete. We use the preposition 'with' (not 'by') to specify the material used to fill the space.
Do not confuse this physical sense with 'fill in a form' (writing information) or 'fill in for someone' (substituting at work).
to get information about something, or to learn a fact for the first time (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + find out + (something) / (that...) / (where/how/why...)
Wrong: I need to find out it as soon as possible. Right: I need to find it out as soon as possible. With separable phrasal verbs, pronoun objects like 'it' must always go between the verb and the particle.
When you use a pronoun like 'it' or 'them', it must go between 'find' and 'out'.
to complete the last remaining parts of a task or piece of work (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + finish + (noun/pronoun) + up OR subject + finish up + (noun)
Wrong: I need to finish up it before I leave. Right: I need to finish it up before I leave. 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 between 'finish' and 'up'.
to eat, drink, or use the very last part of something so that nothing is left (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + finish + noun/pronoun + up
Wrong: Please finish up it, we need to leave. Right: Please finish it up, we need to leave. 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 between 'finish' and 'up'.
to end a relationship with someone, or to stop using an object because you are done. (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + finish + with + person/object
Wrong: I will finish with the book and then I give it to you. Right: I am finished with the book and then I will give it to you. To express that you have completed using something, we usually use the passive-like pattern 'be finished with' rather than the simple future 'will finish with'.
This phrasal verb is inseparable; the object must always come after 'with', even if it is a pronoun (e.g., 'finish with him', not 'finish him with').
to be small enough to go into a space, container, or place (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + fit in + noun (or subject + fit in)
Wrong: I tried to fit in the key the lock. Right: I tried to fit the key into the lock. To describe putting a small object into a specific opening, use 'fit something into something' rather than the phrasal verb 'fit in'.
This phrasal verb is inseparable; the object always comes after 'in' (e.g., 'fit in the box', not 'fit the box in').
to feel accepted and belong naturally with a group of people because you are similar to them (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + fit into + noun (group/community/team)
Wrong: I want to fit into with my new classmates. Right: I want to fit into my new classmate group. / I want to fit in with my new classmates. The phrasal verb 'fit into' must be followed directly by a noun representing the group (e.g., 'the class'). If you want to use 'with', the correct form is 'fit in with'.
Do not confuse this social meaning with the physical meaning of being small enough to go inside a space.
to be the correct size and shape to go inside a container, space, or piece of clothing (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + fit into + noun/pronoun
Wrong: The key is too big, it cannot fit itself into the lock. Right: The key is too big, it cannot fit into the lock. In English, 'fit into' is not reflexive; you do not use 'myself', 'itself', or 'yourself' with it.
This phrasal verb is inseparable; the object must always come after 'into', even if it is a pronoun like 'it'.
to find time in your busy schedule to see someone or do something (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + fit + noun/pronoun + in
Wrong: I am very busy today, but I can fit in you at five. Right: I am very busy today, but I can fit you in at five. When the object is a pronoun (like 'you'), it must go between the verb 'fit' and the particle 'in'.
If you use a pronoun like 'him', 'her', or 'it', it must go between 'fit' and 'in'.
to pass very quickly (usually used about time, a vacation, or an event) (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject (usually time, a day, or an event) + fly by
Wrong: My vacation flew it by because I had so much fun. Right: My vacation flew by because I had so much fun. The verb 'fly by' is intransitive in this sense and cannot take an object like 'it'.
This phrasal verb is intransitive in this sense, meaning it does not take a direct object.
to travel somewhere by plane, especially starting from your home country (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + fly out (+ to + destination) (+ on + day/date)
Wrong: We are flying out Prague next Monday. Right: We are flying out of Prague next Monday. If you want to mention the starting airport or city, you must use the preposition 'of' after 'fly out'.
This verb is intransitive, which means it cannot take a direct object; you cannot 'fly out someone'.
to arrange and pay for someone to travel to a place by airplane (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + fly + object (person) + out + (to + destination)
Wrong: The company flew out him to New York for the conference. Right: The company flew him out to New York for the conference. When the object of a separable phrasal verb is a pronoun (him, her, us, them, me, you), it must be placed between the verb and the particle.
This is a transitive, separable phrasal verb; if you use a pronoun like 'him', 'her', or 'them', it must go between 'fly' and 'out'.
to become stuck to a cold surface because of ice or freezing temperatures (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject (person/thing) + freeze to + noun (cold surface)
Wrong: My wet gloves froze on the car door. Right: My wet gloves froze to the car door. We use the preposition 'to' (not 'on') to express that something becomes stuck to a surface by freezing.
Do not confuse this with 'freeze to death', which means to die from extreme cold.
to be successful in your career or life, especially by making progress or earning more money (B1, not separable, informal)
Pattern: subject + get ahead (+ in + noun/career)
Wrong: He wants to get ahead his colleagues. Right: He wants to get ahead of his colleagues. If you want to specify who you are surpassing, you must use the preposition 'of' after 'get ahead'.
to have a friendly relationship with someone without arguments (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + get along (+ with + person)
Wrong: I get along my brother very well. Right: I get along with my brother very well. You must use the preposition 'with' if you want to specify the person you have a good relationship with.
If you mention the other person, you must use the preposition 'with' after the verb.
to go around an obstacle or barrier to continue your journey (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + get around + noun/pronoun
Wrong: The road was closed, so we had to get around of the barrier. Right: The road was closed, so we had to get around the barrier. The phrasal verb 'get around' is transitive and takes a direct object without the preposition 'of'.
Do not confuse this with the figurative meaning of 'getting around a rule' (avoiding a law) or 'getting around' (traveling to many places).
to reach or obtain something that is difficult to access physically (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + get at + noun/pronoun
Wrong: The cat is under the bed and I cannot get at it out. Right: The cat is under the bed and I cannot get at it. The phrasal verb 'get at' is inseparable and does not take an extra particle like 'out'.
Do not confuse this physical meaning with the figurative meaning of 'get at' which means 'to imply or suggest'.
to go on a vacation or take a short break from your normal, busy life (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + get away + (for + time period) or (to + place)
Wrong: I need to get away myself from work. Right: I need to get away from work. The phrasal verb 'get away' in this sense is intransitive and cannot take a reflexive pronoun like 'myself'.
Do not confuse this with 'escape from danger or prison', which is a different meaning of the same phrasal verb.
to do something bad or wrong and not be punished or caught for it (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + get away with + noun / -ing verb
Wrong: He stole the money but he got away. Right: He stole the money but he got away with it. Without 'with it', 'get away' just means to physically escape or run away, not to avoid punishment for a specific crime.
This phrasal verb is inseparable and must be followed by a noun, pronoun, or an -ing verb.
to escape from a place taking stolen or forbidden things with you (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + get away with + noun (stolen object)
Wrong: The burglar got away with the window. Right: The burglar got away through the window. Using 'get away with' means the burglar stole the window and took it with him, rather than using it as an exit.
Do not confuse this with the more common figurative meaning 'to escape punishment for a bad deed'.
to contact someone again later, especially to give them an answer or more information (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + get back to + person (noun/pronoun)
Wrong: I will get back you as soon as possible. Right: I will get back to you as soon as possible. You must always use the preposition 'to' before the person you are contacting.
This phrasal verb is inseparable; the pronoun or person must always come after 'to'.
to contact someone later to give them an answer or more information (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + get back + to + person + (with + information/about + topic)
Wrong: I will get back you when I find the keys. Right: I will get back to you when I find the keys. The phrasal verb requires the preposition 'to' before the object (the person).
Always use the preposition 'to' before the person you are replying to; do not say 'get back someone'.
to start doing an activity again after a pause or interruption (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + get back to + noun / -ing form
Wrong: I should get back to write my essay. Right: I should get back to writing my essay. The preposition 'to' must be followed by a noun or a gerund (-ing form), not an infinitive.
If you follow this phrase with a verb, it must be in the -ing form.
to manage to survive or cope, especially with very little money or knowledge (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + get by (+ on/with + noun)
Wrong: It is very expensive here, I cannot get by it. Right: It is very expensive here, I cannot get by. The phrasal verb 'get by' is intransitive and does not take a direct object. If you want to mention the money, use 'get by on'.
This phrasal verb is intransitive in this sense, so you cannot put an object directly after it without the preposition 'on' or 'with'.
to quickly lower your body to the ground to protect yourself from danger (B1, not separable, informal)
Pattern: subject + get down
Wrong: When the shooting started, the police officer shouted to get down us. Right: When the shooting started, the police officer shouted at us to get down. In this sense, 'get down' is intransitive and cannot be followed by a direct object.
In this sense, the verb is intransitive and cannot take an object.
to start directing your effort and attention towards a serious task or piece of work (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + get down to + noun / -ing form
Wrong: After a short break, we got down to write the report. Right: After a short break, we got down to writing the report. The preposition 'to' must be followed by a noun or a gerund (-ing form), not an infinitive.
If you follow this phrase with a verb, it must be in the '-ing' form, not an infinitive.
to contact someone by phone, email, or message (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + get hold of + person
Wrong: I need to get hold him today. Right: I need to get hold of him today. You must always use the preposition 'of' before the person you are contacting.
Do not separate this phrasal verb; the object must always come after 'of'.
to find, buy, or obtain something that you need or want (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + get hold of + noun/pronoun
Wrong: I finally got hold it after searching for weeks. Right: I finally got hold of it after searching for weeks. You must always include the preposition 'of' before the object.
This phrasal verb is inseparable; the object must always come after 'of', even if it is a pronoun like 'it'.
to physically take, grab, or hold something with your hand (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + get hold of + noun/pronoun
Wrong: I got hold of it and put it into my pocket. Right: I got hold of it and put it in my pocket. The preposition 'into' is grammatically possible but 'in' is much more natural and common in this everyday context.
Do not confuse this physical meaning with the common figurative meaning 'to contact someone' or 'to obtain something'.
to put on a piece of clothing, especially when it is tight or difficult to put on (B1, not separable, informal)
Pattern: subject + get into + noun (clothing)
Wrong: I need to get these tight boots into. Right: I need to get into these tight boots. The phrasal verb 'get into' is inseparable, so the object must go after the preposition 'into'.
Unlike 'put on', this phrasal verb is inseparable; the clothing item must always come after 'into'.
to manage, cope, or make progress in a situation, job, or life (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + get on (+ adverb/prepositional phrase)
Wrong: How do you get on in your new school? Right: How are you getting on at your new school? We usually use the continuous form 'getting on' to ask about ongoing progress, and the preposition 'at' or 'in' for school.
Do not confuse this with 'get on with someone' (to have a good relationship) or 'get on something' (to board a bus).
to make progress with a task, project, or life in general (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + get on + (with + noun/gerund)
Wrong: How do you get on your English course? Right: How are you getting on with your English course? To talk about progress, you must use 'get on with' and it is usually used in the continuous form ('getting on') when asking about current progress.
Do not confuse this with 'get on' meaning to board a bus or train, which takes a direct object without 'with'.
to have a friendly and good relationship with someone (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + get on with + person
Wrong: I get on myself with my sister very well. Right: I get on with my sister very well. The phrasal verb 'get on with' is inseparable; you cannot put a pronoun or any other word between 'on' and 'with'.
In American English, 'get along with' is much more common than 'get on with'.
to continue doing something, especially after a pause, or to start doing a task you need to do (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + get on with + noun / -ing form
Wrong: I have to get it on with. Right: I have to get on with it. The phrasal verb 'get on with' is inseparable, so the pronoun 'it' must go at the very end.
This phrasal verb is inseparable; the object must always come after 'with', even if it is a pronoun like 'it'.
to be allowed to leave a hospital, prison, or similar institution (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + get out (+ of + hospital/prison)
Wrong: He was very happy when he got out the prison. Right: He was very happy when he got out of prison. If you mention the place someone is being released from, you must use the preposition 'of' after 'get out'.
In this sense, the verb is intransitive and cannot be followed by an object without the preposition 'of'.
to avoid doing something that you are supposed to do, such as a duty or an obligation (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + get out of + noun / -ing verb
Wrong: I want to get out of to go to the dentist. Right: I want to get out of going to the dentist. The preposition 'of' must be followed by a gerund (-ing form), not an infinitive.
If you follow this phrase with a verb, it must always be in the '-ing' form.
to accept a difficult situation, illness, or sad feeling and start feeling better again (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + get over + noun/pronoun
Wrong: I had a bad cold but I got it over quickly. Right: I had a bad cold but I got over it quickly. The phrasal verb 'get over' is inseparable, so the pronoun 'it' must go after 'over'.
This phrasal verb is inseparable, so the object must always come after the preposition 'over', even if it is a pronoun like 'it'.
to throw away, sell, or destroy something you do not want, or make an unwanted person leave (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + get rid of + noun/pronoun
This phrasal verb is inseparable; you cannot put the object between 'get' and 'rid'.
to collect or gather a number of things or people, especially with some effort (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + get + noun/pronoun + together
Wrong: I need to get together my papers before I leave. Right: I need to get my papers together before I leave. While putting a long noun phrase at the end is sometimes possible, it is much more natural and common to place the object before 'together'.
When using a pronoun like 'it' or 'them', it must go between 'get' and 'together'.
to finish a large amount of work, a difficult task, or a book (B1, not separable, informal)
Pattern: subject + get through + noun/pronoun
Wrong: I need to get the paperwork through today. Right: I need to get through the paperwork today. The phrasal verb 'get through' in this sense is inseparable, so the object must come after 'through'.
Unlike some phrasal verbs, this one is inseparable; you cannot put the object between 'get' and 'through'.
to successfully deal with a difficult, painful, or busy period of time (B1, not separable, informal)
Pattern: subject + get through + noun/pronoun
Wrong: It was a difficult week, but we got it through. Right: It was a difficult week, but we got through it. The phrasal verb 'get through' is inseparable, so the pronoun 'it' must go after 'through'.
This phrasal verb is inseparable, meaning the object must always come after 'through', even if it is a pronoun like 'it'.
to do something, especially something secret, bad, or mischievous (B1, not separable, informal)
Pattern: subject + get up to + noun/pronoun/-ing form
Wrong: The children got themselves up to trouble in the garden. Right: The children got up to no good in the garden. The phrasal verb 'get up to' is not reflexive and cannot take 'myself/themselves'.
Do not use this in formal or professional contexts, as it is highly informal and often implies doing something naughty.
to stop fighting or arguing and accept that you cannot win (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + give in + (to + noun/pronoun)
Wrong: He didn't want to sign the contract, but they finally gave him in. Right: He didn't want to sign the contract, but he finally gave in. The phrasal verb 'give in' (meaning to yield) is intransitive and cannot take a direct object between 'give' and 'in'.
This phrasal verb is intransitive and cannot be separated; if you want to mention the person or thing you yield to, you must use the preposition 'to'.
to produce and send out something like a smell, heat, light, or a feeling (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + give off + noun/pronoun
Wrong: The flowers were giving a beautiful scent off. Right: The flowers were giving off a beautiful scent. The phrasal verb 'give off' is inseparable, so the noun object cannot go between 'give' and 'off'.
This phrasal verb is inseparable; the object must always come after 'off', even if it is a pronoun.
to stop having, using, or doing something, especially a habit or a possession (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + give up + noun / pronoun / -ing form
Wrong: He decided to give up to smoke because of his health. Right: He decided to give up smoking because of his health. After 'give up', we use the gerund (-ing form) of a verb, not the infinitive with 'to'.
If you follow this phrase with another action, you must use the -ing form, not the infinitive.
to run or chase after someone to catch them (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + go after + person
Wrong: The dog ran away and I went him after. Right: The dog ran away and I went after him. The preposition 'after' must always come before the object (him/her/them).
This phrasal verb is inseparable; the object must always come after the preposition 'after'.
to try to get, achieve, or win something that you want very much (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + go after + noun / pronoun
Wrong: She has a big dream and she decided to go it after. Right: She has a big dream and she decided to go after it. The phrasal verb 'go after' is inseparable, so the pronoun 'it' must go at the very end.
This phrasal verb is inseparable; the object must always come after the preposition 'after'.
to start doing a planned activity or project, often after getting permission (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + go ahead + with + noun/gerund
Wrong: We decided to go ahead the project. Right: We decided to go ahead with the project. You must use the preposition 'with' before the noun when 'go ahead' is followed by an object.
Remember to use the preposition 'with' if you mention the activity or project directly after the verb.
to progress, develop, or make progress with an activity over time (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + go along (+ adverb/prepositional phrase)
Wrong: The project is going along with many problems. Right: The project is going along with difficulty. We do not usually use 'go along with' to describe the manner of progress, as 'go along with' means to agree or accompany.
Do not confuse this with 'go along with', which means to agree with someone or a decision.
to agree to a decision or plan, even if you do not really want to (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + go along with + noun/pronoun
Wrong: I decided to go with along his suggestion. Right: I decided to go along with his suggestion. The particle 'along' must always come immediately after the verb 'go' and before 'with'.
This phrasal verb is inseparable; the object must always come after 'with'.
to agree with an idea or decision, or to cooperate with what other people want to do (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + go along + with + noun/pronoun
Wrong: I decided to go along the plan because it seemed reasonable. Right: I decided to go along with the plan because it seemed reasonable. You must use the preposition 'with' after 'go along' when it is followed by an object.
Always use the preposition 'with' if you mention the plan or person you are agreeing with.
to spread from one person to another, especially a disease, a rumor, or a joke (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject (disease/rumor) + go around
Wrong: A bad flu is going around the school among the students. Right: A bad flu is going around the school. While grammatically possible, 'going around' already implies spreading among people, so adding 'among the students' is redundant and unnatural.
This phrasal verb is intransitive in this sense, meaning it does not take a direct object.
to be enough for everyone in a group to have a share (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject (usually food/drink/resource) + go around
Wrong: There is not enough cake to go around it. Right: There is not enough cake to go around. In this sense, 'go around' is intransitive and cannot be followed by an object like 'it'.
This phrasal verb is intransitive in this sense, meaning it does not take a direct object.
To visit someone at their house, or to visit a place nearby. (B1, not separable, informal)
Pattern: subject + go around + (to + person's house / place)
Wrong: I will go around my friend tonight. Right: I will go around to my friend's house tonight. Without 'to', 'go around' cannot be followed directly by a person as an object.
This phrasal verb is intransitive, so you must use the preposition 'to' if you want to mention the destination.
to have been friends or known each other since a particular time in the past (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject (plural) + go back to + time/event
Wrong: I go back to my childhood with Tom. Right: Tom and I go back to our childhood. The subject should be plural (the people who know each other) rather than separating them with 'with' in this position.
This phrase is almost always used with 'we' or plural subjects, or with 'with' (e.g., 'my history with him goes back to...').
to have begun or been made at a certain time in the past (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject (tradition/history/problem) + go back to + noun (time/date/event)
Wrong: This old church is going back to the Middle Ages. Right: This old church goes back to the Middle Ages. We do not use the continuous form ('is going back') for origins and states that do not change.
This phrasal verb is always used in the simple tense (usually present simple) and is never used in the continuous form.
to pass or move past a place or person, often without stopping (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + go by
Wrong: I stood on the street and watched the cars go past by. Right: I stood on the street and watched the cars go by. We say 'go by' or 'go past', but we do not combine them into 'go past by'.
Do not confuse this with the meaning 'to pass' in relation to time (e.g., 'time goes by').
to use a particular name, especially a nickname or a middle name, in everyday life (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + go by + name
Wrong: My name is Thomas, but I go by as Tom. Right: My name is Thomas, but I go by Tom. Do not use 'as' after 'go by'. The name follows the verb directly.
This phrasal verb is inseparable and is always followed by the name that the person uses.
to prefer or ask to be referred to by a specific set of pronouns (like they/them) (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + go by + pronouns
Wrong: She goes by with they/them pronouns. Right: She goes by they/them. The phrasal verb 'go by' is transitive and takes the pronouns directly as its object without the preposition 'with'.
In this sense, the phrase is always followed by the specific pronouns or name, and it cannot be separated.
to try to achieve a goal, win a prize, or get something you want (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + go for + noun / pronoun / -ing form
Wrong: If you want the promotion, you should go it for. Right: If you want the promotion, you should go for it. The phrasal verb 'go for' is inseparable; the pronoun 'it' must go after the preposition.
This phrasal verb is inseparable, meaning the object must always come after 'for', even if it is a pronoun like 'it'.
to choose a particular option or decide to do a specific action (B1, not separable, informal)
Pattern: subject + go for + noun / pronoun / -ing form
Wrong: I decided to go for to study English. Right: I decided to go for studying English. The preposition 'for' must be followed by a noun or a gerund (-ing form), not an infinitive.
This phrase is informal; in formal writing or business reports, use 'choose', 'select', or 'opt for' instead.
to be covered or hidden by clouds (used for the sun) (B1, not separable)
Pattern: the sun + go in
This phrasal verb is intransitive and is almost exclusively used with 'the sun' as the subject.
to be able to be divided into a number without leaving a remainder (B1, not separable)
Pattern: number + go into + larger number
Wrong: Five is going into twenty four times. Right: Five goes into twenty four times. This mathematical fact is a permanent truth, so we must use the present simple, not the present continuous.
This verb is always used in the active voice and is never separable.
to explode, like a bomb or fireworks (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject (bomb/firework) + go off
Wrong: The bomb was gone off near the station. Right: The bomb went off near the station. The phrasal verb 'go off' is intransitive and cannot be used in the passive voice.
Do not confuse this with 'go out', which is used for fires or lights stopping.
to fire or explode, especially by accident (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject (gun, bomb, firework) + go off
Wrong: He accidentally went off the gun in the kitchen. Right: The gun accidentally went off in the kitchen. The verb 'go off' is intransitive and cannot have an object; the gun itself must be the subject.
This verb is intransitive, which means it never takes a direct object.
to continue for a distance or to have a certain length (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject (road/path/forest) + go on (+ for + distance/time)
Wrong: The highway is going on to the next city. Right: The highway goes on to the next city. We use the present simple, not the continuous form, to describe permanent geographical features that extend in space.
Do not confuse this with the meaning 'to happen' or 'to continue doing an activity'.
to do something else after finishing a previous activity or stage (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + go on + to-infinitive
Wrong: After he finished his speech, he went on speaking about his new book. Right: After he finished his speech, he went on to speak about his new book. Using the -ing form means he continued his previous speech, but the to-infinitive is needed to show he started a new topic or activity.
Do not confuse this with 'go on doing something', which means to continue doing the same activity.
to lose a game or match and be removed from a tournament or competition (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + go out (+ of + competition) / (+ to + opponent)
Wrong: Our team went out the tournament yesterday. Right: Our team went out of the tournament yesterday. You must use the preposition 'of' before the name of the competition, or use 'go out' on its own.
This sense of 'go out' is intransitive, meaning it does not take a direct object. To mention the opponent, use 'go out to someone'.
to examine, check, or study something carefully to make sure it is correct or understood (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + go over + noun/pronoun
Wrong: I have your report here, let's go it over. Right: I have your report here, let's go over it. The phrasal verb 'go over' is inseparable, so the pronoun 'it' cannot be placed between 'go' and 'over'.
This phrasal verb is inseparable, meaning the object must always come after 'over', even if it is a pronoun like 'it'.
to carefully examine or check a list, a pile of papers, or a series of things (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + go through + noun/pronoun
Wrong: I have many old papers, I need to go them through. Right: I have many old papers, I need to go through them. The phrasal verb 'go through' is inseparable, so the pronoun 'them' must go at the end.
This phrasal verb is inseparable, so the object must always come after 'through', even if it is a pronoun like 'it' or 'them'.
to do something that you have planned or agreed to do, especially something difficult or unpleasant (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + go through with + noun / -ing form
Wrong: I decided to go through my plan to quit my job. Right: I decided to go through with my plan to quit my job. Without 'with', 'go through' means to search, experience, or examine, not to execute a plan.
This sense of executing a plan is almost always used with the preposition 'with' and followed by a noun or gerund.
to be in a romantic relationship or date each other (B1, not separable, informal)
Pattern: subject (plural) + go together OR subject + go together + with + someone
Wrong: They are going together for three years. Right: They have been going together for three years. With 'for' indicating a duration up to the present, you must use the present perfect continuous, not the present continuous.
This expression is somewhat old-fashioned or informal; younger people today are more likely to say 'dating' or 'seeing each other'.
to be built or constructed, especially quickly or in large numbers (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject (building/structure) + go up
Wrong: They are going up a new office building downtown. Right: A new office building is going up downtown. 'Go up' is intransitive and cannot take an object. If you want to use an active subject, use 'build' or 'put up' instead.
This phrasal verb is intransitive, meaning it cannot have a direct object and is never used in the passive voice.
to have a romantic or sexual relationship with someone, or to go on dates with them (B1, not separable, informal)
Pattern: subject + go with + person
Wrong: She is going with him for three years. Right: She has been going with him for three years. With 'for' indicating a duration up to the present, you must use the present perfect continuous, not the present continuous.
This sense is quite old-fashioned or informal; in modern English, people more often use 'go out with' or 'date'.
to choose or accept an option, plan, or suggestion (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + go with + noun / pronoun / -ing form
Wrong: I decided to go with to buy the blue car. Right: I decided to go with the blue car. The phrasal verb 'go with' must be followed directly by a noun phrase or a gerund, not an infinitive verb.
Do not confuse this with the literal meaning of physical accompaniment or matching colors.
to stop behaving like a child and start acting in a mature, sensible way (B1, not separable, informal)
Pattern: subject + grow up (often used alone as an imperative: 'Grow up!')
Wrong: You are acting like a baby, please grow up yourself. Right: You are acting like a baby, please grow up. The phrasal verb 'grow up' is intransitive and cannot take an object or a reflexive pronoun like 'yourself'.
Be careful, telling someone to 'grow up!' can sound very rude, angry, or confrontational.
To give a task, responsibility, or control of something to another person. (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + hand + noun/pronoun + off + (to + someone)
Wrong: I need to hand off it to my colleague before I leave. Right: I need to hand it off to my colleague before I 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 place it between 'hand' and 'off'.
to give something to another person, especially because they demand it or have a right to it (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + hand + noun/pronoun + over + (to + someone)
Wrong: The thief told me to hand over it. Right: The thief told me to hand it over. When the object is a pronoun like 'it', it must be placed between the verb 'hand' and the particle 'over'.
If the object is a pronoun (like 'it' or 'them'), it must go between 'hand' and 'over'.
to stay in a place, waiting or doing nothing, instead of leaving (B1, not separable, informal)
Pattern: subject + hang around (+ place)
Wrong: We were hanging around of the cinema waiting for our friends. Right: We were hanging around the cinema waiting for our friends. The phrasal verb 'hang around' is followed directly by the place, without the preposition 'of'.
This phrase is informal; in formal writing or business contexts, use 'wait' or 'remain' instead.
to spend time with someone or in a place, often doing nothing in particular (B1, not separable, informal)
Pattern: subject + hang around + (with + person) or (in/at + place)
Wrong: I like to hang around with my colleagues at the business meeting. Right: I like to network with my colleagues at the business meeting. 'Hang around' implies wasting time or casual, unstructured leisure, which is inappropriate for a professional meeting.
This is an informal phrase; do not use it in formal business writing or professional emails.
to remain brave and continue trying in a difficult situation; to not give up (B1, not separable, informal)
Pattern: subject + hang in (often used as an imperative: 'Hang in there!')
Wrong: The exam was very difficult but I hanged in. Right: The exam was very difficult but I hung in. The past tense of 'hang' in this phrasal verb is irregular ('hung'), not regular ('hanged').
This is an informal expression, so do not use it in formal business writing or academic essays.
to hold something tightly with your hands, often for safety or support (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + hang on + to + noun/pronoun
Wrong: You must hang on the railing when you go down the stairs. Right: You must hang on to the railing when you go down the stairs. To express holding onto an object, you must use the preposition 'to' after 'hang on'.
Do not confuse this with the meaning 'to wait' (e.g., 'Hang on a minute'), which does not use the preposition 'to'.
to keep something and not give it away, sell it, or throw it away (B1, not separable, informal)
Pattern: subject + hang on to + noun/pronoun
Wrong: I will hang on my old phone just in case. Right: I will hang on to my old phone just in case. You must include the preposition 'to' before the object you are keeping.
Always use the preposition 'to' after 'hang on' when you mention the object you are keeping.
to invite someone into your home, office, or building to do a job or visit (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + have + person + in (+ to do something)
Wrong: We had in the plumber to fix the leak. Right: We had the plumber in to fix the leak. The noun object must go between 'have' and 'in' because this phrasal verb is separable and typically split.
This phrasal verb is almost always split, with the person (noun or pronoun) placed between 'have' and 'in'.
to have a plan, appointment, or arrangement scheduled (B1, separable, informal)
Pattern: subject + have + noun/pronoun + on
Wrong: I have on a meeting at three o'clock. Right: I have a meeting on at three o'clock. The noun (the scheduled event) must go between 'have' and 'on' when using this phrasal verb.
This is informal and mainly British; do not use it in formal business writing or professional scheduling.
Used to say that something is logically certain or the only realistic possibility based on evidence. (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + have/has to + infinitive verb
Wrong: He has to be sick yesterday because he didn't come to school. Right: He must have been sick yesterday because he didn't come to school. To express a logical conclusion about the past, use 'must have + past participle' instead of 'had to' or 'has to'.
In this logical sense, 'have to' is almost always used in the present tense; do not use it in the past tense to mean 'must have been'.
to leave a place in order to go somewhere else (B1, not separable, informal)
Pattern: subject + head off + (to + destination)
Wrong: We headed off ourselves from the party at midnight. Right: We headed off from the party at midnight. The phrasal verb 'head off' is intransitive and cannot be used with reflexive pronouns like 'ourselves'.
Do not use this in formal writing or business reports; use 'leave' or 'depart' instead.
to start a journey, leave a place, or go outside (B1, not separable, informal)
Pattern: subject + head out (+ to/for + destination)
Wrong: We are heading out the restaurant now. Right: We are heading out of the restaurant now. If you mention the place you are leaving, you must use the preposition 'of' after 'head out'.
Do not use this in formal writing or business reports; use 'depart' or 'leave' instead.
to know that someone or something exists because you have been told or read about them (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + hear of + noun/pronoun
Wrong: I don't know him, I never heard about him. Right: I don't know him, I have never heard of him. We use 'hear of' to say we know someone exists. 'Hear about' is used for getting news or details about someone we already know.
This verb is inseparable; you cannot put the object between 'hear' and 'of'.
to make food or drink hot or warm, especially after it has cooled down (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + heat + noun/pronoun + up
Wrong: I need to warm up my coffee in the oven. Right: I need to heat up my coffee in the microwave. While 'warm up' is possible, we typically 'heat up' cold food/drinks to make them hot, and we do not use a large oven for a single cup of coffee.
Do not use this for turning on the heating in a room; use 'turn on the heating' instead.
to stop someone or something from moving forward, developing, or showing emotion (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + hold + object + back
Wrong: The security guard tried to hold back him. Right: The security guard tried to hold him back. When the object of a separable phrasal verb is a pronoun, it must go between the verb and the particle.
If you use a pronoun (like 'him', 'her', or 'it'), you must put it between 'hold' and 'back'.
to keep something safe for someone else until they need it back (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + hold on + to + object (+ for someone)
Wrong: Can you hold on my bag for a moment? Right: Can you hold on to my bag for a moment? You must use the preposition 'to' after 'hold on' when it means keeping or storing an object.
Unlike some other senses of 'hold on', this sense is not separable and always requires the preposition 'to' before the object.
to delay someone or something, making them late (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + hold + object + up OR subject + be/get held up
Wrong: The accident held up me for thirty minutes. Right: The accident held me up for thirty minutes. When the object is a pronoun (like 'me', 'you', 'it'), it must go between 'hold' and 'up'.
It is very commonly used in the passive voice as 'be/get held up'.
to not show or express your feelings, especially anger, sadness, or laughter (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + hold + noun/pronoun + in
Wrong: I couldn't hold in it any longer and started laughing. Right: I couldn't hold it in any longer and started laughing. 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 between 'hold' and 'in'.
to wait or stop for a short time (B1, not separable, informal)
Pattern: subject + hold up (often used alone as 'Hold up!')
Wrong: Please hold up for the manager to arrive. Right: Please wait for the manager to arrive. 'Hold up' is too informal for a polite request in a professional setting.
This is informal and often used as an imperative command; do not use it in formal business writing.
to take part in an activity that other people are already doing (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + join in (+ with someone / + in something)
Wrong: I would like to join in the club. Right: I would like to join the club. Use 'join in' for activities (like games or singing). For becoming a member of a group, club, or organization, use just 'join'.
This phrasal verb is intransitive; if you want to mention the activity, you must use 'join in something' or 'join in with someone'.
to quickly join an ongoing conversation, discussion, or activity (B1, not separable, informal)
Pattern: subject + jump in + (to help / to say something)
Wrong: I jumped in the conversation to agree with him. Right: I jumped into the conversation to agree with him. If you mention the specific activity or conversation after the verb, you must use 'jump into' instead of 'jump in'.
Do not confuse this figurative meaning with physically jumping into water or a vehicle.
to quickly get onto a bus, train, plane, or other vehicle (B1, not separable, informal)
Pattern: subject + jump on + noun (vehicle)
Wrong: I jumped on the car and drove to work. Right: I got in the car and drove to work. We do not use 'jump on' for regular cars because you cannot stand up or walk inside them; use 'get in' instead.
Do not use this in formal writing or official announcements; use 'board' or 'get on' instead.
to avoid going near a person, place, or thing because they are dangerous or bad for you (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + keep away from + noun/pronoun/-ing form
Wrong: I try to keep away of negative people. Right: I try to keep away from negative people. The correct preposition after 'keep away' is always 'from', not 'of'.
This phrasal verb is intransitive but takes a prepositional object, meaning you must always include 'from' if you mention the object.
to continue doing something, especially when it is difficult or when someone wants you to stop (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + keep on + verb-ing
Wrong: He kept on to talk even after the teacher asked him to be quiet. Right: He kept on talking even after the teacher asked him to be quiet. The phrasal verb 'keep on' must be followed by the -ing form of the verb, not the infinitive.
This phrasal verb must be followed by a verb ending in -ing, not an infinitive with 'to'.
to make a student stay at school after classes have finished as a punishment (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject (teacher/school) + keep + object (student) + in
Wrong: The teacher kept in the students after school. Right: The teacher kept the students in after school. While you can put a noun object after 'in', it is much more natural and common to place the object between 'keep' and 'in'.
This phrasal verb is separable, and when using a pronoun like 'him', 'her', or 'them', it must go between 'keep' and 'in'.
to continue employing someone or letting them stay in their job (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + keep + person + on
Wrong: The boss was happy with my work, so he decided to keep on me. Right: The boss was happy with my work, so he decided to keep me on. When the object of a separable phrasal verb is a pronoun (like 'me'), it must go between the verb and the particle.
If you use a pronoun like 'him', 'her', or 'them', it must go between 'keep' and 'on'.
to stop someone or something from going near a person, place, or thing (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + keep + object + away + (from + noun)
Wrong: You must keep away him from the fire. Right: You must keep him away from the fire. When the object is a pronoun (him), it must go between the verb 'keep' and the particle 'away'.
If you use a pronoun like 'him', 'her', or 'it', you must place it between 'keep' and 'away'.
to stop someone from doing something, or to stop yourself from doing something (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + keep + object + from + -ing verb OR subject + keep + (myself/himself etc.) + from + -ing verb
Wrong: The bad weather kept us from to go for a walk. Right: The bad weather kept us from going for a walk. The preposition 'from' must be followed by a gerund (-ing form), not an infinitive.
Always use the '-ing' form of the verb after 'keep from', not the infinitive.
to stop someone or something from entering a place or being present there (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + keep + object (person/thing) + from + noun (place)
Wrong: The high fence kept from the dogs our garden. Right: The high fence kept the dogs from our garden. The object (the dogs) must come directly after the verb 'keep', before the preposition 'from'.
Do not confuse this with 'keep from doing something' (which means to prevent oneself from acting).
to stop someone or something from entering a place (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + keep + object + out + (of + noun)
Wrong: The security guard tried to keep out them. Right: The security guard tried to keep them out. Pronoun objects like 'them' must go between the verb 'keep' and the particle 'out'.
If you use a pronoun like 'him', 'her', or 'it', you must put it between 'keep' and 'out'.
to hide information or a secret from someone (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + keep + secret (noun/pronoun) + from + person
Wrong: She kept from me the truth. Right: She kept the truth from me. The object (the truth) must be placed directly after the verb 'keep', before the preposition 'from'.
The secret (something) must come before 'from', and the person (someone) must come after 'from'.
to follow a plan, path, rule, or agreement exactly and not change from it (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + keep to + noun / pronoun / -ing form
Wrong: We must keep to it the plan. Right: We must keep to the plan. The noun object must come directly after 'to' without any extra pronouns.
This phrasal verb is inseparable, meaning the object must always come after 'to', even if it is a pronoun.
to move at the same speed as someone else so that you do not fall behind (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + keep up
Wrong: He walked very fast and I couldn't keep up him. Right: He walked very fast and I couldn't keep up with him. If you want to include the person as an object, you must use the three-word phrasal verb 'keep up with'.
In this intransitive sense, do not put an object after 'keep up'; if you want to mention the person you are following, you must use 'keep up with' instead.
to continue doing a good activity, effort, or habit that you have started (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + keep + noun/pronoun/-ing + up
Wrong: You must keep up to study English every day. Right: You must keep up studying English every day. The phrasal verb 'keep up' must be followed by a gerund (-ing form), not an infinitive.
Do not confuse this with 'keep up with', which means to move at the same speed as someone else.
to type information into a computer or other device using a keyboard or keypad (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + key + noun/pronoun + in (or: key + in + noun)
Wrong: I need to key in it before I can log in. Right: I need to key it in before I can log in. With separable phrasal verbs, pronoun objects like 'it' must always go between the verb and the preposition.
If you use a pronoun like 'it' or 'them', you must put it between 'key' and 'in'.
to start to have an effect or to begin operating, often suddenly (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject (usually an inanimate thing like medicine, law, or weather) + kick in
Wrong: The new law will kick in the next month. Right: The new law will kick in next month. The phrasal verb 'kick in' is intransitive and cannot be followed by a direct object; 'next month' is an adverbial of time, so we do not use the preposition 'the'.
This phrasal verb is intransitive, meaning it does not take a direct object.
To start a game of football (soccer) or rugby by kicking the ball. (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject (team or player) + kick off / subject (match) + kicks off
Wrong: We kicked off the ball to start the second half. Right: We kicked off to start the second half. In this sports sense, 'kick off' is used intransitively (without 'the ball' as a direct object) or with the match itself as the subject.
Do not confuse this literal sports meaning with the informal meaning 'to start an argument or fight'.
to start an event, a meeting, a project, or a discussion (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + kick off + object OR subject + kick + object + off
Wrong: We need to kick off the new project manager tomorrow. Right: We need to kick off the new project tomorrow. 'Kick off' means to start an event or project, not to introduce or start working with a person.
When used without an object, the event itself is the subject (e.g., 'the festival kicks off tomorrow').
to force someone to leave a group, team, website, or position (B1, separable, informal)
Pattern: subject + kick + person + off + (noun)
Wrong: The boss kicked off me from the project yesterday. Right: The boss kicked me off the project yesterday. When the object is a pronoun (like 'me', 'him', 'them'), it must go between 'kick' and 'off'.
This is informal; do not use it in official business letters or formal HR documents where 'dismiss' or 'remove' is better.
to force someone to leave a place, a group, or a job (B1, separable, informal)
Pattern: subject + kick + object (person) + out + (of + noun)
Wrong: The security guard kicked out him from the club. Right: The security guard kicked him out of the club. When the object is a pronoun (like 'him', 'her', 'them'), it must go between 'kick' and 'out', and we use the preposition 'of', not 'from'.
This phrase is informal; in formal writing or official contexts, use 'expel', 'dismiss', or 'evict' instead.
to break a door, window, or barrier by kicking it hard (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + kick + noun/pronoun + in (or: subject + kick in + noun)
Wrong: The police kicked in it to get inside the house. Right: The police kicked it in to get inside the house. When the object of a separable phrasal verb is a pronoun (like 'it'), it must go between the verb and the particle.
Do not confuse this with the intransitive 'kick in' which means 'to start having an effect' (e.g., 'the medicine kicked in').
to hit someone so hard that they become unconscious (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + knock + object (person) + out
Wrong: The falling branch knocked out him. Right: The falling branch knocked him out. When the object of a separable phrasal verb is a pronoun (like 'him', 'her', 'it'), it must go between the verb and the particle.
Do not confuse this physical meaning with the informal meaning 'to impress someone very much'.
to hit someone or something so that they fall to the ground (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + knock + object + down (or: knock + down + object)
Wrong: The car knocked down him on the pedestrian crossing. Right: The car knocked him down on the pedestrian crossing. If the object is a pronoun (like him, her, it, us, them), it must always go between 'knock' and 'down'.
Do not confuse this with 'knock out', which means to make someone unconscious.
to destroy a building or wall so that it falls to the ground (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + knock + noun/pronoun + down
Wrong: They decided to knock down it because it was too old. Right: They decided to knock it down because it was too old. 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', you must put it between 'knock' and 'down'.
to reduce the price of something that is for sale (B1, separable, informal)
Pattern: subject + knock + noun/pronoun + down (or: knock down + noun)
Wrong: The shop assistant knocked down the price for me. Right: The shop assistant knocked the price down for me. When using a pronoun or a short noun phrase like 'the price', it is much more natural to place it between 'knock' and 'down'.
This is an informal expression; in formal business contexts, use 'reduce' or 'discount' instead.
to have heard about someone or something, but not have deep or personal knowledge about them (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + know of + noun/pronoun
Wrong: I know of your brother, we went to the same school and often talk. Right: I know your brother, we went to the same school and often talk. If you have a personal relationship with someone, you should use 'know' instead of 'know of'.
Do not confuse 'know of' with 'know'. 'I know him' means we are friends or acquaintances; 'I know of him' means I only know his name.
to stop employing someone because there is no work for them to do (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + lay + object (person) + off
Wrong: He was laid off because he was always late for work. Right: He was fired because he was always late for work. 'Lay off' is only used for economic redundancy, not for dismissing someone due to their bad behavior.
Do not use this if an employee is fired for bad behavior or poor performance.
to spread things out on a flat surface so they are easy to see or use (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + lay + object + out (or: lay + out + object)
Wrong: I laid out on the bed because I was very tired. Right: I lay down on the bed because I was very tired. 'Lay out' requires an object that you are arranging; if you want to rest your own body, use 'lie down' (past tense 'lay down').
Do not confuse this with 'lie down', which is what a person does when they want to rest.
to cause something to happen or exist as a result (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + lead to + noun / -ing form
Wrong: This decision can lead to lose a lot of money. Right: This decision can lead to losing a lot of money. The preposition 'to' must be followed by the -ing form (losing), not the infinitive (lose).
The word 'to' is a preposition here, so it must be followed by a noun or a gerund (-ing form), not an infinitive.
to permanently depart from a place without taking someone or something with you (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + leave + object (person/thing) + behind
Wrong: She decided to leave behind her husband when she moved. Right: She decided to leave her husband behind when she moved. When the object is a specific person or pronoun, it is much more natural to place it between 'leave' and 'behind'.
Do not confuse this with accidentally forgetting an object (e.g., 'I left my keys at home' is more natural than 'I left my keys behind').
to not include someone or something in an activity, list, or group (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + leave + object + out (or: leave + out + noun)
Wrong: I wrote the email but I left out it. Right: I wrote the email but I left it out. When the object is a pronoun like 'it', it must always split the phrasal verb.
If you use a pronoun (like 'him', 'her', 'it', 'them'), it must go between 'leave' and 'out'.
to accidentally forget to bring something with you when you go away from a place (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + leave + noun/pronoun + behind (or: subject + leave behind + noun)
Wrong: I left behind my keys in the car. Right: I left my keys behind in the car. While both are grammatically possible, it is much more natural to put a short noun object between 'leave' and 'behind', and pronouns must always go in the middle.
Do not confuse this with 'forget' when talking about information or facts; you only leave physical objects behind.
to fail to help or support someone who was relying on you; to disappoint someone (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + let + person + down
Wrong: Don't worry, I will not let down you. Right: Don't worry, I will not let you down. When the object is a pronoun (you, me, us, etc.), it must always go between 'let' and 'down'.
If you use a pronoun (like me, him, them), it must go between 'let' and 'down'.
to allow a person or animal to leave a room, building, or closed space (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + let + person/animal + out (of + place)
Wrong: Please let out the cat, she wants to go to the garden. Right: Please let the cat out, she wants to go to the garden. While grammatically possible with a noun, it is much more natural and common to split this phrasal verb and put the object in the middle.
If the object is a pronoun (like 'him', 'her', 'it', 'them'), it must go between 'let' and 'out'.
to stay in bed later than usual in the morning, especially to rest (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + lie in
Wrong: On Saturday I usually lie down until 10 a.m. Right: On Saturday I usually lie in until 10 a.m. 'Lie down' means to place your body in a flat position to rest, while 'lie in' means to remain in bed late in the morning.
Do not confuse this with 'lie down', which means to go to bed to rest for a short time during the day.
to make someone feel happier, more hopeful, or more energetic (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + lift + object (person) + up
Wrong: Your kind message lifted up my mood yesterday. Right: Your kind message lifted me up yesterday. In this sense, the object of 'lift up' should be the person whose mood is improved, not the word 'mood' itself.
Be careful not to confuse this emotional meaning with the physical action of raising someone or something into the air.
to suddenly look very happy, excited, or full of life (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject (usually face, eyes, or a person) + light up
Wrong: The good news lit up her. Right: She lit up when she heard the good news. In this meaning, 'light up' is intransitive and cannot have an object. To say the news made her happy, you must make her the subject.
In this figurative sense, the verb is intransitive and cannot take a direct object; you cannot 'light up someone'.
to make a place or an object bright with light (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + light up + noun OR subject + light + noun/pronoun + up
Wrong: Can you light up the television, please? Right: Can you turn on the television, please? We use 'light up' for making a space bright, not for switching on electronic appliances to watch them.
Do not confuse this with 'turn on' for a single lamp; 'light up' usually means making a whole area bright.
to arrange things in a straight line or bring them into the correct position (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + line + noun/pronoun + up (or: subject + line up + noun)
Wrong: You need to line up it with the arrow. Right: You need to line it up with the arrow. When the object is a pronoun like 'it', it must go between the verb 'line' and the particle 'up'.
Do not confuse this physical meaning with 'lining up' to wait in a queue, which is intransitive.
to love something so much that it is the most important thing in your life (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + live for + noun / -ing form
Do not confuse this with 'living for' a certain age, which simply means surviving until that time.
to live in the same house or building where you work (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + live in
Wrong: We hired a nanny to live in our house. Right: We hired a live-in nanny. In this sense, 'live in' is intransitive and cannot be followed by an object like 'our house'. To specify the place, use 'live in' as an adjective before the noun.
This phrasal verb is intransitive, meaning it does not take a direct object.
to get the money you need to buy food and housing from a person, savings, or state support (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + live off + noun/pronoun
Wrong: She lives off from her pension. Right: She lives off her pension. The phrasal verb is 'live off', and you should not add the extra preposition 'from' after it.
This phrase can sometimes sound slightly negative, implying that the person is lazy or dependent, though it can also be neutral.
to survive or feed yourself by eating only a particular kind of food (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + live off + noun (food)
Wrong: During the winter, the birds live off from seeds. Right: During the winter, the birds live off seeds. The phrasal verb is 'live off', and it should not be followed by the preposition 'from'.
Do not confuse this with 'live off someone/something' meaning to be financially supported by them.
to use a particular amount of money to pay for your basic needs (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + live on + amount of money / source of income
This phrasal verb is inseparable; the amount of money or the source of income must always come after 'on'.
to eat only one particular type of food to survive (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + live on + noun (food)
Wrong: During the trip, we lived from bread and water. Right: During the trip, we lived on bread and water. The correct preposition for surviving on a specific food is 'on', not 'from'.
Do not confuse this with 'live on' meaning to survive on a certain amount of money (e.g., 'live on a pension').
to share a home and have a romantic relationship without being married (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject (plural) + live together OR subject (singular) + live together + with + someone
Wrong: I live together with two university classmates in a small apartment. Right: I share a small apartment with two university classmates. Using 'live together' strongly implies a romantic and sexual relationship. For roommates, use 'share an apartment' or 'live with'.
Do not use this to mean simply sharing a flat with roommates (use 'share a flat' or 'have roommates' instead).
to share a home with your romantic partner without being married (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + live with + person
Wrong: I live with my boyfriend since last year. Right: I have been living with my boyfriend since last year. With 'since', you must use the present perfect continuous tense, not the present simple.
Do not confuse this with simply sharing a flat with roommates (flatmates) or living with your parents.
to have a long-term illness or medical condition and manage your life with it (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + live with + illness/disability
Wrong: He is living with a broken leg since yesterday. Right: He has a broken leg. We only use 'live with' for long-term, chronic conditions, not for temporary injuries like a broken bone.
Do not confuse this with the literal meaning of sharing a home with someone (e.g., 'I live with my parents').
to put someone in a prison or a locked room so they cannot escape (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + lock + object (person) + up
Wrong: The police locked up him after the robbery. Right: The police locked him up after the robbery. When the object is a pronoun (him, her, them, us, me, it), it must go between the verb and the particle 'up'.
If you use a pronoun like 'him', 'her', or 'them', it must go between 'lock' and 'up'.
to put valuable things in a safe place and lock the door or drawer (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + lock + noun/pronoun + up
Wrong: I locked up it in the drawer. Right: I locked it up in the drawer. If the object is a pronoun like 'it', 'them', or 'him', it must go between 'lock' and 'up'.
Do not confuse this with 'lock up' meaning to lock all the doors of a building when leaving.
to lock all the doors and windows of a building when you leave it or go to bed (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + lock up
Wrong: I will lock up the door when I leave. Right: I will lock the door when I leave. You lock up a building (or just 'lock up' with no object), but you lock a specific door or window.
In this intransitive sense, do not put an object after the verb; if you want to mention the building, say 'lock up the house' (transitive).
to connect to a computer system or website by typing your username and password (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + log in + (to + noun)
Wrong: I need to log into my computer. Right: I need to log in to my computer. Use 'log in to' as two words for the verb; 'into' is a single preposition that is not typically used here.
Do not confuse the phrasal verb 'log in' with the noun 'login' (written as one word).
to take care of someone or something and make sure they are safe and well (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + look after + object (noun or pronoun)
Wrong: I need to look after my keys because I always lose them. Right: I need to look out for my keys / keep an eye on my keys. 'Look after' means to care for the well-being of someone or something, not to search for or try not to lose an inanimate object.
This phrasal verb is inseparable; the object must always come after the preposition 'after'.
To think about, examine, or consider a situation, idea, or problem before making a decision. (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + look at + noun / pronoun / -ing form
Wrong: We are looking at to buy a new house next year. Right: We are looking at buying a new house next year. The preposition 'at' must be followed by a noun or a gerund (-ing form), not an infinitive.
Do not confuse this figurative meaning of 'examine/consider' with the physical action of directing your eyes toward something.
to think about something that happened in your past (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + look back + (on + noun/pronoun/gerund)
Wrong: I often look back my childhood with a smile. Right: I often look back on my childhood with a smile. You must use the preposition 'on' if you want to mention the specific past event or time you are thinking about.
Do not confuse this with physically turning your head to see behind you, which is also 'look back'.
to look at something below you from a high place (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + look down on + noun (high place/view)
Wrong: We stood on the tower and looked down to the city. Right: We stood on the tower and looked down on the city. To describe viewing a whole area from a high vantage point, the preposition 'on' (or 'upon') is used after 'look down'.
Do not confuse this literal sense with the figurative meaning 'to think you are better than someone'.
to feel happy and excited about something that is going to happen in the future (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + look forward to + noun / -ing verb
Wrong: I am looking forward to see you. Right: I am looking forward to seeing you. The word 'to' here is a preposition, so it must be followed by a verb with '-ing', not an infinitive.
Always use a noun or a verb ending in -ing after 'to'; never use an infinitive verb.
to make a short, casual visit to someone to check if they are okay (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + look in + on + person/place
Wrong: I will look in my sick neighbor tonight. Right: I will look in on my sick neighbor tonight. Without 'on', the phrase 'look in' cannot be followed by an object.
Always use the preposition 'on' after 'look in' when you mention the person or place you are visiting.
to examine the facts about a problem or situation to find a solution (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + look into + noun / pronoun / -ing form
Wrong: The police are looking into the accident very carefully. Right: The police are looking into the accident. The phrasal verb 'look into' already implies careful investigation, so adding 'very carefully' is redundant.
Do not confuse this with physically looking inside an object, like looking into a box.
to watch an activity or event without taking part in it yourself (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + look on (+ adverb, e.g., helplessly/silently)
Wrong: The teacher looked on the children playing in the garden. Right: The teacher looked on as the children played in the garden. 'Look on' cannot take a direct object. You must use 'as' with a clause, or use 'look at' instead.
This phrasal verb is intransitive in this sense; do not put an object directly after it. If you want to mention the object, use 'look on at something'.
to have a view of a particular area or place (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject (room/window/building) + look out + onto/over + noun
Wrong: The balcony looks out on the street. Right: The balcony looks out onto the street. In British English, 'onto' or 'over' are the standard prepositions used with 'look out' to describe a view.
You must use the prepositions 'onto' or 'over' before the noun representing the view.
to quickly read or check a document, text, or list to find mistakes or get an overview (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + look + (noun/pronoun) + over + (noun)
Wrong: I finished the report, please look over it. Right: I finished the report, please look it over. When the object of a separable phrasal verb is a pronoun (like 'it'), it must go between the verb and the particle.
If you use a pronoun like 'it' or 'them', it must go in the middle: 'look it over', not 'look over it'.
to quickly examine or read something to check it (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + look + (noun/pronoun) + over
Wrong: I have your report here and I will look over it tonight. Right: I have your report here and I will look it over tonight. When the object is a pronoun like 'it', it must be placed between 'look' and 'over'.
If you use a pronoun (like 'it' or 'them'), it must go in the middle: 'look it over', not 'look over it'.
to walk through a building or area to see what is there (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + look round + noun (or no object)
Wrong: We spent the afternoon looking round of the museum. Right: We spent the afternoon looking round the museum. The phrasal verb 'look round' is followed directly by the noun object without the preposition 'of'.
Do not confuse this with physically turning your head to look behind you.
to walk through a building or area to see what is there or to find something (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + look round + noun (or no object)
Wrong: We spent the afternoon looking round of the museum. Right: We spent the afternoon looking round the museum. The phrasal verb 'look round' is followed directly by the noun object, without the preposition 'of'.
In American English, 'look around' is much more common than 'look round'.
to quickly examine or inspect someone or something with your eyes (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + look + object (noun/pronoun) + over
Wrong: I need to look over it before I sign the contract. Right: I need to look it over before I sign the contract. With separable phrasal verbs, pronoun objects like 'it' must go in the middle, not at the end.
If you use a pronoun (him, her, it, them), it must go between 'look' and 'over'.
to find information about something in a book, on a computer, or on the internet (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + look + noun/pronoun + up (or: look + up + noun)
Wrong: I didn't know the word, so I looked up it. Right: I didn't know the word, so I looked it up. When the object is a pronoun like 'it', it must go between the verb 'look' and the particle 'up'.
If you use a pronoun (like 'it' or 'them'), you must put it between 'look' and 'up'.
to read or examine the things inside something quickly, often to find a specific item (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + look through + noun/pronoun
Wrong: I looked my papers through to find the contract. Right: I looked through my papers to find the contract. The phrasal verb 'look through' is inseparable; you cannot put the object between 'look' and 'through'.
Do not confuse this with physically looking through a transparent object like a window or a telescope.
to admire and respect someone, often wanting to be like them (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + look up to + someone
Wrong: She looks her mother up to. Right: She looks up to her mother. The phrasal verb 'look up to' cannot be split by the object.
This phrasal verb is inseparable; the object must always come after 'to', even if it is a pronoun like 'him' or 'her'.
to stop being able to see someone or something because they move away or go behind something (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + lose sight of + noun/pronoun
Wrong: I lost the sight of my dog in the park. Right: I lost sight of my dog in the park. The phrase is 'lose sight of' without the definite article 'the'.
Do not confuse this literal sense (not being able to see physically) with the figurative sense meaning 'to forget about' an important fact or goal.
to laugh at someone or something in an unkind way; to tease or ridicule (B1, not separable, informal)
Pattern: subject + make fun of + person/thing
Wrong: They were making a fun of my new haircut. Right: They were making fun of my new haircut. The phrase is 'make fun of' without the article 'a'.
Do not separate this phrase; the object must always come after 'of' (e.g., 'make fun of him', not 'make him fun of').
to change or transform someone or something so that they become something else (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + make + noun/pronoun (original) + into + noun (new form)
Wrong: We want to make into this room a study. Right: We want to make this room into a study. The object being changed must go between 'make' and 'into'. You cannot put them next to each other in this structure.
This phrasal verb is ditransitive, meaning you must always put the original object between 'make' and 'into'.
to see, hear, or understand something with difficulty (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + can/could + make + object + out
Wrong: The sign was too far, so I couldn't make out it. Right: The sign was too far, so I couldn't make it out. When the object of a separable phrasal verb is a pronoun (like 'it' or 'them'), it must go between the verb and the particle.
This phrasal verb is very often used with the modal verb 'can' or 'could' (e.g., 'I can't make it out').
to replace or compensate for something that is missing, lost, or not good enough (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + make up + for + noun/gerund
Wrong: I bought her flowers to make her up for my mistake. Right: I bought her flowers to make up for my mistake. The phrasal verb 'make up for' is inseparable; you cannot put the object between 'make' and 'up'.
In this sense of compensating, you must use the preposition 'for' before the noun or gerund.
to form or constitute a whole; to be the parts that form something (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject (parts) + make up + object (the whole)
Wrong: Water is making up 70% of the human body. Right: Water makes up 70% of the human body. We use the present simple, not the continuous form, to state permanent facts and proportions.
In this sense, the verb is almost always used in the active voice as 'make up' or in the passive voice as 'be made up of'.
to prepare something, especially food, drink, or paint, by combining different ingredients or substances (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + mix + noun/pronoun + up (or: mix up + noun)
Wrong: I will mix up a cake for your birthday tomorrow. Right: I will make a cake for your birthday tomorrow. We 'mix up' liquid or semi-liquid mixtures (like batter, dressing, or concrete), but we 'make' or 'bake' a finished cake.
Do not confuse this with the more common meaning of 'mix up' which means to confuse two things or people.
to change the place where you live many times; to not stay in one home for long (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + move around (+ optional adverbial of time/reason)
Wrong: We moved around to a bigger apartment last month. Right: We moved to a bigger apartment last month. 'Move around' means to relocate repeatedly from place to place. For a single, one-time relocation to a specific new home, use just 'move' or 'move into'.
Do not confuse this with the physical action of walking or traveling around a room or area.
to make progress with a plan, project, or in life, especially after a delay or difficulty (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + move forward + (with + noun)
Wrong: We need to move forward our plans for the weekend. Right: We need to move forward with our plans for the weekend. When 'move forward' means to make progress, it is intransitive and requires the preposition 'with' before an object.
Do not confuse this figurative meaning of making progress with the physical action of walking or driving forward.
to stop doing or discussing one thing and start doing or discussing something new (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + move on (+ to + noun/gerund)
Wrong: Let's move on next topic. Right: Let's move on to the next topic. You must use the preposition 'to' when specifying the destination or next topic you are changing to.
If you want to mention the new topic, you must use the preposition 'to' after the phrase.
to stop doing or discussing one thing and start doing or discussing something new (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + move on (+ to + noun/gerund)
Wrong: Let's move on the next topic. Right: Let's move on to the next topic. You must use the preposition 'to' when specifying the new activity or topic you are starting.
If you want to mention the new topic, you must use the preposition 'to' after the phrase.
To leave a place where you are staying and go somewhere else, especially during a trip or military action. (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + move out (+ of/from + place)
Wrong: We must move out the hotel by 10 AM. Right: We must check out of the hotel by 10 AM. To leave a hotel at the end of your stay, you use 'check out of', not 'move out'.
Do not confuse this with the more common meaning of permanently leaving your home to live in a new house.
to leave your old home permanently to go and live in a new place (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + move out (+ of + noun)
Wrong: I decided to move out my parents' house because it was too small. Right: I decided to move out of my parents' house because it was too small. You cannot use 'move out' directly with a noun; you must use 'move out of' when specifying the place you are leaving.
If you want to mention the place you are leaving, you must use the preposition 'of', as in 'move out of the apartment'.
to help someone start living in a new home, or to carry furniture and belongings into it (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + move + object (person/belongings) + in
Wrong: We need to move in the new sofa to the living room. Right: We need to move the new sofa into the living room. Use 'move in' transitively for a whole household or person. For individual pieces of furniture, use 'move [something] into [a place]'.
When used transitively with this meaning, you must put the object (the person or things being moved) between 'move' and 'in' if it is a pronoun.
to change the scheduled time of an event to a later date or time (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + move + noun/pronoun + back + (to + time/date)
Wrong: We need to move back the meeting to next week. Right: We need to move the meeting back to next week. When using 'move back' with a specific noun object, it is much more natural to place the object between 'move' and 'back', especially in American English.
Be careful: in British English, 'move back' can sometimes mean to move to an earlier time, though 'move forward' or 'bring forward' is more common for that.
to give someone or something the same name as another person, place, or thing to honor them (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + be named after + noun OR subject + name + object + after + noun
This phrasal verb is almost always used in the passive voice ('be named after') when talking about the person who received the name.
to become wider, or to make something wider or more open (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject (road/view/river) + open up
Wrong: After the forest, the path opened itself up. Right: After the forest, the path opened up. In English, 'open up' is used intransitively in this sense and does not take a reflexive pronoun like 'itself'.
Do not confuse this physical widening with the metaphorical meaning of 'opening up' to someone about your feelings.
to phone or use an app to have food delivered to your home or office (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + order in (+ noun/pronoun) OR subject + order + noun/pronoun + in
Wrong: We ordered in a pizza from the local restaurant. Right: We ordered a pizza in from the local restaurant. / We ordered in some food. While 'order in' can be used without an object, when you specify the food (like 'pizza'), it is much more natural to split the verb ('order a pizza in') or just use 'order a pizza'.
Do not use this if you are going to the restaurant to pick up the food yourself; that is 'getting takeout' or 'ordering to go'.
used to say what is the right, moral, or necessary thing to do (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + ought to + infinitive (without 'to')
Wrong: You ought to not go there alone. Right: You ought not to go there alone. / You shouldn't go there alone. In negative sentences, 'not' comes between 'ought' and 'to', or 'to' is omitted entirely as 'ought not go'.
Do not use 'to' after 'ought' in negative sentences (use 'ought not') or in questions, though 'ought to' is rarely used in questions today.
used to say what is the right, best, or most sensible thing to do (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + ought to + infinitive (without 'to')
Wrong: You ought to not go there alone. Right: You ought not to go there alone. / You shouldn't go there alone. In negative sentences, 'not' should come immediately after 'ought', though 'shouldn't' is much more common and natural in modern English.
Do not use 'to' after 'ought' in negative sentences (e.g., say 'ought not' or 'oughtn't' instead of 'ought not to').
to park your car so close to another car that it cannot drive away (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + park + object (person/car) + in
Wrong: Someone parked in me at the supermarket. Right: Someone parked me in at the supermarket. The pronoun object must go between the verb 'park' and the particle 'in'.
Always put the pronoun between 'park' and 'in' (e.g., 'parked me in', not 'parked in me').
to die (used to be polite and avoid the harsh word 'die') (B1, not separable, formal)
Pattern: subject + pass away
Wrong: The famous actor passed away himself yesterday. Right: The famous actor passed away yesterday. The phrasal verb 'pass away' is intransitive and cannot be used with a reflexive pronoun like 'himself'.
Do not use this in casual, humorous, or highly dramatic contexts where the direct word 'die' is more appropriate.
of time, to go past or slip away (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject (time/days/years) + pass by
Wrong: Three years passed by me since we last met. Right: Three years passed by since we last met. In the sense of time elapsing, 'pass by' is intransitive and does not take an object like 'me'.
In this sense, the phrasal verb is intransitive, meaning it does not take a direct object.
to suddenly become unconscious for a short time, usually because you are sick, hot, or tired (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + pass out
Do not confuse 'pass out' (faint) with 'pass away' (die) or 'pass something out' (distribute something).
to give information, a message, or an object to someone else after receiving it (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + pass + object + on + to + someone
Wrong: When you get the results, please pass on them to me. Right: When you get the results, please pass them on to me. With phrasal verbs, pronoun objects like 'them' must go between the verb and the particle.
If you use a pronoun like 'it' or 'them', it must go between 'pass' and 'on' (e.g., 'pass it on').
to give something to each person in a group (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + pass + object (noun/pronoun) + out
Wrong: The volunteer passed out them to the visitors. Right: The volunteer passed them out to the visitors. When the object is a pronoun (like 'them' or 'it'), it must go between 'pass' and 'out'.
Be careful: 'pass out' without an object means to lose consciousness (faint), which is a completely different meaning.
to push, pull, or slide an object through an opening or a tight space (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + pass + object + through + noun/place
Wrong: You need to pass through the rope the metal ring. Right: You need to pass the rope through the metal ring. The object being moved must come before the word 'through'.
If the object is a pronoun like 'it' or 'them', it must go between 'pass' and 'through'.
to travel through a place on your way to somewhere else, without staying there for long (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + pass through + noun (place)
Wrong: We passed Munich through on our way to Italy. Right: We passed through Munich on our way to Italy. The phrasal verb 'pass through' is inseparable, so the object (Munich) must come after 'through'.
to bring good results after a lot of hard work or effort (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject (effort/hard work/study) + pay off
Wrong: My hard work paid off me. Right: My hard work paid off. In this sense, 'pay off' is intransitive and cannot be followed by an object like 'me'.
In this sense, 'pay off' is intransitive, meaning it does not take a direct object.
to finish paying back money that you owe, such as a debt or a loan (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + pay + (noun/pronoun) + off
Wrong: I need to pay off it as soon as possible. Right: I need to pay it off as soon as possible. When the object of a separable phrasal verb 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 'pay' and 'off'.
to give someone the money that you borrowed from them (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + pay + person + back + (amount of money)
Wrong: I will pay back you the ten dollars next week. Right: I will pay you back the ten dollars next week. The person you are paying back must come directly after the verb 'pay'.
If you use a pronoun like 'it' or 'them' for the money, it must go between 'pay' and 'back' (e.g., 'pay it back').
to call a radio or television show to share your opinion or ask a question (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + phone in + (to + show/station)
Wrong: I phoned in the radio station to win the tickets. Right: I phoned in to the radio station to win the tickets. The phrasal verb 'phone in' is intransitive; you cannot put the radio station directly after it as an object without the preposition 'to'.
Do not confuse this with 'phone in' meaning to report sick to work, or the idiom 'phone it in' which means to do something with low effort.
to move, walk, drive, or work faster; to increase your speed (B1, not separable, informal)
Pattern: subject + pick it up
Wrong: We are late, we must pick our pace up. Right: We are late, we must pick it up. In this idiomatic meaning of hurrying up, the phrase is fixed as 'pick it up' and you cannot insert other words like 'our pace' between the verb and the particle.
In this specific sense, the pronoun 'it' is fixed and cannot be replaced with any other noun or pronoun.
to repeatedly treat someone unfairly, criticize them, or be mean to them (B1, not separable, informal)
Pattern: subject + pick on + person
Wrong: The big kids always picked him on during recess. Right: The big kids always picked on him during recess. The phrasal verb 'pick on' is inseparable, so the pronoun 'him' must go after the preposition 'on'.
This phrasal verb is inseparable; the object must always come after 'on', even if it is a pronoun like 'him' or 'them'.
To choose someone from a group to do a task, answer a question, or perform. (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + pick on + person (noun/pronoun)
Wrong: The teacher picked me on to read the text. Right: The teacher picked on me to read the text. The phrasal verb 'pick on' is inseparable; the object must come after the preposition 'on', not between 'pick' and 'on'.
Do not confuse this with the much more common meaning of 'pick on someone', which means to bully or tease someone.
to choose one person or thing from a group (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + pick + object + out (or: pick + out + noun)
Wrong: I liked the blue shirt, so I picked out it. Right: I liked the blue shirt, so I picked it out. When the object is a pronoun (it, them, him, her), it must always go between 'pick' and 'out'.
If you use a pronoun (like 'him', 'her', or 'it'), it must go between 'pick' and 'out'.
to recognize or find someone or something in a group of people or things (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + pick + object + out (or: pick + out + noun)
Wrong: I could pick out him easily because of his bright red jacket. Right: I could pick him out easily because of his bright red jacket. With separable phrasal verbs, pronoun objects must always go between the verb and the particle.
If you use a pronoun (like him, her, it, them), it must go between 'pick' and 'out'.
to catch an illness or infection from someone or something, usually without intending to (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + pick + noun/pronoun + up
Wrong: I picked up from my colleague a bad flu. Right: I picked up a bad flu from my colleague. The object (a bad flu) must come immediately after 'picked up' or between 'picked' and 'up', not after the prepositional phrase.
When using a pronoun like 'it', it must go between 'pick' and 'up' (e.g., 'I picked it up').
to put things on top of each other to make a neat or messy stack (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + pile + noun/pronoun + up (or: pile up + noun)
Wrong: She piled up them on the table. Right: She piled them up on the table. 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 transitive sense with the intransitive 'pile up', which means work or bills are accumulating on their own.
to increase in amount or quantity, especially when it becomes difficult to manage (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject (plural noun or uncountable noun) + pile up
Wrong: I need to pile up my homework before the weekend. Right: My homework is piling up before the weekend. In this sense, 'pile up' is intransitive and cannot take a direct object.
In this sense, the verb is intransitive, meaning it does not take a direct object; things pile up by themselves.
to expect something to happen and make your decisions based on it (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + plan on + noun / -ing verb
Wrong: I plan on to buy a new car next year. Right: I plan on buying a new car next year. The preposition 'on' must be followed by a verb ending in -ing, not an infinitive.
Always use a gerund (-ing form) after 'plan on', not an infinitive with 'to'.
to pretend to be a different person, such as a doctor or a pirate, as a game (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + play at + noun / being + noun
This phrasal verb is followed either by a noun or a gerund (verb with -ing), most commonly 'being' followed by a role.
to touch, adjust, or try different settings on a machine or device to make it work better. (B1, not separable, informal)
Pattern: subject + play with + noun/pronoun
Wrong: He was playing with the engine for hours until it finally started. Right: He played with the engine for hours until it finally started. The continuous form 'was playing with' can sound like he was treating the engine as a toy, whereas the simple past 'played with' or 'was tinkering with' better describes the physical work of adjusting it.
Do not confuse this with playing a game or playing with a toy; here it means adjusting or experimenting with a device.
to connect an electrical device to an electricity supply using a plug (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + plug + noun/pronoun + in
Wrong: Where can I plug in it? Right: Where can I plug it in? 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', you must put it between 'plug' and 'in' (e.g., 'plug it in', not 'plug in it').
to tell someone a fact or draw their attention to something they might not know or forgot (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + point + (object) + out + (that + clause)
Wrong: Thank you for pointing out it to me. Right: Thank you for pointing it out to me. When the object of a separable phrasal verb is a pronoun like 'it', it must always go between the verb and the particle.
If the object is a pronoun like 'it' or 'this', it must go between 'point' and 'out' (e.g., 'point it out', not 'point out it').
to appear suddenly or unexpectedly (B1, not separable, informal)
Pattern: subject + pop up (+ adverb/prepositional phrase)
Wrong: A new coffee shop popped up itself on our street. Right: A new coffee shop popped up on our street. The phrasal verb 'pop up' is intransitive and cannot be used with a reflexive pronoun like 'itself'.
Do not use this in formal academic writing or official reports; use 'appear' or 'arise' instead.
to suddenly appear on a computer or phone screen (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject (alert/ad/window) + pop up
Wrong: A new window popped up me on the screen. Right: A new window popped up on my screen. The verb 'pop up' is intransitive and cannot be followed directly by an object like 'me'.
This phrasal verb is intransitive, which means it does not take a direct object; things pop up by themselves.
to pour a drink from a container into a cup or glass so that someone can drink it (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + pour + noun/pronoun + out (or: pour out + noun)
Wrong: He poured out the dirty water into the sink. Right: He poured the dirty water down the sink. 'Pour out' is specifically used for serving drinks into a cup or glass, not for disposing of waste liquids.
Do not use this for pouring large amounts of liquid into a sink or on the ground; use 'pour away' or just 'pour' instead.
to drive your vehicle off the road you are on, usually to stop or change roads (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + pull off (+ noun)
Wrong: I pulled off the car because the engine was overheating. Right: I pulled over because the engine was overheating. You 'pull off' a road (exit it), but you 'pull over' a car (stop at the side of the road).
Do not confuse this with the informal meaning of 'pull something off' which means to succeed in doing something difficult.
to drive a vehicle to the side of the road and stop (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject (driver or vehicle) + pull over
Wrong: I was tired, so I pulled over the car at the gas station. Right: I was tired, so I pulled over at the gas station. When 'pull over' is used intransitively to mean stopping at the roadside, you do not need to mention 'the car' as an object.
In this intransitive sense, the driver or the car is the subject and there is no direct object.
when the police order a driver to stop their car at the side of the road (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject (police) + pull + object (driver) + over
Wrong: The police pulled over me near the petrol station. Right: The police pulled me over near the petrol station. With separable phrasal verbs, pronoun objects like 'me' must go between the verb and the particle.
If the object is a pronoun like 'me', 'him', or 'us', it must go between 'pull' and 'over'.
to open a file, website, or document on a computer or phone screen (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + pull + noun/pronoun + up (or: pull up + noun)
Wrong: Wait a moment, I will pull up it on my computer. Right: Wait a moment, I will pull it up on my computer. When the object is a pronoun (like 'it'), it must go between 'pull' and 'up'.
Do not use this for physical objects like books or paper documents; it is only used for digital screens.
to move a chair or seat closer to a table, person, or group and sit down (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + pull + noun (chair/seat) + up + (to + noun)
Wrong: Please pull up your chair to the table so you can eat. Right: Please pull your chair up to the table so you can eat. While both are grammatically possible, it is much more natural to split the phrasal verb and put the noun 'chair' in the middle.
This sense is almost exclusively used with the noun 'chair' (or 'stool', 'seat') and implies sitting down.
to drive a vehicle up to a place and stop there (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject (vehicle or driver) + pull up + (at/outside/to + noun)
Wrong: The taxi pulled us up at the station. Right: The taxi pulled up at the station. In this sense, 'pull up' is intransitive and does not take a direct object. To include passengers, say 'The taxi pulled up and we got out'.
In this sense, the verb is intransitive and cannot be separated; do not put an object between 'pull' and 'up'.
to pay a part of the total cost of something as a deposit or first payment (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + put + money/deposit + down + on + noun
Wrong: We put down on the house ten thousand pounds. Right: We put ten thousand pounds down on the house. The prepositional phrase 'on the house' should come after the money that you are paying.
If you use a pronoun like 'it' or 'this', it must go between 'put' and 'down' (e.g., 'put it down').
to officially ask for something, such as a job, a transfer, or time off (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + put in + for + noun (request/job/leave)
Wrong: I put in a transfer to another department. Right: I put in for a transfer to another department. To request something, you must use the preposition 'for' after 'put in'.
In this sense, the verb is intransitive but always requires the preposition 'for' before the noun.
to decide to do something at a later time, often because you do not want to do it now (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + put + (noun/pronoun) + off + (or: put off + noun/gerund)
Wrong: I decided to put off to clean my room until tomorrow. Right: I decided to put off cleaning my room until tomorrow. The phrasal verb 'put off' must be followed by a gerund (-ing form), not an infinitive with 'to'.
If you follow this phrase with another verb, you must use the -ing form, not the infinitive.
to arrange your hair on top of or behind your head so it does not hang down (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + put + possessive adjective + hair + up
Wrong: She put up her hair with a clip. Right: She put her hair up with a clip. While putting the noun at the end is grammatically possible, native speakers almost always split this phrasal verb and put 'hair' in the middle.
This verb is almost always used with 'hair' or a pronoun like 'it' as the object, usually placed between 'put' and 'up'.
to criticize someone or make them feel stupid, unimportant, or weak (B1, separable, informal)
Pattern: subject + put + person + down
Wrong: She always puts down me when we work together. Right: She always puts me down when we work together. When the object of a separable phrasal verb is a pronoun (like 'me', 'him', 'it'), it must go between the verb and the particle.
Do not confuse this with 'putting a pet down', which means to euthanize a sick animal.
to connect a person on the phone to the person they want to speak to (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + put + person (object) + through + to + another person
Wrong: Could you please put me through on Mrs. Smith? Right: Could you please put me through to Mrs. Smith? We use the preposition 'to' (not 'on') to indicate the person we want to be connected with.
Always use 'to' for the person being called, not 'on' or 'with'.
to place something in the box, drawer, or cupboard where it is usually kept (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + put + noun/pronoun + away
Wrong: After I finished reading, I put away it. Right: After I finished reading, I put it away. 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', you must put it between 'put' and 'away' (e.g., 'put them away', not 'put away them').
to change the date or time of an event to a later one (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + put + event + back + to/until + new time
Wrong: We decided to put back the meeting on Friday. Right: We decided to put the meeting back to Friday. When rescheduling to a specific day, use the preposition 'to' or 'until', not 'on', and it is more natural to place the noun between 'put' and 'back'.
Do not confuse this with 'put something back' meaning to return an object to its original place.
to decide to do something at a later time; to postpone (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + put + noun/pronoun + off OR subject + put off + -ing verb
Wrong: We decided to put off to buy a new car until next year. Right: We decided to put off buying a new car until next year. The phrasal verb 'put off' must be followed by a gerund (-ing form), not an infinitive.
If you follow this verb with another action, you must use the -ing form, not the infinitive.
to join the parts of something to make a whole object, plan, or list (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + put + noun/pronoun + together
Wrong: The puzzle was difficult but I finally put together it. Right: The puzzle was difficult but I finally put it together. When the object is a pronoun like 'it', it must always go between the verb 'put' and the particle 'together'.
If you use a pronoun like 'it' or 'them', it must go between 'put' and 'together'.
to accept an annoying situation or person without complaining (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + put up with + noun / pronoun / -ing form
Wrong: I cannot put with this noise anymore. Right: I cannot put up with this noise anymore. You must use all three parts of the phrasal verb: 'put', 'up', and 'with'. You cannot omit 'up'.
This phrasal verb is inseparable; you cannot put the object between 'put', 'up', or 'with'.
to stretch your hand or arm forward to touch or take something (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + reach out (+ to do something / + and touch something)
Wrong: He reached out his hand to catch the ball. Right: He reached out to catch the ball. While 'reach out one's hand' is sometimes used, 'reach out' is intransitive in modern English; you do not need to mention 'hand' because it is already implied.
Do not confuse this physical action with the common B1/B2 figurative meaning 'to contact someone for help or communication'.
to contact someone to ask for help, support, or advice (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + reach out + (to someone)
Wrong: If you have any problems, you can reach out me anytime. Right: If you have any problems, you can reach out to me anytime. The phrasal verb 'reach out' requires the preposition 'to' when mentioning the person you are contacting.
Always use the preposition 'to' before the person you are contacting; do not say 'reach out someone'.
To trust someone or something to do what you need or expect them to do. (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + rely on + noun/pronoun
Wrong: I can rely to my best friend when I have a problem. Right: I can rely on my best friend when I have a problem. The phrasal verb 'rely' must always be followed by the preposition 'on'.
Always use the preposition 'on' (or 'upon' in very formal contexts), never 'at' or 'in'.
to need someone or something in order to survive, be successful, or work properly (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + rely on + noun/pronoun/gerund
Wrong: We rely of our parents for financial support. Right: We rely on our parents for financial support. The phrasal verb 'rely' must always be followed by the preposition 'on', not 'of'.
Always use the preposition 'on' (or 'upon' in formal writing) after the verb 'rely'.
to cause something to happen; to have a particular finished state or outcome (B1, not separable)
Pattern: something + result in + noun / gerund
Wrong: The new law will result to save people money. Right: The new law will result in saving people money. The preposition 'in' must be used, and it must be followed by a gerund (-ing form), not an infinitive.
Always follow this phrase with a noun, pronoun, or gerund (-ing form), never an infinitive verb.
to make a phone call to the place where you work or to a radio/TV show (B1, not separable, informal)
Pattern: subject + ring in + (optional prepositional phrase like 'to work' or 'sick')
Wrong: I need to ring in my boss to tell him I will be late. Right: I need to ring in to tell my boss I will be late. 'Ring in' does not take a direct object representing the person you are calling.
This phrasal verb is intransitive in this sense; do not put an object directly after 'ring in'.
to move upwards towards the surface of water, air, or another substance (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject (something light or floating) + rise up (+ optional prepositional phrase)
Wrong: The submarine rised up to the surface. Right: The submarine rose up to the surface. The verb 'rise' is irregular; its past tense form is 'rose', not 'rised'.
Do not confuse this literal physical movement with the figurative meaning 'to rebel or protest against a government'.
to arrive somewhere late, relaxed, or without worrying about the time (B1, not separable, informal)
Pattern: subject + roll in (+ adverb/prepositional phrase)
Wrong: The train rolled in the station on time. Right: The train pulled into the station on time. 'Roll in' is used for people arriving casually or late. For vehicles arriving at a station, use 'pull in' or 'pull into'.
Do not use this in formal business contexts or official reports, as it sounds very casual and slightly critical of the person's lateness.
to find or meet someone or something by chance, without planning to (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + run across + noun/pronoun
Wrong: I ran an old book across in the attic. Right: I ran across an old book in the attic. The phrasal verb 'run across' is inseparable; you cannot put the object between 'run' and 'across'.
Do not confuse this with physically running from one side of a road or bridge to the other.
to try very hard to get someone to love you or have a romantic relationship with you (B1, not separable, informal)
Pattern: subject + run after + person
Wrong: She is running after him to get his love. Right: She is running after him. The phrase 'run after' already implies trying to get someone's affection, so adding 'to get his love' is redundant.
Do not confuse this romantic meaning with physically chasing someone who is running away.
to be very busy doing many different tasks or errands in different places (B1, not separable, informal)
Pattern: subject + run around (+ all day / doing something)
Wrong: I was running around the town to buy a new suit. Right: I was running around town trying to buy a new suit. We do not use 'the' before 'town' in this common expression ('running around town').
Do not confuse this with physically running in circles for exercise or play.
to secretly leave your home to live somewhere else, usually because you are unhappy (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + run away + (from home)
Wrong: The young boy ran away his home yesterday. Right: The young boy ran away from home yesterday. You must use the preposition 'from' before the noun 'home' when specifying the place you left.
Do not confuse this with simply running fast to escape a danger, which is just 'run away'.
to quickly visit a place on your way to somewhere else (B1, not separable, informal)
Pattern: subject + run by + place
Wrong: I must run by the pharmacy for my medicine. Right: I need to run by the pharmacy to get my medicine. Using 'must' with 'run by' sounds too urgent and formal; 'need to' or 'have to' fits the casual nature of this phrasal verb much better.
This does not mean physically running or exercising; it is about visiting a place briefly, often in a car.
To hit something or someone by accident while driving, riding, or running. (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + run into + noun
Wrong: The cyclist ran into to a lamp post. Right: The cyclist ran into a lamp post. The phrasal verb is 'run into', so you do not need to add the extra preposition 'to'.
Do not confuse this physical collision meaning with the common figurative meaning 'to meet someone by chance'.
to suddenly leave a place or a person, often without warning (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + run off (+ adverb/prepositional phrase)
Wrong: The thief stole my bag and ran off it. Right: The thief stole my bag and ran off. In this sense, 'run off' is intransitive and cannot take a direct object.
Do not confuse this with 'run off with someone', which specifically means to leave your partner to start a relationship with someone else.
to quickly print or make photocopies of a document (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + run + (noun/pronoun) + off + (noun)
Wrong: I need to run off them before the class starts. Right: I need to run them off before the class starts. With separable phrasal verbs, pronoun objects like 'them' must go between the verb and the particle.
If you use a pronoun (like 'it' or 'them'), you must put it between 'run' and 'off'.
to be completely used up so that there is none left (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject (the supply/time/money) + run out
Wrong: I have run out, I need to buy more bread. Right: The bread has run out. / I have run out of bread. If the subject is a person, you must use 'run out of' followed by the noun.
When the subject is the person who has nothing left, you must use 'run out of' instead.
to finish or end, especially a period of time, an agreement, or a document (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject (time, contract, visa, etc.) + run out
Wrong: My driving license will run out of next year. Right: My driving license will run out next year. The preposition 'of' is only used when you mention the thing you no longer have (e.g., 'run out of money'). When the document itself expires, use 'run out' without 'of'.
Do not confuse this intransitive sense (e.g., 'my visa ran out') with the transitive 'run out of' (e.g., 'I ran out of time').
to take more time than planned or allowed (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject (event/meeting) + run over
Wrong: The presentation ran over the time. Right: The presentation ran over. In this sense, 'run over' is intransitive. To mention the time limit, use 'run over time' (without 'the') or 'run over by [amount of time]'.
In this sense, the verb is intransitive and cannot take a direct object.
to drive someone back to their home in your car (B1, separable, informal)
Pattern: subject + run + person + back (+ to + place)
Wrong: It is late, I will run back you. Right: It is late, I will run you back. With separable phrasal verbs, pronoun objects like 'you' must go between the verb and the particle.
Because this verb is separable, you must put pronoun objects (like 'me', 'you', 'him') between 'run' and 'back'.
to hit a person with a car or other vehicle, causing injury or death (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + run + object (person) + down
Wrong: The car ran down to my dog yesterday. Right: The car ran my dog down yesterday. The phrasal verb is transitive and separable; you do not use the preposition 'to' before the object.
Do not confuse this with 'run down' meaning to criticize someone or to lose power (like a battery).
to hit a person or animal with a car or other vehicle and drive over them (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + run + object (person/animal) + over
Wrong: The driver ran over him on the pedestrian crossing. Right: The driver ran him over on the pedestrian crossing. When the object is a pronoun (him), it must be placed between the verb 'run' and the particle 'over'.
If the object is a pronoun (like 'him', 'her', 'it', 'them'), it must go between 'run' and 'over'.
to hit something with a vehicle, usually by accident (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + run + object (vehicle) + into + object (obstacle/other vehicle)
Wrong: I ran into my car to the wall. Right: I ran my car into the wall. The object being driven (my car) must come directly after 'run', not after 'into'.
Do not confuse this transitive use (causing a vehicle to hit something) with the intransitive 'run into someone' which means to meet someone by chance.
To quickly repeat, practice, or read a list of things to check them or memorize them. (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + run through + noun/pronoun
Wrong: We need to run the schedule through before tomorrow. Right: We need to run through the schedule before tomorrow. The phrasal verb 'run through' is inseparable, so the noun object cannot go between 'run' and 'through'.
Unlike some phrasal verbs, this one is inseparable, meaning the object must always come after 'through' (e.g., 'run through it', not 'run it through').
To quickly repeat, practice, or summarize a list, plan, or presentation. (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + run through + noun/pronoun
Wrong: Before the meeting starts, let's run it through. Right: Before the meeting starts, let's run through it. The phrasal verb 'run through' is inseparable, so the pronoun 'it' must go after 'through', not between 'run' and 'through'.
This phrasal verb is inseparable, meaning the object must always come after the preposition 'through', even if it is a pronoun like 'it'.
to go to a station, airport, or port with someone to say goodbye to them (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + see + person + off
Wrong: I went to the airport to see off him. Right: I went to the airport to see him off. Pronouns must always go between 'see' and 'off' because this phrasal verb is separable.
If you use a pronoun like 'him', 'her', or 'them', it must go between 'see' and 'off'.
to look through a transparent object, like a window or glass, and see what is behind it (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + see through + noun
Wrong: The window is dirty, I cannot see through. Right: The window is dirty, I cannot see through it. In this literal sense, 'see through' is a transitive phrasal verb and needs an object (like 'it' or 'the window') after 'through'.
Do not confuse this literal meaning with the figurative meaning 'to realize someone is lying'.
to deal with a task, or to help someone who needs attention (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + see to + noun / pronoun / -ing clause
Wrong: I have some emails to see them to. Right: I have some emails to see to. The phrasal verb 'see to' cannot be split; the object must come after 'to'.
This phrasal verb is inseparable, meaning the object must always come after 'to', even if it is a pronoun like 'it'.
to sell all of the items that you have in stock so that none are left (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject (shop/event) + sell out (of + noun)
Wrong: The shop sold out all books yesterday. Right: The shop sold out of all books yesterday. You cannot 'sell out something' directly as an active verb with an object; you must say 'sell out of something' or use 'sell out' without an object.
When used in the passive voice (e.g., 'we are sold out'), it means the shop has no more of that item.
to write a letter or fill out a form to ask for something to be delivered to you (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + send for + noun
Wrong: I sent for a new phone from Amazon yesterday. Right: I ordered a new phone from Amazon yesterday. 'Send for' implies ordering by post/mail order, often for brochures or forms. For modern online shopping, use 'order'.
Do not use this for modern online shopping with a shopping cart; it is mostly used for mail orders or ordering physical documents.
to send letters, emails, or messages to many people at the same time (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + send + noun/pronoun + out + (to people)
Wrong: I have already sent out it to all clients. Right: I have already sent it out to all clients. When the object is a pronoun (like 'it' or 'them'), it must be placed between the verb and the particle.
Remember that if you use a pronoun like 'it' or 'them', it must go between 'send' and 'out'.
to make something start burning, either by accident or on purpose (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + set fire to + noun/pronoun
Wrong: He accidentally set to fire his jacket with a cigarette. Right: He accidentally set fire to his jacket with a cigarette. The correct word order is always 'set fire to' followed by the object.
This phrase is not separable; the object must always come after 'to', not between 'set' and 'fire'.
to start a journey or trip (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + set off (+ for + destination) (+ at/on + time)
Wrong: We set off our journey very early in the morning. Right: We set off on our journey very early in the morning. You cannot 'set off a journey' directly because 'set off' is intransitive here. You must use 'set off on a journey' or just 'set off'.
In this sense, 'set off' is intransitive, meaning it does not take a direct object.
to start a journey; to leave a place in order to go somewhere (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + set out (+ on a journey / for a destination / to do something)
Wrong: We set out our trip very early. Right: We set out on our trip very early. The verb 'set out' is intransitive and cannot be followed directly by a noun phrase like 'our trip' without a preposition like 'on'.
This phrasal verb is intransitive in this sense, meaning it cannot take a direct object; you set out, you do not set out a journey.
to put something you are carrying onto a table, the floor, or another surface (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + set + noun/pronoun + down
Wrong: The bag was heavy so I set down it. Right: The bag was heavy so I set it down. When the object of a separable phrasal verb is a pronoun, it must go between the verb and the particle.
If the object is a pronoun like 'it' or 'them', you must put it between 'set' and 'down'.
to cause a situation, an event, or a series of events to start suddenly (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + set + object (noun/pronoun) + off
Wrong: The loud noise set off it immediately. Right: The loud noise set it off immediately. When the object of a separable phrasal verb is a pronoun, it must go between the verb and the particle.
If the object is a pronoun (like 'it' or 'them'), it must go between 'set' and 'off'.
to organize or arrange something in a logical, clear, or structured way (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + set + noun/pronoun + up
Wrong: I don't like how you set up it. Right: I don't like how you set it up. 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 between 'set' and 'up'.
to become calm, quiet, or orderly after being excited, noisy, or disturbed (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + settle down
Wrong: Please settle down yourself, there is no need to panic. Right: Please settle down, there is no need to panic. In this sense, 'settle down' is intransitive and cannot be used with a reflexive pronoun like 'yourself'.
Do not confuse this sense with the other common meaning of 'settle down', which means to start living a quiet life in one place, often by getting married.
to start living a quiet, stable life, often by getting married and buying a house (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + settle down + (optional: in + place / with + person)
Wrong: He wants to settle down himself in Prague. Right: He wants to settle down in Prague. The phrasal verb 'settle down' is intransitive and does not take a reflexive pronoun like 'himself'.
Do not confuse this with 'settle down' meaning to become quiet or calm, which can be used for excited children or a noisy crowd.
to become comfortable, quiet, and used to a new home, job, or situation (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + settle down + (in/at + noun)
Wrong: I need to settle down my new room before school starts. Right: I need to settle into my new room before school starts. You cannot 'settle down' an object. To get used to a specific place like a room or a job, use 'settle into' instead.
In this sense, the verb is intransitive and cannot take a direct object.
to become comfortable and feel at home in a new place, such as a new house or job (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + settle in + (optional prepositional phrase like 'at/to/for')
Wrong: We need some time to settle in our new house. Right: We need some time to settle in to our new house. 'Settle in' is intransitive. To mention the place, you must use a preposition like 'to' or 'at'.
This phrasal verb is intransitive and does not take a direct object; do not say 'settle in the house'.
to proudly show something you have or can do so that other people admire you (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + show off (+ noun/pronoun) OR subject + show + pronoun + off
Wrong: He wanted to show off it to everyone at the party. Right: He wanted to show it off to everyone at the party. 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' as the object, it must go between 'show' and 'off'.
to guide or lead a visitor into a room or building (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + show + person + in
Wrong: The assistant showed in the guest to the office. Right: The assistant showed the guest in to the office. When the object is a specific person, it is much more natural to place them between 'show' and 'in'.
This phrasal verb is almost always used with an object (the person being led) placed between 'show' and 'in'.
to arrive at a place, especially when you are expected or when you are late (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + show up (+ adverb/prepositional phrase)
Wrong: I was very happy when they showed up the meeting. Right: I was very happy when they showed up at the meeting. 'Show up' is intransitive and cannot be followed directly by a noun. You must use a preposition like 'at' or 'for'.
This phrasal verb is intransitive, meaning it does not take a direct object; you cannot 'show up a party'.
to be easy to see, especially because of a contrasting color or background (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject (usually a mark, stain, or color) + show up + (on/against something)
Wrong: The yellow text doesn't show up itself on this white paper. Right: The yellow text doesn't show up on this white paper. In this sense, 'show up' is intransitive and cannot be used with a reflexive pronoun like 'itself'.
Do not confuse this with the more common meaning of 'show up' which means 'to arrive' at a place.
to stop a business, factory, or machine from operating, either for a short time or forever (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + shut + noun/pronoun + down
Wrong: Please shut down it before you leave the office. Right: Please shut it down before you leave the office. 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', it must go between 'shut' and 'down'.
to support one person or group in an argument or disagreement (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + side with + person/group
Wrong: In the debate, she sided to the opposition. Right: In the debate, she sided with the opposition. The phrasal verb always takes the preposition 'with', not 'to'.
This phrasal verb is inseparable; the object must always come after 'with'.
to agree to pay for or receive a regular service, subscription, or product (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + sign up + (for + noun/service)
Wrong: I signed up the new online course yesterday. Right: I signed up for the new online course yesterday. You must use the preposition 'for' before the noun representing the service or product you are purchasing.
Remember to use the preposition 'for' if you mention the service or product you are buying.
to spend time doing very little or nothing useful (B1, not separable, informal)
Pattern: subject + sit around (+ doing something / + all day)
Wrong: On Sunday I was just sitting around my house. Right: On Sunday I was just sitting around at home. Without 'at' or 'in', 'sitting around the house' can sound like you are physically sitting in a circle surrounding the building.
This is an informal phrase and can sound slightly critical or disapproving depending on your tone.
to relax and stop making an effort, often while watching others do something (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + sit back (+ and + verb)
Wrong: I sat back on the sofa and watched TV all evening. Right: I sat on the sofa and relaxed all evening. While 'sit back' can mean physically leaning back, using it simply to mean 'relaxing on furniture' can sound unnatural if you just mean sitting down to relax.
Do not confuse this figurative meaning with the physical action of leaning back in a chair.
to look after someone's children while the parents are away; to babysit for someone (B1, not separable, informal)
Pattern: subject + sit for + person
Wrong: I am going to sit the children for my sister tonight. Right: I am going to sit for my sister's children tonight. The verb 'sit for' cannot be separated by the object; the object must follow the preposition 'for'.
This phrasal verb is inseparable, meaning the object must always come after the preposition 'for'.
to slide or move along a seat or bench to make space for someone else (B1, not separable, informal)
Pattern: subject + sit over (+ to make room)
Wrong: Can you sit over yourself a little? Right: Can you sit over a little? The verb 'sit over' is intransitive and cannot be used with a reflexive pronoun like 'yourself'.
This phrasal verb is intransitive, meaning it does not take a direct object; you cannot 'sit someone over'.
to make someone sit in a chair, especially to have a serious conversation or help them calm down (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + sit + person + down
Wrong: I sat down him on the sofa to talk. Right: I sat him down on the sofa to talk. When the object of a separable phrasal verb is a pronoun (him, her, me, us, them), it must go between the verb and the particle.
This transitive sense is almost always split, especially when using pronouns like 'him', 'her', or 'them'.
to delay making a decision about something until the next day so you have time to think (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + sleep on + noun/pronoun
Wrong: I need to sleep it on before I sign the contract. Right: I need to sleep on it before I sign the contract. The phrasal verb 'sleep on' is inseparable, so the pronoun 'it' must come after 'on', not between 'sleep' and 'on'.
This phrasal verb is inseparable; you cannot say 'sleep it on' or 'sleep the decision on'.
to have sex with someone (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + sleep with + someone
Wrong: My cat likes to sleep with me in my bed. Right: My cat likes to sleep in my bed with me. Using 'sleep with' directly with a person or animal strongly implies having sexual intercourse, which is inappropriate for a pet.
Do not use this if you only mean sharing a bed to sleep in without having sex.
to quickly and easily put on a comfortable piece of clothing (B1, not separable, informal)
Pattern: subject + slip into + noun/pronoun
Wrong: I need to slip my pajamas into before going to bed. Right: I need to slip into my pajamas before going to bed. The phrasal verb 'slip into' is inseparable, so the object must go after 'into', not between 'slip' and 'into'.
This phrasal verb is inseparable; the clothing item or pronoun must always come after 'into'.
to go more slowly, or to make a vehicle go more slowly (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + slow down
Wrong: Please slow down your car, the road is wet. Right: Please slow down, the road is wet. In this intransitive sense, we do not put an object like 'your car' after 'slow down'.
to make something move, happen, or develop at a slower speed (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + slow + object + down
Wrong: We need to slow down it because it is too fast. Right: We need to slow it down because it is too fast. When the object of a separable phrasal verb is a pronoun (like 'it'), it must go between the verb and the particle.
Remember that if you use a pronoun like 'it' or 'them', it must go between 'slow' and 'down'.
to make you feel slightly sick or unwell after you eat or drink it (B1, not separable)
Pattern: food/drink + does not agree with + person
Wrong: That seafood didn't agree to me and I felt sick. Right: That seafood didn't agree with me and I felt sick. We always use the preposition 'with' after 'agree' in this context, not 'to'.
This sense is almost always used in the negative form (something does not agree with me).
to finish completely so that none is left, or to expire and no longer be valid (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject (resource/document) + run out
Wrong: We ran out our milk yesterday. Right: Our milk ran out yesterday. / We ran out of milk yesterday. The verb 'run out' on its own is intransitive; if you want to mention the person who has none left, you must use 'run out of'.
This sense is intransitive, meaning the resource itself is the subject (e.g., 'the time ran out', NOT 'I ran out the time').
to express the opinions, wishes, or feelings of another person or a group (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + speak for + someone
Wrong: She always tries to speak her husband in public. Right: She always tries to speak for her husband in public. The preposition 'for' is necessary to express that you are speaking on behalf of someone else.
This phrasal verb is inseparable; the pronoun or noun must always come after 'for'.
to publicly express your opinion, especially to protest against something or support a cause (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + speak out (+ against / in favor of + noun)
Wrong: I cannot hear you well, please speak out. Right: I cannot hear you well, please speak up. 'Speak out' means to express an opinion publicly, while 'speak up' means to speak more loudly.
Do not use this to mean simply speaking in a louder voice; for that, use 'speak up'.
to express your opinion, especially to support someone or defend your rights (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + speak up + (for someone/something) or (against someone/something)
Wrong: I need to speak up my opinion during the meeting. Right: I need to speak up during the meeting. The phrasal verb 'speak up' is intransitive in this sense; you cannot put a direct object like 'my opinion' after it.
Do not confuse this with the physical meaning of speaking more loudly so people can hear you.
to make something happen or move faster (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + speed + noun/pronoun + up (or: subject + speed up + noun)
Wrong: We need to speed up it because we are late. Right: We need to speed it up because we are late. 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 between 'speed' and 'up'.
to move faster or go at a higher speed (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + speed up
Wrong: The car speeded up when the light turned green. Right: The car sped up when the light turned green. The past tense of 'speed' in this phrasal verb is usually 'sped', not 'speeded'.
In this intransitive sense, do not put an object after the verb.
to divide a group of people or things into smaller, separate parts (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + split + object + up (or: split up + object)
Wrong: We need to split up the cake so everyone gets a piece. Right: We need to cut up the cake so everyone gets a piece. 'Split up' is used for dividing groups, tasks, or categories, not for cutting a single food item into portions.
Do not use this to mean physically breaking a single solid object into pieces; use 'break' or 'cut' instead.
to separate into smaller groups or go in different directions (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject (plural) + split up (+ to do something)
Wrong: We split up ourselves to search the forest. Right: We split up to search the forest. The phrasal verb 'split up' is intransitive in this sense and does not take a reflexive pronoun like 'ourselves'.
Do not confuse this with the romantic meaning 'to end a relationship', which is also very common.
to watch someone or something secretly to find out information about them (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + spy on + noun/pronoun
Wrong: I think my boss is spying me. Right: I think my boss is spying on me. The verb 'spy' requires the preposition 'on' when it has an object.
This phrasal verb is inseparable; you cannot put the object between 'spy' and 'on'.
to be ready to take action or help if needed (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + stand by (+ for + noun / + to do something)
Wrong: The police is standing by to help us. Right: The police are standing by to help us. The noun 'police' is plural in English, so it must be followed by 'are standing by', not 'is'.
Do not confuse this with the literal meaning of standing next to someone or the meaning 'to support someone'.
to continue to support and be loyal to someone, especially during a difficult time (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + stand by + person
Wrong: I will stand you by no matter what happens. Right: I will stand by you no matter what happens. The phrasal verb 'stand by' is inseparable; the pronoun must come after the preposition 'by'.
This phrasal verb is inseparable, so the object must always go after 'by' (e.g., 'stand by him', not 'stand him by').
to support or represent a particular set of ideas, values, or principles (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + stand for + noun/pronoun
Wrong: Our school is standing for respect and hard work. Right: Our school stands for respect and hard work. We do not use 'stand for' in the continuous form (ing) when it means to support or represent values.
Do not confuse this with 'stand for' meaning 'to be an abbreviation of' (e.g., 'HTML stands for...').
to temporarily do someone else's job or role because they are not there (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + stand in + (for + someone)
Wrong: I had to stand in my colleague yesterday when she was sick. Right: I had to stand in for my colleague yesterday when she was sick. You must use the preposition 'for' before the person you are replacing.
Always use the preposition 'for' if you mention the person who is being replaced.
to fail to meet someone for a planned date or meeting without telling them beforehand (B1, separable, informal)
Pattern: subject + stand + person + up
Wrong: I was waiting for him but he stood up me. Right: I was waiting for him but he stood me up. When the object is a pronoun (like 'me', 'him', 'her'), it must always go between 'stand' and 'up'.
This phrasal verb is always separable; the person who was left waiting must go between 'stand' and 'up'.
to put an object into a vertical, standing position (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + stand + noun/pronoun + up
Wrong: The bottle fell down, so I stood up it. Right: The bottle fell down, so I stood it up. When the object is a pronoun (like 'it' or 'them'), it must go between the verb 'stand' and the particle 'up'.
Do not confuse this with the intransitive 'stand up' (to rise to one's feet) or the informal meaning 'to fail to meet someone'.
to support or defend a person, idea, or right when they are being attacked or criticized (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + stand up for + person/idea
Wrong: He is my friend, so I must stand up him. Right: He is my friend, so I must stand up for him. You cannot omit the preposition 'for' when you want to express supporting or defending someone.
This phrasal verb is inseparable; the object must always come after the preposition 'for', even if it is a pronoun.
to defend yourself against a powerful, pushy, or bullying person without showing fear (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + stand up to + person
Wrong: She decided to stand her bully up to. Right: She decided to stand up to her bully. The phrasal verb 'stand up to' is inseparable, so the object must go at the very end.
This phrasal verb is inseparable; the object (someone) must always come after the preposition 'to'.
to support and agree with someone, especially during a difficult situation or public struggle (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + stand with + person/group
Wrong: I will stand with you at the bus stop so you are not alone. Right: I will wait with you at the bus stop so you are not alone. 'Stand with' in this sense means to support someone's cause or opinion, not to physically wait next to them.
Do not confuse this with physically standing next to someone, which is just 'stand next to' or 'stand beside'.
to begin doing a task or activity, especially with energy or focus (B1, not separable, informal)
Pattern: subject + start in + (on + noun) / (doing something)
Wrong: I will start in my new job next Monday. Right: I will start my new job next Monday. You cannot use 'start in' to mean beginning a new employment or position; use 'start' without a preposition.
This is an informal, mostly American expression; do not use it in formal writing or business reports.
to begin a journey or trip (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + start off + (on a journey/for a place)
Wrong: We started off our holiday at 6 AM from the house. Right: We started off on our holiday at 6 AM from the house. In this sense, 'start off' is intransitive. You cannot 'start off a holiday' directly; you must use a preposition like 'on' or 'for'.
Do not confuse this with 'start' on its own; 'start off' specifically emphasizes the beginning of a movement or journey.
to begin doing a task or consuming something (B1, not separable, informal)
Pattern: subject + start on + noun / pronoun / -ing form
Wrong: I have a lot of work, so I will start it on now. Right: I have a lot of work, so I will start on it now. The phrasal verb 'start on' is inseparable; you cannot put the pronoun 'it' between 'start' and 'on'.
This phrasal verb is inseparable, meaning the object must always come after the preposition 'on'.
to begin a life, a career, a journey, or a project in a particular way (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + start out (+ as/with/in + noun) or (+ to do something)
Wrong: He started out it as a hobby. Right: It started out as a hobby. 'Start out' is intransitive in this sense; you cannot put a direct object like 'it' immediately after the verb.
It is often followed by 'as' (for jobs/roles) or 'with' (for resources), and it is not separable.
to remain at school, work, or an event after other people have left (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + stay back (+ to do something / + at school/work)
Wrong: I must stay back in work tonight to finish the report. Right: I must stay back at work tonight to finish the report. We say 'stay back at work' or 'stay back after work', not 'in work'.
Do not confuse this with the physical meaning of keeping a safe distance from something dangerous.
to remain in a classroom or school after others have left, often for extra help or punishment (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + stay behind (+ to do something / + after class)
Wrong: The teacher stayed behind me after the lesson. Right: The teacher made me stay behind after the lesson. 'Stay behind' does not take an object. You cannot 'stay behind someone' to mean you make them stay after class.
This phrasal verb is intransitive, meaning it does not take a direct object.
to not enter a place, or to avoid getting involved in a situation (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + stay out of + noun
Wrong: The police told us to stay out the building. Right: The police told us to stay out of the building. You must use 'of' after 'stay out' when specifying the place you should not enter.
In this transitive sense, you must always use the preposition 'of' before the noun.
to remain in a relationship or group despite having problems or facing difficulties (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + stay together
Do not confuse this figurative meaning of remaining in a relationship with the literal meaning of physically remaining in the same place.
to help in a difficult situation by taking someone else's place or doing their job (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + step in (+ to help / + to do something)
Wrong: Our manager was sick, so John stepped in him. Right: Our manager was sick, so John stepped in for him. The phrasal verb 'step in' is intransitive. To specify the person being replaced, you must use the preposition 'for'.
This phrasal verb is intransitive in this sense; do not put an object directly after it. If you want to mention the person you are replacing, use 'step in for someone'.
to enter a difficult situation to help solve a problem or stop a fight (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + step in (+ to-infinitive)
Wrong: The police stepped in the fight to separate the two men. Right: The police stepped in to separate the two men. 'Step in' is intransitive and cannot be followed directly by a noun object. You must use 'step in to [do something]' or 'step into [the fight]'.
This phrasal verb is intransitive; if you want to mention the situation or person you are helping, use 'step in to help' or 'step into'.
to leave a room or building for a short time, usually on foot (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + step out (+ of + place) / (+ for + reason)
Wrong: I need to step out to London for the whole weekend. Right: I need to go to London for the whole weekend. 'Step out' is only used for very short absences (minutes or hours), not for weekend trips to another city.
Do not use this for long trips or when leaving permanently; it is only for very short absences.
to increase the amount, speed, or intensity of an activity or effort (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + step + (noun/pronoun) + up + (noun)
Wrong: We need to step up it because the deadline is tomorrow. Right: We need to step it up because the deadline is tomorrow. With separable phrasal verbs, a pronoun object must always go between the verb and the particle.
When using a pronoun like 'it' or 'them', it must go between 'step' and 'up'.
to stay in a place for a little longer, waiting for something to happen (B1, not separable, informal)
Pattern: subject + stick around (+ for + noun / to + verb)
Wrong: I will stick around my room all weekend. Right: I will stay in my room all weekend. 'Stick around' means to linger in a general area waiting for something, not to spend time inside a specific room or home.
Avoid using this in formal business writing or official contexts; use 'remain' or 'stay' instead.
to point or extend further forward or outward than the surrounding surface (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + stick out (+ from/of + noun)
Wrong: His keys were sticking out himself from his bag. Right: His keys were sticking out of his bag. The intransitive phrasal verb 'stick out' (to protrude) cannot take a direct object; you must use the preposition 'of' to connect it to the container.
Do not confuse this physical meaning with the figurative 'stick out' which means to be very noticeable or easy to see.
to be very easy to see or notice because of being different (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + stick out (+ from/in + noun)
Wrong: She was sticking out from the other candidates because of her experience. Right: She stood out from the other candidates because of her experience. While 'stick out' is common for physical objects or visual contrast, 'stand out' is much more natural when praising someone's positive qualities or qualifications.
Do not confuse this with the physical action of pushing something forward, like 'sticking out your tongue'.
to stay close to a person, path, or place and not leave them (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + stick to + person/place/path
Wrong: We must stick us to the guide during the tour. Right: We must stick to the guide during the tour. The phrasal verb 'stick to' is not reflexive; you do not need to use 'us' or 'ourselves'.
Do not confuse this with the physical action of gluing something; in this sense, it means staying physically close to someone or something.
to continue doing, using, or following one thing without changing to something else (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + stick to + noun / -ing verb
Wrong: I decided to stick to study English every day. Right: I decided to stick to studying English every day. The preposition 'to' must be followed by a gerund (-ing form), not an infinitive.
Always use a noun or an -ing verb after the preposition 'to'.
to support and protect each other, especially in a difficult situation (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject (plural) + stick together
Wrong: We must stick ourselves together to win this game. Right: We must stick together to win this game. The phrasal verb 'stick together' is intransitive and does not take a reflexive pronoun like 'ourselves'.
Do not confuse this figurative meaning with the literal action of gluing two physical objects together.
to point upwards or stand up above a flat surface (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + stick up (+ from/out of + noun)
Wrong: Be careful, there is a nail sticking up itself from the floor. Right: Be careful, there is a nail sticking up from the floor. The verb is intransitive in this sense, so it does not take a reflexive pronoun or any direct object.
Do not confuse this intransitive sense with the transitive 'stick something up' (to attach something to a wall) or the slang 'stick up for' (to defend someone).
to support or defend someone or something when they are being criticized or attacked (B1, not separable, informal)
Pattern: subject + stick up + for + person/idea
Wrong: I had to stick up myself when they accused me. Right: I had to stick up for myself when they accused me. You must use the preposition 'for' before the object, even if the object is a reflexive pronoun like 'myself'.
This phrasal verb is intransitive on its own, but almost always takes the preposition 'for' when followed by an object.
to stay near someone and not leave them, especially in a crowded or unfamiliar place (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + stick with + person
Wrong: The museum is huge, so stick me with. Right: The museum is huge, so stick with me. The phrasal verb 'stick with' is inseparable, so the object must always come after 'with'.
This phrasal verb is inseparable; you cannot put the pronoun between 'stick' and 'with'.
to continue to support or be loyal to someone, especially during difficult times (B1, not separable, informal)
Pattern: subject + stick with + person
Wrong: I will always stick you with because you are my best friend. Right: I will always stick with you because you are my best friend. The phrasal verb 'stick with' cannot be separated by the pronoun.
This phrasal verb is inseparable, so the object always goes after the preposition 'with' (e.g., 'stick with them', not 'stick them with').
to continue doing, using, or supporting something instead of changing to something else (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + stick with + noun / pronoun / -ing form
Wrong: It is a good plan, so we should stick it with. Right: It is a good plan, so we should stick with it. The phrasal verb 'stick with' is inseparable; the pronoun 'it' must go at the very end.
This phrasal verb is inseparable, so the object must always come after 'with', even if it is a pronoun like 'it' or 'him'.
to visit a place or a person for a short time, usually without a formal invitation (B1, not separable, informal)
Pattern: subject + stop by (+ place/person)
Wrong: I will stop by you tomorrow evening. Right: I will stop by your place tomorrow evening. You cannot 'stop by' a person directly; you must stop by 'their place', 'their house', or use 'stop by' with a preposition like 'stop by to see you'.
Do not use this in formal business contexts or official invitations; use 'visit' or 'attend' instead.
to visit a place or person for a short time, usually while you are going somewhere else (B1, not separable, informal)
Pattern: subject + stop in (+ optional prepositional phrase)
Wrong: I will stop in my grandmother on Saturday. Right: I will stop in on my grandmother on Saturday. 'Stop in' cannot take a direct object. You must use the preposition 'on' before a person, or 'at' before a place.
This phrasal verb is intransitive, meaning it does not take a direct object. To mention the place or person, use 'stop in at [place]' or 'stop in on [someone]'.
to leave a room or building quickly because you are very angry (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + storm out + (of + noun)
Wrong: He got angry and stormed out the room. Right: He got angry and stormed out of the room. You cannot 'storm out a room'. You must use 'out of' before the noun representing the place.
This phrasal verb is intransitive; if you want to mention the place, you must use the preposition 'of'.
to make something longer, or to make it last for a longer time than usual (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + stretch + noun/pronoun + out
Wrong: We need to stretch out it to last the whole week. Right: We need to stretch it out to last the whole week. 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 'stretch' and 'out'.
to have an illness, medical condition, or a constant physical or mental problem (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + suffer from + noun (disease/condition)
Wrong: She is suffering with asthma since she was a child. Right: She has suffered from asthma since she was a child. The correct preposition is 'from', and we use the present perfect tense with 'since'.
Do not use 'suffer from' for temporary, minor issues like a quick headache or a common cold; use 'have' instead.
to take turns doing something; to alternate or trade roles (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject (plural) + switch off + (on + noun / doing something)
Wrong: We switched off ourselves in driving the car. Right: We switched off driving the car. The phrasal verb 'switch off' is intransitive in this sense and does not take a reflexive pronoun like 'ourselves'.
Do not confuse this with the much more common meaning 'to turn off an appliance' or 'to stop paying attention'.
to make good use of an opportunity, offer, or situation that is available to you (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + take advantage of + noun / gerund (-ing)
Wrong: I want to use advantage of this great offer. Right: I want to take advantage of this great offer. The correct verb to use in this phrase is always 'take', not 'use'.
Be careful: when used with people ('take advantage of someone'), it has a negative meaning of exploiting or using someone unfairly.
to look or behave like an older member of your family, especially your mother or father (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + take after + person
Wrong: She takes her mother after in her artistic talent. Right: She takes after her mother in her artistic talent. The phrasal verb 'take after' is inseparable, so the object must always come after the preposition 'after'.
This phrasal verb is inseparable and is never used in the passive voice.
to look after someone or something and make sure they are safe, healthy, or in good condition (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + take care of + noun/pronoun
Do not separate this phrasal verb; the object always comes after 'of' (e.g., 'take care of them', not 'take care them of').
to deal with a task, problem, or situation so that it is finished or solved (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + take care of + noun / pronoun / -ing form
Do not confuse this with 'look after', which means keeping someone or something safe and healthy.
to start doing a job or duty that someone else was doing before you (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + take over (+ from + person) OR subject + take + object + over
Wrong: She is going on maternity leave, so I will take over her. Right: She is going on maternity leave, so I will take over from her. To mention the person you are replacing, you must use the preposition 'from'. Without 'from', it sounds like you are physically capturing or controlling the person.
When using a pronoun like 'it' or 'them' as the object, it must go between 'take' and 'over'.
to start doing a job or duty that someone else was doing, so they can rest. (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + take over (+ from + someone) / subject + take + something + over
Wrong: I am tired of cooking, please take over me. Right: I am tired of cooking, please take over from me. We say 'take over from someone' to relieve them. 'Take over someone' is not used in this context.
to take control of a company, country, or situation, sometimes by force (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + take over + noun/pronoun OR subject + take + noun/pronoun + over
to make someone remember a time in the past (B1, separable)
Pattern: something + takes + someone + back (to + time/place)
Wrong: This old photo takes back me to my childhood. Right: This old photo takes me back to my childhood. The pronoun object (me) must go between the verb and the particle.
In this sense, the object (the person remembering) must always go between 'take' and 'back'.
to agree to start a romantic relationship again with a partner you had separated from (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + take + person + back
Wrong: She loves him so she decided to take back him. Right: She loves him so she decided to take him back. When the object of a separable phrasal verb is a pronoun (him, her, it, me), it must go between the verb and the particle.
Because this verb is separable, you must put pronoun objects (like 'him', 'her', 'them') between 'take' and 'back'.
to allow someone to stay in your home, especially when they need help or shelter (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + take + object (person/animal) + in
Wrong: They were homeless, so we took in them for the winter. Right: They were homeless, so we took them in for the winter. If the object is a pronoun (them), it must be placed between the verb and the particle.
When using a pronoun (like 'him', 'her', 'them'), it must go between 'take' and 'in'.
to go to a restaurant, cinema, or other place with someone you are dating and pay for them (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + take + object (person) + out
Wrong: He invited me for a date and took out me to the cinema. Right: He invited me on a date and took me out to the cinema. When the object is a pronoun (like 'me', 'him', 'her'), it must go between 'take' and 'out'.
Be careful with the context, as 'take out' can also mean to kill someone or to remove something physically.
to believe or assume that someone or something is a particular type of person or thing (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + take + object (noun/pronoun) + for + noun
This phrasal verb is almost always used with 'someone' or 'something' placed between 'take' and 'for'.
to remove something so that someone no longer has it or can use it (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + take + noun/pronoun + away + (from + person)
Wrong: The police took away it from him. Right: The police took it away from him. Pronoun objects like 'it' must always be placed between the verb 'take' and the particle 'away'.
If the object is a pronoun like 'it' or 'them', it must go between 'take' and 'away'.
to remove something (or someone) so that a person no longer has it or is with them (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + take + noun/pronoun + away + (from + someone)
Wrong: The teacher took away it because he was playing with it. Right: The teacher took it away because he was playing with it. When the object is a pronoun (like 'it', 'them', 'him'), it must go between 'take' and 'away'.
Do not confuse this sense with buying food to eat elsewhere, which is 'takeaway' (noun) or 'to take away' (British English).
to admit that something you said was wrong or hurtful and say you no longer mean it (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + take + (something) + back
Wrong: I am sorry for what I said, I take back it. Right: I am sorry for what I said, I take it back. When the object is a pronoun (like 'it'), it must always place between the verb and the particle.
If you use a pronoun like 'it' or 'that', it must go between 'take' and 'back'.
to remove a post, image, video, or page from the internet (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + take + noun/pronoun + down (or: take down + noun)
Wrong: I didn't like my post, so I took down it. Right: I didn't like my post, so I took it down. When the object of a separable phrasal verb is a pronoun (like 'it' or 'them'), it must go between the verb and the particle.
to answer someone in authority, like a parent or teacher, in a rude or disrespectful way (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + talk back + (to + person)
Wrong: He was punished because he talked back his teacher. Right: He was punished because he talked back to his teacher. You must use the preposition 'to' before the person you are answering rudely.
This phrasal verb is intransitive and cannot be separated; you must say 'talk back to them', not 'talk them back'.
to persuade or convince someone to do something by giving them good reasons (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + talk + person + into + noun / -ing verb
Wrong: My brother talked me into go to the cinema with him. Right: My brother talked me into going to the cinema with him. The preposition 'into' must be followed by a gerund (-ing form), not the infinitive.
If you follow this phrase with a verb, it must be in the '-ing' form, not an infinitive.
to discuss a problem or disagreement in detail in order to find a solution (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + talk + noun/pronoun + out
Wrong: We had a big argument but we talked out it yesterday. Right: We had a big argument but we talked it out yesterday. 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 between 'talk' and 'out'.
to discuss a problem, plan, or situation with someone before making a decision (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + talk + noun/pronoun + over + (with someone)
Wrong: We need to talk over it before we sign the contract. Right: We need to talk it over before we sign the contract. 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 between 'talk' and 'over'.
to flirt with someone regularly because you want to start a romantic relationship with them (B1, not separable, slang)
Pattern: subject + talk to + person
Wrong: I am talking with a new girl since last week. Right: I have been talking to a new girl since last week. In this romantic slang sense, the preposition 'to' is used rather than 'with', and the present perfect continuous is needed for an ongoing action starting in the past.
This is very informal modern slang, mostly used by teenagers and young adults, and should not be used in professional contexts.
to touch a card or phone against a reader to pay for a bus, train, or tram ride (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + tap on
Wrong: You must tap on your ticket when you enter the station. Right: You must tap on when you enter the station. In this sense, 'tap on' is intransitive and does not take a direct object like 'your ticket'.
This is an intransitive phrasal verb in this sense, so you do not put an object after it.
to intentionally destroy a building or other structure so that it no longer stands (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + tear + noun/pronoun + down
Wrong: The workers tore down the document after reading it. Right: The workers tore up the document after reading it. 'Tear down' is used for buildings and large structures, while 'tear up' is used for ripping paper into pieces.
Do not use this for small objects or paper; use 'tear up' for paper and 'destroy' or 'break' for smaller items.
to rip paper, a letter, or a document into many small pieces (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + tear + noun/pronoun + up (or: tear up + noun)
Wrong: I need to tear up it because it has my address on it. Right: I need to tear it up because it has my address on it. When the object is a pronoun (like 'it' or 'them'), it must go between 'tear' and 'up'.
Do not confuse this with 'tearing up' (crying), which is intransitive and pronounced differently.
to destroy or damage something completely, especially by ripping it into pieces (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + tear + object + up (or: tear + up + object)
Wrong: She tore up it because she was angry. Right: She tore it up because she was angry. When the object of a separable phrasal verb is a pronoun (like 'it' or 'them'), it must go between the verb and the particle.
Do not confuse this with 'tearing up' (crying), which is intransitive and pronounced with a different vowel sound.
to report someone's bad behavior to a person in authority, like a parent or teacher (B1, not separable, informal)
Pattern: subject + tell on + person
Wrong: He told on me to the police. Right: He reported me to the police. 'Tell on' is too childish and informal for serious situations involving the police.
This is a childish or highly informal term; do not use it in formal, professional, or legal contexts.
To consider a fact, person, or consequence as a reason for doing or not doing something. (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + think of + noun/pronoun/gerund
Wrong: You should not buy that expensive car. Think on your family. Right: You should not buy that expensive car. Think of your family. In this sense, the phrasal verb always uses the preposition 'of', not 'on'.
This sense is very often used in the imperative form (e.g., 'Think of...') to urge someone to act.
to consider something carefully, especially before making an important decision (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + think + noun/pronoun + over
Wrong: I have to think over it before I can give you an answer. Right: I have to think it over before I can give you an answer. When the object is a pronoun like 'it', it must always go between 'think' and 'over'.
If you use a pronoun (like 'it' or 'them'), it must go between 'think' and 'over'.
to waste a good opportunity, money, or a special talent by not using it wisely (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + throw away + noun/pronoun (or: throw + pronoun + away)
Wrong: She lost her job and threw out her career. Right: She lost her job and threw away her career. 'Throw out' usually means to expel someone or discard physical rubbish, whereas 'throw away' is used figuratively for wasting opportunities or careers.
Do not confuse this figurative meaning with the physical action of putting rubbish in a bin.
to force someone to leave a place, a job, or a group because they behaved badly. (B1, separable, informal)
Pattern: subject + throw + object (person) + out + (of + noun)
Wrong: The teacher threw out him from the classroom. Right: The teacher threw him out of the classroom. When the object is a pronoun (like 'him'), it must go between 'throw' and 'out'. Also, we say 'throw out of', not 'throw out from'.
This is an informal phrase; in official or formal contexts, use 'expel', 'dismiss', or 'eject' instead.
to include something extra for free when someone is buying something (B1, separable, informal)
Pattern: subject + throw + object + in (or: throw in + object)
Wrong: If you buy the car, I will throw in it. Right: If you buy the car, I will throw it in. When the object of a separable phrasal verb is a pronoun (like 'it' or 'them'), it must go between the verb and the particle.
Avoid using this in highly formal business contracts; use 'include' or 'provide free of charge' instead.
to empty the contents of your stomach through your mouth because you are sick (B1, not separable, informal)
Pattern: subject + throw up (+ optional noun)
Wrong: I feel bad, I think I will throw out. Right: I feel bad, I think I will throw up. 'Throw out' means to discard something in the trash. To vomit is 'throw up'.
Do not use this in formal medical situations; use 'vomit' or 'be sick' instead.
to fasten or secure someone or something tightly with a rope, string, or cord (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + tie + object (noun/pronoun) + up
Wrong: Please tie up it with this blue string. Right: Please tie it up with this blue string. When the object of a separable phrasal verb is a pronoun (like 'it', 'him', 'them'), it must go between the verb and the particle.
Do not confuse this physical meaning with the figurative 'be tied up', which means to be busy or unavailable.
to be connected with or related to something or someone (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + have + (something/nothing/a lot) + to do with + noun/pronoun
Wrong: My job is doing with computers. Right: My job has to do with computers. You must use the verb 'have' before 'to do with' to express connection or relation.
This sense is almost always preceded by a form of the verb 'to have' (e.g., 'has to do with', 'had nothing to do with').
to compete or audition for a place on a sports team, in a play, or in a group (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + try out + for + noun (team/role/group)
Wrong: I want to try out the football team next week. Right: I want to try out for the football team next week. Without 'for', 'try out' means to test or test-drive something. To audition or compete for a spot, you must use 'try out for'.
In this intransitive sense, do not put an object between 'try' and 'out'.
to fold the top edge of something (like a bedsheet, collar, or page corner) downwards (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + turn + noun/pronoun + down (or: turn down + noun)
Wrong: Please turn down the page so you don't lose where you are reading. Right: Please fold down the corner of the page so you don't lose where you are reading. While 'turn down' is used for sheets and collars, for book pages we usually say 'fold down the corner' or 'dog-ear the page' to avoid confusion with turning a page over.
Do not confuse this physical folding action with the much more common meaning of 'turn down' which means to reject an offer or lower the volume.
to go to bed in order to sleep (B1, not separable, informal)
Pattern: subject + turn in
Wrong: I am very tired, so I will turn in myself. Right: I am very tired, so I will turn in. The phrasal verb 'turn in' is intransitive in this sense and cannot take an object, not even a reflexive pronoun.
Do not confuse this with the transitive meaning 'to turn something in' which means to submit homework or hand something to the police.
to have a particular result, or to end up in a specific way (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + turn out + adverb/adjective (e.g., well, badly, fine)
Wrong: The party turned out itself great. Right: The party turned out great. The verb 'turn out' in this sense is intransitive and does not take a reflexive pronoun like 'itself'.
In this intransitive sense, 'turn out' is never followed by a direct object and cannot be separated.
to have a good or successful result; to work out well in the end (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject (usually an event, plan, or situation) + turn out (+ well/fine/great)
Wrong: I hope your exam will turn out it well. Right: I hope your exam will turn out well. The verb 'turn out' in this sense is intransitive, so you cannot put the pronoun 'it' after it.
In this sense, the verb is strictly intransitive and cannot take a direct object.
to go to an event, meeting, or election to participate or watch (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject (usually a crowd or a number of people) + turn out (+ for/to do something)
Wrong: Many fans turned out the stadium to see the match. Right: Many fans turned out at the stadium to see the match. The phrasal verb 'turn out' is intransitive and cannot take a direct object like 'the stadium' without a preposition like 'at' or 'for'.
This sense of the verb is intransitive, meaning it does not take a direct object.
to report someone to the police or authorities because they have done something wrong (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + turn + person + in (to the authorities)
Wrong: The thief realized he had no chance, so he turned in himself. Right: The thief realized he had no chance, so he turned himself in. When the object of a separable phrasal verb is a pronoun (like 'himself'), it must go between the verb and the particle.
If you use a pronoun like 'him', 'her', or 'them', it must go between 'turn' and 'in'.
to force or make someone or something go back in the direction they came from (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + turn + object (person/thing) + back
Wrong: The police turned back them at the frontier. Right: The police turned them back at the frontier. When the object of a separable phrasal verb is a pronoun, it must go between the verb and the particle.
Remember that if the object is a pronoun (like 'him', 'her', 'them'), it must go between 'turn' and 'back'.
to change someone or something so that they become something different (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + turn + object + into + noun
Wrong: The wizard turned into a frog the handsome prince. Right: The wizard turned the handsome prince into a frog. The direct object must go between 'turn' and 'into', not after 'into'.
Even though this verb is transitive, it is inseparable; the object must come after the preposition 'into'.
to give a completed piece of work, an assignment, or an object to someone in authority (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + turn + noun/pronoun + in (or: turn + in + noun)
Wrong: I turned in it to the teacher yesterday. Right: I turned it in to the teacher yesterday. When the object is a pronoun like 'it', it must always be placed between the verb and the particle.
If the object is a pronoun (like 'it' or 'them'), it must go between 'turn' and 'in'.
to reject or refuse an offer, invitation, or request (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + turn + object (noun/pronoun) + down OR subject + turn down + object (noun)
Wrong: She turned down to go to the party with me. Right: She turned down my invitation to the party. You cannot use a 'to + infinitive' directly after 'turn down'. It must be followed by a noun or pronoun.
Do not confuse this with lowering the volume of a radio or TV, which uses the same verb.
to go to someone or something for help, advice, or comfort (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + turn to + person/thing (for help/advice)
Wrong: I didn't know what to do, so I turned myself to my teacher. Right: I didn't know what to do, so I turned to my teacher. The phrasal verb 'turn to' does not use a reflexive pronoun (like 'myself') in this sense.
This phrasal verb is inseparable; the object must always come after 'to'.
to change into something else, or to become a different substance (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + turn to + noun
Wrong: The water turned to ice cream when we put it in the freezer. Right: The water turned to ice when we put it in the freezer. 'Turn to' is used for natural physical transformations like ice, dust, or ashes, not for complex man-made products.
Do not confuse this with 'turn into', which is much more common for general changes of state (e.g., 'he turned into a monster'). 'Turn to' is often used with specific substances like ice, dust, stone, or water.
to arrive or appear, especially when you are not expecting it or after a delay (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + turn up (+ adverbial of time/place)
Wrong: We turned up the party very late. Right: We turned up at the party very late. The phrasal verb 'turn up' is intransitive in this sense, so you must use a preposition like 'at' before the place.
Do not use an object after this verb in this sense; you cannot 'turn up a party'.
to finish a supply of something so that there is none left (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + use + noun/pronoun + up
Wrong: I used up it to buy a new phone. Right: I used it up to buy a new phone. Pronouns like 'it' must always go between the verb 'use' and the particle 'up'.
If you use a pronoun like 'it' or 'them', you must put it between 'use' and 'up'.
to take or occupy a particular amount of space, time, or energy (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + use up + noun/pronoun
Wrong: The new sofa uses up too much place in the living room. Right: The new sofa takes up too much space in the living room. While 'use up' can mean to occupy space, we use 'space' rather than 'place' in English for physical areas, and 'take up' is much more natural for physical furniture.
Do not confuse this with the more common meaning 'to consume completely' (e.g., using up all the milk).
to choose someone for an official position or job by voting for them (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + vote + object (person) + in
Wrong: The members voted in him because they trusted his experience. Right: The members voted him in because they trusted his experience. If the object is a pronoun (him, her, us, them, me, you), it must always place between the verb 'vote' and the particle 'in'.
When using a pronoun like 'him', 'her', or 'them', it must go between 'vote' and 'in'.
to serve food and drinks to someone in a restaurant, or to act as a servant for someone (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + wait on + person
Wrong: We had to wait on our friends for an hour before they finally arrived. Right: We had to wait for our friends for an hour before they finally arrived. 'Wait on' means to serve someone, whereas 'wait for' means to stay in expectation of someone's arrival.
Do not confuse this with 'wait for someone', which means to stay in a place until someone arrives.
to wait for something to happen before you can take action or make a decision (B1, not separable, informal)
Pattern: subject + wait on + noun/pronoun
Wrong: I am waiting on the bus for twenty minutes now. Right: I have been waiting for the bus for twenty minutes now. Use 'wait on' for events or decisions you are dependent upon, not for physical transport or people arriving, where 'wait for' is correct.
In formal or British English, 'wait on' usually means to serve food to someone, so use 'wait for' in professional contexts.
to make someone stop sleeping and become awake (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + wake + object (noun/pronoun) + up
Wrong: Can you wake up me at six? Right: Can you wake me up at six? With pronouns like 'me', 'him', or 'us', the pronoun must always go between 'wake' and 'up'.
If the person being woken up is a pronoun (like 'me', 'him', 'them'), it must go between 'wake' and 'up'.
to stop sleeping and become active (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + wake up (+ time/adverb)
Wrong: I woke up myself at 7 AM. Right: I woke up at 7 AM. In English, 'wake up' is intransitive in this sense and does not use reflexive pronouns like 'myself'.
Do not confuse this with 'get up', which means to actually leave your bed.
to start understanding the truth about a situation or to start paying attention to what is happening (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + wake up + (to + noun/gerund)
Wrong: We must wake up ourselves to the reality of the situation. Right: We must wake up to the reality of the situation. In this sense, 'wake up' is intransitive and cannot be used with a reflexive pronoun like 'ourselves'.
Do not confuse this figurative meaning with the physical action of opening your eyes after sleeping.
to stop being involved in a difficult situation, relationship, or agreement instead of trying to solve it (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + walk away + (from + noun/pronoun/-ing)
Wrong: He was unhappy in his marriage but he couldn't walk away from. Right: He was unhappy in his marriage but he couldn't walk away. If you do not name the situation after 'walk away', you must omit the preposition 'from'.
Do not confuse this figurative meaning with physically walking away from a place or person.
to stop being involved in a difficult situation, relationship, or agreement instead of trying to fix it (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + walk away from + noun/pronoun
Wrong: She walked away from her husband because she wanted to buy some bread. Right: She went to the shop to buy some bread. Using 'walk away from' in a simple physical sense can sound like she abandoned her husband permanently, rather than just going to the shop.
Do not confuse this figurative meaning with the physical action of walking away from a place or person.
to suddenly leave a person, a job, or a situation, especially because you are angry or unhappy (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + walk off (+ adverb/prepositional phrase)
Wrong: He got angry and walked off from the room. Right: He got angry and walked out of the room. We say 'walk off' without an object to mean flee/abandon, or 'walk off the job'. To describe leaving a physical space like a room, we use 'walk out of'.
Do not confuse this with 'walk off something' (like walking to recover from a minor injury or a heavy meal).
to enter the stage in a theater, show, or concert (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + walk on
Wrong: The actor walked on the stage and started singing. Right: The actor walked on and started singing. In this sense, 'walk on' is intransitive. If you want to mention the stage, you should say 'walked onto the stage' or simply 'walked on'.
Do not confuse this with 'walk on something' (stepping on a surface like grass or a floor).
to suddenly leave a meeting, performance, or job to show that you are angry or disagree (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + walk out (+ of + noun)
Wrong: The actors walked out themselves from the theater during the strike. Right: The actors walked out of the theater during the strike. The phrasal verb 'walk out' is intransitive and cannot take a direct object like 'themselves'.
Do not confuse this with the literal meaning of walking outside a building for fresh air.
to walk with a guest to the door or exit when they are leaving your home or office (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + walk + object (person) + out
Wrong: Thank you for the visit, I will escort you out. Right: Thank you for the visit, I will walk you out. 'Escort' sounds very formal, like a security guard or police officer, whereas 'walk someone out' is the natural, friendly way to say this.
Do not confuse this with 'walk out on someone', which means to abandon a partner or family.
to carefully explain a process or a task to someone step by step (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + walk + person + through + noun/it
Wrong: Can you walk through me the new system? Right: Can you walk me through the new system? The person being guided must come immediately after the verb 'walk', before the preposition 'through'.
The person being helped must be the direct object, usually placed between 'walk' and 'through'.
to want to join or become part of a group, activity, project, or business deal (B1, not separable, informal)
Pattern: subject + want in + (on + noun)
Wrong: I want in the club. Right: I want in on the club. If you mention the specific activity or group after 'want in', you must use the preposition 'on'.
Avoid using this in formal business writing or academic contexts; use 'want to participate' or 'wish to join' instead.
to wish to leave or stop being involved in a situation, relationship, or project (B1, not separable, informal)
Pattern: subject + want out (often followed by 'of' + noun)
Wrong: I am tired of this project and I want out it. Right: I am tired of this project and I want out of it. The phrasal verb 'want out' cannot take a direct object. You must use the preposition 'of' to connect it to a noun or pronoun.
This phrase is intransitive, meaning it is not followed by an object; do not say 'want out the project'.
to make food or drink hot or warm, especially after it has cooled down (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + warm + noun/pronoun + up
Wrong: I need to warm up the dinner in the oven. Right: I need to warm the dinner up in the oven. While both are grammatically correct, it is much more natural to split the phrasal verb when using a specific noun, and mandatory when using a pronoun like 'it'.
Do not confuse this with 'warm up' meaning to do light exercises before playing sports.
to become warmer in temperature (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + warm up
Wrong: The weather is warming up itself. Right: The weather is warming up. The phrasal verb 'warm up' is intransitive here and does not need a reflexive pronoun like 'itself'.
Do not confuse this intransitive use with the transitive 'warm something up' (to make something warm).
to run an engine or machine for a short time so it reaches the correct temperature to work well (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + warm up + (object) OR subject + warm + object + up
Wrong: I need to warm up my car's motor before driving, so I will heat it up. Right: I need to warm up my car's motor before driving. 'Heat up' is used for food or making something physically hot to the touch, whereas 'warm up' is the correct phrasal verb for preparing an engine.
Do not confuse this with 'warm up' meaning to do light exercise before sports, or heating up food.
to guard, protect, or take care of someone or something to make sure they are safe (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + watch over + object (noun/pronoun)
Wrong: Could you watch him over for a few minutes? Right: Could you watch over him for a few minutes? The phrasal verb 'watch over' is inseparable, so the pronoun object must come after 'over'.
This phrasal verb is inseparable; you cannot put the object between 'watch' and 'over'.
to become thin, damaged, or useless after being used a lot (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject (thing) + wear out
Wrong: My favorite jeans wore out themselves. Right: My favorite jeans wore out. The verb 'wear out' is intransitive in this sense; you do not need to use a reflexive pronoun like 'themselves'.
In this intransitive sense, the object that is damaged is the subject of the sentence, and you do not use an object after the verb.
to make someone extremely tired, especially through physical activity or hard work (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + wear + object (person) + out
Wrong: The difficult exam wore out me completely. Right: The difficult exam wore me out completely. When the object of a separable phrasal verb is a pronoun (like 'me', 'us', 'him'), it must go between the verb and the particle.
Do not confuse this with 'wear out' meaning to damage clothes or shoes by using them too much.
to damage something or make it useless by using it a lot over a long time (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + wear + noun/pronoun + out
Wrong: I wore out my phone when I dropped it on the concrete. Right: I broke my phone when I dropped it on the concrete. 'Wear out' is only for gradual damage from regular use, not sudden accidental damage.
Do not use this to mean 'destroy' or 'break' something suddenly; it only refers to gradual damage over time.
to turn a key or handle on a clock, watch, or toy to make it work (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + wind + noun/pronoun + up
Wrong: I need to wind up my phone because the battery is dead. Right: I need to charge my phone because the battery is dead. 'Wind up' is only used for mechanical devices with springs, not for charging electrical batteries.
Do not use this for digital or battery-powered devices; you cannot 'wind up' a smartphone or a modern digital watch.
to roll or twist something like a rope, string, or clock spring until it is tight or complete (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + wind + noun/pronoun + up (or: wind up + noun)
Wrong: Can you wind up it for me? Right: Can you wind it up for me? When the object of a separable phrasal verb is a pronoun (like 'it'), it must go between the verb and the particle.
Do not confuse this literal sense with the idiomatic 'wind up' meaning to end a meeting or to annoy someone.
to turn a key or handle on a toy, clock, or device to make it work (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + wind + noun/pronoun + up
Wrong: I need to wind up my smartphone because the battery is dead. Right: I need to charge my smartphone because the battery is dead. 'Wind up' is only used for mechanical devices with springs, not for modern electronic devices that need charging.
Do not confuse this with the figurative meaning 'to wind up in a place', which means to end up somewhere.
to make an effort over a period of time to improve something or make progress (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + work at + noun / -ing form
Wrong: She is working at to improve her pronunciation. Right: She is working at improving her pronunciation. The preposition 'at' must be followed by a noun or a gerund (-ing form), not an infinitive.
Do not confuse this with 'work at' meaning the place of employment, as in 'I work at a bank'.
to find the answer to a problem or understand something after thinking about it (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + work + object (noun/pronoun/wh-clause) + out OR subject + work out + object (noun/wh-clause)
Wrong: I need to work out this difficult situation. Right: I need to work this difficult situation out. / I need to resolve this difficult situation. When the object is a pronoun like 'it', it must go between 'work' and 'out'. For complex nouns, we usually use 'resolve' or 'solve' instead of 'work out'.
Do not confuse this with the physical exercise meaning of 'work out', which is intransitive.
to find an answer, amount, or price by using mathematics (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + work + noun/pronoun + out
Wrong: We need to work out it before we buy the tickets. Right: We need to work it out before we buy the tickets. 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 between 'work' and 'out'.
To operate or function at the same time to produce a single result. (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject (plural noun or multiple nouns) + work together
Wrong: The engine parts are working themselves together. Right: The engine parts are working together. The phrasal verb 'work together' is intransitive and does not take a reflexive pronoun like 'themselves'.
Do not confuse this abstract sense of parts functioning together with the A2 sense of people collaborating on a task.
to finish a meeting, a project, or a discussion successfully (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + wrap + (noun/pronoun) + up
Wrong: We need to wrap up the contract before we sign it. Right: We need to finalize the contract before we sign it. 'Wrap up' means to finish an activity or meeting, not to complete the legal details of a document.
Do not confuse this with the literal meaning of wrapping a present in paper.
to cover something completely in paper, cloth, or other material, especially as a gift. (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + wrap + noun/pronoun + up (or: wrap up + noun)
Wrong: I wrapped up it in beautiful red paper. Right: I wrapped it up in beautiful red paper. When the object of a separable phrasal verb is a pronoun (like 'it' or 'them'), it must go between the verb and the particle.
Do not confuse this literal sense with the idiomatic meaning 'to finish or complete a meeting or project'.
to send a letter or email to a radio station, TV show, or magazine to share your opinion (B1, not separable)
Pattern: subject + write in (+ to + organization)
Wrong: He wrote in a letter to the magazine last week. Right: He wrote a letter to the magazine last week. In this sense, 'write in' is intransitive and cannot take a direct object like 'a letter'. You just 'write in' or 'write a letter'.
This verb is intransitive in this sense; do not put a direct object after it, but you can use 'to' for the recipient.
to close a piece of clothing or a bag using a zipper (B1, separable)
Pattern: subject + zip + noun/pronoun + up
Wrong: Please zip up it, my hands are cold. Right: Please zip it up, my hands are cold. 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', it must go between 'zip' and 'up'.
Meanings adapted by MindDory from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0). This list is shared under the same licence.