30.19. Common Phrasal Verbs: Phrasal Verbs and Their Synonyms

Phrasal verbs are a fundamental part of the English language, especially at the intermediate level. They consist of a verb combined with a preposition or an adverb, resulting in a new meaning that is often different from the original verb. Understanding phrasal verbs and their synonyms can greatly enhance your English communication skills, allowing you to express yourself more naturally and fluently.

Let's delve into some common phrasal verbs, exploring their meanings and possible synonyms. This exploration will not only help you recognize these verbs in conversation but also provide you with alternative expressions to enrich your vocabulary.

1. "Break Down"

The phrasal verb "break down" can have several meanings depending on the context. It can refer to a machine or vehicle that stops functioning, as in:

• "My car broke down on the way to work."

In this context, a synonym could be "malfunction" or "fail."

It can also mean to become very upset or start crying:

• "She broke down in tears after hearing the news."

Here, synonyms might include "collapse emotionally" or "lose control."

2. "Come Across"

"Come across" is used when you find something by chance. For example:

• "I came across an old friend while walking in the park."

Synonyms for this usage include "encounter" or "run into."

3. "Get Along"

This phrasal verb means to have a good relationship with someone:

• "I get along well with my colleagues."

Synonyms for "get along" are "get on" or "have a good rapport."

4. "Give Up"

To "give up" means to stop trying or to quit:

• "He gave up smoking last year."

Synonyms include "surrender" or "cease."

5. "Look After"

"Look after" means to take care of someone or something:

• "She looks after her younger siblings."

Synonyms for this phrasal verb are "care for" or "attend to."

6. "Run Out Of"

This phrase is used when you have no more of something left:

• "We ran out of milk, so I need to buy some more."

Synonyms include "deplete" or "exhaust."

7. "Turn Up"

"Turn up" can mean to appear or arrive, often unexpectedly:

• "He turned up late to the meeting."

Synonyms for this usage are "arrive" or "appear."

It can also mean to increase the volume or intensity of something:

• "Please turn up the music."

In this context, synonyms might include "increase" or "raise."

8. "Put Off"

To "put off" means to postpone or delay something:

• "We had to put off the meeting until next week."

Synonyms include "postpone" or "delay."

9. "Take Up"

This phrasal verb can mean to start a new hobby or activity:

• "She took up painting during the summer."

Synonyms are "begin" or "start."

10. "Work Out"

To "work out" can mean to exercise:

• "He works out at the gym every morning."

Synonyms include "exercise" or "train."

It can also mean to solve a problem:

• "We need to work out a solution to this issue."

Here, synonyms could be "solve" or "resolve."

By familiarizing yourself with these common phrasal verbs and their synonyms, you can improve both your understanding and use of English in everyday situations. Practice using them in sentences, and try to recognize them when you hear or read English. Over time, your comfort with these expressions will grow, making your communication more effective and nuanced.

Remember, phrasal verbs are an essential part of English fluency. They can often be confusing because their meanings aren't always obvious from the words themselves. However, by studying them and understanding their synonyms, you'll gain a valuable tool in your language learning journey. Keep practicing, and soon you'll find yourself using phrasal verbs naturally and confidently in your conversations.

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50Common Phrasal Verbs: Understanding Contextual Meaning of Phrasal Verbs

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