30.14. Common Phrasal Verbs: Phrasal Verbs in British vs. American English

Phrasal verbs are an essential part of the English language, often causing confusion for learners due to their idiomatic nature. These verbs consist of a main verb combined with one or more particles, usually prepositions or adverbs, resulting in a new meaning different from the original verb. Understanding phrasal verbs is crucial for achieving fluency in English, especially when distinguishing between British and American English, as some phrasal verbs are used differently or have different meanings in these two variants of English.

In both British and American English, phrasal verbs are used extensively in daily communication, but there are notable differences that can pose challenges for learners. These differences may arise from variations in usage frequency, meaning, or even the phrasal verbs themselves. Let's delve into some common phrasal verbs and explore how they differ between British and American English.

1. "Knock up"

In British English, "knock up" can mean to wake someone by knocking on their door. For example, "I'll knock you up at 7 AM." However, in American English, "knock up" is commonly used to mean getting someone pregnant, which can lead to misunderstandings if used in the wrong context.

2. "Call off"

This phrasal verb is used in both British and American English to mean canceling something. For example, "The meeting has been called off." There is no significant difference in usage or meaning between the two variants of English for this phrasal verb.

3. "Get on"

In British English, "get on" can mean to board a vehicle, such as a bus or train. For example, "I got on the bus at the station." In American English, while "get on" can also mean boarding, it is more frequently used to describe having a good relationship with someone, as in "I get on well with my colleagues."

4. "Fall out"

In both British and American English, "fall out" can mean to have a disagreement or fight, often leading to a break in a relationship. For example, "They fell out over money." However, in British English, "fall out" can also mean to leave a military formation, which is less common in American English.

5. "Knock off"

In British English, "knock off" is often used to mean finishing work for the day. For example, "I usually knock off at 5 PM." In American English, while "knock off" can also mean stopping work, it is more commonly used to refer to reducing the price of an item, as in "They knocked off 20% from the original price."

6. "Make up"

"Make up" is used in both British and American English to refer to reconciling after a disagreement, as in "They made up after their argument." Additionally, in both variants, it can mean inventing a story or excuse, like "He made up an excuse for being late."

7. "Put off"

In both British and American English, "put off" generally means to delay or postpone something. For example, "The meeting was put off until next week." However, in British English, "put off" can also mean to discourage someone from doing something, as in "The bad weather put me off going for a walk."

8. "Turn up"

In British English, "turn up" can mean to arrive or appear, often unexpectedly, as in "He turned up at the party uninvited." In American English, while "turn up" can also mean to arrive, it is frequently used in the context of increasing volume or intensity, such as "Turn up the music."

9. "Run into"

In both British and American English, "run into" can mean to meet someone unexpectedly. For example, "I ran into an old friend at the supermarket." However, in American English, "run into" is also commonly used to describe encountering problems or difficulties, as in "We ran into some issues with the project."

10. "Give up"

"Give up" is universally understood in both British and American English to mean quitting or surrendering. For example, "She gave up smoking last year." This phrasal verb does not have significant differences between the two variants of English.

When learning phrasal verbs, it's important to consider the context and regional variations. While many phrasal verbs are used similarly in British and American English, subtle differences can change their meanings or usage. Being aware of these distinctions can enhance communication and prevent misunderstandings.

For learners of English, practicing phrasal verbs in context and exposure to both British and American media can be beneficial. Watching British and American films, reading books, and listening to music or podcasts from both regions can provide insights into how these phrasal verbs are used in everyday language. Additionally, engaging in conversations with native speakers from different regions can help learners grasp the nuances of phrasal verb usage in various contexts.

In conclusion, phrasal verbs are a dynamic and integral part of English, with some differences in usage between British and American English. By understanding these differences and practicing regularly, learners can improve their fluency and confidence in using phrasal verbs effectively in both variants of English.

Next page of the Free Ebook:

45Common Phrasal Verbs: Strategies for Learning Phrasal Verbs

5 minutes