Type:
phrasal verb
(phrasal verb) to set a goal, to try and achieve something
Example Sentences:
Teacher: What do you want to aim for when you are older?
Student: I would love to be a firefighter!
The University student is aiming for a good job when he graduates.
When I was younger, I aimed for a job as a policeman. When I got older, I decided to become an accountant instead. It’s much more exciting.
From the News:
Wheelchair athlete Adams aiming for Beijing
Media:
(phrasal verb) to ask someone if they would like to go on a date with you
Example Sentences:
I think I’m going to ask out Suzanne. I think she is cute!
The nervous boy asked out the shy girl.
A: I’m thinking of asking out your sister. Is that okay?
B: No!
Media:
(phrasal verb) to have faith in the truth or value of something
Example Sentence:
A: I believe in God. How about you?
B: I believe in the Flying Spaghetti Monster
When I was younger I needed something to believe in, so I decided to join the army.
(phrasal verb) to have confidence in someone or something
Example Sentence:
Son: Dad, I want to be a dancer. Do you think I can do it?
Dad: You’re 250 kilos, clumsy, and have no rhythm, but I believe in you, son! Let’s go sign up for dance lessons!
I can’t decide if I like Obama or Clinton. The only thing I really believe in is democracy!
(phrasal verb) to make a mess of something, to destroy something, to ruin something
Example Sentences:
Those painters botched up my living room walls. They used the wrong colour paint!
While studying for the SATs, Lawrence botched his chances up by not doing any practice questions.
Media:
(phrasal verb) to withdraw or quit something
Example Sentences:
I am going to bow out from our group, as I don’t get along with the members.
After 10 years at the company, our president bowed out last week. He will be missed.
Henry was unpopular at work because he was always bowing out when things became difficult.
From the News:
Clinton backs Obama and bows out
Media:
(phrasal verb) to force one’s way into somewhere
Example Sentences:
The family was worried after the break-in on the weekend.
Someone broke-in to my apartment and stole my laptop!
I had to get an alarm put into my car after someone kept breaking-in to steal my CDs.
Media:
(phrasal verb) to depress someone
Example Sentences:
Man: Happy 25th anniversary, honey!
Woman: You too, dear! I love you!
Man: I don’t want to bring you down, but I want a divorce!
Woman: Why?
The bad weather brought the people down when it started to rain during the outdoor festival.
That boring old man keeps bringing everybody down by telling stories about the past!
Stop singing that sad song! You’re bringing me down!
Media:
(phrasal verb) to introduce something, to raise something for discussion
Example Sentences:
I don’t want to bring up a difficult subject, but have you decided what you will do when your boyfriend moves to London for a year?
When the student brought up a problem he was having, the teacher was happy to help her.
Angry Wife: Remember two years ago, when you got drunk and went out to the nightclub with your friends?
Angry Husband: That was a long time ago, please stop bringing that up.
Media:
(phrasal verb) to raise someone
Example Sentences:
When you bring up your children, are you going to teach them about religion?
The young woman had many difficulties bringing up her three children by herself.
My mother died when I was young, so my father brought me up.
Media:
(phrasal verb) to depress someone
Example Sentence:
Titanic always bums me out. I like movies with happy endings!
The sad clown bummed out all of the children and ruined my son’s birthday party!
My roommate keeps bumming me out. When I go home I get so depressed!
Media:
(phrasal verb) (slang) to behave in a very friendly, flattering, or kind manner to someone higher than you in order to get a benefit
Example Sentences:
Sarah always butters up her boss, because she’s trying to get a promotion and a raise.
A: Who’s your professor this semester?
B: Professor Ornstein.
A: Oh, he’s really tough. If you want to get a good mark, you’d better start buttering him up!
B: How should I do that?
A: Start by telling him he is the best professor you’ve ever had. Then keep going….
William was angry because he didn’t get promoted to manager, even though he had sucked up to the owner of the company for years.
Media:
(phrasal verb) to cancel, to stop
Example Sentences:
We had to call our cruise off when my dad got sick.
The sad bride called off her wedding when she found out her husband had cheated on her.
Father: If you kids don’t stop crying, I’m going to call off our trip to Disneyland.
Kids: Daaaaaaaad!
Media:
(phrasal verb) to understand something after trying for a long time
Example Sentence:
Shelly, took a long time to catch on to the joke that everyone was laughing about.
It took me 2 years of living in Canada before I caught on to the rules of hockey. Now I love it!
Parent: How is my little Timmy doing at school?
Teacher: He is very smart! Timmy is always catching on to difficult concepts long before the other students!
Parent: Nice!
Media:
(phrasal verb) to pay your hotel bill before leaving
Example Sentence:
Please return your key before you check out of our hotel. Thank you.
Check out time is 11:00 am.
I would like to check out of the hotel, please.
Notes:
Usually used with the preposition of.
(phrasal verb) to lose interest in a subject
Example Sentence:
I’m sorry that I can’t focus. I think I have checked out. Can we study our philosophy tomorrow?
I couldn’t date her anymore because I kept checking out of our conversations. I just couldn’t listen to her anymore.
Notes:
Usually used with the preposition of.
Media:
(phrasal verb) to look at someone, to examine someone
Example Sentence:
Wow check out that good looking guy over there. He’s so hot!
Hey, check her out! Look at what she’s wearing.
Don’t look now, but I think that guy over there is checking you out. I think he likes you!
The jealous girlfriend watched as her boyfriend checked out another girl.
(phrasal verb) to look at something, to examine something
Example Sentence:
If you like action movies you should check out Rambo. It’s great!
Check out that building over there. It’s so old.
You keep checking out that diamond ring. Are you trying to give me a hint?
Media:
(phrasal verb) to be angry with someone and tell them they did something wrong
Example Sentence:
My wife chewed me out for hours last night because I forgot her birthday.
My parents are always chewing me out because I never do the dishes!
A: How is your daughter doing in school?
B: She never does her homework. I’m going to have to chew her out if she doesn’t start working harder.
The boss chewed out her employees for being lazy while at work.
Media:
(phrasal verb) empty
Example Sentences:
Don’t forget that you have to clean out your lockers before the end of the day.
I was robbed yesterday! I went my apartment and it had been cleaned out! All of my things were gone!
After the party, Sarah was busy cleaning out all of stuff that was left in her house.
Media:
(phrasal verb) to make clear, to explain something
Example Sentences:
I want to clear up a few rumors about myself. First, I am not married. Second,….
I had a huge argument with my best friend, until someone cleared up a few things. Now, we’re fine!
By clearing up a lot of our confusion, the professor was able to improve all of our marks.
Media:
(phrasal verb) to meet someone by accident
Example Sentence:
I came across an old friend from high school while I was walking downtown.
Did you come across any interesting people while you were traveling?
Media:
(phrasal verb) to find something by accident
Example Sentence:
I came across an old photo album while I was cleaning my house.
Did you come across any interesting things while you were traveling?
(phrasal verb) to reduce the amount of something you use
Example Sentences:
You should try to cut down on the amount of driving you do, to help the environment.
Last year, I cut down on the amount of times I went to the strip club, because my wife was always getting angry.
If Thomas wants to lose weight, he should start by cutting down on all of the fast food he eats.
Media:
(phrasal verb) remove, kill
Example Sentences:
All societies should do away with the death penalty. It’s cruel and unfair.
I decided to do away with some of my old clothes, because they no longer fit. Do you want some of them?
Many people think our school should do away with many of the rules we have.
The USA did away with Saddam Hussein.
Media:
(phrasal verb) to fall in love with
Example Sentences:
I’m afraid that I might fall for my roommate’s brother. He’s so handsome!
I have fallen for my girlfriend. I think I’m going to propose to her!
Suzanne, I think I am falling for you….
(phrasal verb) to be tricked or deceived by someone or something
Example Sentences:
Don’t expect Rob to fall for that joke, he’s heard it before.
When Sarah told me that she got fired, I fell for it. I didn’t know she was lying?
Please don’t play any practical jokes on me. I have a history of falling for them.
Media:
(phrasal verb) to give someone complete information
Example Sentences:
What happened at the big meeting last night? Fill me in!
A: …so that’s what happened! They all got fired.
B: Thanks for filling me in.
Sandy filled in her best friend about her hot date last night.
Media:
(phrasal verb) to do silly things, to have fun, to not be serious
Example Sentences:
A: Do you have any plans this weekend?
B: No, I think I’m just going to fool around.
The young children were fooling around on the playground.
Last night, we just fooled around, drinking beer and playing Nintendo Wii.
(phrasal verb) hug and kiss, be passionate
Example Sentences:
The young couple were planning to fool around when they had the house to themselves.
Last night I fooled around with Bob. I’m so embarrassed!
A: What were you doing when I called you last night?
B: I was busy fooling around with Rita.
A: Lovely Rita? Lucky you!
Media:
(phrasal verb) to have sex
Example Sentences:
If you are going to fool around, make sure you use a condom.
A: What happened after you left the nightclub last night?
B: Melissa and I went home and fooled around!!
A: No way!
Billy had to leave the apartment last night because his roommate was fooling around with his girlfriend.
Media:
(phrasal verb) to pass or survive a difficult situation
Example Sentences:
Most people thought Shawn wouldn’t get through the car accident. Thankfully, he survived.
I don’t know how I’m going to get through my final year of college. It’s so difficult!
The lazy student’s friends were amazed to learn that he got through university without studying.
Dad: How is your military service going, son? Are you getting through it?
Son: Yeah dad, but it’s pretty hard.
(phrasal verb) to tell a secret,
Example Sentence:
Did you watch Lost last night? It was so great! I don’t want to give away any secrets, but Jack and Kate…..
The young child was upset when his brother gave away a secret by telling him about his surprise party.
You keep giving away my secrets, I’m not going to tell you anything anymore!
(phrasal verb) to quit something
Example Sentences:
I’m trying really hard to give up smoking, but it’s nearly impossible!
A: Do you have any New Year’s resolutions?
B: Yeah, I’m planning on giving up red meat. I want to be healthier!
Ever since she gave up drinking, she just isn’t very much fun!
Media:
(phrasal verb) to stop doing something after a lot of effort
Example Sentences:
I know I tried to learn how to snowboard for 5 months, but I give up! It’s just too hard for me!
You’ll never be able to speak English if you keep giving up every time you have some difficulties.
Sally gave up swimming after she nearly drowned.
Media:
(phrasal verb) to review
Example Sentence:
The student went over her notes before the final exam.
Please go over the idioms you learn every night.
The actors were busy going over their lines to prepare for the play.
(phrasal verb) to experience a difficult situation
Example Sentence:
A: What do you have to go through to become a doctor?
B: Well, first you have to go to University. Then, you must….
The immigrant family went through a lot of difficulties when they first moved to America.
You don’t know me! you don’t know what I’m going through! It’s hard being a teenager.
(phrasal verb) to make a sexual comment to someone
Example Sentences:
That guy tried to hit on my girlfriend, so I punched him in the face.
If you keep hitting on my boyfriend, there is going to be trouble!
The beautiful woman had a terrible time at the nightclub because she was constantly hit on.
Media:
(phrasal verb) to wait, to slow down, to stop
Example Sentence:
On the telephone
A: Hi, can I speak to Mike please?
B: Sure, just hold on a minute and I’ll go get him.
In person
A: Hi there. I have a 10 o’clock meeting with Mr. Bryson
B: Okay. Just hold on one moment and I’ll go get him.
Would you kids please hold on a minute! I’m trying to think!
(phrasal verb) to make someone leave a place
Example Sentence:
A: My friend has been staying at my house for a long time, and he never cleans up his room.
B: Well, why don’t you kick him out? Make him live somewhere else.
The angry drunk man was kicked out of the nightclub for trying to start a fight.
I can’t believe you are kicking me out of the house, mom! I pay the rent!
Note:
to be specific about a place, use the preposition of
kicked someone out of the house
kicked someone out of the movie theatre
(phrasal verb) to discuss or consider something in an informal way
Example Sentences:
A: Are you going to take that new job in marketing?
B: I think I’m going to kick it around for a few days. I’m just not sure.
When thinking about a trip to Cuba, the family kept kicking the plan around until the father made a decision.
I kicked around the proposal for a long time, but decided not to take your offer.
(phrasal verb) (slang) to behave in a very friendly, flattering, or kind manner to someone higher than you in order to get a benefit
Example Sentences:
Sarah always kisses up to her boss, because she’s trying to get a promotion and a raise.
A: Who’s your professor this semester?
B: Professor Ornstein.
A: Oh, he’s really tough. If you want to get a good mark, you’d better start kissing up to him!
B: How should I do that?
A: Start by telling him he is the best professor you’ve ever had. Then keep going….
William was angry because he didn’t get promoted to manager, even though he had kissed up to the owner of the company for years.
Media:
(phrasal verb) to trick someone, to mislead someone, to lie to someone
Example Sentences:
The beautiful girl led me on at the nightclub. She pretended she was interested in me, but when I asked her for a phone number, she told me to go away!
A: How was your date?
B: It was great, but he didn’t call me back yet!
A: When was it?
B: Three weeks ago.
A: I think he’s leading you on. Forget about him!
B: Oh.
When we were planning a vacation, the advertisements led us on about how great the hotel was. When we arrived, it was horrible!
(phrasal verb) to fulfill an expectation
Example Sentences:
The coach hoped that the new player would live up to expectations.
The iPhone lives up to all of the hype.
My father was a Lawyer, but I sell hotdogs on the street. I feel like I haven’t lived up to him.
Daughter: I went to College, became a successful Lawyer, and make 800,000 per year. Am I living up to your hopes, Dad?
Father: You sure are!
(phrasal verb) think about things from the past
Example Sentences:
Do you think you will look back on your time in Canada in a positive or negative way?
Looking back on my travels in the USA, I can’t believe how friendly people were!
If you looked back on your performance, you might see why we lost the match. You were terrible!
(phrasal verb) to highly anticipate something
Example Sentences:
I look forward to going to Canada to study English.
I have a date tonight, and I’m really looking forward to it!
The young girl looked forward to Christmas every year, but was always disappointed.
(phrasal verb) to watch something without getting involved
Example Sentence:
The bystanders looked on while the old lady was robbed on the street.
The fans were looking on intently while the team scored the winning goal.
I often look on whenever I walk by a construction site. I love watching things being built!
(phrasal verb) search for a piece of information in a book
Example Sentences:
A: Do you know the number for the pizza place?
B: No, can you look it up in the phone book?
I looked up the phone number for the pizza place.
You should try to memorize numbers that you are always looking up. That way you won’t have to waste so much time.
(phrasal verb) to create, to invent, to lie
Example Sentences:
The boss was really mad at you because you weren’t at work today. You should make up a good excuse, like you were sick or that someone died.
The young boy made up a story about his trip to Toronto to impress his friends.
If you keep making things up, people are going to stop listening to you. Just tell the truth!
(phrasal verb) to make a mistake
Example Sentence:
If you mess up one more time, you will get fired!
I can’t believe I didn’t study for the test! I messed up my chances to go to law school now!
Mary really messed up when she forgot her husband’s birthday!
I keep messing up this assignment. Can you help me?
From the News:
New daylight time may mess up medical devices, authorities say
Media:
(phrasal verb) to focus or define the choices available
Example Sentences:
Before the Smith family chose their vacation, they had to narrow down their options.
The University student narrowed down his career choices to doctor or lawyer, but was having a hard time choosing one.
A: What classes are you going to take next semester?
B: I’m not sure. I plan on narrowing my choices down over the next few weeks.
From the News:
Genetic tests narrow down source of SARS
Media:
(phrasal verb) to focus or define the choices available
Example Sentences:
Before the Smith family chose their vacation, they had to narrow down their options.
The University student narrowed down his career choices to doctor or lawyer, but was having a hard time choosing one.
A: What classes are you going to take next semester?
B: I’m not sure. I plan on narrowing my choices down over the next few weeks.
From the News:
Genetic tests narrow down source of SARS
Media:
(phrasal verb) to explain, to show
Example Sentences:
I would like to point out the most beautiful thing in Vancouver, Stanley Park!
The angry manager pointed out the mistakes of his lazy employees.
Nobody likes it when people keep pointing out their flaws.
(phrasal verb) to survive something
Example Sentences:
A: How did you feel after your boyfriend died?
B: I felt very depressed, but my friends supported me a lot. They really helped me pull through.
A: I heard your friend is sick. Do you think he will pull through?
B: Yeah, he only has a cold!
The doctors were relieved when the patient pulled through his serious illness.
Shawn wasn’t worried when his brother had a car accident, because his brother is always pulling through when difficult situations happen.
(phrasal verb) to delay, to postpone
Example Sentences:
A: Are you going to start preparing for your presentation now?
B: No, I think I’ll put it off until tomorrow. I don’t feel like starting today.
We had to put off last week’s party because nobody could come.
If you keep putting off your trip to Europe, you’ll never go!
(phrasal verb) to give someone a place to sleep
Example Sentence:
It’s late and I can’t find a taxi. Can you put me up for the night?
He is putting her up for a few weeks while she tries to find a place to live.
(phrasal verb) to tolerate, to endure
Example Sentence:
A: How is life in Seoul?
B: It is awful. I hate the food, I can’t speak the language, and I have to put up with a dirty roommate!
I am too old to put up with the bad music of today’s kids.
The young couple was angry because they were always putting up with their noisy neighbours.
(phrasal verb) to overcharge someone
Example Sentences:
Mike wants to charge her $500 for a website, but he doesn’t want to rip her off.
I bought this on eBay for $400, but it’s only supposed to be $250. The seller ripped me off.
I don’t like buying popcorn when I go to a movie, because the movie theatre people are always ripping you off.
(phrasal verb) to meet someone by accident
Example Sentence:
I ran across an old friend from high school while I was walking downtown.
Did you run across any interesting people while you were traveling?
I keep running across my ex-girlfriends in this city!
(phrasal verb) to find something by accident
Example Sentence:
I ran across an old photo album while I was cleaning my house.
Did you run across any interesting things while you were traveling?
I keep running across my ex-girlfriends in this city!
(phrasal verb) to review
Example Sentence:
I’m sorry, I really don’t understand. Can we run over that idea again?
The students ran over their Algebra homework before the final exam.
I am always running over my English idioms, but I can never remember them!
(phrasal verb) to only make enough money to pay one’s bills
Example Sentence:
The newly-married couple scraped by, saving as much money as they could, so they could afford to buy a house.
Sharon scraped by for years until she got a better paying job.
(phrasal verb) hug and kiss, be passionate
Example Sentences:
The young couple were planning to screw around when they had the house to themselves.
Last night I screwed around with Bob. I’m so embarrassed!
A: What were you doing when I called you last night?
B: I was busy screwing around with Rita.
A: Lovely Rita? Lucky you!
Media:
(phrasal verb) to have sex
Example Sentences:
If you are going to screw around, make sure you use a condom.
A: What happened after you left the nightclub last night?
B: Melissa and I went home and screwed around!!
A: No way!
Billy had to leave the apartment last night because his roommate was screwing around with his girlfriend.
Media:
(phrasal verb) to say goodbye to someone, to take someone to the airport or train station before they leave
Example Sentences:
Michael is going to see his girlfriend off before he joins us for dinner. She’s going to Mexico!
A: What will you be doing tomorrow afternoon?
B: I’ll be seeing off my parents. They’re taking a vacation.
The teenaged boy saw off his parents, and then prepared to have a party while they were away.
(phrasal verb) to display one’s achievements or good characteristics to make others feel bad
Example Sentence:
A: How is your new teacher?
B: He spent the first hour of class showing off by talking about his degrees, his books, his sports car and his beautiful wife. I dislike him a lot!
The young woman showed off her expensive new iPhone to her jealous friends.
(phrasal verb) arrive somewhere
Example Sentence:
Marta showed up to the party in a beautiful pink dress. She looked very sexy!
The teacher is mad at you because you keep showing up late for class.
If you show up to the concert early, you may get a prize.
(phrasal verb) to have too much work to do
Example Sentences:
Boss: I don’t want to snow you under, but can you finish those reports by tomorrow morning?
Employee: I guess so.
Boss: Thanks! I’m off to the beach!
A: Are you ready to go out today?
B: No, I can’t. I’m snowed under with work. Maybe tomorrow.
The students were unhappy because their teacher was always snowing them under with homework.
Media:
(phrasal verb) to leave quickly on a bicycle, motorcycle, car, or other form of transportation
Example Sentence:
The bank robbers sped off when the police arrived.
My son’s friends are always speeding off when I come home. I wonder what they’re up to.
(phrasal verb) to visit a place or person for a short period of time
Example Sentence:
A: Are you going home after work?
B: No, I have to stop by at the bank and pay some bills.
If you’re not busy, you should stop by and visit your mother. She is lonely.
Last night, I stopped by to the grocery store to buy eggs.
The man’s friends became annoyed when he kept stopping by before calling first.
(phrasal verb) to visit a place or person for a short period of time
Example Sentence:
A: Are you going home after work?
B: No, I have to stop in at the bank and pay some bills.
If you’re not busy, you should stop in and visit your mother. She is lonely.
Last night, I stopped in at the grocery store to buy eggs.
The man’s friends became annoyed when he kept stopping in before calling first.
(phrasal verb) (slang) to be terrible at something
Example Sentences:
A: Do you want to play tennis?
B: No way, I suck at tennis. Let’s play Nintendo Wii instead.
Our team was great defensively, but we sucked at generating any offense.
Media:
(phrasal verb) (slang) to behave in a very friendly, flattering, or kind manner to someone higher than you in order to get a benefit
Example Sentences:
Sarah always sucks up to her boss, because she’s trying to get a promotion and a raise.
A: Who’s your professor this semester?
B: Professor Ornstein.
A: Oh, he’s really tough. If you want to get a good mark, you’d better start sucking up to him!
B: How should I do that?
A: Start by telling him he is the best professor you’ve ever had. Then keep going….
William was angry because he didn’t get promoted to manager, even though he had sucked up to the owner of the company for years.
Media:
(phrasal verb) to look like someone, to act like someone
Example Sentences:
Shelley really takes after her mother, because they both have blonde hair and blue eyes.
Tom and his father both enjoy playing with model trains. I guess Tom really takes after his dad!
Note:
take after is usually used to show resemblance between family members
(phrasal verb) to leave
Example Sentences:
A: What are you doing now?
B: I think I’m going to take off. I feel tired.
The bank robber took off down the street when the police arrived.
Well, I’d better be taking off. Thank you for dinner!
(phrasal verb) to start a hobby or sport
Example Sentences:
Next month I plan to take up soccer. I’d love to learn how to play.
She was thinking about taking up swimming, but she hated getting wet.
Last year, I took up guitar. It’s now my favourite hobby.
(phrasal verb) to completely discuss something important
Example Sentences:
Before you make a decision about a career, you should really talk it over with a career advisor.
The employees talked over a few of the problems, to try to find a solution.
Most problems can be solved by simply talking them over with another person.
(phrasal verb) to talk about something for a short period of time
Example Sentence:
Employee: You wanted to see me, boss?
Boss: Yes, I wanted to touch on a few things about your presentation tomorrow. Do you have five minutes to talk?
The parents briefly touched on the death of Tommy’s grandfather, so he didn’t get too upset.
(phrasal verb) to change, to become
Example Sentence:
If you go to school and study hard, you will turn into an intelligent person.
What happened last night? You drank ten beers and turned into a jerk! You were mean to everybody!
Vancouver is turning into a beautiful big city!
(phrasal verb) to ask someone for help
Example Sentence:
Mom: And if you get lost while traveling, don’t forget to turn to a policeman for help.
Son: Yes, Mom!
Mark turned to his best friend when he was having a fight with his girlfriend.
She is always turning to me when something bad happens. Why can’t she ever call me when she’s happy?
(phrasal verb) slowly proceed or progress to something more difficult.
Example Sentences:
If you want to lift 250 pounds, you should start at 100 and work up to it slowly.
Student: I would like to take the Advanced Grammar class.
Teacher: I think it might be a bit hard for you. Normally, you start with Beginner Grammar, then Intermediate. Only after you’ve worked up to it can you take Advanced Grammar.
Student: Oh.
Old Friend 1: What are you doing these days?
Old Friend 2: I decided to go to Pilot School, and I’m working my way up to becoming an airplane pilot.
Old Friend 1: That’s great!
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