Lesson 22 - Phrasal Verbs for Everyday English

This lesson introduces phrasal verbs, combinations of a verb and one or more particles that are extremely common in everyday spoken and written English.

Learning objective

By the end of this lesson, you will correctly use ten common phrasal verbs in context, and recognize whether they are separable or inseparable, with at least 80% accuracy.

1. What is a phrasal verb?

A phrasal verb combines a verb with a particle (a preposition or adverb, such as up, off, out, on) to create a meaning that is often different from the individual words.

2. Separable vs inseparable phrasal verbs

Some phrasal verbs are separable: the object can go between the verb and the particle, or after it. Others are inseparable: the object must always follow the whole phrase.

3. Ten common phrasal verbs

4. Vocabulary for this lesson

5. Guided speaking practice

Ask and answer with a partner using phrasal verbs from this lesson.

• Have you ever had to deal with a difficult problem at work or school?
• Do you take after your mother or your father more?
• Has your car, phone, or computer ever broken down at a bad time?
• What is something you have recently found out that surprised you?

6. Guided listening practice

Listen to each sentence and match the phrasal verb to its meaning.

1. I need to figure out this problem before tomorrow.
2. We ran out of coffee this morning.
3. She set up her own business last year.
4. He showed up late to the meeting again.
5. Let's carry on with the lesson.
6. I came across an old photo while cleaning.

7. Controlled practice

Complete each sentence with the correct phrasal verb from this lesson, in the correct form.

1. We ___ of milk, so I need to buy more.
2. Please don't ___ the topic of salary in the meeting.
3. My laptop ___ right before the deadline.
4. She ___ her own company five years ago.
5. I ___ an old letter from my grandmother while cleaning.

Answer key: 1. ran out 2. bring up 3. broke down 4. set up 5. came across

8. Independent practice

Write six sentences about your own life using six different phrasal verbs from this lesson.

Quick summary

• Phrasal verbs combine a verb with a particle to create a meaning often different from the individual words.
• Separable phrasal verbs allow the object between the verb and particle; a pronoun object must go in the middle.
• Inseparable phrasal verbs keep the object after the whole phrase.

Assessment check

Open Practice this lesson and complete all 15 questions. A score of 12 out of 15 meets the 80% lesson target.

Exit ticket

Write one sentence using a separable phrasal verb with a pronoun object.

Homework

1. Write ten sentences using ten different phrasal verbs from this lesson.
2. Write a short paragraph (six sentences) about your week using at least five phrasal verbs.
3. Look up three new phrasal verbs not covered in this lesson and write an example sentence for each.