What are Phrasal Verbs? Definition, Types, and Common Examples
Phrasal verbs exercises are key to mastering everyday English. These verbs, made with a main verb and one or more particles (prepositions or adverbs), often carry special meanings different from the original verbs. Practicing phrasal verbs through varied exercises helps students understand, use, and remember them in real contexts, boosting both comprehension and communication skills.
What are Phrasal Verbs? (with Exercises)
Phrasal verbs combine a verb and a particle (such as 'up', 'on', or 'off') to create a new meaning. For example, 'give up' means 'quit', not just 'give'. To master English, students should practice using phrasal verbs in sentences through targeted exercises. Understanding their structure is the first step toward fluency.
Many phrasal verbs are idiomatic, so you can’t always guess their meaning from the individual words. For example, 'break down' can mean to stop working, as in, "My car broke down." You can explore more important phrasal verbs, their definitions, and quiz yourself with various phrasal verb lists and practice tests available on Vedantu.
Common Phrasal Verbs – Meaning & Usage Examples
| Phrasal Verb | Meaning | Usage Example |
|---|---|---|
| Break down | Stop functioning | The bus broke down on the way. |
| Bring up | Mention a topic | She brought up an interesting idea. |
| Put off | Postpone | Don’t put off your homework. |
| Look after | Take care of | He looks after his grandmother. |
| Get along | To have a good relationship | Those two get along very well. |
| Take off | Remove or become airborne | Please take off your shoes. |
| Turn on | Activate | He turned on the lights. |
| Come across | Find by chance | I came across my old diary yesterday. |
Learning to use phrasal verbs accurately is vital for clear communication. Regular practice of phrasal verbs exercises with answers, including advanced levels, helps students in Class 10 and 12, and even those seeking C1 and B2 proficiency. For related grammar resources, see Basic English Grammar and Verb Exercises.
Types and Rules of Phrasal Verbs
Phrasal verbs are classified as transitive/intransitive and separable/inseparable. Some require an object, while others do not. For example, 'call off' a meeting (needs an object) vs. 'wake up' (does not). Understanding these classifications helps you solve phrasal verbs exercises accurately.
Transitive phrasal verbs (need an object): "She called off the event."
Intransitive phrasal verbs (no object): "He woke up early."
Separable (object between verb and particle): "Turn the radio off."
Inseparable (object after particle): "Look after the child."
Try clause and phrasal verb exercises here
Phrasal Verbs Exercises (With Answers)
Practicing with phrasal verbs exercises with answers solidifies your understanding and boosts retention. These exercises are designed for various levels, including Class 7, 8, 9, 10, and 12, as well as advanced B2 and C1 learners. Downloadable phrasal verbs exercises with answers are perfect for self-study and revision.
Below are some sample exercises.
Fill in the blanks with the correct phrasal verb:
She will __________ (look after/look for) the dog while I’m away. Answer: look afterChoose the correct phrasal verb:
Can you __________ (bring up/bring in) this topic at the meeting? Answer: bring upReplace the phrase in bold with a suitable phrasal verb:
He cancelled the match. Answer: He called off the match.Match the following:
Break down – a) Find by chance b) Stop working c) Continue Answer: b) Stop workingPut the correct preposition:
The airplane took ______. Answer: off
- Practice more English grammar exercises
- Test yourself with a phrasal verb quiz
Tips for Mastering Phrasal Verbs (With Real-World Examples)
To excel at phrasal verbs: practice regularly, learn them in context, and use new verbs in sentences or conversations. For example, instead of 'please postpone the meeting', use 'please put off the meeting.' Recognizing patterns (such as phrasal verbs with 'get') makes memorization easier.
Group phrasal verbs by main verb or particle (e.g., all 'bring' or 'break' combinations).
Create flashcards for challenging verbs, using both images and sentences.
Check out more resources under Class 3 Grammar and Grammar for Beginners for easy explanations.
Understand parts of speech and their connection to phrasal verbs
Practice by Levels: From Beginners to Advanced
Phrasal verbs exercises are available for varying levels: Class 5-12, beginners, intermediate (B2), and advanced users (C1). Class-specific sets like 'phrasal verbs exercises with answers pdf class 10' and 'isc phrasal verbs exercises' help students prepare systematically. Advanced students can attempt longer, contextual exercises or rewrite sentences using phrasal verbs.
Explore more learning activities and grammar exercises on Vedantu to reinforce your knowledge.
Phrasal verbs exercises enhance English skills for students at any level. Through regular practice and targeted worksheets, you can confidently use these expressions in speech and writing. Vedantu’s resources offer answer keys, and quizzes, ensuring effective learning for classes 7 to 12 and advanced English mastery.
FAQs on Phrasal Verbs Exercises: Practice with Examples and Answers
1. What are phrasal verbs with examples?
Phrasal verbs are formed by combining a verb with a preposition or adverb, often resulting in a new meaning. For example:
- give up: stop trying – She did not give up easily.
- look after: take care of – Can you look after my dog?
- put off: postpone – We had to put off the meeting.
- break down: stop working – The car broke down suddenly.
- bring up: mention – Please bring up this issue at the meeting.
2. How do you practise phrasal verbs?
You can practise phrasal verbs effectively by using interactive exercises and applying them in sentences. Useful methods include:
- Fill-in-the-blank exercises with answer keys
- Match-the-meaning activities
- Daily use in speaking and writing tasks
- Using flashcards or mobile apps for revision
- Grouping them by base verb for easier memorisation
3. Why are phrasal verbs important?
Phrasal verbs are essential because they frequently appear in spoken English, exam questions, and writing tasks. Their importance includes:
- Making everyday English more natural and fluent
- Often carrying idiomatic meanings not obvious from the main verb
- Regular inclusion in board exams and class 10/12 grammar sections
- Helping improve both comprehension and expression in English
4. Can you give 5 examples of phrasal verbs?
Here are 5 commonly used phrasal verbs with their meanings:
- look after – take care of
- break down – stop working
- call off – cancel
- give up – stop trying
- put up with – tolerate
5. How many types of phrasal verbs are there?
There are four main types of phrasal verbs in English grammar:
- Transitive phrasal verbs – require an object (e.g., "bring up a topic")
- Intransitive phrasal verbs – do not require an object (e.g., "My car broke down")
- Separable phrasal verbs – object can come between verb and particle (e.g., "turn off the light")
- Inseparable phrasal verbs – object must follow the entire phrase (e.g., "look after the baby")
6. What is the difference between phrasal verbs and idioms?
Phrasal verbs are combinations of a verb with a preposition or adverb, creating a specific meaning (e.g., "give up"). Idioms are set expressions whose meanings cannot be understood from the individual words (e.g., "spill the beans" for "reveal a secret"). Main differences:
- Phrasal verbs always include a verb; idioms may not
- Phrasal verbs often have grammatical rules on placement
- Idioms are fixed phrases or sayings
7. Are all phrasal verbs separable?
Not all phrasal verbs are separable. There are two types:
- Separable phrasal verbs: The object can come between the verb and particle (e.g., "turn off the fan" or "turn the fan off").
- Inseparable phrasal verbs: The object must follow the entire phrase (e.g., "look after the child").
8. How can I remember phrasal verbs for exams?
To remember phrasal verbs for exams quickly:
- Group by main verb (e.g., get up, get through, get back)
- Use flashcards for revision
- Make and practise example sentences daily
- Review previous years’ question patterns
- Practise with interactive quizzes and worksheets
9. Can mastering phrasal verbs improve my spoken English?
Yes, mastering phrasal verbs can greatly improve spoken English. Benefits include:
- Making conversation more natural and fluent
- Understanding native speakers easily
- Expressing ideas with less hesitation
- Increasing vocabulary range for dialogues and presentations
10. Where can I find more phrasal verbs exercises with answers?
For more phrasal verb exercises with answers, students can:
- Use CBSE exam practice books for English
- Download class-wise worksheets and answer keys from trusted online platforms
- Visit educational websites that focus on board exam grammar topics
- Practise with exercises found in English textbooks and online quizzes
