Common Phrasal Verbs

List 3: separable transitive verbs

Verbs that require an object and can be separated by the object

* These can also be intransitive (List 1)

** These have another common meaning in the ‘inseparable’ list (List 2)

* blow up = enlarge, cause to explode

**break down = separate into smaller elements

bring about = lead to = cause

bring up = mention (subject)

bring up = raise (children)

brush up = perfect = (brush up on >> see list 2)

call in = ask (expert) to visit you in order to assist you

call off = cancel

*calm down = cause someone to become calm after being angry or stressed

chat up = charm with words

*check in = register someone (at flight desk, hotel reception)

**check out = have a look at

*cheer up = cause someone to become happy after being down

**drop off = take and leave at a destination

figure out = work out = understand, calculate, formulate

fill in = fill out = complete (form, questionnaire etc.)

fill up = make (something)full

fit (someone) in = make time for someone

give up = quit (habit, job)

hand in = submit
knock (an amount) off the price = reduce the price by (an amount)

lay off = make redundant

let down = disappoint

look up = find information about (in dictionary, telephone directory)

make up = invent (story, lies)

make up one’s mind = make a decision

mess up = ruin

pick out = choose

pick up = collect

point out = mention

put off = postpone

put on = wear

put out = extinguish (fire, light)

**set off = cause to explode, operate (bomb, alarm)

set up = arrange (meeting, appointment), create (company, programme etc.)

show off = display one’s advantages

*slow down = reduce the speed of something

sort out = solve (problem), rearrange (things)

*speed up = increase the speed of something

switch off = turn off = stop the operation of

switch on = turn on = start the operation of

take in = absorb (information)

**take off = remove

take over = take control / buy (company)

take up = accept (offer, invitation)

take up = begin (sport, hobby)

take up = occupy (time, space)

throw out = throw away = discard, get rid of

try on = wear to see if it fits or suits

turn down = decrease volume

turn down = refuse (offer, invitation, request, application)

turn off = switch off = stop the operation of

turn on = switch on = start the operation of

**turn up = increase volume / appear

**work out = figure out = understand, calculate (sum), formulate (plan, programme)

**wrap up = put packaging round (gift, box)