Phrasal verbs in context
Learn phrasal verbs by topic — work, relationships, travel and problems — and understand them in natural conversation.
In this lesson you will
- Learn phrasal verbs grouped by topic
- Understand phrasal verbs in context
- Replace formal verbs with natural phrasal verbs
Learn
Work: take on (employ; accept work), set up (start a business), carry on (continue), hand in (submit), turn down (refuse).
Relationships: get on (well) with (have a good relationship), fall out with (argue and stop being friends), make up (become friends again), break up (end a relationship), look up to (admire).
Travel: set off (start a journey), check in / check out, get away (have a holiday), drop off (take someone somewhere and leave them), pick up.
Problems: sort out (solve), deal with (handle), figure out (understand), go wrong, break down.
Examples
- We set off at dawn to avoid the traffic.
- She turned down the job offer.
- I get on really well with my colleagues.
- Don’t worry, we’ll sort it out.
Vocabulary
set off
start a journey
turn down
refuse (an offer); lower (volume)
fall out with
argue and stop being friends
sort out
solve, organise
look up to
admire
Practice
They ___ after a big argument, but made up a week later.
Listening: A new job
Audio isn’t available in this browser — read the transcript instead.
Sara: How’s the new job going?
Leo: Really well. I get on with everyone in my team.
Sara: Didn’t they turn you down the first time?
Leo: Yes! But they took me on when another position came up.
Sara: And the commute?
Leo: I set off at seven, so I miss the traffic. Only problem: my car broke down last week, but a mechanic sorted it out quickly.
1.Leo has a good relationship with his team.
2.What happened the first time Leo applied?
3.What time does Leo leave home?
4.What happened to his car?
Speaking
Talk about your work or studies, your relationships and a recent trip using at least ten phrasal verbs from this lesson.
Writing
Rewrite a formal paragraph in a natural, informal style using phrasal verbs (80–100 words). Start: “We commenced our journey early…”
Lesson quiz
After the holiday, they ___ — they’re not together any more.
Review
Key points
- Work: take on, set up, carry on, hand in, turn down.
- Relationships: get on with, fall out with, make up, break up, look up to.
- Travel: set off, get away, drop off, pick up.
- Problems: sort out, deal with, figure out.
What you learned
- ✓ I know phrasal verbs by topic.
- ✓ I understand them in conversation.
- ✓ I can sound more natural.