B1 phrasal verbs
B1The ones you meet in daily talk and at work: looking after, finding out, putting up with.
257 phrasal verbs
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All B1 phrasal verbs
The whole list in one place: what each verb means, how it takes an object, similar words and example sentences.
give up
Separable · give up / give (something) up
stop trying, or stop doing something
Mots proches: quit, stop
- Do not give up after one mistake.
- He gave smoking up last year.
give in
No object · give in (to something)
stop resisting and agree
Mots proches: surrender, yield
- The children kept asking, so she finally gave in.
- We will not give in to their demands.
keep on
Inseparable · keep on (doing something)
continue doing something without stopping
Mots proches: carry on, continue
- She kept on talking during the film.
- If you keep on practising, you will improve.
take up
Separable · take (something) up
start a new activity or hobby
Mots proches: start, begin
- He wants to take up running.
- My sister took painting up last year.
set up
Separable · set (something) up
arrange or create something
Mots proches: establish, arrange
- We need to set up a new account.
- They set a small business up in 2019.
start over
No object · start over
begin again from the beginning
Mots proches: begin again
- I made a mistake, so I had to start over.
- She wanted to start over in a new city.
kick off
No object · kick off · informal
begin, especially a match or an event
Mots proches: begin, start
- The match kicks off at three.
- The festival kicked off with a concert.
set out
No object · set out (to do something)
begin a journey, or begin with a plan or aim
Mots proches: start out, set off
- They set out at dawn.
- She set out to write a novel in a year.
wind up
No object · wind up (somewhere / doing something) · informal
end up in a place or situation, often without planning it
Mots proches: end up
- We wound up in a tiny village.
- He wound up paying for everyone.
end up
No object · end up (somewhere / doing something)
reach a place or situation in the end
Mots proches: finish up, wind up
- We ended up at my aunt's house.
- If you don't study, you will end up repeating the year.
turn out
No object · turn out (to be something)
happen or prove to be in the end
Mots proches: prove to be, end up
- The party turned out to be great fun.
- It turned out that he was my neighbour.
go ahead
No object · go ahead
begin or continue, often after permission
Mots proches: proceed
- Go ahead, I'm listening.
- They decided to go ahead with the plan.
move on
No object · move on (to something)
stop doing one thing and start another
Mots proches: progress, continue
- Let's move on to the next topic.
- It is time to move on after the break-up.
hold up
Separable · hold (someone or something) up
make someone or something late
Mots proches: delay
- Traffic held us up for an hour.
- Sorry, I was held up at work.
put off
Separable · put (something) off
delay something until later
Mots proches: postpone, delay
- They put off the trip because of rain.
- Don't put the visit off any longer.
call off
Separable · call (something) off
cancel a plan or event
Mots proches: cancel
- The school may call off the match.
- They called the wedding off.
wrap up
Separable · wrap (something) up
finish something, especially a meeting or a job
Mots proches: finish, conclude
- Let's wrap up the meeting now.
- I need to wrap this report up before lunch.
carry out
Separable · carry (something) out
do a task, plan or study
Mots proches: perform, conduct
- The lab will carry out a safety test.
- Police carried the search out at night.
shut down
Separable · shut (something) down
stop a business or machine working, or close it for good
Mots proches: close
- The factory shut down in 2020.
- They shut the old website down.
find out
Separable · find (something) out / find out (about something)
discover information
Mots proches: discover, learn
- I want to find out who sent the message.
- She found the truth out by accident.
figure out
Separable · figure (something) out
understand or solve something by thinking
Mots proches: work out, solve
- Can you figure out this password problem?
- I can't figure the answer out.
work out (solve)
Separable · work (something) out
find the answer to a problem or calculate something
Mots proches: solve, calculate
- We need to work out the total cost.
- He worked the puzzle out in ten minutes.
sort out
Separable · sort (something) out
solve or organise a problem
Mots proches: resolve, fix
- We must sort out the ticket problem.
- She sorted the mix-up out quickly.
clear up
Separable · clear (something) up
explain something so it is no longer confusing, or tidy a place
Mots proches: clarify, resolve
- Let me clear up a few points.
- The teacher cleared the confusion up.
deal with
Inseparable · deal with (something or someone)
handle a problem or situation
Mots proches: handle, manage
- The manager will deal with the complaint.
- I'll deal with the bills tomorrow.
look into
Inseparable · look into (something)
investigate something
Mots proches: investigate, examine
- The team will look into the payment error.
- The police are looking into the robbery.
think over
Separable · think (something) over
consider something carefully before deciding
Mots proches: consider
- Let me think it over and call you back.
- He wanted to think over the offer.
talk over
Separable · talk (something) over
discuss something fully with someone
Mots proches: discuss
- We should talk the plan over first.
- They talked over the problem for hours.
point out
Separable · point (something) out
draw attention to something
Mots proches: indicate, highlight
- She will point out the main risk.
- He pointed the mistake out politely.
mix up
Separable · mix (something) up
confuse one thing with another
Mots proches: confuse
- I always mix up their names.
- She mixed the dates up.
try out
Separable · try (something) out
test something to see if it works or if you like it
Mots proches: test
- I want to try out the new software.
- They tried the bike out in the park.
check out (look at)
Separable · check (something or someone) out · informal
look at something to see what it is like
Mots proches: look at, have a look at
- Check out this video!
- We should check that café out.
pick out
Separable · pick (something) out
choose something from a group
Mots proches: choose, select
- She picked out a blue scarf.
- Can you pick your photo out?
leave out
Separable · leave (something) out
not include something
Mots proches: omit, exclude
- Don't leave out the date.
- They left him out of the team.
look over
Separable · look (something) over
check something quickly
Mots proches: check, go through
- Can you look over my essay?
- He looked the contract over before signing.
go over
Inseparable · go over (something)
check or explain something carefully
Mots proches: review, check
- Let's go over the instructions again.
- The teacher went over the answers.
go through
Inseparable · go through (something)
examine or look carefully at a set of things
Mots proches: search, check
- She went through her bag to find her keys.
- I need to go through these documents.
sum up
Separable · sum (something) up
give the main points of something in a few words
Mots proches: summarise
- Can you sum up the story in one sentence?
- He summed the report up well.
catch on
No object · catch on
become popular, or start to understand
Mots proches: become popular, understand
- The new game caught on quickly.
- It took him a while to catch on.
get across
Separable · get (something) across
make people understand an idea
Mots proches: communicate, convey
- She found it hard to get her idea across.
- The advert gets its message across clearly.
look after
Inseparable · look after (someone or something)
take care of someone or something
Mots proches: take care of, mind
- My aunt will look after the children tonight.
- Who looks after your dog?
get along with
Inseparable · get along with (someone)
have a friendly relationship with someone
Mots proches: get on with
- I get along with my new colleagues.
- She doesn't get along with her brother.
get on with
Inseparable · get on with (someone) · mostly British
be friendly with someone and enjoy their company
Mots proches: get along with
- Do you get on with your neighbours?
- They have always got on with each other.
put up with
Inseparable · put up with (something or someone)
accept something unpleasant without complaining
Mots proches: tolerate, stand
- I cannot put up with this noise.
- She puts up with a lot at work.
fall out
No object · fall out (with someone)
have an argument and stop being friendly
Mots proches: quarrel, argue
- The two friends fell out over money.
- I don't want to fall out with you.
make up (reconcile)
No object · make up (with someone)
become friends again after an argument
Mots proches: reconcile
- They had a fight but soon made up.
- Why don't you make up with her?
make up (invent)
Separable · make (something) up
invent a story or an excuse
Mots proches: invent, create
- He made up an excuse for being late.
- The child made the whole story up.
let down
Separable · let (someone) down
disappoint someone by not doing what you promised
Mots proches: disappoint
- Please don't let me down.
- The team felt let down by the referee.
tell off
Separable · tell (someone) off
speak angrily to someone because they did something wrong
Mots proches: scold, criticise
- The teacher told him off for being late.
- My mum told off the children for making noise.
pick on
Inseparable · pick on (someone)
treat someone unfairly, again and again
Mots proches: bully
- The older boys pick on him.
- Stop picking on your sister.
show off
No object · show off
try to impress people with what you can do or have
Mots proches: boast, brag
- He likes to show off his new car.
- Stop showing off in front of the guests.
open up (feelings)
No object · open up (to someone)
start to talk about your feelings openly
Mots proches: confide
- It took her months to open up to us.
- He finds it hard to open up.
cheer on
Separable · cheer (someone) on
shout to encourage a person or team
Mots proches: encourage, support
- Thousands came to cheer the runners on.
- We cheered on our team all night.
stand by
Inseparable · stand by (someone)
stay loyal and keep supporting someone
Mots proches: support, back
- Her friends stood by her through the difficult year.
- I will always stand by you.
take after
Inseparable · take after (a relative)
look or behave like an older family member
Mots proches: resemble
- She takes after her mother.
- Who do you take after, your father or your mother?
grow out of
Inseparable · grow out of (something)
stop doing something as you get older, or become too big for it
Mots proches: outgrow
- He grew out of his fear of dogs.
- She has grown out of these shoes.
count on
Inseparable · count on (someone or something)
trust someone to do something for you
Mots proches: rely on, depend on
- You can count on me.
- We are counting on good weather.
get over
Inseparable · get over (something)
recover from something difficult
Mots proches: recover from
- It took months to get over the injury.
- She still hasn't got over the shock.
pass away
No object · pass away · polite
die, said in a gentle way
Mots proches: die
- His grandfather passed away last spring.
- She passed away peacefully in her sleep.
break down (emotion)
No object · break down
lose control of your feelings and start to cry
Mots proches: burst into tears
- She broke down when she heard the news.
- He broke down in the interview.
look forward to
Inseparable · look forward to (something)
feel happy about something that will happen
Mots proches: anticipate
- I look forward to seeing you.
- We are looking forward to the holidays.
show up
No object · show up
arrive where you are expected
Mots proches: turn up, appear
- He did not show up for the lesson.
- Only five people showed up.
turn up (arrive)
No object · turn up
arrive, often without much notice
Mots proches: show up, arrive
- Half the guests turned up late.
- She turned up at my door with a cake.
hang out
No object · hang out (with someone) · informal
spend relaxed time with people
Mots proches: spend time, chill
- We hang out at the park after class.
- He hangs out with his cousins on Sundays.
pop in
No object · pop in · informal
visit someone for a very short time
Mots proches: drop in, call in
- I'll pop in on my way home.
- She popped in to say hello.
stay out
No object · stay out
not come home until late
Mots proches: stay away
- Teenagers love to stay out late.
- He stayed out all night.
get away
No object · get away (from somewhere)
escape, or go on a short holiday
Mots proches: escape, leave
- The thief got away on a bike.
- We need to get away for a weekend.
run into
Inseparable · run into (someone)
meet someone by chance
Mots proches: bump into, meet
- I ran into an old friend at the shop.
- She ran into her teacher on the bus.
come across
Inseparable · come across (something or someone)
find or meet by chance
Mots proches: find, stumble on
- I often come across old photos when I clean.
- She came across a strange letter.
drop out
No object · drop out (of something)
leave school or a course before finishing
Mots proches: quit, leave
- He dropped out of university.
- Two runners dropped out of the race.
take part in
Inseparable · take part in (something)
be one of the people doing an activity
Mots proches: participate in, join in
- Everyone is welcome to take part in the quiz.
- She took part in the school play.
line up
No object · line up
stand in a line and wait
Mots proches: queue
- Please line up by the door.
- Fans lined up for hours to buy tickets.
pull over
No object · pull over
drive to the side of the road and stop
Mots proches: stop
- The police asked him to pull over.
- Can you pull over here, please?
walk out
No object · walk out (of a place)
leave suddenly because you are angry or unhappy
Mots proches: storm out
- Half the audience walked out.
- She walked out of the meeting.
settle down
No object · settle down
become calm, or start a quiet life in one place
Mots proches: calm down, settle
- The class settled down when the teacher came in.
- They want to settle down and have children.
stick around
No object · stick around · informal
stay in a place instead of leaving
Mots proches: stay, remain
- Can you stick around until I finish?
- I'll stick around for a few more minutes.
let in
Separable · let (someone) in
allow someone to come inside
Mots proches: admit
- Please let the cat in.
- The guard wouldn't let us in.
hand in
Separable · hand (something) in
give completed work to a teacher or manager
Mots proches: submit
- Hand in your report before Friday.
- She handed her essay in late.
hand over
Separable · hand (something) over
give something directly into someone's hands or control
Mots proches: pass, give
- He handed over the keys.
- Hand it over, please.
send back
Separable · send (something) back
return something to the person who sent it
Mots proches: return
- I had to send the shoes back.
- They sent back the faulty phone.
take back
Separable · take (something) back
return something to a shop, or say you did not mean something
Mots proches: return, withdraw
- I'm going to take these trousers back.
- I'm sorry, I take it back.
turn into
Inseparable · turn into (something)
change and become something different
Mots proches: become
- The caterpillar turned into a butterfly.
- Rain turned into snow in the night.
come out
No object · come out
become available to the public, or appear
Mots proches: be released, appear
- Her new book comes out in May.
- The sun came out after lunch.
come up
No object · come up
be mentioned, or happen unexpectedly
Mots proches: arise, crop up
- Your name came up in the meeting.
- Something came up, so I can't come.
go off
No object · go off
make a sudden loud noise, or become bad
Mots proches: ring, spoil
- The alarm went off at six.
- This milk has gone off.
blow up
Separable · blow (something) up
fill something with air, or destroy it with an explosion
Mots proches: inflate, explode
- We blew up the balloons for the party.
- The bridge was blown up in the war.
burn down
No object · burn down
be destroyed completely by fire
Mots proches: be destroyed by fire
- The old barn burned down last night.
- They watched the house burn down.
put out
Separable · put (something) out
stop a fire or a light from burning
Mots proches: extinguish
- Firefighters put out the fire.
- Please put your cigarette out.
use up
Separable · use (something) up
finish all of something
Mots proches: finish, exhaust
- Who used up all the milk?
- We have used our budget up.
run out of
Inseparable · run out of (something)
have none left
Mots proches: use up, exhaust
- We might run out of coffee before the meeting.
- The car ran out of petrol.
wear out
Separable · wear (something) out
use something until it is no longer good, or make someone very tired
Mots proches: exhaust
- He wore out three pairs of boots.
- The long trip wore me out.
cut down on
Inseparable · cut down on (something)
reduce the amount of something
Mots proches: reduce, cut back on
- I need to cut down on sugar.
- The city wants to cut down on traffic.
cut off
Separable · cut (something) off
remove something by cutting, or stop a supply
Mots proches: remove, disconnect
- They cut off the water for the day.
- The call was cut off.
cut out
Separable · cut (something) out
remove something by cutting, or stop doing something
Mots proches: remove, stop
- She cut out the article.
- The doctor told him to cut out salt.
tear up
Separable · tear (something) up
pull paper into small pieces
Mots proches: rip up
- She tore up the letter.
- He tore the ticket up.
take down
Separable · take (something) down
remove something from a high place, or write it down
Mots proches: remove, note
- Please take down the posters.
- The officer took down her details.
take apart
Separable · take (something) apart
separate something into its pieces
Mots proches: dismantle
- He took the radio apart.
- I had to take apart the shelf.
put together
Separable · put (something) together
join the parts of something to make it
Mots proches: assemble, build
- It took an hour to put together the desk.
- She put a team together.
fall apart
No object · fall apart
break into pieces, or stop working well
Mots proches: collapse, break up
- The old chair fell apart.
- Their plans fell apart.
fall through
No object · fall through
fail to happen as planned
Mots proches: collapse, fail
- The sale may fall through at the last minute.
- Our holiday plans fell through.
break out
No object · break out
start suddenly, used for wars, fires and diseases
Mots proches: start, erupt
- A fire broke out in the kitchen.
- War broke out in 1939.
break into
Inseparable · break into (a place)
enter a building by force to steal
Mots proches: burgle
- Thieves broke into the shop.
- Someone broke into our car.
break up
No object · break up
end a relationship, or end a gathering
Mots proches: split up, end
- They broke up after two years.
- The party broke up at midnight.
split up
No object · split up
end a relationship or separate into groups
Mots proches: break up, separate
- My parents split up when I was ten.
- Let's split up and search the park.
pay off
Separable · pay (something) off
finish paying money you owe
Mots proches: repay, settle
- They paid off the loan in five years.
- He paid his debts off.
give away
Separable · give (something) away
give something to someone without asking for money
Mots proches: donate
- She gave away her old clothes.
- The shop is giving free samples away.
give out
Separable · give (something) out
hand something to several people
Mots proches: distribute, hand out
- The teacher gave out the books.
- They gave leaflets out at the station.
pass on
Separable · pass (something) on
give something you received to someone else
Mots proches: hand on, transmit
- Please pass the message on.
- He passed on the news.
pack up
Separable · pack (something) up
put your things away, ready to leave
Mots proches: pack away
- It's late, so let's pack up.
- They packed the tent up.
top up
Separable · top (something) up · mostly British
add more to something that is partly full
Mots proches: refill
- I need to top up my phone.
- Can I top your glass up?
tie up
Separable · tie (someone or something) up
fasten something with rope or string
Mots proches: fasten, bind
- Tie up the dog outside.
- They tied the boat up.
turn down (refuse)
Separable · turn (something or someone) down
refuse an offer or request
Mots proches: refuse, reject
- She may turn down the job offer.
- He turned the invitation down.
turn over
Separable · turn (something) over
move something so that the other side is up
Mots proches: flip
- Turn over the page.
- She turned the card over.
turn in
Separable · turn (something) in
give something to someone in authority
Mots proches: hand in, submit
- Please turn in your tests now.
- He turned the wallet in to the police.
wipe out
Separable · wipe (something) out
destroy or remove something completely
Mots proches: destroy, eliminate
- The storm wiped out the whole crop.
- The virus nearly wiped them out.
write up
Separable · write (something) up
write a full report from notes
Mots proches: write out
- I must write up the meeting notes.
- She wrote the experiment up.
fill out
Separable · fill (something) out · mostly American
complete a form by writing in the spaces
Mots proches: complete, fill in
- Please fill out this form.
- He filled the application out.
get into
Inseparable · get into (a place or activity)
enter a place, or be accepted by a school or club
Mots proches: enter
- She got into a good university.
- How did he get into the building?
get through
Inseparable · get through (something)
finish something difficult or reach the end of it
Mots proches: survive, complete
- I don't know how I'll get through this week.
- We got through the exam.
catch up
No object · catch up (with someone)
reach the same level or position as others
Mots proches: reach
- Go ahead, I'll catch up with you.
- She missed a month and has to catch up.
keep up with
Inseparable · keep up with (someone or something)
stay at the same speed or level as others
Mots proches: stay level with
- It is hard to keep up with the news.
- He ran fast, and I couldn't keep up with him.
speak up
No object · speak up
talk more loudly, or say what you think
Mots proches: talk louder
- Could you speak up, please?
- If you disagree, speak up.
own up
No object · own up (to something)
admit that you did something wrong
Mots proches: confess, admit
- Nobody wanted to own up.
- He owned up to breaking the window.
slip up
No object · slip up · informal
make a small mistake
Mots proches: make a mistake
- She slipped up and gave the wrong date.
- One slip up could cost us the match.
mess up
Separable · mess (something) up · informal
do something badly or spoil it
Mots proches: spoil, ruin
- I messed up the interview.
- Don't mess the plan up.
work on
Inseparable · work on (something)
spend time making or improving something
Mots proches: develop
- She is working on a new project.
- We need to work on your pronunciation.
stick to
Inseparable · stick to (something)
keep to a plan, rule or decision
Mots proches: keep to, follow
- Let's stick to the plan.
- He stuck to his diet.
stand out
No object · stand out
be easy to notice because of being different or better
Mots proches: be noticeable
- Her red coat stood out in the crowd.
- Your CV needs to stand out.
fit in
No object · fit in
feel that you belong to a group
Mots proches: belong
- He found it hard to fit in at the new school.
- She fits in well with the team.
get by
No object · get by
manage to live or cope with little money or skill
Mots proches: manage, cope
- They get by on one salary.
- I can get by in French.
pass out
No object · pass out
suddenly lose consciousness
Mots proches: faint
- He passed out in the heat.
- Two runners passed out at the end.
warm up
No object · warm up
prepare your body for exercise
Mots proches: loosen up
- Players warm up before the match.
- Always warm up before you run.
eat up
Separable · eat (something) up
finish all of the food
Mots proches: finish
- Eat up your vegetables.
- The children ate everything up.
look down on
Inseparable · look down on (someone)
think you are better than someone
Mots proches: despise
- He looks down on people without a degree.
- Don't look down on beginners.
go after
Inseparable · go after (something or someone)
chase or try to get something
Mots proches: chase, pursue
- The police went after the thief.
- She decided to go after her dream job.
go along with
Inseparable · go along with (an idea)
agree with a plan or idea
Mots proches: agree with
- I'll go along with your idea.
- Nobody wanted to go along with the plan.
get ahead
No object · get ahead
be more successful than others
Mots proches: succeed, progress
- She works hard to get ahead.
- It is hard to get ahead without a good education.
bring up (mention)
Separable · bring (something) up
mention a subject for discussion
Mots proches: raise, mention
- Please do not bring up the budget yet.
- She brought the idea up at lunch.
bring up (raise a child)
Separable · bring (someone) up
look after a child until they are an adult
Mots proches: raise, rear
- She brought up three children alone.
- He was brought up by his grandparents.
get together
No object · get together (with someone)
meet someone socially
Mots proches: meet up
- Let's get together on Saturday.
- The family gets together every Christmas.
get back to
Inseparable · get back to (someone)
contact someone again later with an answer
Mots proches: reply to, call back
- I'll get back to you tomorrow.
- She got back to me within an hour.
hang around
No object · hang around · informal
wait or spend time in a place without a clear purpose
Mots proches: linger, loiter
- Teenagers hang around outside the shop.
- Don't hang around, we're late.
hang on
No object · hang on · informal
wait for a moment
Mots proches: wait, hold on
- Hang on, I'll be back in a minute.
- Can you hang on while I check?
break in
No object · break in
enter a building by force
Mots proches: burgle, force entry
- Thieves broke in through the window.
- Someone broke in last night.
break off
Separable · break (something) off
end something suddenly, or snap a piece away
Mots proches: end, snap off
- They broke off the talks.
- She broke a piece of chocolate off.
call up
Separable · call (someone) up
telephone someone
Mots proches: phone, ring
- I'll call you up tonight.
- He called up his sister.
clear out
Separable · clear (something) out
empty a place by removing things you do not need
Mots proches: empty, tidy out
- We cleared out the garage.
- She cleared her desk out.
nod off
No object · nod off · informal
fall asleep, usually without meaning to
Mots proches: doze off, fall asleep
- Grandad nodded off in front of the TV.
- I almost nodded off in the lecture.
doze off
No object · doze off
fall into a light sleep
Mots proches: nod off, drift off
- He dozed off on the train.
- I dozed off during the film.
drop in
No object · drop in (on someone)
visit someone without arranging it
Mots proches: pop in, call in
- Feel free to drop in any time.
- She dropped in on her neighbour.
look through
Inseparable · look through (something)
read or check something quickly
Mots proches: browse, skim
- I looked through the brochure.
- She looked through her notes.
pass by
No object · pass by
go past a place or person
Mots proches: go past
- I pass by the bakery every day.
- A bus passed by without stopping.
run over
Separable · run (someone or something) over
hit someone or something with a vehicle
Mots proches: knock down
- The car nearly ran over the cat.
- He was run over by a bike.
show around
Separable · show (someone) around
take someone through a place to show it to them
Mots proches: give a tour
- She showed us around the office.
- Let me show you around the town.
sign in
No object · sign in
write your name or enter your details to record you are there
Mots proches: log in, register
- Visitors must sign in at the desk.
- I can't sign in to my account.
sleep over
No object · sleep over
stay the night at someone else's home
Mots proches: stay the night
- Can my friend sleep over on Friday?
- The kids slept over at their cousin's.
stick out
No object · stick out
extend beyond a surface, or be easy to notice
Mots proches: protrude, stand out
- A nail was sticking out of the wall.
- His ears stick out.
switch over
No object · switch over (to something)
change from one thing to another
Mots proches: change
- Shall we switch over to another channel?
- The firm switched over to solar power.
tell on
Inseparable · tell on (someone) · informal
report someone's bad behaviour to an adult or boss
Mots proches: report, inform on
- Don't tell on me!
- He told on his brother.
throw up
No object · throw up · informal
bring food up from your stomach through your mouth
Mots proches: be sick, vomit
- The baby threw up after dinner.
- I felt like I would throw up.
touch down
No object · touch down
land, used for planes
Mots proches: land
- The plane touched down at noon.
- We touched down ten minutes early.
turn back
No object · turn back
return the way you came
Mots proches: go back
- We had to turn back because of the snow.
- It's too late to turn back.
wash up
No object · wash up · mostly British
wash the plates and dishes after a meal
Mots proches: do the dishes
- I'll cook if you wash up.
- Who washed up last night?
watch over
Inseparable · watch over (someone or something)
guard and protect someone or something
Mots proches: protect, guard
- A nurse watched over the patient.
- Soldiers watch over the border.
work through
Inseparable · work through (something)
deal with a problem or a list of things one by one
Mots proches: deal with, tackle
- We worked through the exercises together.
- She is working through her grief.
cut in
No object · cut in
interrupt someone, or drive in front of another car suddenly
Mots proches: interrupt
- Please don't cut in while I'm talking.
- A van cut in and I had to brake.
do up
Separable · do (something) up
fasten clothing, or repair and decorate a building
Mots proches: fasten, renovate
- Do up your coat, it's cold.
- They did the old house up themselves.
start up
Separable · start (something) up
begin a business or make an engine begin to work
Mots proches: found, launch
- She started up her own company.
- He started the engine up.
talk back
No object · talk back
answer an adult or boss in a rude way
Mots proches: answer back
- Don't talk back to your mother.
- He was punished for talking back.
step in
No object · step in
become involved in a situation in order to help or stop it
Mots proches: intervene
- The teacher had to step in and stop the fight.
- The government stepped in to help.
move away
No object · move away
go to live in a different town or area
Mots proches: relocate
- Many young people move away for work.
- Her best friend moved away last year.
pull up
No object · pull up
stop a vehicle
Mots proches: stop
- A taxi pulled up outside the hotel.
- He pulled up at the traffic lights.
pay up
No object · pay up · informal
pay money that you owe, even if you don't want to
Mots proches: settle up
- If you lose the bet, you must pay up.
- They finally paid up after six months.
play around
No object · play around
behave in a silly way, or try things without a serious aim
Mots proches: mess around
- Stop playing around and listen.
- I like to play around with new recipes.
lay out
Separable · lay (something) out
arrange or display things so they can be seen clearly
Mots proches: arrange, display
- She laid out all the cards on the table.
- The garden is laid out in rows.
ask around
No object · ask around
ask several people for information
Mots proches: enquire
- I will ask around and see who has a spare ticket.
- He asked around about flats.
get out of
Inseparable · get out of (something)
avoid a duty or something you do not want to do
Mots proches: avoid, dodge
- He always tries to get out of washing up.
- I can't get out of this meeting.
get rid of
Inseparable · get rid of (something)
throw away something, or free yourself from it
Mots proches: dispose of, remove
- We need to get rid of these old chairs.
- How can I get rid of this cough?
get around
No object · get around
move from place to place, or spread to many people
Mots proches: travel about, circulate
- It is easy to get around the city by bike.
- News of the wedding got around quickly.
get down
Separable · get (someone) down
make someone feel sad or without hope
Mots proches: depress, upset
- Grey weather really gets me down.
- Don't let the bad news get you down.
take care of
Inseparable · take care of (someone / something)
look after someone or deal with a task
Mots proches: look after, handle
- Who will take care of the dog?
- Leave the tickets to me; I'll take care of them.
take advantage of
Inseparable · take advantage of (something / someone)
use a chance well, or use a person unfairly
Mots proches: make use of, exploit
- You should take advantage of the free classes.
- Don't let them take advantage of your kindness.
come apart
No object · come apart
separate into pieces without being cut or broken on purpose
Mots proches: fall to pieces
- The old book came apart in my hands.
- The toy came apart when he dropped it.
come about
No object · come about
happen, especially in a way you did not plan
Mots proches: happen, occur
- How did this misunderstanding come about?
- The change came about very slowly.
come down
No object · come down
move to a lower place, or become lower in price
Mots proches: descend, drop
- Please come down for dinner.
- House prices have come down a little.
go for
Inseparable · go for (something)
choose something, or try to get it
Mots proches: choose, pick
- I'll go for the soup, please.
- She decided to go for the manager's job.
go without
Inseparable · go without (something)
manage when you do not have something
Mots proches: do without
- Some families go without heating in winter.
- I can't go without coffee in the morning.
go by
No object · go by
pass a place, or pass as time goes on
Mots proches: pass
- A bus went by without stopping.
- Weeks went by and nobody called.
look ahead
No object · look ahead
think about the future and plan for it
Mots proches: plan ahead
- It is wise to look ahead when you save money.
- The company is looking ahead to next year.
fall off
No object · fall off
drop down from something, or become fewer
Mots proches: drop off, tumble
- The child fell off his bike.
- Sales fell off in the summer.
stand around
No object · stand around
stand somewhere doing nothing useful
Mots proches: loiter
- Don't just stand around; help us!
- Some boys were standing around outside the shop.
stand back
No object · stand back
move away from something to be safer or to see better
Mots proches: step back
- Please stand back from the edge.
- Stand back and look at the whole picture.
bring along
Separable · bring (someone / something) along
take someone or something with you to a place
Mots proches: take with you
- You can bring a friend along to the party.
- Remember to bring along your passport.
bring together
Separable · bring (people) together
make people meet or join in one group
Mots proches: unite, gather
- Sport can bring people together.
- The festival brings together musicians from all over Europe.
run after
Inseparable · run after (someone / something)
chase someone or something
Mots proches: chase
- The dog ran after the ball.
- He ran after the bus but missed it.
run off
No object · run off
leave quickly, often in secret
Mots proches: flee, escape
- The thief ran off with my phone.
- She ran off before anyone could stop her.
run out
No object · run out
be used up so that none is left
Mots proches: be used up, finish
- Hurry up, time is running out.
- Our milk has run out.
pass through
Inseparable · pass through (a place)
go through a place on the way to another
Mots proches: travel through
- The train passes through three tunnels.
- We passed through Paris on our way south.
pull in
No object · pull in
arrive at a station, or move a vehicle to the side of the road
Mots proches: arrive, draw in
- The train pulled in at platform two.
- He pulled in beside the cafe.
hang about
No object · hang about · British, informal
wait or spend time somewhere with no purpose
Mots proches: hang around, loiter
- Teenagers often hang about outside the cinema.
- I don't want to hang about in the rain.
check on
Inseparable · check on (someone / something)
make sure that someone or something is all right
Mots proches: look in on
- I'll check on the baby in a minute.
- She checked on her neighbour after the storm.
keep away
No object · keep away (from something)
stay at a distance from someone or something
Mots proches: stay clear
- Keep away from the fire.
- Doctors told him to keep away from salty food.
keep off
Inseparable · keep off (something)
not step on a place, or not touch a subject
Mots proches: avoid
- Please keep off the grass.
- Let's keep off politics tonight.
stay away
No object · stay away (from somewhere)
not go near a place or a person
Mots proches: keep away
- I told him to stay away from my house.
- Tourists should stay away from the cliff.
stay behind
No object · stay behind
remain after others have gone
Mots proches: remain
- Two students stayed behind to clean the room.
- She stayed behind to talk to the teacher.
move over
No object · move over
change position to make space for someone
Mots proches: shift along
- Could you move over a little?
- He moved over and let her sit down.
move forward
No object · move forward
go ahead, or make progress
Mots proches: advance, progress
- The queue is slowly moving forward.
- We must move forward with the project.
hand back
Separable · hand (something) back
give something to the person it belongs to
Mots proches: return
- The teacher handed our tests back.
- Please hand back the keys when you leave.
stick together
No object · stick together
stay close and help each other
Mots proches: stay united
- We must stick together in hard times.
- The group stuck together all through the trip.
stick with
Inseparable · stick with (something / someone)
continue using or supporting something
Mots proches: stay with, persevere with
- I'll stick with my old phone for now.
- Stick with the course; it gets easier.
sit around
No object · sit around
spend time sitting and doing nothing useful
Mots proches: laze about
- He just sits around all day.
- We sat around waiting for the rain to stop.
drop by
No object · drop by
visit someone for a short time without a plan
Mots proches: stop by, call in
- Feel free to drop by any time.
- A neighbour dropped by with some cake.
write out
Separable · write (something) out
write something in full on paper
Mots proches: write in full
- Please write out your full name.
- She wrote the recipe out for me.
think of
Inseparable · think of (something / someone)
have an idea come into your mind
Mots proches: come up with, imagine
- Can you think of a good name?
- I can't think of the answer.
catch up with
Inseparable · catch up with (someone)
reach a person who is ahead of you
Mots proches: overtake, draw level with
- Run ahead and I'll catch up with you.
- She soon caught up with the other runners.
catch up on
Inseparable · catch up on (something)
do something you have not had time to do
Mots proches: make up for
- I need to catch up on my sleep.
- He spent Sunday catching up on emails.
let out
Separable · let (someone or something) out
allow a person or animal to leave a place
Mots proches: release, free
- Please let the cat out.
- They let out the prisoners at dawn.
step forward
No object · step forward
move ahead, or offer to help
Mots proches: come forward
- Will the winner please step forward?
- Nobody stepped forward to take the job.
add up
Separable · add (numbers) up
calculate the total of numbers
Mots proches: total, sum
- Add up the prices before you pay.
- She added the numbers up twice.
blow out
Separable · blow (something) out
stop a flame by blowing on it
Mots proches: extinguish
- Make a wish and blow out the candles.
- The wind blew the match out.
boot up
Separable · boot (something) up
start a computer so that it is ready to use
Mots proches: start up, switch on
- It takes a minute to boot up my laptop.
- She booted the computer up and checked her mail.
breathe in
No object · breathe in
take air into your lungs
Mots proches: inhale
- Breathe in slowly through your nose.
- The doctor asked me to breathe in deeply.
breathe out
No object · breathe out
send air out of your lungs
Mots proches: exhale
- Breathe out and relax your shoulders.
- He breathed out with relief.
bump into
Inseparable · bump into (someone)
meet a person unexpectedly, often by knocking against them lightly
Mots proches: run into, come across
- I bumped into an old friend at the market.
- You never know who you will bump into.
chill out
No object · chill out · informal
relax and stop worrying
Mots proches: relax, calm down
- After work I just chill out at home.
- Chill out, we have plenty of time.
clear away
Separable · clear (things) away
remove things from a table or a place after use
Mots proches: tidy away
- Can you clear away the plates?
- He cleared the toys away before bed.
close down
Separable · close (something) down
stop a business or a service for good
Mots proches: shut down
- The shop is closing down next month.
- They closed the factory down in 2020.
cool down
No object · cool down
become less hot, or become calmer
Mots proches: calm down, chill
- Let the soup cool down before you eat it.
- Give him time to cool down after the argument.
die out
No object · die out
disappear completely from the world
Mots proches: become extinct, vanish
- Dinosaurs died out millions of years ago.
- Many old customs are dying out.
do without
Inseparable · do without (something)
manage although you do not have something
Mots proches: go without
- I can't do without my phone.
- We had to do without hot water for a day.
drink up
No object · drink up
finish your drink
Mots proches: finish your drink
- Drink up, we have to leave.
- Children, drink up your milk.
fold up
Separable · fold (something) up
make something smaller by folding it
Mots proches: fold
- Fold up the map and put it away.
- She folded the towels up.
kick out
Separable · kick (someone) out · informal
force someone to leave a place
Mots proches: throw out, expel
- The club kicked out three noisy guests.
- His parents kicked him out of the house.
knock over
Separable · knock (something) over
hit something so that it falls down
Mots proches: tip over
- Be careful not to knock over the vase.
- The wind knocked the bins over.
leave behind
Separable · leave (something) behind
forget to take something, or go without it
Mots proches: forget, abandon
- I left my umbrella behind on the train.
- They left behind their old life and moved abroad.
lock out
Separable · lock (someone) out
shut a door so that someone cannot get in
Mots proches: shut out
- I locked myself out of the flat.
- Don't lock the children out in the cold.
note down
Separable · note (something) down
write something short so you remember it
Mots proches: jot down, write down
- Let me note down your address.
- She noted the number down on her hand.
print out
Separable · print (something) out
make a paper copy of a file
Mots proches: print
- Can you print out the tickets?
- He printed the report out for the meeting.
queue up
No object · queue up · British
form a line of people who are waiting for their turn
Mots proches: line up, wait in line
- People queued up outside the museum.
- We had to queue up for an hour.
read out
Separable · read (something) out
say written words aloud for others to hear
Mots proches: read aloud
- The teacher read out the names.
- Could you read the message out to me?
scroll down
No object · scroll down
move down a page on a screen
Mots proches: move down
- Scroll down to see the prices.
- She scrolled down through the comments.
send away
Separable · send (someone) away
tell someone to leave, or send something to a distant place
Mots proches: dismiss
- The guard sent the boys away.
- We sent away for a free catalogue.
send in
Separable · send (something) in
post or deliver something to an organisation
Mots proches: submit
- Please send in your photos by Friday.
- Viewers sent in hundreds of letters.
shout out
Separable · shout (something) out
say something very loudly
Mots proches: call out, cry out
- Someone shouted out my name.
- Don't shout the answers out; raise your hand.
shut up
No object · shut up · informal, can be rude
stop talking, which can be rude
Mots proches: be quiet
- Please don't tell him to shut up.
- He just wouldn't shut up about his holiday.
spread out
No object · spread out
move apart to cover a larger area
Mots proches: disperse, fan out
- The students spread out across the field.
- Spread out so everyone has some space.
stop by
No object · stop by
visit a place briefly on your way somewhere
Mots proches: drop by, call in
- I'll stop by the bakery on my way home.
- Why don't you stop by later?
tire out
Separable · tire (someone) out
make someone very tired
Mots proches: exhaust, wear out
- The long walk tired the kids out.
- Work all week tires me out.
type up
Separable · type (something) up
write a final copy of notes on a keyboard
Mots proches: write up
- I need to type up my notes.
- She typed the letter up and sent it.
wait up
No object · wait up (for someone)
stay awake until someone comes home
Mots proches: stay up
- Don't wait up for me; I'll be late.
- Mum always waits up for us.
get up to
Inseparable · get up to (something)
do something, often something a little naughty
Mots proches: be doing
- What did the children get up to today?
- He is always getting up to mischief.
get back together
No object · get back together
start a relationship again after it ended
Mots proches: reunite
- They broke up in May but got back together in June.
- Do you think they will get back together?
get carried away
No object · get carried away
become so excited that you lose control of what you do
Mots proches: overdo it
- I got carried away and bought six jackets.
- Don't get carried away with the decorations.
get over with
Separable · get (something) over with
finish an unpleasant task so it is no longer ahead of you
Mots proches: finish off
- I want to get the dentist over with.
- Let's get this meeting over with quickly.
put on weight
Inseparable · put on weight
become heavier
Mots proches: gain weight
- He put on weight during the winter.
- I put on weight on holiday.
take round
Separable · take (someone) round (a place)
show someone the different parts of a place
Mots proches: show round
- The manager took us round the factory.
- Can you take the visitors round the school?
take out on
Inseparable · take (a feeling) out on (someone)
treat someone badly because you are angry about something else
Mots proches: vent on
- Don't take your bad day out on me.
- She took her stress out on her staff.