Phrasal verbs are verb + preposition combinations with special meanings. "Look up" doesn't mean "look upward"—it means "search for information."

Top 20 Phrasal Verbs

Morning/Daily:

• wake up = stop sleeping
• get up = leave bed
• turn on/off = start/stop a device
• put on = wear clothes
• take off = remove clothes

Movement:

• pick up = lift OR collect someone
• come back = return
• show up = arrive
• run out of = use all of something

Finding:

• look for = search
• look up = search for information
• find out = discover

Communication:

• call back = return a phone call
• bring up = mention a topic
• hang out = spend time casually

Problems:

• figure out = understand/solve
• give up = stop trying
• take care of = handle
• break down = stop working
• go on = continue

Separable vs. Inseparable

Separable = You can split them:

• ✅ Turn the light on
• ✅ Turn on the light
• ✅ Turn it on (pronoun MUST go in middle)

Inseparable = Keep together:

• ✅ Look after the kids

Examples by Level

• A2: I get up at 7, put on my clothes, and turn on the coffee maker.
• B1: I couldn't figure out why my computer kept breaking down.

FAQs

Q: How many do I need to know? A: The top 50 cover most conversations. Start with the 20 above.