What are phrasal verbs in English?
Phrasal verbs are verb + particle (e.g. 'give up', 'look after', 'find out'). The meaning often can't be guessed from the two words alone. They're very common in spoken and informal English, so learning them in context makes your English sound more natural.
Why phrasal verbs are important
Native speakers use phrasal verbs all the time: 'pick up', 'turn down', 'run into', 'figure out'. If you only use the formal one-word equivalent you can sound stiff. Learning them in real sentences and conversation, as with Rozy, helps you use them correctly.
How to learn phrasal verbs
Learn one at a time in a full sentence. Notice whether the object goes after the particle or between verb and particle ('turn off the light' vs 'turn the light off'). Practising in dialogue with feedback fixes both meaning and word order.
Frequently asked questions
- What is a phrasal verb?
- A verb plus one or two particles (e.g. 'look up', 'run out of') that together have a specific meaning. The meaning often differs from the verb alone.
- Are phrasal verbs formal or informal?
- Many are neutral or informal. In formal writing we sometimes prefer a single verb (e.g. 'investigate' instead of 'look into'), but in speaking phrasal verbs are standard.
- How can I practise phrasal verbs in speaking?
- Use them when you talk about daily life: 'I gave up sugar', 'We ran out of time'. Rozy lets you practise in conversation and corrects you if you use the wrong particle or order.
Rozy AI
● Online
Rozy AI · English Practice
Practise phrasal verbs in real dialogue with Rozy. Download the app and start speaking.
Practise with Rozy. Free to start — get it on Google Play or join the iOS waitlist.
More glossary terms · Speaking tips · Learn English · By language · Home