100 Phrasal Verbs for PSLE | Grouped by Verb

Phrasal verbs list searches often begin with familiar verbs—get, take, put, break and turn—because the small particle after each verb can change the meaning completely. This PSLE guide gives 100 phrasal verbs grouped by base verb, then teaches pupils to infer meaning from context, notice whether objects can separate the verb and particle, and paraphrase the expression into simpler standard English.

For PSLE vocabulary, cloze, editing, oral and composition, phrasal verbs matter because they are common in natural English. Put off can mean postpone, break down can mean stop functioning or analyse into parts, and take after means resemble a relative. A pupil who looks only at the base verb will often miss the idiomatic meaning.

Learn each phrasal verb as a whole expression with one clear meaning and one sentence. Then compare it with neighbouring expressions from the same verb family. Use this page with the Singapore Vocabulary Guide and the eduKate Vocabulary Learning System.

Quick Read

100 phrasal verbs in ten base-verb families.
Learn the whole expression, not the particle alone.
Notice literal and idiomatic senses.
Check object position and separability.
Paraphrase every target to prove meaning.

The short answer

Group phrasal verbs by base verb for memory, but treat every complete expression as its own vocabulary item. Context, particle and grammar decide the meaning.

100 phrasal verbs grouped by base verb

Get

1. get along

Treat get along as a complete vocabulary item. Find one common meaning, write a natural sentence, then paraphrase the sentence without the phrasal verb. Compare it with another get expression so the particle difference becomes visible. If the phrasal verb can take an object, check whether the object may appear between the verb and particle.

2. get away

Treat get away as a complete vocabulary item. Find one common meaning, write a natural sentence, then paraphrase the sentence without the phrasal verb. Compare it with another get expression so the particle difference becomes visible. If the phrasal verb can take an object, check whether the object may appear between the verb and particle.

3. get back

Treat get back as a complete vocabulary item. Find one common meaning, write a natural sentence, then paraphrase the sentence without the phrasal verb. Compare it with another get expression so the particle difference becomes visible. If the phrasal verb can take an object, check whether the object may appear between the verb and particle.

4. get by

Treat get by as a complete vocabulary item. Find one common meaning, write a natural sentence, then paraphrase the sentence without the phrasal verb. Compare it with another get expression so the particle difference becomes visible. If the phrasal verb can take an object, check whether the object may appear between the verb and particle.

5. get in

Treat get in as a complete vocabulary item. Find one common meaning, write a natural sentence, then paraphrase the sentence without the phrasal verb. Compare it with another get expression so the particle difference becomes visible. If the phrasal verb can take an object, check whether the object may appear between the verb and particle.

6. get off

Treat get off as a complete vocabulary item. Find one common meaning, write a natural sentence, then paraphrase the sentence without the phrasal verb. Compare it with another get expression so the particle difference becomes visible. If the phrasal verb can take an object, check whether the object may appear between the verb and particle.

7. get on

Treat get on as a complete vocabulary item. Find one common meaning, write a natural sentence, then paraphrase the sentence without the phrasal verb. Compare it with another get expression so the particle difference becomes visible. If the phrasal verb can take an object, check whether the object may appear between the verb and particle.

8. get over

Treat get over as a complete vocabulary item. Find one common meaning, write a natural sentence, then paraphrase the sentence without the phrasal verb. Compare it with another get expression so the particle difference becomes visible. If the phrasal verb can take an object, check whether the object may appear between the verb and particle.

9. get through

Treat get through as a complete vocabulary item. Find one common meaning, write a natural sentence, then paraphrase the sentence without the phrasal verb. Compare it with another get expression so the particle difference becomes visible. If the phrasal verb can take an object, check whether the object may appear between the verb and particle.

10. get up

Treat get up as a complete vocabulary item. Find one common meaning, write a natural sentence, then paraphrase the sentence without the phrasal verb. Compare it with another get expression so the particle difference becomes visible. If the phrasal verb can take an object, check whether the object may appear between the verb and particle.

Take

11. take after

Treat take after as a complete vocabulary item. Find one common meaning, write a natural sentence, then paraphrase the sentence without the phrasal verb. Compare it with another take expression so the particle difference becomes visible. If the phrasal verb can take an object, check whether the object may appear between the verb and particle.

12. take apart

Treat take apart as a complete vocabulary item. Find one common meaning, write a natural sentence, then paraphrase the sentence without the phrasal verb. Compare it with another take expression so the particle difference becomes visible. If the phrasal verb can take an object, check whether the object may appear between the verb and particle.

13. take away

Treat take away as a complete vocabulary item. Find one common meaning, write a natural sentence, then paraphrase the sentence without the phrasal verb. Compare it with another take expression so the particle difference becomes visible. If the phrasal verb can take an object, check whether the object may appear between the verb and particle.

14. take back

Treat take back as a complete vocabulary item. Find one common meaning, write a natural sentence, then paraphrase the sentence without the phrasal verb. Compare it with another take expression so the particle difference becomes visible. If the phrasal verb can take an object, check whether the object may appear between the verb and particle.

15. take down

Treat take down as a complete vocabulary item. Find one common meaning, write a natural sentence, then paraphrase the sentence without the phrasal verb. Compare it with another take expression so the particle difference becomes visible. If the phrasal verb can take an object, check whether the object may appear between the verb and particle.

16. take in

Treat take in as a complete vocabulary item. Find one common meaning, write a natural sentence, then paraphrase the sentence without the phrasal verb. Compare it with another take expression so the particle difference becomes visible. If the phrasal verb can take an object, check whether the object may appear between the verb and particle.

17. take off

Treat take off as a complete vocabulary item. Find one common meaning, write a natural sentence, then paraphrase the sentence without the phrasal verb. Compare it with another take expression so the particle difference becomes visible. If the phrasal verb can take an object, check whether the object may appear between the verb and particle.

18. take on

Treat take on as a complete vocabulary item. Find one common meaning, write a natural sentence, then paraphrase the sentence without the phrasal verb. Compare it with another take expression so the particle difference becomes visible. If the phrasal verb can take an object, check whether the object may appear between the verb and particle.

19. take out

Treat take out as a complete vocabulary item. Find one common meaning, write a natural sentence, then paraphrase the sentence without the phrasal verb. Compare it with another take expression so the particle difference becomes visible. If the phrasal verb can take an object, check whether the object may appear between the verb and particle.

20. take over

Treat take over as a complete vocabulary item. Find one common meaning, write a natural sentence, then paraphrase the sentence without the phrasal verb. Compare it with another take expression so the particle difference becomes visible. If the phrasal verb can take an object, check whether the object may appear between the verb and particle.

Put

21. put aside

Treat put aside as a complete vocabulary item. Find one common meaning, write a natural sentence, then paraphrase the sentence without the phrasal verb. Compare it with another put expression so the particle difference becomes visible. If the phrasal verb can take an object, check whether the object may appear between the verb and particle.

22. put away

Treat put away as a complete vocabulary item. Find one common meaning, write a natural sentence, then paraphrase the sentence without the phrasal verb. Compare it with another put expression so the particle difference becomes visible. If the phrasal verb can take an object, check whether the object may appear between the verb and particle.

23. put back

Treat put back as a complete vocabulary item. Find one common meaning, write a natural sentence, then paraphrase the sentence without the phrasal verb. Compare it with another put expression so the particle difference becomes visible. If the phrasal verb can take an object, check whether the object may appear between the verb and particle.

24. put down

Treat put down as a complete vocabulary item. Find one common meaning, write a natural sentence, then paraphrase the sentence without the phrasal verb. Compare it with another put expression so the particle difference becomes visible. If the phrasal verb can take an object, check whether the object may appear between the verb and particle.

25. put forward

Treat put forward as a complete vocabulary item. Find one common meaning, write a natural sentence, then paraphrase the sentence without the phrasal verb. Compare it with another put expression so the particle difference becomes visible. If the phrasal verb can take an object, check whether the object may appear between the verb and particle.

26. put off

Treat put off as a complete vocabulary item. Find one common meaning, write a natural sentence, then paraphrase the sentence without the phrasal verb. Compare it with another put expression so the particle difference becomes visible. If the phrasal verb can take an object, check whether the object may appear between the verb and particle.

27. put on

Treat put on as a complete vocabulary item. Find one common meaning, write a natural sentence, then paraphrase the sentence without the phrasal verb. Compare it with another put expression so the particle difference becomes visible. If the phrasal verb can take an object, check whether the object may appear between the verb and particle.

28. put out

Treat put out as a complete vocabulary item. Find one common meaning, write a natural sentence, then paraphrase the sentence without the phrasal verb. Compare it with another put expression so the particle difference becomes visible. If the phrasal verb can take an object, check whether the object may appear between the verb and particle.

29. put together

Treat put together as a complete vocabulary item. Find one common meaning, write a natural sentence, then paraphrase the sentence without the phrasal verb. Compare it with another put expression so the particle difference becomes visible. If the phrasal verb can take an object, check whether the object may appear between the verb and particle.

30. put up

Treat put up as a complete vocabulary item. Find one common meaning, write a natural sentence, then paraphrase the sentence without the phrasal verb. Compare it with another put expression so the particle difference becomes visible. If the phrasal verb can take an object, check whether the object may appear between the verb and particle.

Break

31. break away

Treat break away as a complete vocabulary item. Find one common meaning, write a natural sentence, then paraphrase the sentence without the phrasal verb. Compare it with another break expression so the particle difference becomes visible. If the phrasal verb can take an object, check whether the object may appear between the verb and particle.

32. break down

Treat break down as a complete vocabulary item. Find one common meaning, write a natural sentence, then paraphrase the sentence without the phrasal verb. Compare it with another break expression so the particle difference becomes visible. If the phrasal verb can take an object, check whether the object may appear between the verb and particle.

33. break in

Treat break in as a complete vocabulary item. Find one common meaning, write a natural sentence, then paraphrase the sentence without the phrasal verb. Compare it with another break expression so the particle difference becomes visible. If the phrasal verb can take an object, check whether the object may appear between the verb and particle.

34. break into

Treat break into as a complete vocabulary item. Find one common meaning, write a natural sentence, then paraphrase the sentence without the phrasal verb. Compare it with another break expression so the particle difference becomes visible. If the phrasal verb can take an object, check whether the object may appear between the verb and particle.

35. break off

Treat break off as a complete vocabulary item. Find one common meaning, write a natural sentence, then paraphrase the sentence without the phrasal verb. Compare it with another break expression so the particle difference becomes visible. If the phrasal verb can take an object, check whether the object may appear between the verb and particle.

36. break out

Treat break out as a complete vocabulary item. Find one common meaning, write a natural sentence, then paraphrase the sentence without the phrasal verb. Compare it with another break expression so the particle difference becomes visible. If the phrasal verb can take an object, check whether the object may appear between the verb and particle.

37. break through

Treat break through as a complete vocabulary item. Find one common meaning, write a natural sentence, then paraphrase the sentence without the phrasal verb. Compare it with another break expression so the particle difference becomes visible. If the phrasal verb can take an object, check whether the object may appear between the verb and particle.

38. break up

Treat break up as a complete vocabulary item. Find one common meaning, write a natural sentence, then paraphrase the sentence without the phrasal verb. Compare it with another break expression so the particle difference becomes visible. If the phrasal verb can take an object, check whether the object may appear between the verb and particle.

39. break with

Treat break with as a complete vocabulary item. Find one common meaning, write a natural sentence, then paraphrase the sentence without the phrasal verb. Compare it with another break expression so the particle difference becomes visible. If the phrasal verb can take an object, check whether the object may appear between the verb and particle.

40. break apart

Treat break apart as a complete vocabulary item. Find one common meaning, write a natural sentence, then paraphrase the sentence without the phrasal verb. Compare it with another break expression so the particle difference becomes visible. If the phrasal verb can take an object, check whether the object may appear between the verb and particle.

Turn

41. turn around

Treat turn around as a complete vocabulary item. Find one common meaning, write a natural sentence, then paraphrase the sentence without the phrasal verb. Compare it with another turn expression so the particle difference becomes visible. If the phrasal verb can take an object, check whether the object may appear between the verb and particle.

42. turn away

Treat turn away as a complete vocabulary item. Find one common meaning, write a natural sentence, then paraphrase the sentence without the phrasal verb. Compare it with another turn expression so the particle difference becomes visible. If the phrasal verb can take an object, check whether the object may appear between the verb and particle.

43. turn back

Treat turn back as a complete vocabulary item. Find one common meaning, write a natural sentence, then paraphrase the sentence without the phrasal verb. Compare it with another turn expression so the particle difference becomes visible. If the phrasal verb can take an object, check whether the object may appear between the verb and particle.

44. turn down

Treat turn down as a complete vocabulary item. Find one common meaning, write a natural sentence, then paraphrase the sentence without the phrasal verb. Compare it with another turn expression so the particle difference becomes visible. If the phrasal verb can take an object, check whether the object may appear between the verb and particle.

45. turn in

Treat turn in as a complete vocabulary item. Find one common meaning, write a natural sentence, then paraphrase the sentence without the phrasal verb. Compare it with another turn expression so the particle difference becomes visible. If the phrasal verb can take an object, check whether the object may appear between the verb and particle.

46. turn into

Treat turn into as a complete vocabulary item. Find one common meaning, write a natural sentence, then paraphrase the sentence without the phrasal verb. Compare it with another turn expression so the particle difference becomes visible. If the phrasal verb can take an object, check whether the object may appear between the verb and particle.

47. turn off

Treat turn off as a complete vocabulary item. Find one common meaning, write a natural sentence, then paraphrase the sentence without the phrasal verb. Compare it with another turn expression so the particle difference becomes visible. If the phrasal verb can take an object, check whether the object may appear between the verb and particle.

48. turn on

Treat turn on as a complete vocabulary item. Find one common meaning, write a natural sentence, then paraphrase the sentence without the phrasal verb. Compare it with another turn expression so the particle difference becomes visible. If the phrasal verb can take an object, check whether the object may appear between the verb and particle.

49. turn out

Treat turn out as a complete vocabulary item. Find one common meaning, write a natural sentence, then paraphrase the sentence without the phrasal verb. Compare it with another turn expression so the particle difference becomes visible. If the phrasal verb can take an object, check whether the object may appear between the verb and particle.

50. turn up

Treat turn up as a complete vocabulary item. Find one common meaning, write a natural sentence, then paraphrase the sentence without the phrasal verb. Compare it with another turn expression so the particle difference becomes visible. If the phrasal verb can take an object, check whether the object may appear between the verb and particle.

Go

51. go ahead

Treat go ahead as a complete vocabulary item. Find one common meaning, write a natural sentence, then paraphrase the sentence without the phrasal verb. Compare it with another go expression so the particle difference becomes visible. If the phrasal verb can take an object, check whether the object may appear between the verb and particle.

52. go away

Treat go away as a complete vocabulary item. Find one common meaning, write a natural sentence, then paraphrase the sentence without the phrasal verb. Compare it with another go expression so the particle difference becomes visible. If the phrasal verb can take an object, check whether the object may appear between the verb and particle.

53. go back

Treat go back as a complete vocabulary item. Find one common meaning, write a natural sentence, then paraphrase the sentence without the phrasal verb. Compare it with another go expression so the particle difference becomes visible. If the phrasal verb can take an object, check whether the object may appear between the verb and particle.

54. go by

Treat go by as a complete vocabulary item. Find one common meaning, write a natural sentence, then paraphrase the sentence without the phrasal verb. Compare it with another go expression so the particle difference becomes visible. If the phrasal verb can take an object, check whether the object may appear between the verb and particle.

55. go off

Treat go off as a complete vocabulary item. Find one common meaning, write a natural sentence, then paraphrase the sentence without the phrasal verb. Compare it with another go expression so the particle difference becomes visible. If the phrasal verb can take an object, check whether the object may appear between the verb and particle.

56. go on

Treat go on as a complete vocabulary item. Find one common meaning, write a natural sentence, then paraphrase the sentence without the phrasal verb. Compare it with another go expression so the particle difference becomes visible. If the phrasal verb can take an object, check whether the object may appear between the verb and particle.

57. go out

Treat go out as a complete vocabulary item. Find one common meaning, write a natural sentence, then paraphrase the sentence without the phrasal verb. Compare it with another go expression so the particle difference becomes visible. If the phrasal verb can take an object, check whether the object may appear between the verb and particle.

58. go over

Treat go over as a complete vocabulary item. Find one common meaning, write a natural sentence, then paraphrase the sentence without the phrasal verb. Compare it with another go expression so the particle difference becomes visible. If the phrasal verb can take an object, check whether the object may appear between the verb and particle.

59. go through

Treat go through as a complete vocabulary item. Find one common meaning, write a natural sentence, then paraphrase the sentence without the phrasal verb. Compare it with another go expression so the particle difference becomes visible. If the phrasal verb can take an object, check whether the object may appear between the verb and particle.

60. go without

Treat go without as a complete vocabulary item. Find one common meaning, write a natural sentence, then paraphrase the sentence without the phrasal verb. Compare it with another go expression so the particle difference becomes visible. If the phrasal verb can take an object, check whether the object may appear between the verb and particle.

Come

61. come across

Treat come across as a complete vocabulary item. Find one common meaning, write a natural sentence, then paraphrase the sentence without the phrasal verb. Compare it with another come expression so the particle difference becomes visible. If the phrasal verb can take an object, check whether the object may appear between the verb and particle.

62. come along

Treat come along as a complete vocabulary item. Find one common meaning, write a natural sentence, then paraphrase the sentence without the phrasal verb. Compare it with another come expression so the particle difference becomes visible. If the phrasal verb can take an object, check whether the object may appear between the verb and particle.

63. come apart

Treat come apart as a complete vocabulary item. Find one common meaning, write a natural sentence, then paraphrase the sentence without the phrasal verb. Compare it with another come expression so the particle difference becomes visible. If the phrasal verb can take an object, check whether the object may appear between the verb and particle.

64. come back

Treat come back as a complete vocabulary item. Find one common meaning, write a natural sentence, then paraphrase the sentence without the phrasal verb. Compare it with another come expression so the particle difference becomes visible. If the phrasal verb can take an object, check whether the object may appear between the verb and particle.

65. come down

Treat come down as a complete vocabulary item. Find one common meaning, write a natural sentence, then paraphrase the sentence without the phrasal verb. Compare it with another come expression so the particle difference becomes visible. If the phrasal verb can take an object, check whether the object may appear between the verb and particle.

66. come in

Treat come in as a complete vocabulary item. Find one common meaning, write a natural sentence, then paraphrase the sentence without the phrasal verb. Compare it with another come expression so the particle difference becomes visible. If the phrasal verb can take an object, check whether the object may appear between the verb and particle.

67. come out

Treat come out as a complete vocabulary item. Find one common meaning, write a natural sentence, then paraphrase the sentence without the phrasal verb. Compare it with another come expression so the particle difference becomes visible. If the phrasal verb can take an object, check whether the object may appear between the verb and particle.

68. come over

Treat come over as a complete vocabulary item. Find one common meaning, write a natural sentence, then paraphrase the sentence without the phrasal verb. Compare it with another come expression so the particle difference becomes visible. If the phrasal verb can take an object, check whether the object may appear between the verb and particle.

69. come through

Treat come through as a complete vocabulary item. Find one common meaning, write a natural sentence, then paraphrase the sentence without the phrasal verb. Compare it with another come expression so the particle difference becomes visible. If the phrasal verb can take an object, check whether the object may appear between the verb and particle.

70. come up

Treat come up as a complete vocabulary item. Find one common meaning, write a natural sentence, then paraphrase the sentence without the phrasal verb. Compare it with another come expression so the particle difference becomes visible. If the phrasal verb can take an object, check whether the object may appear between the verb and particle.

Look

71. look after

Treat look after as a complete vocabulary item. Find one common meaning, write a natural sentence, then paraphrase the sentence without the phrasal verb. Compare it with another look expression so the particle difference becomes visible. If the phrasal verb can take an object, check whether the object may appear between the verb and particle.

72. look ahead

Treat look ahead as a complete vocabulary item. Find one common meaning, write a natural sentence, then paraphrase the sentence without the phrasal verb. Compare it with another look expression so the particle difference becomes visible. If the phrasal verb can take an object, check whether the object may appear between the verb and particle.

73. look around

Treat look around as a complete vocabulary item. Find one common meaning, write a natural sentence, then paraphrase the sentence without the phrasal verb. Compare it with another look expression so the particle difference becomes visible. If the phrasal verb can take an object, check whether the object may appear between the verb and particle.

74. look at

Treat look at as a complete vocabulary item. Find one common meaning, write a natural sentence, then paraphrase the sentence without the phrasal verb. Compare it with another look expression so the particle difference becomes visible. If the phrasal verb can take an object, check whether the object may appear between the verb and particle.

75. look back

Treat look back as a complete vocabulary item. Find one common meaning, write a natural sentence, then paraphrase the sentence without the phrasal verb. Compare it with another look expression so the particle difference becomes visible. If the phrasal verb can take an object, check whether the object may appear between the verb and particle.

76. look for

Treat look for as a complete vocabulary item. Find one common meaning, write a natural sentence, then paraphrase the sentence without the phrasal verb. Compare it with another look expression so the particle difference becomes visible. If the phrasal verb can take an object, check whether the object may appear between the verb and particle.

77. look forward to

Treat look forward to as a complete vocabulary item. Find one common meaning, write a natural sentence, then paraphrase the sentence without the phrasal verb. Compare it with another look expression so the particle difference becomes visible. If the phrasal verb can take an object, check whether the object may appear between the verb and particle.

78. look into

Treat look into as a complete vocabulary item. Find one common meaning, write a natural sentence, then paraphrase the sentence without the phrasal verb. Compare it with another look expression so the particle difference becomes visible. If the phrasal verb can take an object, check whether the object may appear between the verb and particle.

79. look out

Treat look out as a complete vocabulary item. Find one common meaning, write a natural sentence, then paraphrase the sentence without the phrasal verb. Compare it with another look expression so the particle difference becomes visible. If the phrasal verb can take an object, check whether the object may appear between the verb and particle.

80. look up

Treat look up as a complete vocabulary item. Find one common meaning, write a natural sentence, then paraphrase the sentence without the phrasal verb. Compare it with another look expression so the particle difference becomes visible. If the phrasal verb can take an object, check whether the object may appear between the verb and particle.

Bring

81. bring about

Treat bring about as a complete vocabulary item. Find one common meaning, write a natural sentence, then paraphrase the sentence without the phrasal verb. Compare it with another bring expression so the particle difference becomes visible. If the phrasal verb can take an object, check whether the object may appear between the verb and particle.

82. bring along

Treat bring along as a complete vocabulary item. Find one common meaning, write a natural sentence, then paraphrase the sentence without the phrasal verb. Compare it with another bring expression so the particle difference becomes visible. If the phrasal verb can take an object, check whether the object may appear between the verb and particle.

83. bring back

Treat bring back as a complete vocabulary item. Find one common meaning, write a natural sentence, then paraphrase the sentence without the phrasal verb. Compare it with another bring expression so the particle difference becomes visible. If the phrasal verb can take an object, check whether the object may appear between the verb and particle.

84. bring down

Treat bring down as a complete vocabulary item. Find one common meaning, write a natural sentence, then paraphrase the sentence without the phrasal verb. Compare it with another bring expression so the particle difference becomes visible. If the phrasal verb can take an object, check whether the object may appear between the verb and particle.

85. bring forward

Treat bring forward as a complete vocabulary item. Find one common meaning, write a natural sentence, then paraphrase the sentence without the phrasal verb. Compare it with another bring expression so the particle difference becomes visible. If the phrasal verb can take an object, check whether the object may appear between the verb and particle.

86. bring in

Treat bring in as a complete vocabulary item. Find one common meaning, write a natural sentence, then paraphrase the sentence without the phrasal verb. Compare it with another bring expression so the particle difference becomes visible. If the phrasal verb can take an object, check whether the object may appear between the verb and particle.

87. bring out

Treat bring out as a complete vocabulary item. Find one common meaning, write a natural sentence, then paraphrase the sentence without the phrasal verb. Compare it with another bring expression so the particle difference becomes visible. If the phrasal verb can take an object, check whether the object may appear between the verb and particle.

88. bring together

Treat bring together as a complete vocabulary item. Find one common meaning, write a natural sentence, then paraphrase the sentence without the phrasal verb. Compare it with another bring expression so the particle difference becomes visible. If the phrasal verb can take an object, check whether the object may appear between the verb and particle.

89. bring up

Treat bring up as a complete vocabulary item. Find one common meaning, write a natural sentence, then paraphrase the sentence without the phrasal verb. Compare it with another bring expression so the particle difference becomes visible. If the phrasal verb can take an object, check whether the object may appear between the verb and particle.

90. bring around

Treat bring around as a complete vocabulary item. Find one common meaning, write a natural sentence, then paraphrase the sentence without the phrasal verb. Compare it with another bring expression so the particle difference becomes visible. If the phrasal verb can take an object, check whether the object may appear between the verb and particle.

Carry

91. carry away

Treat carry away as a complete vocabulary item. Find one common meaning, write a natural sentence, then paraphrase the sentence without the phrasal verb. Compare it with another carry expression so the particle difference becomes visible. If the phrasal verb can take an object, check whether the object may appear between the verb and particle.

92. carry forward

Treat carry forward as a complete vocabulary item. Find one common meaning, write a natural sentence, then paraphrase the sentence without the phrasal verb. Compare it with another carry expression so the particle difference becomes visible. If the phrasal verb can take an object, check whether the object may appear between the verb and particle.

93. carry off

Treat carry off as a complete vocabulary item. Find one common meaning, write a natural sentence, then paraphrase the sentence without the phrasal verb. Compare it with another carry expression so the particle difference becomes visible. If the phrasal verb can take an object, check whether the object may appear between the verb and particle.

94. carry on

Treat carry on as a complete vocabulary item. Find one common meaning, write a natural sentence, then paraphrase the sentence without the phrasal verb. Compare it with another carry expression so the particle difference becomes visible. If the phrasal verb can take an object, check whether the object may appear between the verb and particle.

95. carry out

Treat carry out as a complete vocabulary item. Find one common meaning, write a natural sentence, then paraphrase the sentence without the phrasal verb. Compare it with another carry expression so the particle difference becomes visible. If the phrasal verb can take an object, check whether the object may appear between the verb and particle.

96. carry over

Treat carry over as a complete vocabulary item. Find one common meaning, write a natural sentence, then paraphrase the sentence without the phrasal verb. Compare it with another carry expression so the particle difference becomes visible. If the phrasal verb can take an object, check whether the object may appear between the verb and particle.

97. carry through

Treat carry through as a complete vocabulary item. Find one common meaning, write a natural sentence, then paraphrase the sentence without the phrasal verb. Compare it with another carry expression so the particle difference becomes visible. If the phrasal verb can take an object, check whether the object may appear between the verb and particle.

98. carry back

Treat carry back as a complete vocabulary item. Find one common meaning, write a natural sentence, then paraphrase the sentence without the phrasal verb. Compare it with another carry expression so the particle difference becomes visible. If the phrasal verb can take an object, check whether the object may appear between the verb and particle.

99. carry along

Treat carry along as a complete vocabulary item. Find one common meaning, write a natural sentence, then paraphrase the sentence without the phrasal verb. Compare it with another carry expression so the particle difference becomes visible. If the phrasal verb can take an object, check whether the object may appear between the verb and particle.

100. carry around

Treat carry around as a complete vocabulary item. Find one common meaning, write a natural sentence, then paraphrase the sentence without the phrasal verb. Compare it with another carry expression so the particle difference becomes visible. If the phrasal verb can take an object, check whether the object may appear between the verb and particle.

Why grouping helps

A base-verb family gives memory a structure. When a learner studies get over beside get through and get by, the shared base makes the particle carry more visible meaning. The grouping is for comparison, not because the meanings can be predicted mechanically.

Choose five phrasal verbs from different families and apply this principle. Close the page and retrieve them from meaning cues. Then write a short paragraph using no more than two so the prose remains natural.

Literal and idiomatic senses

Some expressions are transparent: “put the book away”. Others are idiomatic: “put off the meeting”. Teach the concrete image when useful, but always confirm the intended sense from the sentence.

Separable and inseparable patterns

Grammar matters. Some transitive phrasal verbs allow the object between verb and particle, while others do not. Pronoun objects often reveal the pattern clearly: “turn it off” is standard. Store the grammar with the meaning.

Context clues

When a phrasal verb is unfamiliar, read for consequence, contrast and topic. If a meeting happens later, “put off” probably means postpone. If a machine stops working, “break down” has a different sense from analysing a problem into parts.

Register

Phrasal verbs are common in everyday standard English, but formal writing may sometimes prefer a single-word equivalent: “postpone” for “put off”, “investigate” for “look into”. The best choice depends on audience and purpose.

The Fencing Method

Create meaning fences inside each base-verb family. Get over is not get through. Take on is not take over. Put aside is not put away. Contrastive examples stop the expressions from blending together.

Retrieval

Give the base verb and a meaning cue, then ask for the full expression. Reverse the cue by giving the phrasal verb and asking for a paraphrase. Both directions matter for cloze and writing.

Transfer

Use the target in dialogue, narrative, cloze and formal/informal rewriting. If the learner can replace it with a precise single-word paraphrase and restore it later, the meaning is secure.

30 transfer drills

Drill 1

Select three phrasal verbs: one familiar, one recently learned and one easy to confuse. Write a sentence for each, paraphrase it with a single verb where possible, then swap the context. After a delay, reconstruct the phrasal verbs without looking.

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Frequently asked questions

Are phrasal verbs informal?

Many are conversational, but plenty are neutral standard English. Register depends on the expression and task.

Can the particle tell me the meaning?

Sometimes it gives a clue, but idiomatic meanings often need context.

Should pupils memorise 100 at once?

No. Study small base-verb families and mix old with new.

Do all phrasal verbs take objects?

No. Grammar differs, so learn the sentence pattern with the meaning.

Why paraphrase?

Paraphrasing proves understanding and provides a formal alternative when needed.

How do they appear in cloze?

The verb may be given and the particle missing, or context may require the entire expression.

How should parents test them?

Give a meaning cue and base verb, then ask for the full expression plus sentence.

What shows mastery?

Accurate meaning, grammar, retrieval and transfer across contexts.

Continue through the Singapore Vocabulary Guide and eduKate Vocabulary Learning System.

eduKate SG

100 Phrasal Verbs for PSLE, Grouped by Verb (Get, Take, Put, Break, Turn)