If you are learning English, phrasal verbs might feel like a gigantic mountain set before you to challenge you at the best (and worst) of times. Many English students often feel defeated and frustrated, because finding a technique to learn these âsilly little buggersâcan be quite challenging.
Question(s) of the day:
âWHAT ON EARTH ARE PHRASAL VERBS?â
Letâs have a quick lookâŚ
âHOW ON EARTH DO I USE THEM?â
âHOW ON EARTH CAN I LEARN (AND REMEMBER) THEM?â
Here are some useful tips:
-
Donât group them by verb, but rather by particle (up, off, out, etc.)
Instead of grouping phrasal verbs according to their verb (get up, get out, get off, get back),
rather aim at grouping them by their particle (adverb/preposition).
(sell out, go out, went out, etc.) -
Group them by topic
Create a phrasal verb list by organizing them according to topic. Which phrasal verbs could
you use when expressing emotions or describing people? By grouping them together, one can
spot the various options available for use, without the risk of getting confused. -
Learn them in context.
There is no point in learning a list of phrasal verbs if you donât understand their use. Once youâve
learnt a new phrasal verb, search for it on Google, listen for it in movies, and try making your
own sentences. -
Challenge yourself by using them in a story
The next time you are with friends (or in a live lesson), try using your newly learnt phrasal verb in a story. Not confident enough? Try writing it down. -
Remember to breathe! Youâve got this!
Letâs turn your âPHRASAL FRUSTRATIONâ into a âPHRASAL VACATIONâ!