Phrasal verbs are one of the trickiest parts of learning English. Expressions like “give up,” “run into,” and “take off” may look simple, but their meanings can be confusing—especially because many phrasal verbs are idiomatic and can’t be guessed from the words alone.
So how can you learn and remember them effectively?
In this article, we’ll explore practical, proven ways to master phrasal verbs, using fun and memory-friendly techniques that make them stick in your long-term memory.
1. Group Phrasal Verbs by topic or verb
Instead of learning random phrasal verbs, group them by theme or main verb. This helps your brain create connections between similar ideas.
Examples:
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With “get”:
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get up (wake from bed)
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get over (recover from something)
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get along (have a good relationship)
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Theme: Travel
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set off (begin a journey)
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check in (arrive and register)
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take off (when a plane leaves the ground)
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✅ Why it works: Grouping gives context, which helps your memory.
2. Use visuals and stories
Create mental images or short stories that include the phrasal verbs you want to learn. This taps into the power of imagination, which strengthens memory.
Example:
For “run into” (meaning to meet someone unexpectedly), picture yourself literally running into your friend at the supermarket!
Or make a mini-story:
“I got up late, ran into my boss at the coffee shop, and made up a story about traffic.”
✅ Why it works: Stories and pictures are easier to remember than isolated words.
3. Learn in Context, not isolation
Don’t just memorize a list—learn phrasal verbs through real usage. Watch videos, read dialogues, or use apps where the phrasal verbs appear in full sentences.
Try this:
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Watch sitcoms like Friends or The Office. Listen for common phrasal verbs.
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Read casual blogs or fiction where people talk the way they speak in real life.
✅ Why it works: Your brain remembers language better when it's part of a conversation or story.
4. Make personal sentences
Create your own examples using each new phrasal verb. Make them about you.
Example with “give up”:
“I wanted to give up learning English, but now I practice every day!”
✅ Why it works: When the sentence relates to your life, it becomes meaningful—and memorable.
5. Practice with Mini Quizzes and Flashcards
Use tools like Anki, Quizlet, or paper flashcards to test yourself regularly. Add a picture or a sentence to each card.
Flashcard format:
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Front: “Look after”
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Back: “To take care of someone – I look after my little sister every weekend.”
✅ Why it works: Repetition builds memory, and testing yourself strengthens it even more.
6. Focus on the most Common Phrasal Verbs first
There are thousands of phrasal verbs—but you don’t need them all right away. Start with the most useful ones used in everyday English.
Examples to start with:
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turn on / turn off
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pick up / drop off
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call back
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give up
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check out
You can find lists of the top 50–100 phrasal verbs online or in English-learning apps.
7. Speak them out loud
Speaking helps your brain process and remember phrasal verbs more naturally. Use them when talking to a language partner or even when speaking to yourself.
Challenge: Use 5 new phrasal verbs in one conversation or monologue.
✅ Why it works: Active use reinforces learning more than just passive reading.
Conclusion
Phrasal verbs may seem like a puzzle at first, but with the right strategies, they become much easier to learn and remember.
To recap, the best way to remember phrasal verbs is to:
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Group them by theme or verb,
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Use visuals and stories,
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Learn them in context,
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Personalize them with your own sentences,
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Practice with flashcards and quizzes,
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Start with the most common ones,
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And speak them out loud often.
With time and consistent practice, these useful expressions will become a natural part of your English vocabulary.
Extra tip:
🌟 Keep a “Phrasal Verb Journal” – Write down new phrasal verbs you learn each week, with example sentences and even doodles or emojis to help you visualize the meaning.
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