Super Fun Study Notes: Basic Phrasal Verbs!

Hello Super Students!

Welcome to the amazing world of Phrasal Verbs! Don't worry, they're not as tricky as they sound. Think of them as secret code words that will make your English sound super cool and natural. In these notes, we'll learn what they are and how to use them. Let's get started!


So, What IS a Phrasal Verb?

Imagine you are building with LEGOs. You take a normal block (a verb) and you add a special little block to it. Suddenly, you've created something new! A phrasal verb is just like that.

A phrasal verb is a team of words: a verb (an action word) + a little helper word (like up, down, on, off, away).

When these two words team up, they get a brand new, special meaning!

Here’s a cool example:

The verb look means to use your eyes.
I look at the bird in the tree.

But when we add the little helper word after...
I look after my baby sister.

Look after doesn't mean you are looking behind your sister! It has a new meaning: "to take care of". See? It's like magic!

Quick Review Box

Verb + Little Helper Word = Phrasal Verb (with a new meaning!)


Let's Learn Some Phrasal Verbs!

Here are some very common phrasal verbs that talk about actions. You probably use them every day!

get up

Meaning: To get out of bed in the morning.
Example: I get up at seven o’clock for school.

ran away

Meaning: To escape or run from a place.
Example: The little mouse saw the cat and ran away.

sit down

Meaning: To take a seat.
Example: Please sit down and open your books.

turn on / turn off

Meaning: To start or stop a machine, like a light or a TV.
Example: Please turn on the lights, it's dark!
Example: Don't forget to turn off the TV before you leave.

Key Takeaway

Phrasal verbs are small teams of words that describe actions. The two words work together to make one meaning.


Level Up! More Phrasal Verbs

Ready for a little challenge? You've got this! Phrasal verbs can do more than just show simple actions. Let's see what else they can do.

Phrasal Verbs for Conditions

Sometimes, a phrasal verb can tell us about the state or condition of something.

broke down
Meaning: When a machine stops working.
Example: We were late for the party because our car broke down.

Phrasal Verbs for Prohibitions (Saying "NO!")

A "prohibition" is a rule that tells you NOT to do something. These phrasal verbs are often used in signs and rules.

keep off
Meaning: To stay away from something; do not touch or walk on it.
Example: The sign says, "Please keep off the grass."

Phrasal Verbs for Other Actions

Here is another useful one!

throw away
Meaning: To put something in the rubbish bin because you don't want it anymore.
Example: I don’t want to throw away my old toys, I love them!

Common Mistakes to Avoid!

Don't get confused by the single words! The meaning comes from the whole team.
"The car broke down" is different from "I broke the vase."
The first means the car stopped working. The second means the vase smashed into pieces!

Key Takeaway

Phrasal verbs are powerful! They can describe actions, the condition of something (like a car that stopped working), or rules (like keeping off the grass).


Did You Know?

There are THOUSANDS of phrasal verbs in the English language! You already know some of the most important ones. The more you read and listen to English, the more you will learn. It's an adventure!


Let's Recap!

Wow, you learned so much today. Give yourself a big pat on the back!

Here are the main points:
  • A phrasal verb is a team: a verb + a little helper word.
  • This team gets a new, special meaning.
  • Phrasal verbs can describe everyday actions like get up and sit down.
  • They can also describe conditions (broke down) and rules (keep off).

Keep practising and you'll be a phrasal verb master in no time. Well done!