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50 Most Common Phrasal Verbs – Part 2

Let’s check out (examine) the second part of the most common phrasal verbs in English! 1. Back up =...

Emi Ilievska Written by Emi Ilievska · 1 min read >
Phrasal Verbs English Teacher

Let’s check out (examine) the second part of the most common phrasal verbs in English!

1. Back up = to support
Her parents have always backed her up in all her endeavors.

2. Carry on with = to continue
Please carry on with your work.

3. Catch up = to hear someone’s news
We haven’t seen each other in ages so we spent the whole afternoon catching up.

4. Cut down on = to reduce, esp. unhealthy food and drinks
You really have to cut down on sugar.

5. Doze off = to fall asleep
I was so tired that I dozed off on the bus on my way home.

6. Eat out = to eat in a restaurant
How about eating out tonight? I know the perfect restaurant!

7. Fill in = to add information on an official document
Please fill in your name and address here.

8. Fit in = to be accepted by a group of people
When she changed her school she had a hard time fitting it in the beginning.

9. Go for = to try to achieve something
If that’s what you want, go for it!

10. Go through = to search or check something/experience something unpleasant
I’ve gone through all the files but I couldn’t find the data.
I can’t imagine what she’s going through after they fired her.

11. Keep up = to continue doing something at the same level
Keep up the great job!

12. Let down = to disappoint
I’m sorry if I somehow let you down.

13. Look forward to = to feel excited about a future event
I’m looking forward to my winter holidays!

14. Mess up = to make a mistake, ruin something
Can you please help me with the dish? I don’t want to mess it up.

15. Pass by = to miss something
I couldn’t let such a golden opportunity pass by!

16. Put aside = to save money
She’s been putting aside some money for a year to buy a new house.

17. Show off = to brag about something
Ever since she bought her car she’s been showing off.

18. Stay up = to stay awake for a long time
We stayed up all night to finish our project.

19. Talk over = to discuss
There are a few things I’d like to talk over with you.

20. Take up = to start a new hobby
She has recently taken up drawing as a way to relax.

21. Think over = to consider carefully
I’ll have to think it over first before I decide.

22. Try out = to try something new
He loves trying out new things, especially if they are adrenaline-packed.

23. Turn out = to develop or end in a particular way/be the case
The cake didn’t turn out quite as I expected.
It turns out that they are cousins!

24. Wear down = to make someone tired
I was totally worn down after skiing.

25. Wind down = to relax
After a long day’s work, she loves to wind down in a hot bath.

There we have it – 50 most common phrasal verbs that will help you sound more like a native speaker in no time!

Written by Emi Ilievska
Emi is the Communications and Community Manager at English Forward. She has a Bachelors degree in e-Business and has been working in the eLearning industry for three years. She has previously managed social media for various brands from diverse industries, including health, technology, coaching, and education. Profile