Learning and Education Phrasal Verbs

Here are some common phrasal verbs used in learning and education with their meanings and examples:

Catch up

Meaning:

• To reach the same level as others.

• To communicate with someone by talking in person or on the phone or by exchanging messages, and learn or discuss what has been happening in their life.

Example:

• He missed a few classes and now needs to catch up.

• She spends hours on the phone, catching up with old friends.

Drop out

Meaning:

• To leave school or a course before finishing it.

• To not do something that you were going to do, or to stop doing something before you have completely finished.

Example:

• She dropped out of university to start her own business.

• He dropped out of the race after two laps.

Go over

Meaning:

• To review or check something carefully.

• To move from one place to another, especially when this means crossing something such as a room, town, or city.

Example:

• Let's go over the notes before the exam.

• He went over and shook hands with his guests.

Look up

Meaning:

• To search for information in a book or online.

• To look for information in a dictionary or reference book, or by using a computer.

Example:

• You can look up the definition in the dictionary.

• Can you look up the address on the Web site?

Point out

Meaning:

• To highlight or indicate something important.

• To tell someone about some information, often because you believe they do not know it or have forgotten it.

Example:

• The teacher pointed out a few mistakes in my essay.

• I feel I should point out how dangerous it is.

Sign up

Meaning:

• To register for a course or activity.

• To decide to join or participate in something (usually in an official way, for example; by registering).

Example:

• I signed up for a German language course.

• I've decided to sign up for the gym.

Take up

Meaning:

• To start learning something new.

• ​To start or begin something such as a job.

Example:

• She has recently taken up learning Spanish.

• I won't take up any more of your time.

Explanation

What Are Phrasal Verbs?

Phrasal verbs are multi-word expressions consisting of a verb and one or more particles (either a preposition or an adverb). Together, they form a meaning that is often different from the verb’s original meaning.

Structure of Phrasal Verbs:

Verb + Preposition
Example: Look after some text

• Meaning: To take care of someone or something.

• Sentence: "I need to look after my younger brother today."

Verb + Adverb
Example: Give up some text

• Meaning: To stop doing something.

• Sentence: "She decided to give up smoking."

Verb + Adverb + Preposition
Example: Get away with some text.

• Meaning: To escape punishment for something.

• Sentence: "He got away with cheating on the test."

Phrasal Verbs

Word order in Pharal Verbs