Talk About Technology: 25 English Phrasal Verbs
Phrasal verbs are an important part of English.
They are made up of a verb and a particle (like up, down, on, or off).
Let’s explore 25 phrasal verbs about technology with their meanings and examples.
1. Boot up
Meaning: To start a computer.
Example: I booted up my laptop to check my emails.
2. Log in
Meaning: To enter your username and password to access a device or website.
Example: You need to log in to your account to see your messages.
3. Log out
Meaning: To exit an account on a device or website.
Example: Don’t forget to log out when you’re done.
4. Shut down
Meaning: To turn off a computer or device.
Example: I shut down my computer before going to bed.
5. Back up
Meaning: To make a copy of your files for safety.
Example: It’s important to back up your data regularly.
6. Set up
Meaning: To prepare a device or program for use.
Example: Can you help me set up my new phone?
7. Plug in
Meaning: To connect a device to a power source.
Example: Plug in your charger; your battery is low.
8. Unplug
Meaning: To disconnect a device from a power source.
Example: I unplugged the TV before leaving the house.
9. Pick up
Meaning: To detect a signal or connection.
Example: My phone couldn’t pick up the Wi-Fi signal.
10. Scroll down
Meaning: To move the screen down to see more content.
Example: Scroll down to read the full article.
11. Scroll up
Meaning: To move the screen up to see earlier content.
Example: Scroll up to see the previous messages.
12. Turn on
Meaning: To activate a device or system.
Example: Turn on the computer and start the video call.
13. Turn off
Meaning: To deactivate a device or system.
Example: Please turn off the lights before leaving.
14. Run out (of)
Meaning: To use something completely, like battery or storage.
Example: My phone ran out of battery during the meeting.
15. Zoom in
Meaning: To make an image or text larger on a screen.
Example: You can zoom in to see the details of the map.
16. Zoom out
Meaning: To make an image or text smaller on a screen.
Example: Zoom out to see the entire picture.
17. Break down
Meaning: When a device stops working.
Example: My laptop broke down, and I had to take it for repair.
18. Key in
Meaning: To type information into a computer or device.
Example: Key in your password to unlock the device.
19. Go offline
Meaning: To disconnect from the internet.
Example: I went offline to focus on my work.
20. Go online
Meaning: To connect to the internet.
Example: I went online to search for the latest news.
21. Hack into
Meaning: To gain unauthorized access to a device or system.
Example: Someone tried to hack into my email account.
22. Sign up
Meaning: To register for a service or account.
Example: I signed up for a free online course.
23. Sign out
Meaning: To exit your account.
Example: Don’t forget to sign out of your account after using a public computer.
24. Power up
Meaning: To turn on a device or machine.
Example: He powered up the gaming console to play a new game.
25. Update (something)
Meaning: To install the latest version of a program or app.
Example: I updated my phone’s software last night.
These phrasal verbs are commonly used when talking about technology.
Practice them to sound more natural in your English conversations!
More phrasal verbs:
- 30 Phrasal Verbs using “LET” with Meanings and Sentences
- 30 Phrasal Verbs using “GO” with Meanings and Sentences
- 30 Phrasal Verbs using “SET” with Meanings and Sentences
- 30 Phrasal Verbs using “CLEAR” with Meanings and Sentences
- Oxford English Grammar
- Cambridge Grammar of English
- Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL) – Grammar
- Grammarly’s Grammar Guide
