Many English learners feel that phrasal verbs are difficult to memorize. You may understand them today and forget them tomorrow.
This happens because most learners try to memorize long lists without context.
However, phrasal verbs are not meant to be memorized like vocabulary definitions—they are meant to be used in real situations.
In this article, you will learn simple and effective ways to memorize phrasal verbs easily, remember them for a long time, and use them confidently in spoken English, writing, and exams like IELTS.
What Are Phrasal Verbs?
A phrasal verb is a combination of two or more words: a verb + a preposition or an adverb. Together, these words create a meaning that is different from the meaning of the individual words. For example:
- Look up – to search for information (e.g., “I need to look up that word in the dictionary.”)
- Give up – to stop trying (e.g., “Don’t give up on your dreams.”)
- Break down – to stop working (e.g., “My car broke down on the way to work.”)
As you can see, the meaning of phrasal verbs often cannot be guessed from the individual words, so they can be difficult to learn. But don’t worry! In this post, we will explore some simple and effective ways to memorize them.
1. Group Phrasal Verbs by Themes
One of the best ways to memorize phrasal verbs is to group them by common themes or topics. This makes it easier to remember them because you can learn them in context. For example, you can group phrasal verbs that are related to:
- Travel: check in, take off, get off, pick up
- Communication: talk to, speak up, call back, hang up
- Health: get better, give up, pass out, work out
By grouping phrasal verbs based on topics, you will see connections between them. This will help your brain organize the information, making it easier to recall when needed. It also allows you to practice them in sentences related to the same theme, which reinforces your understanding.
2. Use Flashcards
Flashcards are an excellent tool for memorization. You can create flashcards with the phrasal verb on one side and its meaning and example sentence on the other. This method helps you practice both the meaning and the context in which the phrasal verb is used.
For example:
Front of the card:
Call off
Back of the card:
Meaning: To cancel something.
Example: “The meeting was called off because of the storm.”
You can use physical flashcards or apps like Anki or Quizlet, which make it easy to create and review your flashcards anywhere.
3. Learn Phrasal Verbs with Their Prepositions/Adverbs
Some learners try to memorize phrasal verbs by focusing only on the verb itself, but it’s important to also memorize the preposition or adverb that goes with it. The preposition or adverb changes the meaning of the verb. If you don’t know which one to use, the phrasal verb may not make sense.
For example, “turn off” means to stop something (like a light), while “turn on” means to start something (like a device). By learning the phrasal verb as a complete unit, you avoid confusion and can use it correctly in sentences.
To make this easier, write down both parts of the phrasal verb together when you’re learning it:
- Turn off
- Turn on
This helps you remember both words at the same time, reducing the chance of making mistakes.
4. Practice with Real-life Examples
The best way to remember phrasal verbs is to use them in real-life situations. You can do this by creating sentences or short stories with the phrasal verbs you are learning. This helps you see how they work in context, and using them in real situations makes it easier for your brain to remember.
For example, if you’re learning the phrasal verb “get along,” try to use it in a conversation:
- “I get along with my colleagues very well.”
- “Do you get along with your neighbors?”
If you don’t have someone to practice with, you can write short dialogues or stories. The key is to use phrasal verbs in sentences that feel natural and relevant to you.
5. Learn Phrasal Verbs in Context, Not in Isolation
It’s much easier to learn phrasal verbs when you see them used in context, rather than just memorizing them one by one. Instead of just learning the meaning of each phrasal verb, try reading sentences or stories that include them.
For example, you can read short articles, watch movies, or listen to podcasts in English. Pay attention to how phrasal verbs are used by native speakers. When you see them in context, you’ll understand how they fit into sentences, and this makes it easier to remember them.
You can also highlight or write down phrasal verbs that you come across in these materials. Later, try to use them in your own sentences. This will reinforce your learning and improve your ability to use them naturally.
6. Practice Regularly
Repetition is key to memorization. The more you practice using phrasal verbs, the more likely you are to remember them. Set aside time each day or week to review your flashcards, create sentences, and practice speaking with phrasal verbs.
You don’t have to memorize everything at once. Start with a few phrasal verbs that are useful in everyday conversations, and gradually add more to your vocabulary as you become more confident. By practicing regularly, you will improve your memory and start using phrasal verbs more naturally.
7. Use Mnemonics or Memory Tricks
Sometimes, it can help to create a memory trick or mnemonic for difficult phrasal verbs. A mnemonic is a word or phrase that helps you remember something by associating it with something easier to recall. For example, if you’re trying to memorize “pick up,” you can imagine picking up something off the floor.
For the phrasal verb “give up,” you might imagine a person holding a big sign that says “I give up!” The more creative and silly your mnemonic, the easier it will be to remember the phrasal verb.
8. Make It Fun
Learning phrasal verbs doesn’t have to be boring. There are many fun ways to practice and remember them. You can play games, quiz yourself, or join a language group where you practice speaking with others.
Apps like Duolingo or Babbel offer interactive ways to learn phrasal verbs. You can also play word games like crossword puzzles or word searches to make your learning more enjoyable.
The more fun you make it, the more motivated you will be to practice. And motivation is key to remembering phrasal verbs over time.
9. Focus on the Most Common Phrasal Verbs
There are thousands of phrasal verbs in English, but some are more common than others. Start by focusing on the most frequently used phrasal verbs, as they will help you in everyday conversations.
Here are a few examples of common phrasal verbs to start with:
- Get up – to rise from bed
- Pick up – to lift something from the ground
- Put off – to delay or postpone
- Look after – to take care of
- Break down – to stop working
By focusing on the most useful phrasal verbs first, you can start using them right away. As you get more comfortable, you can expand your vocabulary to include less common ones.
10. Be Patient and Don’t Give Up
Learning phrasal verbs takes time, and it’s normal to forget them or mix them up at first. But don’t get discouraged! Keep practicing, and you will improve over time.
Remember that learning a language is a journey. The more you practice, the more natural it will feel. So, be patient with yourself and celebrate the small victories along the way.
Conclusion
Phrasal verbs may seem difficult, but with the right strategies, they can become much easier to learn and remember.
Group them by themes, use flashcards, learn them in context, and practice regularly. Most importantly, make your learning enjoyable.
The more you practice, the more confident you will become in using phrasal verbs in your conversations.
Happy learning!
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