Phrasal verbs are powerful tools in storytelling and creative writing. They make your language sound natural, expressive, and dynamic. Instead of using formal or repetitive verbs, phrasal verbs help create vivid scenes and realistic dialogue. For example, “run away,” “break down,” “give up,” and “turn out” are commonly used in stories to describe actions and emotions.
Many English learners avoid phrasal verbs because they seem confusing. However, in creative writing, they are essential. Native speakers often use them in novels, short stories, and spoken dialogue. Using the right phrasal verb can add emotion, tension, or movement to your story.
In this guide, you will discover 40 useful phrasal verbs that can improve your storytelling and creative writing skills. These expressions will help you describe actions, conflicts, relationships, and character development more naturally. By learning and practicing these phrasal verbs, you can make your writing more engaging, fluent, and expressive.
40 Phrasal Verbs for Storytelling and Creative Writing
Break down
Meaning: To stop working or functioning.
Sentence: The car broke down in the middle of the road.
Bring up
Meaning: To mention or raise a topic.
Sentence: She brought up a funny story during dinner.
Call off
Meaning: To cancel something.
Sentence: The party was called off because of the rain.
Carry on
Meaning: To continue.
Sentence: He carried on walking, even though it was getting dark.
Check out
Meaning: To look at or examine something.
Sentence: You should check out the new book at the library.
Come across
Meaning: To find by chance.
Sentence: I came across an old letter while cleaning.
Come up with
Meaning: To think of or create an idea.
Sentence: She came up with a great plan to solve the problem.
Cut off
Meaning: To stop something suddenly.
Sentence: The phone call was cut off before I could say goodbye.
Drop by
Meaning: To visit casually.
Sentence: I’ll drop by your house later to give you the book.
Drop out
Meaning: To quit or leave something, usually a class or competition.
Sentence: He dropped out of school to pursue his dreams.
Figure out
Meaning: To understand or solve something.
Sentence: She figured out the puzzle after a long time.
Fill in
Meaning: To complete information on a form.
Sentence: Please fill in your name and address on this sheet.
Get away
Meaning: To escape or leave.
Sentence: They decided to get away for the weekend to relax.
Get back
Meaning: To return to a place.
Sentence: He’ll get back home by evening.
Get over
Meaning: To recover from something difficult.
Sentence: She got over her cold quickly.
Give up
Meaning: To stop trying or quit.
Sentence: Don’t give up, you can do it!
Go on
Meaning: To continue.
Sentence: The story went on for hours, but it was interesting.
Go out
Meaning: To leave home for an activity.
Sentence: Let’s go out for dinner tonight.
Grow up
Meaning: To become an adult.
Sentence: When I grow up, I want to be a teacher.
Hold on
Meaning: To wait or pause.
Sentence: Hold on a second, I’ll be right back.
Hold up
Meaning: To delay or stop something.
Sentence: The rain held up our travel plans.
Keep up
Meaning: To continue doing something at the same pace.
Sentence: It’s hard to keep up with all the new technology.
Look after
Meaning: To take care of.
Sentence: She looks after her little brother while their parents are away.
Look forward to
Meaning: To be excited or happy about something that will happen.
Sentence: I’m looking forward to the weekend!
Look up
Meaning: To search for information.
Sentence: I’ll look up the address online.
Make up
Meaning: To invent or create a story.
Sentence: He made up a funny excuse for being late.
Pick up
Meaning: To lift or gather something.
Sentence: I’ll pick up the book from the table.
Run into
Meaning: To meet unexpectedly.
Sentence: I ran into an old friend at the store today.
Set up
Meaning: To arrange or organize something.
Sentence: They set up the chairs before the event started.
Show up
Meaning: To arrive or appear.
Sentence: She didn’t show up for the meeting on time.
Shut down
Meaning: To stop something from working.
Sentence: The factory shut down for the holiday season.
Sort out
Meaning: To organize or solve a problem.
Sentence: I need to sort out my notes before the exam.
Take off
Meaning: To leave the ground (like an airplane).
Sentence: The plane will take off in 10 minutes.
Take over
Meaning: To gain control of something.
Sentence: She took over the company after her father retired.
Turn up
Meaning: To arrive or appear unexpectedly.
Sentence: He turned up late to the party.
Turn down
Meaning: To refuse or reject something.
Sentence: I had to turn down the job offer because of the long commute.
Wake up
Meaning: To stop sleeping.
Sentence: I woke up early this morning to go for a walk.
Warm up
Meaning: To prepare for something, like exercise or an event.
Sentence: The athletes warmed up before the game.
Work out
Meaning: To exercise or solve something.
Sentence: I work out every morning to stay fit.
Wrap up
Meaning: To finish or complete something.
Sentence: Let’s wrap up the meeting and go home.
Conclusion:
Phrasal verbs add life, emotion, and movement to storytelling and creative writing.
By using these 40 phrasal verbs, you can describe actions smoothly, build tension, and express emotions more naturally.
These expressions help your stories sound real, engaging, and fluent.
Practice using them in short paragraphs and stories, and your creative writing skills in English will improve step by step.
More phrasal verbs:
- 30 Phrasal Verbs using “DO” with Meanings and Sentences
- 30 Phrasal Verbs using “READ” with Meanings and Sentences
- Phrasal Verbs for Everyday Situations
