Phrasal verbs are quite a difficult part of learning English (not to mention one of the most difficult!!!). There is no easy way to learn them. You simply have to memorize them in sentences and use them more often so you don't forget them. Here are some of them along with examples to make it easier for you. Good luck!
Phrasal Verb |
Definition |
Example |
back down |
stop defending your opinion in a debate |
Jane never backs down. She always wins arguments. |
back out |
not keep (a promise, agreement, deal) |
Sam backed out at the last second |
back out of + |
not keep (a promise, agreement, deal) |
Sam backed out of the agreement at the last second. |
back * up + |
give support |
You need examples to back up your opinion. |
back up |
move backwards, reverse |
Could you back up a little so I can open this drawer. |
bear with + |
be patient |
Please bear with me while I fill out the paperwork. |
blow in |
visit unexpectedly (inf.) |
My cousin blew in unexpectedly with his entire family. |
blow over |
pass without creating a problem |
All this negative publicity will blow over in a couple of weeks |
call for + |
require (as in a recipe) |
This recipe calls for milk, not water. |
call * off + |
cancel something |
They called the picnic off because of the rain. |
call * off + |
order to stop (an invasion, guard dogs) |
He called off the dogs when he saw it was his neighbor. |
call on + |
visit |
Mark called on Naomi while he was in town. |
call on + |
invite someone to speak in a meeting or a classroom |
Professor Tanzer called on Tim to answer the question. |
call * up + |
telephone |
I called Sam up to see if he wanted to go to the movies. |