This document defines and provides examples of common phrasal verbs in English. A phrasal verb is a verb combined with a preposition or adverb which creates a meaning that is different from the original verb. Examples given include "ask someone out" meaning to invite them on a date, "break down" meaning for a vehicle to stop functioning or for a person to become upset, and "dress up" meaning to wear nice clothing.

2.  A phrasal verb is a verb plus a
preposition or adverb which
creates a meaning different from
the original verb.

3.  ask someone out: invite on a date.
 ask around: ask many people the same question.
 break down: stop functioning (vehicle, machine)
 break down: get upset.

4.  call something off; cancel
 calm down: relax after being angry
 dress up: wear nice clothing
 drop someone/something off; take
someone/something somewhere and leave them/it
there

5.  eat out: eat at a restaurant
 end up: eventually reach/do/decide
 fall apart: break into pieces
 figure something out: understand, find the answer

6.  Get something across/over: communicate, make
understandable
 get away: go on a vacation
 hang out: spend time relaxing (informal)

7.  hold on: wait a short time
 keep something from someone: not tell
 keep something up: continue at the same rate
 look after someone/something: take care of

8.  look forward to something: be excited about the
future
 make something up: invent, lie about something
 mix something up: confuse two or more things