Abstract and Mental Phrasal Verbs: English Vocabulary List

to define oneself as belonging to a particular category, group, or label

"They identify as non-binary now."

"The survey asked participants to identify as male female or non binary for demographic data collection purposes."

to be socially fit for or belong within a particular group or environment

"She fits in with the group perfectly."

"The new employee is trying hard to fit in with the existing team and make friends."

to focus on something or someone as the primary subject or point of interest

"The story revolves around a detective."

"The plot of the movie revolves around a young detective trying to solve a mysterious murder case."

to be easily noticed, often due to being different from the surrounding elements

"His ears stick out noticeably."

"His bright red hair made him stick out in the crowd of people with darker hair colors."

to officially induct someone into a position or office, typically involving an oath

"They will swear in him."

"The chief justice will swear in the new president during the official inauguration ceremony next week."

to be the reason for a specific incident or result

"His speech brings about significant social change."

"The new government's policies were intended to bring about significant economic improvements for the entire nation."

to focus on a particular person or thing from a group in either a positive or negative manner

"The teacher singled out one student for praise."

"The teacher singled out one student for praise because of his exceptional performance on the difficult exam."

to indicate that something is about to happen

"The new year ushered in changes."

"The invention of the internet ushered in a new era of global communication and information sharing."

to conclude by selling off or getting rid of remaining items or assets

"Close out the account today."

"The struggling bookstore decided to close out its inventory with a massive liquidation sale."

to agree with or correspond to something

"His actions accord with his words."

"His actions do not accord with his words because he often says one thing but then does the opposite."

to delay the occurrence of something undesirable or threatening

"He ate to stave off hunger."

"He ate a small snack to stave off his hunger until dinner time because he knew he would not be able to eat for several more hours."

to completely impress someone

"The news bowled me over completely."

"The unexpected news about his promotion simply bowled him over and he could not believe it was actually true."

(of an outcome, decision, or situation) to depend entirely on a particular factor or set of circumstances

"The decision hinges on the test results."

"The outcome of the entire trial could hinge on the testimony of a single key witness."

to make a situation or relationship less tense by calming emotions, resolving conflicts, etc.

"He tried to smooth over the argument."

"The manager tried to smooth over the disagreement between the two employees by encouraging them to talk calmly and find a compromise."

(of a person) to slowly become thin and lose strength, particularly to the point of death

"The old man faded away."

"The beautiful colors of the sunset slowly faded away as darkness crept across the evening sky."

to become extremely upset, agitated, or overwhelmed by fear, anxiety, or excitement

"Do not freak out about the exam."

"The little boy started to freak out when he saw a large spider crawling on his arm."

to concentrate closely on a particular matter

"Zero in on the main problem quickly."

"The detective was able to zero in on the real suspect after carefully analyzing all of the evidence at the crime scene."

to gradually stop using, producing, or providing something

"The company is phasing out old models."

"The company plans to phase out its older product line over the next two years as customers switch to the newer models."

to succeed or come to a favorable outcome

"His plan did not pan out."

"Despite initial doubts, the risky investment strategy eventually panned out, yielding significant profits for the company."

(of a situation or issue) to continue for a long period of time without resolution

"The argument rumbled on for hours."

"The heated political debate rumbled on for hours without either side willing to compromise or give in to the other."

to access or make use of a resource or source of information

"Tap into your inner strength now."

"The new marketing campaign aims to tap into the growing demand for organic and environmentally friendly products among young consumers."

to start a task, action, or process with determination and inspiration

"She set about cleaning her room."

"After breakfast she set about cleaning the messy house which had been neglected for several days."

to make something ineffective

"The two effects cancel out each other."

"The positive effects of the new drug may cancel out the negative side effects of the other medication the patient is taking."

to defend or support someone or something

"Stand up for your rights always."

"You should always stand up for your rights and not let anyone take advantage of you."

to keep treating someone unfairly or making unfair remarks about them

"Stop picking on your little brother."

"The older children at school tend to pick on the younger smaller kids because they think it is funny to bully them."

to bring forth a memory or image, causing one to remember or think about something

"She summoned up her courage finally."

"He tried to summon up the courage to ask his boss for a raise but he was too nervous to speak."

to clearly and explicitly explain something

"Spell out the instructions clearly."

"The instructions clearly spell out exactly what you need to do to assemble the furniture correctly without any mistakes."

to present, propose, or offer something for consideration or action

"He put forth a new proposal."

"The committee put forth a new proposal that they believe will solve the parking problem in the downtown area."

to find something or someone unexpectedly

"I stumbled on an old photograph."

"The archaeologist stumbled on a hidden cave while exploring the remote hillside and discovered ancient paintings on the walls."