Top 226 - 250 Phrasal Verbs: English Vocabulary List

to happen, often unexpectedly

"How did this come about?"

"How did this interesting situation come about and what events led to it happening?"

to intentionally exclude someone or something

"Do not leave out important details."

"Please do not leave out any important details when you write your report about the incident."

to expel the contents of the stomach through the mouth

"She started to throw up again."

"After eating spoiled seafood at the restaurant, he began to throw up repeatedly throughout the night and had to visit the hospital."

to tell someone about an idea, especially to know their opinion about it

"Run this by me."

"Could you run this proposal by your supervisor before we present it to the board?"

to put trust in something or someone

"You can count on me for help."

"You can always count on me for help whenever you need it because that is what friends are for."

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 spend time doing nothing or nothing productive

"Do not sit around all day."

"Do not just sit around all day watching television because you need to be productive and active."

to have a higher priority or importance compared to someone or something else

"This issue comes before the committee."

"The budget proposal will come before the committee for approval at their next scheduled meeting."

to be originated from something

"The word derives from Latin."

"Many English words derive from Latin and Greek origins which are ancient languages."

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 put things into containers or bags in order to transport or store them

"Pack up your belongings carefully."

"The workers began to pack up their tools after finishing the construction job for the day."

to kill or cause harm to a large number of people, often through violent means

"The car mowed down the crowd."

"The speeding car mowed down several pedestrians who were crossing the street at the crosswalk."

to make something operate, especially by accident

"It will set off."

"Be careful not to touch that wire, as it might accidentally set off the alarm."

to go faster and reach someone or something that is ahead

"He catches up quickly."

"I need to catch up on my reading because I fell behind during my vacation last week."

to wear formal clothes for a special occasion or event

"Dress up for party."

"The children love to dress up in their parents' clothes and pretend to be grown ups."

to cause something to lose its functionality or good condition over time or through extensive use

"These shoes wear out quickly."

"The old carpet has worn out after many years of heavy use and needs to be replaced soon."

(of a concept, trend, or idea) to become popular

"It will catch on."

"This innovative new app is expected to catch on quickly among younger generations."

to go past someone or something

"The bus will pass by."

"We watched the parade pass by our house, enjoying the vibrant costumes and music."

to express thoughts freely and confidently

"Please speak up in class."

"If you have a question please speak up because the other students cannot hear you from the back of the room."

to lose consciousness

"She passes out from the intense heat."

"It was so hot in the room that one of the guests nearly passed out from heat exhaustion and dehydration."

to distribute something among a group of individuals

"They give out free books."

"The volunteers gathered early in the morning to give out warm meals and blankets to the homeless people living near the downtown area."

to have a brief sexual relationship with a person

"They hook up."

"Many young adults today are open to hook up with someone they meet at a party."

to cause something to begin, particularly initiating an event or process

"The game kicks off at noon."

"The festival will kick off with a colorful parade through the main street of the town."

to oppose or resist someone or something

"Do not go against your parents' wishes."

"It is difficult to go against the wishes of your parents when you know they only want the best for you."

to pay money to the court to release someone from custody until their trial

"Bail out the suspect."

"His family managed to bail out the suspect from jail by posting the required bond."