Aim At

Infinitive: Aim At
Present Tense: Aim At/ Aims At
-ing Form: Aiming At
Past Tense: Aimed At
Past Participle: Aimed At

Separable

1. To point a weapon at someone or something.

At the shooting range, we learned how to aim at the target.

Don't aim your pistol at anyone you don't want to harm or

kill.
Non-separable

2. To intend to achieve.
Manchester United are aiming to win the league next year.

Let's aim at 8:30 to go home.

Separable

3. To create for a particular demographic.

Do you feel like advertisements are aimed at you personally?

I wish I could find an interesting series aimed at someone

like me.
 Ask For
Infinitive: Ask For
Present Tense: Ask For/ Asks For
-ing Form: Asking For
Past Tense: Asked For
Past Participle: Asked For

Separable

1. To request something.
He asked for a new Playstation for Christmas.

The teacher asked each student for an opinion.

Separable

2. To say or do something that could result in a

negative outcome.
You're asking for me to punch you in the face by being so
annoying right now.

Yelling in front of the police is asking for trouble.

 Ask Out
Infinitive: Ask Out
Present Tense: Ask Out/ Asks Out
-ing Form: Asking Out
Past Tense: Asked Out
Past Participle: Asked Out

Separable

1. When you ask someone to go with you to a

certain place or for a special occasion, to spend
time together and have fun. If one or both parties
involved are interested in a romantic way, then it is
considered a date.
He wanted to ask out Rebecca but he was too shy.

She's cute. You should ask her out!

 Back Down
Infinitive: Back Down
Present Tense: Back Down/ Backs Down
-ing Form: Backing Down
Past Tense: Backed Down
Past Participle: Backed Down

Non-separable

1. To withdraw your position in a fight, argument,

plan, etc.
After a lot of negotiating I backed down.

If no one backs down in an auction the price can go very

high.
 Back Off
Infinitive: Back Off
Present Tense: Back Off/ Backs Off
-ing Form: Backing Off
Past Tense: Backed Off
Past Participle: Backed Off

Non-separable

1. When you leave an emotional situation, or to

allow someone to handle something alone.
I felt stressed so I asked him to back off.

It's best to back off and let paramedics do their job in an

emergency.
 Back Up
Infinitive: Back Up
Present Tense: Back Up
-ing Form: Backing Up
Past Tense: Backed Up
Past Participle: Backed Up

Separable

1. To walk or drive a vehicle backwards.

Back up! You're too close to the garden!

Back your car up to the garage.

Separable

2. When you support someone or something.

I can back up my argument with facts.

In sports you need to back your teammates up at all times.

Separable

3. To make a copy of computer data or files.

Always back up your computer before updating software.

What is the backup plan?

Non-separable

4. When something is prevented from moving.

Traffic is backed up for miles.

My toilet keeps getting backed up. It's gross!

 Beat Up
Infinitive: Beat Up
Present Tense: Beat Up/ Beats Up
-ing Form: Beating Up
Past Tense: Beat Up
Past Participle: Beaten Up

Separable

1. When someone punches, kicks, or hits someone

repeatedly using fists or with an object.
You can get beat up badly in boxing.

My brother used to beat up my sister when we were kids.

Non-separable

2. Used as an adjective, beat up describes an

object which is in bad condition due to overuse.
My laptop is so old and beat up.

You should check your engine. It sounds beat up.

 Beef Up
Infinitive: Beef Up
Present Tense: Beef Up/ Beefs Up
-ing Form: Beefing Up
Past Tense: Beefed Up
Past Participle: Beefed Up

Separable

1. To make changes or an improvement.

The event beefed up security this year.

I had to beef my report before submitting it.

 Believe In
Infinitive: Believe In
Present Tense: Believe In/ Believes In
-ing Form: Believing In
Past Tense: Believed In
Past Participle: Believed In

Non-separable

1. To feel confident about something or someone.

I believe in my wife more than anyone in the world.

Try to believe in yourself!

Separable

2. To believe something exists.

Some people believe in ghosts.

Do you believe in aliens?

 Bite Off
Infinitive: Bite Off
Present Tense: Bite Off/ Bites Off
-ing Form: Biting Off
Past Tense: Bit Off
Past Participle: Bitten Off

Separable

1. To use your teeth to bite a piece of something.

Mike Tyson is infamous for biting off his opponent's ear in a
boxing match.

The tag is hard to take off with your hands but you can bite
it off easily.
 Blow Away
Infinitive: Blow Away
Present Tense: Blow Away/ Blow Aways
-ing Form: Blowing Away
Past Tense: Blew Away
Past Participle: Blown Away

Separable

1. When the wind moves an object or person from where it was.

Be careful when you place the umbrella in the sand. You don't want it to blow
away!

The wind blew our tent away while we were out looking for firewood!
Non-separable

2. To feel overwhelmed, amazed, shocked or emotional by what

you've seen or heard.
The wedding just blew me away. It was so beautiful!

I am blown away by how fast your kids are growing up.

Separable

3. To spend all your money.

You might blow all your money away if you invest everything in Bitcoin.

Mike blows his money away on cars.

 Blow Off
Infinitive: Blow Off
Present Tense: Blow Off/ Blows Off
-ing Form: Blowing Off
Past Tense: Blew Off
Past Participle: Blown Off

Separable

1. When the wind removes something from its place.

My stack of papers will blow off my desk if I open the window.

The wind blew my hat off during the storm.

Separable

2. To shoot or explode something.

We love to blow off our own fireworks on New Year's Eve.

You'll probably blow your own head off if you play with guns.
Separable

3. To treat something or someone as unimportant.

She decided to blow off her homework.

Why did you blow me off last night? I was ready to get work done.
 Blow Up
Infinitive: Blow Up
Present Tense: Blow Up/Blows Up
-ing Form: Blowing Up
Past Tense: Blew Up
Past Participle: Blown Up

Separable

1. To make something explode.

A bomb is designed to blow up.

It's scary to think that an atomic bomb could blow a city up

very quickly.
Separable

2. To make an object bigger with air.

Blow up the balloons!

Let's blow this water toy up!

Separable

3. To make a photograph larger.

Blow up the photo so we can see all the details.

Blow the photo up so we can see all the details.

Non-separable

4. To become very angry.

Sometimes I blow up when I get bad news.

Marissa blew up when she found out her boyfriend cheated.

Non-separable

5. To become successful.
That actress blew up after her first movie.

Woah! Your Instagram is about to blow up!

Separable

6. To constantly call someone.

This girl keeps blowing up my phone.

Why are you blowing my phone up every day?

 Boil Down To
Infinitive: Boil Down To
Present Tense: Boil Down To/ Boils Down To
-ing Form: Boiling Down To
Past Tense: Boiled Down To
Past Participle: Boiled Down To

Separable

1. To have determined or analyzed the solution or

reason for something.
What it all boils down to is whether or not we can afford
the new computer system.

If you're struggling with a moral dilemma, just boil it down

to the basics. What really matters to you?
 Break Down
Infinitive: Break Down
Present Tense: Break Down/ Breaks Down
-ing Form: Breaking Down
Past Tense: Broke Down
Past Participle: Broken Down

Non-separable

1. When someone loses self-control and is emotionally

and/or mentally agitated.
I've been so stressed lately. I think I'm going to break down.

I'll have a break down if I don't reduce the stress in my life.

Separable

2. When you use any kind of force to go through a

locked door.

My child is stuck in the bathroom! Break down the door!

I was stuck - I thought I was going to have to break the door

down.
Non-separable

3. When something is not functioning correctly.

The PC keeps freezing. I think it’s breaking down.

My car is so old that it's starting to break down.

Separable

4. When you simplify a complicated idea, thought, process,

situation, etc.

If you're struggling to explain, try breaking down your ideas, so it’s

easier for people to understand.

If you're working on a big project you can break it down into a

simple schedule.
Non-separable

5. When a negotiation or an agreement/arrangement is not

completed due to lack of cooperation.

Our contract negotiations broke down. We didn't make a deal.

Communication will break down if you don't go into the meeting with
a positive attitude.
Separable

6. When a substance is reduced to its smallest parts.

We should ask the restaurant to break down the bill for each
person.
We need to tidy the toys. Can you break the brick tower down so it
will fit in the box?
 Break In
Infinitive: Break In
Present Tense: Break In/ Breaks In
-ing Form: Breaking In
Past Tense: Broke In
Past Participle: Broken In

Non-separable

1. To enter a place illegally and with the use of

force.
If you break into someone else's home, you'll be arrested!

If you try to break in here I'll call the police!

Separable

2. To use or wear something new until it is fully

functional or comfortable.
After you wear the shoes for a week, they will be broken in.

If you want to break your jeans in, try stretching them.

 Break Off
Infinitive: Break Off
Present Tense: Break Off
-ing Form: Breaking Off
Past Tense: Broke Off
Past Participle: Broken Off

Separable

1. To remove a part of something with force.

Hey, could you break off a piece of that chocolate bar for me?

That piece with marshmallows looks so good! Will you break some
off for me?
Separable

2. To end relations or contact with people.

I need to break off my relationship with her - it’s not working.

Friendships should be loving! If your friendship is hard work then it's

time to break it off.
Non-separable

3. When a part of something becomes weak over time

and detaches naturally.

I've had this saucepan for eleven years - I'm not surprised the
handle broke off.

I think this piece is about to break off.

 Break Out
Infinitive: Break Out
Present Tense: Break Out/ Breaks Out
-ing Form: Breaking Out
Past Tense: Broke Out
Past Participle: Broken Out

Separable

1. To escape from a place, situation or way of life.

They got caught trying to break out of prison.

If we devise a plan, we can break John and Peter out of prison!

Non-separable

2. When a disease, war, or fight starts.

A fight broke out after Tom kicked a football at James.

If they don't calm down a fight is going to break out.

Non-separable

3. When something appears on your skin.

If you eat too much chocolate your skin might break out in spots.

I hope I don't break out before the party! I want to look good!
 Break
Infinitive: Break Through
Present Tense: Break Through/ Breaks Through
-ing Form: Breaking Through

Through
Past Tense: Broke Through
Past Participle: Broken Through

Non-separable

1. To make a way through a barrier or a surface.

The door is locked. We are going to have to break through it
to get inside.

If you break through the police barrier you will be in

trouble.
Non-separable

2. When something hidden appears through a

surface.
The sun is going to break through the clouds! I can't wait to
sit in the garden.

They were trapped in the house, so Tom broke through the

window.
 Break Up
Infinitive: Break Up
Present Tense: Break Up/ Breaks Up
-ing Form: Breaking Up
Past Tense: Broke Up
Past Participle: Broken Up

Separable

1. To stop a fight.
The teacher stepped in to break up the fight.

Someone help break them up! They won't stop fighting!

Separable

2. To separate into smaller pieces.

That’s a huge burger! You will need to break it up to eat it.

Break the cake up and share it between your friends.

Separable

3. When the reception becomes inaudible because

of technical interference.
I'm really sorry, can you say that again? You're breaking up.

I think the thunderstorm is breaking the signal up.

Separable

4. To stop or end a romantic relationship with

another person.
We need to break up. I'm not happy anymore.

Sally doesn't like Sophie’s new boyfriend. She wants to break

them up.
 Bring Back
Infinitive: Bring Back
Present Tense: Bring Back/ Brings Back
-ing Form: Bringing Back
Past Tense: Brought Back
Past Participle: Brought Back

Separable

1. To return something you've borrowed.

Don't forget to bring back the camera I let you use!

Can you bring my camera back please?

Separable

2. To cause to recall memories and emotions from

the past.
Every time I hear that song it brings back memories of our
summer holiday.

If I want to bring memories back from the 90s I look at my

old pictures.
Separable

3. To bring something with you when you return

from a place.
It’s nice to bring back an item from your travels to remind
you of the memories.

Can you visit Sarah and bring my red dress back?

Separable

4. When something popular from the past is

reintroduced in the present.
Bring back the 80s - the music was the best!

I loved it when we used to call each other every week - let’s

bring that tradition back!
 Bring Over
Infinitive: Bring Over
Present Tense: Bring Over/ Brings Over
-ing Form: Bringing Over
Past Tense: Brought Over
Past Participle: Brought Over

Separable

1. To bring someone or something from one place or

area to another.
Do you mind bringing over some snacks for the party?

Can you bring some snacks over?

 Bring Up
Infinitive: Bring Up
Present Tense: Bring Up/ Brings Up
-ing Form: Bringing Up
Past Tense: Brought Up
Past Participle: Brought Up

Separable

1. To bring something from a lower level/place to a higher level/

place.

The packages are on the first floor. Could you bring up the small
ones, please?

Can you bring the small parcels up please?

Separable

2. To introduce or mention a particular topic in a conversation.

We should bring up the topic of Christmas Day, where will we spend

it?

Don't bring that up again, it upsets everyone.

Separable

3. To raise a child.

Steven is such a good man, he said he will bring up my daughter like

his own.

I'm going to bring my son up to be well mannered and kind.

 Brush Off
Infinitive: Brush Off
Present Tense: Brush Off/ Brushes Off
-ing Form: Brushing Off
Past Tense: Brushed Off
Past Participle: Brushed Off

Separable

1. To remove something(dust particle, insect, etc)

with your hand.
I brushed off the ant that was on my pants.

Can you brush the hair off my clothes.

Separable

2. To intentionally ignore or avoid talking to

someone.
Why are you brushing me off? I've been trying to speak
with you for a week.

Claire annoyed earlier. I brushed her off when she tried to

speak with me.
 Brush Up
Infinitive: Brush Up
Present Tense: Brush Up/ Brushes Up
-ing Form: Brushing Up
Past Tense: Brushed Up
Past Participle: Brushed Up

Separable

1. To practice and review your knowledge or a skill

that you haven't used in a while.
I really need to brush up my English! I have not studied for
a long time!

I'm going to America! I should brush up on my English in

preparation.
Non-separable

2. To make subtle, bodily contact with someone or

something.
He brushed up against me when we were stood on the train
- there wasn't much space.

When he was boarding the train brushed his body up against

me
 Bump Into
Infinitive: Bump Into
Present Tense: Bump Into/ Bumps Into
-ing Form: Bumping Into
Past Tense: Bumped Into
Past Participle: Bumped Into

Non-separable

1. When you meet people by accident or

unexpectedly.
It can be awkward to bump into an ex but it's always fun to
bump into a friend!

I bumped into Sarah! It was lovely to see her. We talked for

an hour.
Non-separable

2. When you accidentally hit something or someone

with your body.
I bumped into a woman because I wasn't looking where I
was going.

Don't use your phone and walk at the same time. You'll bump
into a lamp post!
 Burn Down
Infinitive: Burn Down
Present Tense: Burn Down/ Burns Down
-ing Form: Burning Down
Past Tense: Burned Down
Past Participle: Burned Down

Separable

1. When someone uses fire to destroy a structure.

He burned down the building! He will certainly go to jail!

Burn the house down!

Separable

2. When a house, building or other structure is

completely destroyed as a result of fire.
The remains of the house are a sad sight, it burned down.

My house burned all the way down.

 Burn Out
Infinitive: Burn Out
Present Tense: Burn Out/ Burns Out
-ing Form: Burning Out
Past Tense: Burned Out
Past Participle: Burned Out

Non-separable

1. When a candle stops burning because there is nothing

left to burn.
We watched the fire of the candle slowly burn out.

Keep the fire stoked! We don't want it to burn out.

Separable

2. When you are tired or lose the energy/drive to do

something.

If you do too much you will burn out. Remember to rest.

I've been so busy lately I've burned myself out.

Separable

3. When an electrical unit stops functioning.

The television won't turn on. I watched it all day yesterday, I think
it's burnt out.

Don't turn it on and off all the time, you'll burn it out.
 Burn Up
Infinitive: Burn Up
Present Tense: Burn Up/ Burns Up
-ing Form: Burning Up
Past Tense: Burned Up
Past Participle: Burned Up

Separable

1. To destroy something with heat or fire.

We should burn up all of these old leaves.

The criminal threatened to burn the house up in flames.

Separable

2. To use all the fuel in a machine.

Drive the car economically so you don't burn up all the fuel.

I'm working with this machine all day today - I'm probably
going to burn up all the fuel.
Separable

3. To feel hotter than usual.

I'm burning up! Is it hot in here?

I think I have a fever. I'm burning up.

 Burst Out
Infinitive: Burst Out
Present Tense: Burst Out/ Bursts Out
-ing Form: Bursting Out
Past Tense: Burst Out
Past Participle: Burst Out

Non-separable

1. To suddenly do or say something.

We suddenly burst out laughing because the joke was so
funny.

When I'm happy I want to burst out and sing!

Non-separable

2. To suddenly appear, erupt, or intensify.

Sarah was hiding behind a tree! She jumped out and
frightened me. She just burst out of nowhere!

I stepped on a cup of yogurt and it burst out everywhere.

 Butt In
Infinitive: Butt In
Present Tense: Butt In/ Butts In
-ing Form: Butting In
Past Tense: Butt In
Past Participle: Butt In

Non-separable

1. To interrupt a conversation or activity.

Could you please not butt in? I'm trying to have a
conversation here.

I keep trying to explain, but you keep butting in.

 Call Back
Infinitive: Call Back
Present Tense: Call Back/ Calls Back
-ing Form: Calling Back
Past Tense: Called Back
Past Participle: Called Back

Separable

1. To call someone again.

If you need more help you can call back any time. Thank
you!

If you could call me back at 5pm that would be great!

Separable

2. To return a call.
They asked me to call back after 12:00, because the store is
closed.

Can you call Sarah back tomorrow?

 Call In
Infinitive: Call In
Present Tense: Call In/ Calls In
-ing Form: Calling In
Past Tense: Called In
Past Participle: Called In

Separable

1. To request that someone come and help.

I think we need to call in the experts to help us.

Just call the experts in, they will know what to do.
Non-separable

2. To inform someone that you will not be in

attendance.
If you feel unwell, please call in sick by phoning the office.

Use my phone to call in. Tell the college you're not going to
be present today
 Call Off
Infinitive: Call Off
Present Tense: Call Off/ Calls Off
-ing Form: Calling Off
Past Tense: Called Off
Past Participle: Called Off

Separable

1. To cancel an event that has been previously

planned.
We called off the parade today because it will probably rain
too much.

I'm too sick for my own birthday party - call the whole
thing off.
Separable

2. To tell a person or an animal to stop attacking or

chasing someone.
The police called off the dogs, so they could make the
arrest.

Call the dogs off - they found the criminal!

 Call Up
Infinitive: Call Up
Present Tense: Call Up/ Calls Up
-ing Form: Calling Up
Past Tense: Called Up
Past Participle: Called Up

Separable

1. To be chosen to take part in a military mission.

She was called up to the top squad for a secret mission.

I don't want them to call Jason up to join the military.

Separable

2. To telephone someone.
Call up Sarah and invite her to the party.

Call Sarah up and invite her to the party.

 Calm Down
Infinitive: Calm Down
Present Tense: Calm Down/ Calms Down
-ing Form: Calming Down
Past Tense: Calmed Down
Past Participle: Calmed Down

Separable

1. To become less violent, nervous, excited or angry.

I really need to calm down.

Okay Kellen, calm yourself down. It’s going to be okay.

 Care For
Infinitive: Care For
Present Tense: Care For/ Cares For
-ing Form: Caring For
Past Tense: Cared For
Past Participle: Cared For

Non-separable

1. To nurture or take care of someone or something.

I care for my grandma, she is very old.

Can you care for my pet when I am on holiday?

Non-separable

2. To have strong feelings for someone or

something.
I really care for him.

He cares deeply for me. I can tell by the way he treats me.
 Carry Away
Infinitive: Carry Away
Present Tense: Carry Away/ Carries Away
-ing Form: Carrying Away
Past Tense: Carried Away
Past Participle: Carried Away

Non-separable

1. To do something out of the ordinary due to

strong emotions.
I yelled at him, I was so annoyed. I got carried away.

I'm glad You're excited, but don't get carried away - take
your time.
Separable

2. To take something or someone in your arms or

hands from one place to another.
Carry this box away from the fire, please.

The firefighter carried the baby away from the fire.

 Carry On
Infinitive: Carry On
Present Tense: Carry On/ Carries On
-ing Form: Carrying On
Past Tense: Carried On
Past Participle: Carried On

Non-separable

1. To continue doing something or to continue on in life

despite an obstacle.
Mary decided to carry on studying despite failing the last exam.

If you carry on misbehaving we will report you.

Non-separable

2. When someone behaves badly.

If the children carry on behaving badly they will be punished.

If you carry on like this your grades will suffer.

Separable

3. To take something with you when traveling on a bus,

train or airplane.

He took a small suitcase as a carry on. It had his laptop inside, so

he can use it on the flight.

Just carry the bike on to the train - it will be fine.

 Carry Out
Infinitive: Carry Out
Present Tense: Carry Out/ Carries Out
-ing Form: Carrying Out
Past Tense: Carried Out
Past Participle: Carried Out

Separable

1. To move something or someone from one place to

another using your arms or an object.
The waitress used the tray to carry out two cups of tea to
the customers.

The firefighter carried the family out of the fire and saved
the day!
Separable

2. To do a task.
Did you carry out the inspection?

Do you need help to carry the inspection out?

 Catch On
Infinitive: Catch On
Present Tense: Catch On/ Catches On
-ing Form: Catching On
Past Tense: Caught On
Past Participle: Caught On

Non-separable

1. To understand or realize something.

Now I understand! Wow, it took me a long time to catch on!

You're clever and very quick to catch on.

Non-separable

2. To become popular.
The new mobile phone app has started to catch on -
everyone's using it!

I can't believe that caught on! What a strange trend.

 Catch Up
Infinitive: Catch Up
Present Tense: Catch Up/ Catches Up
-ing Form: Catching Up
Past Tense: Caught Up
Past Participle: Caught Up

Separable

1. To move faster to reach someone or something

that is ahead of you.
If I leave the house now, I can catch up with my friends
who are walking to school.

If you leave now I will catch you up in about 10 minutes.

Separable

2. To discuss or learn the latest news or something

else that is of interest to you.
I've been on holiday for a week, I need to catch up on my
favorite TV shows.

Can you catch me up on the news? What’s been going on?

 Cheat On
Infinitive: Cheat On
Present Tense: Cheat On/ Cheats On
-ing Form: Cheating On
Past Tense: Cheated On
Past Participle: Cheated On

Non-separable

1. When you are emotionally and/or sexually

unfaithful to your girlfriend/boyfriend or spouse.
A good person would never cheat on their girlfriend or
boyfriend.

Is it true that Martin cheated on Suzanne?

Non-separable

2. When someone uses an unfair advantage to

improve their score on a test.
Kellen cheated on his exam by copying Ann's work.

Don't cheat on the exam. You'll only let yourself down.

 Check In
Infinitive: Check In
Present Tense: Check In/ Checks In
-ing Form: Checking In
Past Tense: Checked In
Past Participle: Checked In

Non-separable

1. To register at a hotel or airport upon arrival.

I need to check in at the hotel reception to get my room
key.

The receptionist said that we can check in early.

Non-separable

2. To call or visit someone on a regular basis.

Check in on Grandma once a week and make sure she has
enough to eat.

We should check in on our puppy every hour and make sure

he’s okay
 Check Out
Infinitive: Check Out
Present Tense: Check Out/ Checks Out
-ing Form: Checking Out
Past Tense: Checked Out
Past Participle: Checked Out

Non-separable

1. To leave a hotel or other form of an

accommodation after your stay there.
I need to check out at the hotel reception to return my
room key.

Don't check out late - You'll be fined.

Separable

2. To carefully inspect a person, place or an object

to learn more information.
Check out this new mobile app – it’s so cool!

Does Emily still work here? Can you check her details out on
the system?
Non-separable

3. To pay for your items before leaving the store.

You can check out up at the front desk.

Excuse me, where can I check out?

Non-separable

4. To no longer pay attention or listen.

Can you say that again? I'm sorry, I checked out!

Yeah, I'm not listening. I've checked out.

 Chicken Out
Infinitive: Chicken Out
Present Tense: Chicken Out/ Chickens Out
-ing Form: Chickening Out
Past Tense: Chickened Out
Past Participle: Chickened Out

Non-separable

1. To refrain from doing something because of fear.

I'm scared, but I don't want to chicken out. I will be brave
and jump off the diving board.

The boys taunted their friend because he chickened out of

the dare.
 Chop Up
Infinitive: Chop Up
Present Tense: Chop Up/ Chops Up
-ing Form: Chopping Up
Past Tense: Chopped Up
Past Participle: Chopped Up

Separable

1. To cut something into small pieces with a knife.

Thomas, can you chop up the beef so I can cook a stew?

Chop the carrots up into small pieces, please.

 Clean Out
Infinitive: Clean Out
Present Tense: Clean Out/ Cleans Out
-ing Form: Cleaning Out
Past Tense: Cleaned Out
Past Participle: Cleaned Out

Separable

1. To clean or clear the inside of something

thoroughly.
Once a month I clean out the house, it smells so fresh!

This weekend I'm going to clean the shed out.

Separable

2. To cause someone to spend all of their money.

If he goes shopping he will clean out his bank!

We went shopping and she cleaned me out! She spent my

money on clothes
Separable

3. To steal someone’s valuables or money.

Someone returned my wallet, but it was cleaned out of cash!

They managed to access our bank and clean us out!

 Clear Out
Infinitive: Clear Out
Present Tense: Clear Out/ Clears Out
-ing Form: Clearing Out
Past Tense: Cleared Out
Past Participle: Cleared Out

Separable

1. To remove things completely from an area or

place.
She had a good clear out of her wardrobe and donated all of
her old clothes.

I'm going to clear my wardrobe out and donate any clothes

that I don't wear.
Non-separable

2. To leave a place.
After that awful band started playing the nightclub cleared
out!

They will clear the restaurant out if they don't control that
awful smell.
 Clear Up
Infinitive: Clear Up
Present Tense: Clear Up/ Clears Up
-ing Form: Clearing Up
Past Tense: Cleared Up
Past Participle: Cleared Up

Non-separable

1. To do something to solve a problem or a

misunderstanding.
They had a meeting to clear up any confusion.

Let’s clear the issues with this project up immediately.

Separable

2. When an infection or rash no longer exists.

I applied the cream for one week and my skin cleared up.

If you take this medicine for three days it will clear the rash up.
Non-separable

3. When the weather changes from bad to good.

What a relief - the weather has cleared up! I'm going to sit outside.

The sky is starting to clear up! I think we can have the party
outside today.
 Clog Up
Infinitive: Clog Up
Present Tense: Clog Up/ Clogs Up
-ing Form: Clogging Up
Past Tense: Clogged Up
Past Participle: Clogged Up

Non-separable

1. When something in a drain or valve prevents the

flow of water or other liquids.
Throw away food from your plate before you wash it up -
the food will clog up the drain.

Gross, the food has clogged the sink up.

 Close Down
Infinitive: Close Down
Present Tense: Close Down/ Closes Down
-ing Form: Closing Down
Past Tense: Closed Down
Past Participle: Closed Down

Separable

1. When the activities or services of a business

permanently end.
After the business lost all of its money it was forced to
close down.

We received the message that we had to close the business

down for good.
Separable

2. Used in sports, it means to stop a contender or

an opponent from becoming a challenge.
Close down on the riders ahead before you reach the hill.

Close down on Theo! Stay close and don't let him get away.
Separable

3. To end an activity temporarily, including business

operations (pay attention to context to avoid
confusion with the first meaning).
Let’s close down for the rest of the day - there aren't any
customers.

Why not close the shop down until the next delivery?
 Close Off
Infinitive: Close Off
Present Tense: Close Off/ Closes Off
-ing Form: Closing Off
Past Tense: Closed Off
Past Participle: Closed Off

Separable

1. To block an entrance or pathway.

The police want to close off the road to stop people driving
there.

The police have closed the road off, there’s been a crash -
you can take the alternative route.
Separable

2. When a person keeps their true feelings to

themselves, or doesn't allow others to get to know
them well.
He’s been closed off since his relationship ended. He doesn't
talk about his feelings anymore.

You're so closed off. I don't know how you feel.

 Come About
Infinitive: Come About
Present Tense: Come About/ Comes About
-ing Form: Coming About
Past Tense: Came About
Past Participle: Came About

Non-separable

1. When something happens or occurs.

You got a promotion at work? How did that come about?

You met a celebrity? How did that come about?

 Come Across
Infinitive: Come Across
Present Tense: Come Across/ Comes Across
-ing Form: Coming Across
Past Tense: Came Across
Past Participle: Come Across

Non-separable

1. The way other people perceive you.

If you want to come across as a friendly person, you should
smile!

You're coming across very arrogant right now.

Non-separable

2. To move from one side to the opposite side.

Come across the river - walk over the bridge.

If you come across the path you'll meet me on my walk.

Non-separable

3. To find or see someone or something by chance.

I was walking my dog when I came across a wallet on the floor. I

handed it in to the police.

I came across my old photo album when I was going through those
boxes upstairs.
 Come Apart
Infinitive: Come Apart
Present Tense: Come Apart/ Comes Apart
-ing Form: Coming Apart
Past Tense: Came Apart
Past Participle: Come Apart

Non-separable

1. When something breaks or separates piece by

piece.
Oh no, the bottom of my shoe is coming apart!

I was holding the cake when it came apart.

 Come Back
Infinitive: Come Back
Present Tense: Come Back/ Comes Back
-ing Form: Coming Back
Past Tense: Came Back
Past Participle: Come Back

Non-separable

1. To return to a place.
We must come back to this hotel, the breakfast was delicious.

Let’s come back here tomorrow.

Non-separable

2. To become successful or popular again.

To come back into popularity the celebrity made a large donation to

a food bank.

I don't know how he came back from that controversy . He seems to

be doing well again now.
Non-separable

3. When a condition or problem occurs again.

I can't believe it’s come back after I took medication from the
doctor.

My knee pain has come back. Ugh.

 Come Down
Infinitive: Come Down
Present Tense: Come Down/ Comes Down
-ing Form: Coming Down
Past Tense: Came Down
Past Participle: Come Down

Non-separable

1. To move from a higher to a lower position or

from north to south.
Come down to the South of England and visit the beaches.

Come down from the kitchen sides. You'll hurt yourself if you
fall.
Non-separable

2. To lower the price.

$50 is expensive. Can you come down to $40?

If you want your business you need to come down in your

prices. It’s too expensive.
 Come Down
Infinitive: Come Down To
Present Tense: Come Down To/ Comes Down To
-ing Form: Coming Down To

To
Past Tense: Came Down To
Past Participle: Came Down To

Non-separable

1. When a situation is reduced to certain outcome.

It will all come down to money, if we can afford to go to the
restaurant, we will.

It was such a good soccer game. Our team won, but it was
tense - it came down to penalties.
 Come Down
Infinitive: Come Down With
Present Tense: Come Down With/ Comes Down With
-ing Form: Coming Down With

With
Past Tense: Came Down With
Past Participle: Come Down With

Non-separable

1. When you start to experience the symptoms of a

disease or illness.
I have been sneezing a lot lately. I think I am coming down
with a cold.

Ed hasn't been at work for a week because he came down

with the flu.
 Come In
Infinitive: Come In
Present Tense: Come In/ Comes In
-ing Form: Coming In
Past Tense: Came In
Past Participle: Come In

Non-separable

1. When someone or something enters a place, building,

or room.
Come in to the exam hall and take your seat.

He came in looking very upset.

Non-separable

2. When something or someone arrives from somewhere.

We were eating dinner and he just came in! It was so rude to

interrupt us like that!

John has just come in to the room.

Non-separable

3. When it is something received by someone, like a

message, news, or money

My paycheck has come in! Let’s go shopping!

When do you expect the shipment of products to come in?

Non-separable

4. To go to class or work.

Sophie is sick. Can we get someone else to come in?

I'm coming into class today but I'll be late.

Non-separable

5. It is used in referring to someone who comes to your

house to do work.

The home owner asked the plumber to come in to her home so he

could fix the bathroom.

We had to have exterminators come in to fix our ant problem in the

kitchen.
Non-separable

6. Ranking in a competition or race.

If Ann comes in first place, we're all going out for a drink to
celebrate!

Last year Chulalongkorn University came in as the best university in

Thailand.
 Come Off
Infinitive: Come Off
Present Tense: Come Off/ Comes Off
-ing Form: Coming Off
Past Tense: Came Off
Past Participle: Come Off

Non-separable

1. When something is removed or breaks off from

where it was originally attached to.
The car handle has come off! It’s in my hand!

Don't pull your teddy like that - his arm will come off!
Non-separable

2. Used when talking about the results of an event

or competition.
He didn't come off very well in that round - the opponent
scored a lot of points.

How did you come off? Did you get 1st place?
Non-separable

3. When you want to tell people you don't believe

what they're saying.
Oh come off it! There's no way Michael did that.

Come off it! I don't believe you.

Non-separable

4. How someone is perceived by other people.

He is always smiling! He comes off as a really friendly
person.

I hope I come off as charming to other people.

 Come On
Infinitive: Come On
Present Tense: Come On/ Comes On
-ing Form: Coming On
Past Tense: Came On
Past Participle: Come On

Non-separable

1. To appear on television or be heard on the radio.

He was invited to come on the radio and talk about his new
book.

Are you coming on the radio today?

Non-separable

2. When you encourage someone to do something.

Come on! You can do it!

Come on, don't let this setback stop you from achieving your
dreams.
Non-separable

3. To try to attract someone with words or actions.

I was standing in the bar and he tried to come on to me. He
was saying I was beautiful.

I usually don't come on to women. I let them come onto me.

Non-separable

4. The start of an illness.

I keep sneezing. I think I've got a cold coming on.

I feel something coming on. I'm not sure which illness it is

though.

Non-separable

5. When something starts to function.

It just come on! I'm so happy - it would've been expensive to
repair my PC.

Ah, the TV came on! Let's watch!

 Come Out
Infinitive: Come Out
Present Tense: Come Out/ Comes Out
-ing Form: Coming Out
Past Tense: Came Out
Past Participle: Come Out

Non-separable

1. To leave a place.
Come out from your room and eat dinner with your family.

Come out tonight - we're going to look at the stars.

Non-separable

2. To travel out of town.

Come out to the countryside for a break.

I've come out all this way to help you.

Non-separable

3. To have a particular result.

Stop arguing - what good will come out of it?

Nothing good will come out of a fight.

Non-separable

4. To make information known or available to the

public.
David decided to come out on the internet - he told
everyone he was gay.

The story will come out eventually. You should tell the truth
now.

Non-separable

5. To remove a stain or dirt.

Oh my goodness, I've dropped nail polish on the carpet. I
hope it comes out.

I don't think this red wine stain is going to come out of my

dress.
 Come Over
Infinitive: Come Over
Present Tense: Come Over/ Comes Over
-ing Form: Coming Over
Past Tense: Came Over
Past Participle: Come Over

Non-separable

1. To make a visit.
Come over and eat dinner with me at my house.

Are you coming over tomorrow?

Non-separable

2. To move across from one side to another.

Come over the bridge. we're on the other side of the river.

Come over here!

Non-separable

3. To let an emotion or feeling affect you in a

strong way.
Sadness came over me when my girlfriend broke up with me.

I was come over with happiness when I got promoted at

work.
 Come
Infinitive: Come Through
Present Tense: Come Through/ Comes Through
-ing Form: Coming Through

Through
Past Tense: Came Through
Past Participle: Came Through

Non-separable

1. When someone or something expected arrives.

I've been waiting for this letter to come through!

I should be getting my delivery tomorrow. It should come

through at 11am.
Non-separable

2. To produce results despite the odds.

I came through my exams with top results, despite being sick
for a week.

I can't believe that came through - what are the chances?

Non-separable

3. To non-verbally communicate an emotion.

You're coming through as not very happy right now.

Am I coming through as angry? I'm not angry!

 Come Up
Infinitive: Come Up
Present Tense: Come Up/ Comes Up
-ing Form: Coming Up
Past Tense: Came Up
Past Participle: Come Up

Non-separable

1. When something appears or happens, either expected

or unexpected.
I can't make dinner, sorry - something has come up.

Oh no, I'll have to call you back. An important meeting has come up.
Non-separable

2. To be mentioned in a conversation.

I saw your mum yesterday. Did it come up in conversation when we

spoke to her?

You came up in conversation yesterday. I was talking to your mum

about your new job.
Non-separable

3. To gain more money and/or success.

Adam got a promotion yesterday, he’s coming up in the world!

If you want to come up in the world, you have to put in the work!
Non-separable

4. To create or think of something new

We need to come up with a new idea!

Who came up with that idea? Was it you?

Non-separable

5. When you go to speak to someone.

Come up to me at lunch and we'll talk about your progress at work.

I'll be in my office

Come up here and speak to me!

Non-separable

6. To travel farther north, or to a higher level.

Come up to the viewpoint - you can see for miles!

Hey, why don't you come up to visit us?

 Come Up
Infinitive: Come Up With
Present Tense: Come Up With/ Comes Up With
-ing Form: Coming Up With

With
Past Tense: Came Up With
Past Participle: Come Up With

Non-separable

1. When you think of a solution, idea, plan, or

excuse.
We need to come up with a surprise for Sarah’s birthday.

Are you coming up with some exciting plans for your holiday?
 Cool Off
Infinitive: Cool Off
Present Tense: Cool Off/ Cools Off
-ing Form: Cooling Off
Past Tense: Cooled Off
Past Participle: Cooled Off

Separable

1. To become calm again.

You seem angry, take 5 minutes to cool off.

You need to cool yourself off.

Separable

2. To become less hot.

Wait for dinner to cool off before you eat it.

Tom said he’s hot. A swim in the sea should cool him off.
 Count On
Infinitive: Count On
Present Tense: Count On/ Counts On
-ing Form: Counting On
Past Tense: Counted On
Past Participle: Counted On

Non-separable

1. To rely on someone for support when you need it

most.
You can count on your mother to take care of you.

I'm counting on Linda. She’s working for me tomorrow.

Non-separable

2. When you expect something will occur, or that a

specific condition exists.
You can count on the supermarkets being open in the
weekday.

I left my house early because was counting on the roads

being busy during rush hour.
 Count Up
Infinitive: Count Up
Present Tense: Count Up/ Counts up
-ing Form: Counting Up
Past Tense: Counted Up
Past Participle: Counted Up

Separable

1. To count all of something or people in a group.

Every time the group sat on the bus, the trip leader would
count up all of the people.

Count up the children - is everyone present?

 Cover Up
Infinitive: Cover Up
Present Tense: Cover Up/ Covers Up
-ing Form: Covering Up
Past Tense: Covered Up
Past Participle: Covered Up

Separable

1. To use something to conceal something else.

We use this rug to cover up a stain on the carpet.

Oh no, your new haircut is awful! Wear this hat and cover it
up!
Separable

2. To hide the truth of a real story.

I saw him steal the car, but he covered up the evidence. You
can't prove it was him.

He always tells lies. He’s constantly covering up the truth!

 Crack Down
Infinitive: Crack Down
Present Tense: Crack Down/ Cracks Down
-ing Form: Cracking Down
Past Tense: Cracked Down
Past Participle: Cracked Down

Non-separable

1. To take more action than usual against

wrongdoing.
My brother is so naughty, my parents had to crack down on
him.

The police cracked down on crime.

 Cross Off
Infinitive: Cross Off
Present Tense: Cross Off/ Crosses Off
-ing Form: Crossing Off
Past Tense: Crossed Off
Past Participle: Crossed Off

Separable

1. To remove or delete someone or something from a

list.
Can you cross off “cleaning” from my list? I did it yesterday.

I love crossing all the jobs off my list.

 Cut Back
Infinitive: Cut Back
Present Tense: Cut Back/ Cuts Back
-ing Form: Cutting Back
Past Tense: Cut Back
Past Participle: Cut Back
Separable

1. When you spend less money on something.

Amy is saving for a house, it’s time to cut back on expensive
clothes.

Are you really cutting all of that money back?

Non-separable

2. When you consume less food (liquid or solid).

Cutback on alcohol, you shouldn't drink it excessively.

Cut your alcohol consumption back for a healthier lifestyle.

Non-separable

3. When you do something less often.

Cut back on your mobile phone, so you have more time for
reading.

I think I'm going to cut the amount of time I watch TV

back.
 Cut Down
Infinitive: Cut Down
Present Tense: Cut Down/ Cuts Down
-ing Form: Cutting Down
Past Tense: Cut Down
Past Participle: Cut Down

Non-separable

1. To do less of something or to use something in

smaller amounts.
I want to lose weight, so I am going to cut down the amount
of cake that I eat.

Cutting the electric bill down is hard.

Separable

2. To cut something by using a saw, axe, etc.

Cut down the large tree.

Cut the tree down using the axe in the shed.

 Cut Off
Infinitive: Cut Off
Present Tense: Cut Off/ Cuts Off
-ing Form: Cutting Off
Past Tense: Cut Off
Past Participle: Cut Off

Separable

1. To completely remove or separate a part of something

by cutting it with something sharp object like a knife or
a pair of scissors, etc.
He cut off the top of the carrots because we don't want to eat that
part.

Can you cut the end of the bread off? It’s stale.
Separable

2. To stop the flow or supply of something.

My mum cut off the internet so I'd use it less.

“If you don't clean your room, I'll cut the internet off!”
Separable

3. When someone’s connection over the phone is

accidentally disconnected.

There’s no phone signal, so the phone call was cut off.

There’s no phone signal, so the phone cut me off.
Separable

4. To prevent someone from continuing while they are

speaking.

I hate it when she cuts off her mother. It's so rude.

It makes me so angry when she cuts me off - it’s rude.

Separable

5. To abruptly get in front of another vehicle while

driving.

Don’t drive there you'll cut off that car!

Did you see that? He pulled in front of me and cut me off!

Separable

6. To stop having a relationship with someone.

I think you should cut off the relationship, so you can be happier.

It wasn't a healthy relationship, she had to cut him off.

 Cut Out
Infinitive: Cut Out
Present Tense: Cut Out/ Cuts Out
-ing Form: Cutting Out
Past Tense: Cut Out
Past Participle: Cut Out

Non-separable

1. To remove something using a knife or a pair of

scissors.
Can you cut out the vouchers from the magazine?

Can you cut the heart shape out of the card?

Separable

2. To stop using or doing something.

Jennifer cut out chocolate from her diet because the doctor
told her to.

I had to cut the running out because it was hurting my

knee.
Non-separable

3. To stop functioning.
I forgot to save my work and the PC cut out.

Ah, my phone cut out.

Non-separable

4. When a scene, chapter, or episode is removed.

They cut out the scary part of the film, so the kids can
watch it.

You should cut that scene out - it’s not suitable for the
children.
 Cut Up
Infinitive: Cut Up
Present Tense: Cut Up/ Cuts Up
-ing Form: Cutting Up
Past Tense: Cut Up
Past Participle: Cut Up

Separable

1. When you use a knife or scissors to cut

something into several pieces.
If you cut up the potatoes into small pieces they will cook
quicker.

Cut the potatoes up into small pieces

 Deal With
Infinitive: Deal With
Present Tense: Deal With/ Deals With
-ing Form: Dealing With
Past Tense: Dealt With
Past Participle: Dealt With

Non-separable

1. When you do everything you must do to solve a

problem or complete.
I will deal with my problems by talking to my friends.

How did you deal with that problem?

Non-separable

2. The subject of an article, book, curriculum,

speech, film, etc.
The film is amazing! It deals with the subject of human
rights.

I love this brand. It deals with animal cruelty in such an

inspiring way
 Do Away
Infinitive: Do Away With
Present Tense: Do Away With/ Does Away With
-ing Form: Doing Away With

With
Past Tense: Did Away With
Past Participle: Done Away With

Non-separable

1. To dispose of something.
I'm going to do away with this dress, I haven't worn it for 5
years.

You're doing away with the TV? Why?

Non-separable

2. To kill someone.
I asked the hit man to do away with my enemy!

I wish I could do away with Michael. I don't like him.

 Do Over
Infinitive: Do Over
Present Tense: Do Over/ Does Over
-ing Form: Doing Over
Past Tense: Did Over
Past Participle: Done Over

Separable

1. To do something again in order to improve or

correct mistakes.
This essay is rubbish! I need to do over the entire thing.

I've had to do the same work over again and it’s still not
right.
Separable

2. To decorate a room or an area in a totally

different way.
I'm going to do over the kitchen, the decor is outdated now.

I'm going to do the kitchen over, the walls need to be

painted.
 Do With
Infinitive: Do With
Present Tense: Do With
-ing Form: Do With
Past Tense: Do With
Past Participle: Do With

Non-separable

1. To make a connection between two or more

things.
If you want to start cycling, you could do with getting a
bike.

Have you read her books? they're all to do with murder and
mystery!
 Do Without
Infinitive: Do Without
Present Tense: Do Without/ Does Without
-ing Form: Doing Without
Past Tense: Did Without
Past Participle: Done Without

Separable

1. To manage well without something or someone.

I have learned to do without television - I prefer reading.

You would do well without her in your life.

 Doze Off
Infinitive: Doze Off
Present Tense: Doze Off/ Dozes Off
-ing Form: Dozing Off
Past Tense: Dozed Off
Past Participle: Dozed Off

Non-separable

1. To go to sleep unintentionally.
If I sit down after a long day at work, I will doze off.

Mum sat down and dozed off.

 Dress Up
Infinitive: Dress Up
Present Tense: Dress Up/ Dresses Up
-ing Form: Dressing Up
Past Tense: Dressed Up
Past Participle: Dressed Up

Separable

1. To wear formal clothes, or a costume for a

special occasion.
I love weddings! I get to dress up and wear my favorite
clothes.

How cute does Emma look when she’s dressed up.

 Drop In
Infinitive: Drop In
Present Tense: Drop In/ Drops In
-ing Form: Dropping In
Past Tense: Dropped In
Past Participle: Dropped In

Non-separable

1. To visit someone unexpectedly or without making

arrangements first.
I'd love to see you! Just drop in when You're walking past my
house.

You'll never guess who dropped in at my office yesterday.

Steve, an old friend from high school!
Separable

2. When something falls from your hand into an

area or container.
Drop in a coin! This fountain is believed to be lucky.

Oops, I dropped my phone in the bath.

 Drop Off
Infinitive: Drop Off
Present Tense: Drop Off/ Drops Off
-ing Form: Dropping Off
Past Tense: Dropped Off
Past Participle: Dropped Off

Non-separable

1. To gradually decline/become less

It’s a steep hill, but once you reach the halfway point it
starts to drop off.

He was really keen to work, but his interest dropped off.

Separable

2. When you take someone or something to a

destination and leave them or it there.
Can you drop off this parcel with Sophie?

Drop the kids off at school.

 Drop Out
Infinitive: Drop Out
Present Tense: Drop Out/ Drops Out
-ing Form: Dropping Out
Past Tense: Dropped Out
Past Participle: Dropped Out

Non-separable

1. To quit a school program or training course.

I wasn't happy, so I decided to drop out of college and get a
job.

I'm a high school drop out, but I still have a successful

career.
 Dry Off
Infinitive: Dry Off
Present Tense: Dry Off/ Dries Off
-ing Form: Drying Off
Past Tense: Dried Off
Past Participle: Dried Off

Separable

1. To dry something or a surface quickly.

After you've had a shower, use this towel to dry off.

Dry yourself off with this towel after your shower.

 Dry Out
Infinitive: Dry Out
Present Tense: Dry Out/ Dries Out
-ing Form: Drying Out
Past Tense: Dried Out
Past Participle: Dried Out
Separable

1. To allow water or other liquid to dry from an

object.
Leave it in the sun, it will dry out eventually.

The sun dried up the water on my car.

Non-separable

2. To have lack of money or resources.

I'm dry out of cash!

Don't buy that! You'll dry me out!

Separable

3. To make something very brittle and dry in a

damaging way.
My hair has dried out. I need some conditioner.

Don't swim in the sea it will dry your hair out.

 Dry Up
Infinitive: Dry Up
Present Tense: Dry Up/ Dries Up
-ing Form: Drying Up
Past Tense: Dried Up
Past Participle: Dried Up

Separable

1. When all the liquid and/or moisture evaporates.

If it doesn't rain soon the lake will dry up.

Leave the wet jacket outside. The sun will dry all the
moisture up.
Non-separable

2. When the supply or amount of something is

completely gone.
My bank account has completely dried up. I spent it all!

My workload has dried up. I need to earn more money

somehow.
 Eat Up
Infinitive: Eat Up
Present Tense: Eat Up/ Eats Up
-ing Form: Eating Up
Past Tense: Ate Up
Past Participle: Eaten Up
Separable

1. When someone consumes all their food.

Children must eat up their dinner, so they grow big and
strong.

Eat it all up - it’s so delicious!

Separable

2. To use large amounts of time, money, space, etc.

This project is so big, it eats up all my free time!
Don't let anything eat up your happiness.
Separable

3. To be filled with negative emotion.

Just tell Samantha how you feel - if you don't it will eat up
at you.

Yesterday I had an argument with Samantha and it’s eating

me up. I feel sick.
 Empty Out
Infinitive: Empty Out
Present Tense: Empty Out/ Empties Out
-ing Form: Emptying Out
Past Tense: Emptied Out
Past Participle: Emptied Out

Separable

1. To remove everyone or everything from a space.

Empty out the cupboard, so you can clean it properly.

Empty the trash out.

 End Up
Infinitive: End Up
Present Tense: End Up/ Ends Up
-ing Form: Ending Up
Past Tense: Ended Up
Past Participle: Ended Up

Non-separable

1. The end result of something planned or

unplanned.
If we don't ask someone for directions we're going to end up
lost.

You'll end up without any friends if you treat them badly.

 Fall Apart
Infinitive: Fall Apart
Present Tense: Fall Apart/ Falls Apart
-ing Form: Falling Apart
Past Tense: Fell Apart
Past Participle: Fallen Apart
Non-separable

1. When something breaks all at once or piece by piece.

I've had this sweater for years. It’s so old that it’s starting to fall
apart.

When the stuffing started to come out of my pillow I knew it was

going to fall apart.
Non-separable

2. When an agreement, plan or system fails.

We need to keep communicating the business plan, otherwise

everything will fall apart.

We bought a house, but the deal fell apart when the owners
decided not to sell.
Non-separable

3. To become overly emotional (negative emotions).

Poor Tom, after his mother died he fell apart. He cries a lot and
doesn't eat much.

After my breakup I really fell apart for a few months.

 Fall Behind
Infinitive: Fall Behind
Present Tense: Fall Behind/ Falls Behind
-ing Form: Falling Behind
Past Tense: Fell Behind
Past Participle: Fallen Behind

Non-separable

1. To move slower than others.

Megan runs so fast! I try to keep up, but I always fall
behind.

They were on a bike ride when they turned around and

realized Johnny wasn't following. He must have fell behind.
Non-separable

2. To make less progress or to not do something on

time.
I don't want to fall behind so I will attend all my lessons
and study at home.

The worker fell behind because he kept texting his friends.

 Fall Down
Infinitive: Fall Down
Present Tense: Fall Down/ Falls Down
-ing Form: Falling Down
Past Tense: Fell Down
Past Participle: Fallen Down

Non-separable

1. To fall to the ground.

I saw the little girl trip over and fall down. She started to
cry.

She fell down and thanked God.

 Fall For
Infinitive: Fall For
Present Tense: Fall For/ Falls For
-ing Form: Falling For
Past Tense: Fell For
Past Participle: Fallen For

Non-separable

1. When you have an intense attraction to

something or someone.
He is so kind, last night we had our first date. I know I am
going to fall for him.

I think I'm falling for him.

Non-separable

2. When someone is deceived.

What a funny joke - I can't believe I fell for it.

Let’s trick John into thinking we're leaving work early. He

will fall for it.
 Fall Off
Infinitive: Fall Off
Present Tense: Fall Off/ Falls Off
-ing Form: Falling Off
Past Tense: Fell Off
Past Participle: Fallen Off

Non-separable

1. When something drops to a lower level.

When you learn to ride a bike, you will probably fall off a
few times!

The ornament fell off the kitchen side and broke.

Non-separable

2. To decrease the rate, amount, degree, frequency,

or level of something.
If you look at the graph the line shows the increase, but
eventually it falls off and moves down.

We don't want customer interest to fall off -keep them

engaged.
 Fall Over
Infinitive: Fall Over
Present Tense: Fall Over/ Falls Over
-ing Form: Falling Over
Past Tense: Fell Over
Past Participle: Fallen Over

Non-separable

1. When someone or something falls from an

upright position to the ground.
Children learning to walk will fall over.

He fell over seven times on the way home. He was so drunk.

 Fall Through
Infinitive: Fall Through
Present Tense: Fall Through/ Falls Through
-ing Form: Falling Through
Past Tense: Fell Through
Past Participle: Fallen Through

Non-separable

1. If things do not go as planned, or if a plan, deal

or agreement fails.
The business deal will fall through if they refuse to pay.

We put an offer on the house, but the move fell through

when the owners decided not to sell.
Non-separable

2. When someone or something falls via an opening

or hole.
My dad was in the attic working and his foot fell through
the ceiling!

I tried to catch the ball, but it fell through my hands.

 Feel Up To
Infinitive: Feel Up To
Present Tense: Feel Up To/ Feels Up To
-ing Form: Feeling Up To
Past Tense: Felt up To
Past Participle: Feel Up To

Non-separable

1. When you have/don't have the energy and

confidence to do something.
I don't feel up to the party - I haven't slept very well.

I didn't go to the movies yesterday. I didn't feel unto it.

 Fight Back
Infinitive: Fight Back
Present Tense: Fight Back/ Fights Back
-ing Form: Fighting Back
Past Tense: Fought Back
Past Participle: Fought Back

Non-separable

1. When you defend yourself/resist an attack, or

make an effort against an opponent in a
competition.
If I want to win this boxing match, I will need to fight back.

I fought him back, but he was stronger than me.

Non-separable

2. To overcome or control an emotion by trying to

hide it.
I didn't want to cry in school I tried hard to fight back
tears.

I was fighting back my anger, but I couldn't control it.

 Figure On
Infinitive: Figure On
Present Tense: Figure On/ Figures On
-ing Form: Figuring On
Past Tense: Figured On
Past Participle: Figured On

Non-separable

1. To expect or plan for something.

I planned a surprise birthday party for my husband. I didn't
figure on him arriving home early and walking in before it
was ready.

I wasn't figuring on us getting on so well.

 Fill In
Infinitive: Fill In
Present Tense: Fill In/ Fills in
-ing Form: Filling In
Past Tense: Filled In
Past Participle: Filled In
Separable

1. To add personal information in the blank spaces of an

official document.
Fill in the gaps on the form.

You need to fill all the gaps in.

Non-separable

2. To temporarily do someone else’s job while they're not

around. [Noun] {Fill-in}-Refers to a person who
temporarily does someone else’s job.

Hayley is going on maternity - we need a new member of staff to

fill in for her while she is away.

Thank you for filling in for me when I was away.

Separable

3. To tell someone details about something.

Can you fill in Sam? He was away yesterday and missed the
meeting.

Sit down and I will fill you in on all the details!

 Fill Out
Infinitive: Fill Out
Present Tense: Fill Out/ Fills Out
-ing Form: Filling Out
Past Tense: Filled Out
Past Participle: Filled Out

Separable

1. To complete a form.
Please fill out the form using a black pen.

Fill the entire form out.

Non-separable

2. To gain weight.
Don't over eat, you'll start to fill out.

David looks so much older! He’s filled out since I last saw
him.
 Fill Up
Infinitive: Fill Up
Present Tense: Fill Up/ Fills Up
-ing Form: Filling Up
Past Tense: Filled Up
Past Participle: Filled Up

Separable

1. To fill something completely.

Fill up the watering can so I can water the plants.

Can you fill the car up with fuel?

Separable

2. To consume too much food or drink.

We're having dinner at 7, make sure you fill up because there's no

more food after.

It’s an all you can eat restaurant! I'm going to fill my plate up.
Separable

3. To fill an area or place with people.

If we invite a celebrity, this nightclub will fill up!

We want to fill the venue up with all of our friends and family.
 Find Out
Infinitive: Find Out
Present Tense: Find Out/ Finds Out
-ing Form: Finding Out
Past Tense: Found Out
Past Participle: Found Out

Separable

1. To become aware of something or someone.

I went to the library to find out more about science and
biology.

How did you find out about the new nightclub opening?
 Fix Up
Infinitive: Fix Up
Present Tense: Fix Up/ Fixes Up
-ing Form: Fixing Up
Past Tense: Fixed Up
Past Participle: Fixed Up

Non-separable

1. To make plans or arrangements with someone or

for others.
Let’s fix up a date and meet for dinner one evening.

Fix yourself up, You're going out tonight.

Separable

2. To repair or decorate.
Can you fix up the paint on my car? I scratched it.

I have a worn, antique desk, I'm going to fix it up and put it

in my bedroom.
Separable

3. To clean and/or groom yourself.

That dress looks so good on you! You fix up well!

Fix yourself up - we're attending a wedding!

Non-separable

4. To prepare something.
I'll fix up dinner if you bath the children.

I'm hungry, but we haven't got much time - can you fix
something up?
 Flip Out
Infinitive: Flip Out
Present Tense: Flip Out/ Flips Out
-ing Form: Flipping Out
Past Tense: Flipped Out
Past Participle: Flipped Out

Non-separable

1. To become very mad or lose control over your

emotions.
If my husband is late again I will flip out!

He flipped out at the waiter because his food was cold.

 Float Around
Infinitive: Float Around
Present Tense: Float Around/ Floats Around
-ing Form: Floating Around
Past Tense: Floated Around
Past Participle: Floated Around

Non-separable

1. When an object or a person is near, but you

cannot pinpoint the exact location.
I saw John earlier, he is floating around somewhere.

The manager is floating around! We should work hard.

Non-separable

2. When news, a story, idea or rumor, is being

discussed by many people.
Have you heard that Sarah is pregnant? It’s been floating
around for a while.

What gossip is floating around the office?

 Follow Up
Infinitive: Follow Up
Present Tense: Follow Up/ Follows Up
-ing Form: Following Up
Past Tense: Followed Up
Past Participle: Followed Up

Non-separable

1. To find out more about something, or take

further action in regards to it.
I need to follow up with Jenny. She wasn't feeling very well
last week.

I followed up on that business proposal. They are going to

accept the contract.
 Fool Around
Infinitive: Fool Around
Present Tense: Fool Around/ Fools Around
-ing Form: Fooling Around
Past Tense: Fooled Around
Past Participle: Fooled Around

Non-separable

1. To waste time doing unimportant or silly things.

Every time the teacher leaves the room, the children fool
around.

They were fooling around and failed the exam.

Non-separable

2. To do something that could lead to an unpleasant

or dangerous situation.
Do not fool around with fire, you could get burnt.

Guns are not something to be fooled around with.

Non-separable

3. To have sexual relations with someone you're not

committed to.
We don't want a serious relationship, we're going to fool
around instead.

Jackie and I? No, we're not boyfriend, girlfriend. We're just

fooling around.

Non-separable

4. To joke with someone.

If you fool around during class, the teacher will give you a
detention.

I'm just fooling around with you. Don't be so serious!

 Freak Out
Infinitive: Freak Out
Present Tense: Freak Out/ Freaks Out
-ing Form: Freaking Out
Past Tense: Freaked Out
Past Participle: Freaked Out

Non-separable

1. When someone becomes irrationally upset or

angry, sometimes to the point of confusion.
Don't freak out, but your son has drawn all over the walls!

He freaked out! I couldn't rationalize with him.

 Get Ahead
Infinitive: Get Ahead
Present Tense: Get Ahead
-ing Form: Getting Ahead
Past Tense: Got Ahead
Past Participle: Gotten Ahead/ Got Ahead

Separable

1. To become successful in the professional

environment or make consistent progress in life.
If you want to get ahead of you career, you need to work
hard now.

You would get further ahead if you studied more.

Non-separable

2. To make presumptions or conclusions about

something without knowing all the facts.
I might be getting ahead of myself here, but I assumed you
were working tomorrow.

Don't get ahead of yourself. You don't know if Steve took

your phone or if it was someone else.
Non-separable

3. To physically get in front of someone, often while

moving or waiting.
I'll pass them when the path is wider, I need to get ahead
because they walk too slowly.

Let's get ahead of this group. They're so slow.

 Get Along
Infinitive: Get Along
Present Tense: Get Along/ Gets Along
-ing Form: Getting Along
Past Tense: Got Along
Past Participle: Gotten/Got Along

Non-separable

1. To have good interactions with others.

Life is a lot easier if you get along with your work
colleagues.

You were best friends in school. You got on so well!

Non-separable

2. To manage to do something without any serious

problems.
I finished the work task and I got along well! It was simple.

How did you get along with the car? Was it easy to drive?
 Get Around To
Infinitive: Get Around To
Present Tense: Get Around To/ Gets Around To
-ing Form: Getting Around To
Past Tense: Got Around To
Past Participle: Got/Gotten Around To

Non-separable

1. To do something that needed to get done at an

earlier time.
I will get around to reading my book, but right now I need
to eat dinner.

I finally got around to do the shopping.

 Get Away
Infinitive: Get Away
Present Tense: Get Away/ Gets Away
-ing Form: Getting Away
Past Tense: Got Away
Past Participle: Got/Gotten Away

Separable

1. To escape from something.

An angry dog was chasing me but I managed to get away
safely.

Get me away from this area. I don't feel safe.

Non-separable

2. To go on vacation.
I can't wait to get away this weekend. I'm going on vacation.

Work is very stressful right now. I need to get away.

 Get Back
Infinitive: Get Back
Present Tense: Get Back/ Gets Back
-ing Form: Getting Back
Past Tense: Got Back
Past Participle: Got/Gotten Back

Separable

1. To return to a place.
I can't wait to get back home and go to bed!

I was so happy then - I can't wait to get back to feeling like

that.
Separable

2. To receive or return something previously

borrowed.
Can I get back my Xbox from you? I let you borrow it over
a month ago.

Can I get my book back please?

Non-separable

3. To start doing something again.

I need to get back into sewing I was so good at it.

I really want to get sewing back in my life. I miss it.

Separable

4. To move away from something or someone.

Get back! The fire is hot!

Get everyone back behind the fence! It's not safe here!
 Get Back At
Infinitive: Get Back At
Present Tense: Get Back At/ Gets Back At
-ing Form: Getting Back At
Past Tense: Got Back At
Past Participle: Got/ Gotten Back At

Non-separable

1. To get revenge.
It makes me angry when my sister takes my clothes! I will
get back at her by wearing her makeup.

He got back at his old teacher for failing him.

Non-separable

2. To return to a previous place, activity, pattern or

state.
We were hoping to get back at 7pm because there’s a film
on.

We were hoping to get back home at 7pm because there’s a

film on.
 Get Back To
Infinitive: Get Back To
Present Tense: Get Back To/ Gets Back To
-ing Form: Getting Back To
Past Tense: Got Back To
Past Participle: Got Back To/ Gotten Back To

Non-separable

1. When you talk to someone at a later time either

because you are busy or you have obtained
additional or new information.
I'll get back to you after I've spoken to my mum.

Did you get back to the hairdresser? She wanted to know

what time you wanted to book an appointment.
 Get Behind
Infinitive: Get Behind
Present Tense: Get Behind/ Gets Behind
-ing Form: Getting Behind
Past Tense: Got Behind
Past Participle: Gotten Behind

Separable

1. To learn, work, or progress more slowly than

others.
I've started to get behind on the chores because I didn't
stick to my schedule.

As time passes, I am getting further behind on my studies.

Separable

2. To not make payments on time.

Don't get behind on making repayments. You don't want to
pay more interest.

I'm getting behind on my loan payments. This is not good!

Separable

3. To move to the back of a person or thing.

Get behind me, we're in a line and I was here first.

Could you get behind the yellow line please? You don't want
the train to hit you.

Separable

4. To support someone or something.

I love this idea. I can get behind this.

If you can get the boss behind this plan, I think it will go
ahead.
 Get By
Infinitive: Get By
Present Tense: Get By/ Gets By
-ing Form: Getting By
Past Tense: Got By
Past Participle: Gotten By

Separable

1. To pass someone or something.

If I could just get by this person walking slowly I would be able to
attend my meeting on time.

Do you want to get by? I'll move out of your way.

Non-separable

2. To survive or function with just enough of something.

I don't earn much, but we have enough to get by.Thankfully I can

pay all the bills.

I couldn't get by if I didn't eat breakfast.

Non-separable

3. To not notice something.

Nothing gets by me!

We got our secret by the teacher. She had no idea!

 Get Down
Infinitive: Get Down
Present Tense: Get Down/ Gets Down
-ing Form: Getting Down
Past Tense: Got Down
Past Participle: Gotten Down

Separable

1. To move to a lower place or level.

The dog is not allowed on the couch - I've told him to get
down.

Get down here! Look what they've got in the basement.

Non-separable

2. To lower your body to the ground.

The policeman shouted “get down! Lie on the floor and put
your hands on your head!”

I'm going to get down on the floor and practice 10 minutes

of yoga.
Separable

3. To make a person feel sad, depressed or bad.

Thinking about my mother's passing always gets me down.

If you keep shouting at Sarah, you will get her down.

Non-separable

4. To have a good time.

Get down and party!

Let's get down tonight!

 Get In
Infinitive: Get In
Present Tense: Get In/ Gets In
-ing Form: Getting In
Past Tense: Got In
Past Participle: Gotten In

Non-separable

1. To arrive or enter a place, room, building, etc.

Tomorrow we're going to a spa hotel - I can't wait to get in
and start relaxing!

Get in the swimming pool.

Separable

2. To arrange for someone to enter a facility.

If you want to get in to the posh restaurant you will need
to wear your best clothes.

I can get you into that nightclub, just say my name at the
door.
Separable

3. To put an object inside something.

I wish the dog would just get in his bed and go to sleep.

Can you get all of the shoes in the shoe rack?

Separable

4. To become involved in a problem or dilemma.

Let me get in on the gossip - what did Sarah do?

I don't want to get in the middle of your problems. Leave me

out of it.
 Get Off
Infinitive: Get Off
Present Tense: Get Off/ Gets Off
-ing Form: Getting Off
Past Tense: Got Off
Past Participle: Got/Gotten Off

Separable

1. To leave a form of transportation like a large

boat, bus, train, or plane.
Make sure you get off the BTS at the right stop.

Mind your head when you get off the bus.

Separable

2. To remove yourself or something from a surface.

Get off the couch, I need to clean it.

Get your hands off the glass, you'll make it dirty.

 Get On
Infinitive: Get On
Present Tense: Get On/ Gets On
-ing Form: Getting On
Past Tense: Got On
Past Participle: Got On/ Gotten On

Non-separable

1. When you move your body and either stand, sit, lie,
kneel, etc. towards something (non-separable).
You need to get on the scales if you want to weigh yourself.

Some people get on their knees to pray.

Non-separable

2. When you board a train, bus, airplane, etc. where you

walk to your seat (non-separable, NOT used with cars).

Get on the bus and take your seat.

Are you getting on this bus?

Non-separable

3. When you leave (more common in British English).

Okay bye, I need to get on I'm running late.

All right. I think it's time to get on with it.

Separable

4. To put clothes on
Get on all of your clothes.

Get your coat on.

Non-separable

5. When you have a good relationship with someone.

they've been friends for 10 years - they get on really well.

I get on well with Harry. He and I are good friends.

Non-separable

6. To continue an activity after a pause.

This work project is stressful - I should just get on with it.

Okay, let's get on with this meeting. Where were we?

 Get Out
Infinitive: Get Out
Present Tense: Get Out/ Gets Out
-ing Form: Getting Out
Past Tense: Got Out
Past Participle: Gotten Out

Non-separable

1. To leave or escape.
We have got to get out of here, it smells!

Get everyone out of the building now.

Separable

2. To be taken out of a place or situation.

Get out of the building, the fire alarm is ringing.

We need to get you out of here, it’s not safe.

Separable

3. To remove something from a container.

Get out of the cupboard!

Can you get the cheese out from the box in the fridge?
Non-separable

4. To make information public.

The media wanted to get out the truth.

Get the truth out there - tell them what really happened.

Separable

5. To remove dirt or stains.

How can we get out the red wine from your dress?

Use a good carpet stain remover to get the nail polish out.
 Get Out Of
Infinitive: Get Out Of
Present Tense: Get Out Of/ Gets Out Of
-ing Form: Getting Out Of
Past Tense: Got Out Of
Past Participle: Got/Gotten Out Of

Non-separable

1. To receive a benefit and/or satisfaction from

doing something.
Before I help David move house I want to know what I get
out of it. I hope he pays for lunch.

I helped David move house and I got a new watch out of it.
Separable

2. To make someone tell the truth or confess by

using force, deceit, or pressure.
I guarantee I'll get the truth out of you sooner or later!

Okay, confess. Who ate the cakes? I will get the truth out
of one of you.
Non-separable

3. To exit a place, vehicle or situation.

You need to get out of here, it's not safe.

Get Michael out of here, it’s not safe.

Separable

4. To find a way to avoid doing something that you

don't want to do.
My brother always finds a way to get out of the washing up.

How are we going to get ourselves out of this trouble?!

 Get Over
Infinitive: Get Over
Present Tense: Get Over/ Gets Over
-ing Form: Getting Over
Past Tense: Got Over
Past Participle: Gotten Over

Separable

1. To move past an obstacle to the other side.

Follow the path to the gate, you'll need to climb the gate to get
over to the other side.

To get the car over this obstacle we are going to need a powerful
engine.
Non-separable

2. To stop feeling bad or stop thinking about something.

I've been upset about it for one week. I need to get over it now.

Just get over him Becky. He divorced you five years ago.
Separable

3. To move towards someone or something.

Get over here! I've got something to give you!

Get yourself over to the post office before it closes today!

 Get Over With
Infinitive: Get Over With
Present Tense: Get Over With/ Gets Over With
-ing Form: Getting Over With
Past Tense: Got Over With
Past Participle: Gotten Over With

Non-separable

1. To finish something that needs to get done.

I don't like this task - I should work quickly and it get over
with.

I don't like this task - I should work quickly and get it over
with.
 Get Through
Infinitive: Get Through
Present Tense: Get Through/ Gets Through
-ing Form: Getting Through
Past Tense: Got Through
Past Participle: Got/Gotten Through

Non-separable

1. To understand a point of view or opinion.

You can get through to people by remaining calm and
explaining your opinion carefully.

I can't get my ideas through to you if you won't listen.

Non-separable

2. To finish an activity.
That was hard, but we got through it!

Did you get through the entire film? I thought it was boring.
Non-separable

3. To make contact with someone.

I managed to get through to the doctors - I was waiting on
the phone for 10 minutes.

How are we going to get through to them if they don't have

wifi or phones?
Non-separable

4. To manage to pass.
I got through the exam and passed by studying every night.

If you want to get through the first grade, you'll need to

learn how to read!
Separable

5. When a law or proposal is passed or accepted.

Before we hear if our proposal is accepted it will need to go
through management.

We got the new law banning e-cigarettes through the

legislature.
 Get To
Infinitive: Infinitive form: Get To
Present Tense: Get To
-ing Form: Getting To
Past Tense: Got To
Past Participle: Got To/ Gotten To

Non-separable

1. To arrive to or assist someone to a place.

If you want to get to the beach you need to follow this road
for 10 kilometers.

It will take 1 hour to get to the next town by car.

Non-separable

2. To find the time to do something you need or

want to do.
I'll get to that after lunch.

When will you get to me? I'm waiting for you to arrive.
Separable

3. To reach a certain level, amount, or number.

It took me 3 weeks to get to level 10 on my game.

I got my account to $1,000,000 but I lost it all.

Non-separable

4. To be allowed to, or able to do something.

Children get to eat dessert if they finish all of their dinner.

Why does my sister always get to go out but I don't?

Non-separable

5. To be bothered by someone or something either

physically or psychologically.
Maria was nasty to me at school. I shouldn't let it get to me,
but it does.

I hate it when Marsha chews her gum so loudly. It really

gets to me.
 Get Together
Infinitive: Get Together
Present Tense: Get Together/ Gets Together
-ing Form: Getting Together
Past Tense: Got Together
Past Participle: Got/Gotten Together

Separable

1. To meet and spend time together

My friends and I get together at a café every Saturday
afternoon.

We should get the family together and go out to a

restaurant
Separable

2. To prepare yourself or things for departure.

Let's get together all of our stuff so we can leave quickly.

Please get all of your bags together.

Separable

3. To manage your emotions or the important

aspects in your life.
I need to get it together.

Sherry needs to get her life together. She's a mess.

Non-separable

4. To meet with someone.

Let's get together next week!

When should we get together?

 Get Up
Infinitive: Get Up
Present Tense: Get Up/ Gets Up
-ing Form: Getting Up
Past Tense: Got Up
Past Participle: Gotten Up

Non-separable

1. To move to a higher level/position.

The old man struggled to get up the stairs.

The young boy climbed up a tree. He wanted to challenge himself to

get higher up.
Separable

2. To rise from your bed.

I need to get up at 7am to go to work

It’s best to get the baby up at midday. If his morning nap goes on
too long he won't sleep tonight.
Non-separable

3. To change your posture from lying or sitting to

standing.

I need to get up and stretch my legs

Get up off the floor - I need some help.

 Give Away
Infinitive: Give Away
Present Tense: Give Away/ Gives Away
-ing Form: Giving Away
Past Tense: Gave Away
Past Participle: Given Away

Separable

1. To give something for free or without expecting

anything in return. [Noun] {Giveaway}
I just gave away my old school books at the yard sale,
because no one wanted to buy them.

Give that old dress away, you never wear it anymore.

Separable

2. To accidentally reveal a secret.

Why did you give away my secret recipe?

Oh no, I didn't mean to give that information away!

Separable

3. To give an advantage to your opponent, typically

in sports.
Why didn't you try harder? You gave away the game!

He gave that easy shot away. The coach was disappointed.

Separable

4. When a father gives his daughter to her husband

in a marriage ceremony.
The father gave away his daughter to her new husband.

It’s traditional for the father to give his daughter away.

 Give In
Infinitive: Give In
Present Tense: Give In/ Gives In
-ing Form: Giving In
Past Tense: Gave In
Past Participle: Given In

Non-separable

1. To surrender to something you really don't want

to do after refraining from doing it for so long.
He gave in and agreed to see a dentist about his sore tooth.

I stopped eating ice cream for 6 months, but I gave in once

we reached summer.
Separable

2. To submit something for approval or judgment.

I need to give in my essay. The deadline is today.

What time are you going to give the essay in?

 Give Out
Infinitive: Give Out
Present Tense: Give Out/ Gives Out
-ing Form: Giving Out
Past Tense: Gave Out
Past Participle: Given Out

Separable

1. To distribute something.
The teacher gave out the exam papers to the class.

Are you going to give some of those sweets out to your

friends? It would be greedy to eat all of them.
Non-separable

2. When something stops functioning.

He ran so hard, he thought his heart was going to give out

I put too many items on the table - the legs gave out.
Separable

3. To make information public.

Give out as many posters as you can to make people aware
of the situation

they're taking us on a trip. They'll give the plan out later.

Non-separable

4. When something produces or emits something.

Some people think that mobile phones give out harmful
signals.

The oven works, but when it’s on it gives an awful smell out!
 Give Up
Infinitive: Give Up
Present Tense: Give Up/ Gives Up
-ing Form: Giving Up
Past Tense: Gave Up
Past Participle: Given Up

Non-separable

1. To stop doing something without completing it.

I wish I hadn't given up learning Japanese!

If you give basketball up now you'll never become a pro.

Separable

2. To stop a habit.
I need to give up smoking

Give those cigarettes up and your lungs will feel better

Separable

3. To surrender.
I give up. I don't want to do this anymore.

Give the game up, you can't win now.

Separable

4. To allow someone to have something you own or

possess.
I gave up $10 a week and donated it to a local charity.

Sarah was cold on the walk home, so John gave his jacket
up.
 Go About
Infinitive: Go About
Present Tense: Go About/ Goes About
-ing Form: Going About
Past Tense: Gone About
Past Participle: Went About

Non-separable

1. To take the necessary steps to get something

done.
My friend taught me how go about setting up a website.

Creating a plan can help you decide how you will go about
getting a task done.
Non-separable

2. To deal with a situation or problem in a certain

way.
You go about it the wrong way.

Don't go about it like that. Try this.

 Go After
Infinitive: Go After
Present Tense: Go After/ Goes After
-ing Form: Going After
Past Tense: Went After
Past Participle: Gone After

Non-separable

1. When you do your best to get something no

matter how difficult it is.
The team is going after itsIts third consecutive
championship.

Some athletes dedicate their lives to their sport. Those who

make it to the championships go after a gold medal with
great passion.
Non-separable

2. When law enforcers try to catch someone who

has committed a crime.
Because he was speeding the officer decided to go after him

You better stop doing that, the police will go after you.
Non-separable

3. When you chase someone or something.

I need to go after them so I can explain

The police will go after the criminal.

Non-separable

4. When a company attempts to multiply their

number of customers via a competitive strategy.
We're going after more sales.

Once the business has achieved one million dollars in sales it

will go after two million.
 Go Ahead
Infinitive: Go Ahead
Present Tense: Go Ahead/ Goes Ahead
-ing Form: Going Ahead
Past Tense: Went Ahead
Past Participle: Gone Ahead

Separable

1. To proceed to do something that you were

hesitant about.
Go ahead! Take another slice of cake!

I'm going to go ahead and ask my boss for a promotion.

Non-separable

2. To move forward.
You look like You're in a rush. Would you like to go ahead of
me?

Go ahead straight for two more kilometers and you will see
the Big C on your right.
 Go Along
Infinitive: Go Along With
Present Tense: Go Along With/ Goes Along With
-ing Form: Going Along With

With
Past Tense: Went Along With
Past Participle: Gone Along With

Non-separable

1. to accept or agree with a decision, rule, opinion,

etc.
We all disagreed with the manager's decision, but we
decided to go along with it.

Sometimes it's easier to go along with someone else's

decision if you don't agree.
Non-separable

2. To accompany someone.
If you go along with me to the shops, I'll buy you some
sweets

Go along with Sam, he will show you how to use the

computer.
 Go Around
Infinitive: Go Around
Present Tense: Go Around/ Goes Around
-ing Form: Going Around
Past Tense: Gone Around
Past Participle: Gone Around

Non-separable

1. To follow a circular path.

There is a cycling trail that goes around the whole park.

If you want a nice walk, go all the way around the lake, it's
beautiful.
Separable

2. To avoid a barrier or obstacle.

You need to go around the obstacle.

Go right around the fire. Don't get close - it’s very hot.
Non-separable

3. To visit different places or parts of a location.

We go around the world, working in different places

Go all the way around the mountain. It’s beautiful.

Non-separable

4. To do something that is considered annoying or

bothersome to others.
You're going around it the wrong way and irritating people.

John never does his work properly; you can't go around

leaving work half finished.

Non-separable

5. When something is distributed or spread around.

Is there enough cake to go around?

I haven't got much food, but it will go around us.

Non-separable

6. When an object spins or turns.

Watch the spinning top go around and around.

The washing machine goes around.

 Go Away
Infinitive: Go Away
Present Tense: Go Away/ Goes Away
-ing Form: Going Away
Past Tense: Went Away
Past Participle: Gone Away

Separable

1. To move or travel from one place to another place.

I would love to go away to South America for a while.

Lots of people go away on holiday when they have time off work.
Non-separable

2. To leave a person alone.

“Go away” said Tom, “I don't want to sit next to me.”

I tried to talk to the teacher, but I think he wanted me to go away.

Non-separable

3. When something no longer exists or is noticeable.

I was relieved when my eczema treatment made my rash go away

I wish this cold would go away.

 Go Back
Infinitive: Go Back
Present Tense: Go Back/ Goes Back
-ing Form: Going Back
Past Tense: Went Back
Past Participle: Gone Back

Separable

1. To return to a place, time, activity, or a person.

He recently went back to his alma mater for the first time in
a decade.

I wish I could go back to that beautiful beach in Spain.

Separable

2. To have existence from a specific point of time in

the past until the present.
Our friendship goes back 10 years.

We go all the way back to our high school days!

 Go Back On
Infinitive: Go Back On
Present Tense: Go Back On/ Goes Back On
-ing Form: Going Back On
Past Tense: Went Back On
Past Participle: Gone Back On

Non-separable

1. When you fail to fulfill a promise you made to

someone.
She felt guilty about going back on a promise to her father.

If you make a promise you should try and uphold it, but
sometimes going back on a promise can't be avoided.
 Go Beyond
Infinitive: Go Beyond
Present Tense: Go Beyond/ Goes Beyond
-ing Form: Going Beyond
Past Tense: Gone Beyond
Past Participle: Went Beyond

Separable

1. To be more than or better than what is normal

or expected.
Political action should go beyond arguments on social media.

Jason always goes far beyond what is expected of him.

 Go By
Infinitive: Go By
Present Tense: Go By/ Goes By Ôªø
-ing Form: Going By
Past Tense: Went By
Past Participle: Gone By

Non-separable

1. To pass someone or something quickly.

The train went by just as I got to the platform!

Did you see that car go by? I think they were driving too
fast.
Non-separable

2. When you make a short trip or visit to a place.

We will go by my aunt's house in the afternoon.

Are you going by the grocery store today? Can you buy
some fruit, please?
Non-separable

3. To depend on something for the correct

information.
I always go by the information taught by Kru P Ann and Kru
Kellen.

If you're not sure, go by the official website. They update it

regularly.

Non-separable

4. When a period of time passes.

Time will go by more quickly, if you work hard.

Let’s sit in the park and watch the hours go by. It’ll be very
relaxing.
 Go Down
Infinitive: Go Down
Present Tense: Go Down/ Goes Down
-ing Form: Going Down
Past Tense: Went Down
Past Participle: Gone Down

Non-separable

1. To move to a lower position, place, price, level, etc.

She went down to the ground floor of the building to greet a client.

Go down the slide!

Non-separable

2. To be sent to prison.

You'll go down for that.

The criminals are going down for 50 years.

Non-separable

3. To be recorded or known as.

All your details will go down on file for future reference

If you misbehave in school you'll go down as a trouble maker.

Non-separable

4. To be swallowed or eaten.
An ice cream will go down well in this hot weather

Take your tablets with water they'll go down easily then.

Non-separable

5. When something stops functioning.

There’s no electricity. It’s gone down.

The internet has gone down. I'll read a book instead.

Non-separable

6. When something happens or takes place.

Things are about to go down!

What’s going down? Are we going to the cinema or not?

 Go For
Infinitive: Go For
Present Tense: Go For/ Goes For
-ing Form: Going For
Past Tense: Went For
Past Participle: Gone For

Non-separable

1. To try to obtain.
I wasn't sure about entering the marathon, but my friends
said 'Go for it!'

There's only one pizza left, but I'm going for it!
Non-separable

2. To want or feel the same.

I really think you should study more. That goes for you too,
Emily.

I'd like to order Pad Thai. The same goes for my sister, too.
Non-separable

3. To select.
Go for that one because it is bigger than the rest

Go for the red dress, it looks better than the black one.

Non-separable

4. To be attracted to.
I go for blondes.

She's the type I'd go for.

 Go In
Infinitive: Go In
Present Tense: Go In/ Goes In
-ing Form: Going In
Past Tense: Went In
Past Participle: Gone In

Separable

1. To enter a place, building, room, etc.

He went into the kitchen for a midnight snack.

Go in to the house and get my coat. It's in the hallway.

Non-separable

2. To speak in an aggressive and/or argumentative manner

to another person.

They are arguing. Matt will go in and call her nasty names.

I'm going in ready for a fight.

Non-separable

3. To eat with intensity and at a fast pace.

Jack is going in! Are you going to eat all of that?

Lisa doesn't like healthy food. She will go straight in and eat the
fries instead of the vegetables if you give her an opportunity.
 Go In For
Infinitive: Go In For
Present Tense: Go In For/ Goes In For
-ing Form: Going In For
Past Tense: Went In For
Past Participle: Gone In For

Separable

1. To enter a place or area for a specific reason.

I went in for a job interview at the new restaurant on our
street.

I've got to go in to the supermarket for eggs and milk.

Separable

2. To temporarily replace something or someone.

Go in for the next two weeks, Michelle will be back after.

Can we get Sam to go in to work for the next 2 weeks? We

need more people to work.
 Go In/Into
Infinitive: Go In
Present Tense: Go In/ Goes In/Into
-ing Form: Going In/Into
Past Tense: Went In/Into
Past Participle: Gone In/Into

Non-separable

1. To enter a place, room, building, etc. usually through a

door.

If you go into the room on the left, you'll find some spare
copy paper.

Go on in and find a seat.

Non-separable

2. To explain something in detail.

Can you go into more detail? I don't understand.

The manager is the best trainer. He goes into a lot of detail.

You will know everything after training with him.
Non-separable

3. To devote time to something.

I go into dance class every week.

You should get into cycling! I love it.

 Go Off
Infinitive: Go Off
Present Tense: Go Off/ Goes Off
-ing Form: Going Off
Past Tense: Went Off
Past Participle: Gone Off

Non-separable

1. To leave unannounced.
I thought he was still here... he must have went off without
saying bye.

Don't go off because I've upset you, let's talk about it

instead.
Non-separable

2. To verbally express your anger towards another.

He gets angry and goes off on me when I don't do the
dishes.

Don't go off at her like that! She just made a tiny mistake!
Non-separable

3. To divert from a set path.

It was easy to take the wrong turn and go off in the wrong
direction.

Don't go off the main road, you'll get lost.

Non-separable

4. When an electronic device or system stops

working.
Did the power light go off when it stopped working?

Yesterday my watch was fine, but now it just goes off if I

try to switch it on.
Non-separable

5. When an alarm clock starts, a gun fires or a

bomb explodes.
The alarm is set to go off at 7 AM.

What was that loud noise? It sounded like a gun going off.
 Go On
Infinitive: Go On
Present Tense: Go On/ Goes On
-ing Form: Going On
Past Tense: Went On
Past Participle: Gone On

Non-separable

1. When something takes place.

The party went on from the early evening to early the next
morning.

What's going on tomorrow? Are we going shopping?

Non-separable

2. To continue doing something.

I can't go on. I am too tired.

I can't go for a walk. Why don't you go on without me?

Non-separable

3. To begin a plan to lose weight or change your

eating habits.
I'm going on a weight loss plan! It's time to lose weight.

Go on a diet, you’ll feel better.

 Go Out
Infinitive: Go Out
Present Tense: Go Out/ Goes Out
-ing Form: Going Out
Past Tense: Went Out
Past Participle: Gone Out

Non-separable

1. To leave a place or area You're in.

Let's go out for a nice walk this afternoon.

We should go out and get some shopping.

Non-separable

2. To go somewhere to have fun.

Let's go out to the party

We're going out, do you want to come?

Non-separable

3. To stop functioning.
She saw the lights go out and the laptop stopped functioning

The lights have gone out - I don't think it's working

anymore.
Non-separable

4. To do something.
Let's go out and play at the park

Let's go out and walk along the beach.

Non-separable

5. To date.
The paperwork needs to go out on the 10th April

We've been going out with each other for 4 weeks.

 Go Over
Infinitive: Go Over
Present Tense: Go Over/ Goes Over
-ing Form: Going Over
Past Tense: Went Over
Past Participle: Gone Over

Non-separable

1. To make a visit to a home or place of business.

She went over to her parents' house on Sunday afternoon.

Go over to grandmas and ask her if she wants dinner with us.
Non-separable

2. To move towards something or someone.

Go over to Peter, he’s waiting for you.

Go over and ask the manager if you want to know if there are any
jobs available.
Separable

3. To carefully explain or review something important or

complicated.

Let's go over the paperwork one more time

Let's go back over the new rules. It’s important everyone

understands.
 Go Through
Infinitive: Go Through With
Present Tense: Go Through With/ Goes Through With
-ing Form: Going Through With

With
Past Tense: Went Through With
Past Participle: Gone Through With

Non-separable

1. When you make a decision to do something, and

actually do it.
I told my friend she could put her pet tarantula on my arm,
but I couldn't go through with it.

It's easy to agree to do something. The hardest part is

actually going through with it.
 Go Up
Infinitive: Go Up
Present Tense: Go Up/ Goes Up
-ing Form: Going Up
Past Tense: Went Up
Past Participle: Gone Up

Separable

1. To move or extend to a higher level or farther North.

We went up to Iceland last winter to see the Northern Lights.

The window cleaner goes up the ladder to reach the top windows.
Non-separable

2. To approach someone.

Go up to them and say Hello

The child wants to play. She keeps going up to the children and
showing them her toys.
Non-separable

3. When something increases.

If you go up a gear, the car will go faster

The house prices have gone up.

 Go With
Infinitive: Go With
Present Tense: Go With/ Goes With
-ing Form: Going With
Past Tense: Went With
Past Participle: Gone With

Non-separable

1. To accompany someone to a place.

My brother was a little nervous about going to the doctor,
so I went with him.

Do you want to go to school with your big sister?

Non-separable

2. To be combined together as one set.

You need a tie to go with that shirt.

You need the controller to go with the Xbox or else you

won't be able to play it.
Non-separable

3. To associate one thing with another.

A lot of responsibility goes with being a teacher.

Marriage and babies go with each other!

Non-separable

4. To find a good match for a clothing item.

That blouse will go with that skirt quite well.

You must buy this top, it will go really well with your new
jeans.

Non-separable

5. To agree with someone or use someone’s advice.

Yeah, I could go with that idea. It's best way to do it.

Yes, I will go along with your opinion. You're the expert.

Non-separable

6. To make a selection.
I will go with french fries instead of a salad, please.

Let’s go with big blue balloons for the event.

 Gross Out
Infinitive: Gross Out
Present Tense: Gross Out/ Grosses Out
-ing Form: Grossing Out
Past Tense: Grossed Out
Past Participle: Grossed Out

Separable

1. To be disgusted with someone or something.

My husband was grossed out by the fried grasshoppers, but
I thought they were tasty.

It grosses me out when people spit on the floor.

 Grow Out Of
Infinitive: Grow Out Of
Present Tense: Grow Out Of/ Grows Out Of
-ing Form: Growing Out Of
Past Tense: Grew Out Of
Past Participle: Grown Out Of

Non-separable

1. To become too big or too tall for your clothes.

When I grow out of any of my clothes, I take them to a thrift
store.

Children grow out of their clothes quickly.

Non-separable

2. When you lose interest in something or someone due to

age and/or maturity.

She will grow out of playing with dolls when she's older.

I'm giving away my child's old baby clothes. She has grown out of
them.
Non-separable

3. When something results or develops from something.

Good things will grow out of a high quality education.

It’s good that we recruited more people. We can grow our business
out of this addition of staff.
 Grow Up
Infinitive: Grow Up
Present Tense: Grow Up/ Grows Up
-ing Form: Growing Up
Past Tense: Grown Up
Past Participle: Grown Up

Non-separable

1. When you physically change from a child to an

adult.
I grew up during the 1990s.

Your daughter is 4 now, she looks so grown up.

Non-separable

2. To act more mature.

When you grow up, you will become wiser

My oldest daughter looks after the newborn baby. It’s very

grown up of her.
 Hand Back
Infinitive: Hand Back
Present Tense: Hand Back/ Hands Back
-ing Form: Handing Back
Past Tense: Handed Back
Past Participle: Handed Back

Separable

1. When you return something to the person who

owns it after the person has given it to you
My friend didn't want to hand back my video game, because
he was enjoying it so much.

I know I need to hand the game back, but I keep forgetting

to bring it when I see my friend.
 Hand In
Infinitive: Hand In
Present Tense: Hand In/ Hands In
-ing Form: Handing In
Past Tense: Handed In
Past Participle: Handed In

Separable

1. To give something to a person of authority.

The audience had to hand in their phones at the entrance to
the theatre.

It's important that all students hand their work in on time.

 Hand Out
Infinitive: Hand Out
Present Tense: Hand Out/ Hands Out
-ing Form: Handing Out
Past Tense: Handed Out
Past Participle: Handed Out

Separable

1. To distribute something free to other people.

[Noun] {Handout} Refers to something free that is
given or distributed.
There was a guy in the plaza handing out books for free!

Are you going to hand some of those sweets out, it would be

selfish to eat them all.
 Hand Over
Infinitive: Hand Over
Present Tense: Hand Over/ Hands Over
-ing Form: Handing Over
Past Tense: Handed Over
Past Participle: Handed Over

Separable

1. To give upon request or demand.

The girl handed over the pack of cigarettes to her mother.

The policeman suspected the group of boys were

misbehaving. He asked them to empty their pockets and hand
over the contents.
Separable

2. To transfer control over something or someone to

another person.
Before you go home from work please hand over to the
person in charge. Let them know how the day went.

Where is the handover document? I can't remember what

my boss told me to do.
 Hang Around
Infinitive: Hang Around
Present Tense: Hang Around
-ing Form: Hanging Around
Past Tense: Hung Around
Past Participle: Hung Around

Non-separable

1. To spend time in a place or an area.

There are always people hanging around the chess boards in
our local park.

In the summer it's relaxing to hang around green parks next

to lakes or rivers.
 Hang On
Infinitive: Hang On
Present Tense: Hang On/ Hangs On
-ing Form: Hanging On
Past Tense: Hung On
Past Participle: Hung On

Non-separable

1. When you hold something, often for support or comfort.

At the end of the movie the hero was hanging onto a cliff edge - it
was so corny!

I don't like amusement park rides, if I go on one I hang on to the

safety bar very tightly.
Non-separable

2. [Informal] When you wait for a short time.

Hang on a minute and I'll come downstairs.

Jessica is on the phone, shall I get her to hang on the line?

Non-separable

3. When you keep something for someone or save

something for yourself.

I'm going to hang on to that as it will come in useful in the future.

I need to hang on to this coat, I'll wear it again.

 Hang Out
Infinitive: Hang Out
Present Tense: Hang Out/ Hangs Out
-ing Form: Hanging Out
Past Tense: Hung Out
Past Participle: Hung Out

Separable

1. To hang something, usually wet clothes, to dry.

I don't have a dryer, so I hang out my laundry on a clothesline.

I love hanging the laundry out to dry on a summer afternoon.

Separable

2. To place a part of your body out of a window.

You need to hang out your arm to clean the outside window.

Mary was hanging out of the top window talking to her neighbor.
Non-separable

3. To spend leisure time in a place.

I can't wait to hang out at my favorite beach

Let's hang out at my house.

 Hang Up
Infinitive: Hang Up
Present Tense: Hang Up/ Hangs Up
-ing Form: Hanging Up
Past Tense: Hung Up
Past Participle: Hung Up

Separable

1. To hang clothes or an object on a hook, hanger or rod.

For security reasons, you shouldn't hang up your house keys

near your front door.

Can you hang this picture up?

Separable

2. To end a telephone conversation.

I need to hang up because someone is at the door.

Hang the phone up! You've been talking on it for too long!
Non-separable

3. To be very anxious about something or spend a

lot of time thinking about it.
I'm hung up on this one detail.

Breaking up with Laura has kept him hung up for months.

 Have/Has On
Infinitive: Have/Has On
Present Tense: Have/Has On
-ing Form: Having On
Past Tense: Had On
Past Participle: Had On

Separable

1. To wear clothing, cosmetics, perfume, etc.

I love the hat you have on!

My daughter thinks that I don't know that she has my

perfume on!
Separable

2. To use an electrical device.

He has the kettle on. Do you want a cup of tea?

Do you have the PC on? Can you look at a document for me?
 Head Back
Infinitive: Head Back
Present Tense: Head Back/ Heads Back
-ing Form: Heading Back
Past Tense: Headed Back
Past Participle: Headed Back

Non-separable

1. To go to a place where you've been before or

where you started from.
Our lunch break was almost over, so we headed back to the
office.

We walked for 3 hours before we decided to head back.

 Head For
Infinitive: Head For
Present Tense: Head For/ Heads For
-ing Form: Heading For
Past Tense: Headed For
Past Participle: Headed For

Non-separable

1. When a situation becomes more likely.

The company did badly this year and is heading for an
annual loss.

The young man was driving too fast! He was heading for a
crash.
Non-separable

2. To move towards a certain place.

Let's head for the mountains this weekend.

Are you heading for the mountains this weekend?

 Head Toward
Infinitive: Head Toward
Present Tense: Head Toward/ Head Towards
-ing Form: Heading Toward
Past Tense: Headed Toward
Past Participle: Headed Toward

Separable

1. To move in the direction where someone or

something is.
I smelled something good and headed toward the kitchen.

Head towards the church building and then take a left, keep
going and you'll see the bank.
Non-separable

2. To develop or progress into something.

After his exam he will head towards the next stage of
education.

What are you heading towards in life?

 Hear About
Infinitive: Hear About
Present Tense: Hear About/ Hears About
-ing Form: Hearing About
Past Tense: Heard About
Past Participle: Heard About

Non-separable

1. When you learn details about something or

someone.
Did you hear about what happened in the game last night?

Yes, I heard a rumor about our boss. Apparently he is

leaving.
 Hear Of
Infinitive: Hear Of
Present Tense: Hear Of/ Hears Of
-ing Form: Hearing Of
Past Tense: Heard Of
Past Participle: Heard Of

Non-separable

1. When you learn about something or someone.

Sorry, I don't know who you're talking about. I've never
heard of Kim Kardashian.

I've heard of Kim Kardashian, but I don't know much about

her.
 Heat Up
Infinitive: Heat Up
Present Tense: Heat Up/ Heats up
-ing Form: Heating Up
Past Tense: Heated Up
Past Participle: Heated Up

Separable

1. To make something warmer or cause a rise in

temperature.
The soup is just heating up, it'll be ready in a minute or two.

Heat the food up in the microwave.

Non-separable

2. When a situation or event becomes serious,

exciting or intense.
It’s heating up in here - I think they're going to fight!

Have you seen the new film? It really heats up at the end!
 Help Out
Infinitive: Help Out
Present Tense: Help Out/ Helps Out
-ing Form: Helping Out
Past Tense: Helped Out
Past Participle: Helped Out

Separable

1. To assist people with something.

I've agreed to help out on my daughter's next school field
trip.

Can you help me out? I need someone to look after the

children.
 Hit On
Infinitive: Hit On
Present Tense: Hit On
-ing Form: Hitting On
Past Tense: Hit On
Past Participle: Hit On

Non-separable

1. To suddenly have a solution to a problem or an

interesting idea.
The CEO hit on an idea to save her company money.

I was taking a shower when I hit on a brilliant idea!

Non-separable

2. To approach someone with the intent to attract

them sexually.
The guy hit on the girl.

Is he hitting on you?
 Hold Against
Infinitive: Hold Against
Present Tense: Hold Against/ Holds Against
-ing Form: Holding Against
Past Tense: Held Against
Past Participle: Held Against

Separable

1. When you don't forgive or have little respect for

someone because of something they did.
My sister said it wouldn't be held against me if I skipped her
dinner party.

It's not healthy to hold past mistakes against a person. It's

better if you can forgive them.
Separable

2. To force someone to stay involuntarily.

The victim was held against his will.

I will hold you against your will.

 Hold Off
Infinitive: Hold Off
Present Tense: Hold Off/ Holds Off
-ing Form: Holding Off
Past Tense: Held Off
Past Participle: Held Off

Non-separable

1. To delay something.
He held off on making a judgement until he'd heard all the
facts.

Bus drivers aren't allowed to hold their departure time off.

They must leave on time.
Non-separable

2. To prevent something or someone from doing

something.
Tell them to hold off, because we are not ready.

The police are holding the dogs off.

 Hold On
Infinitive: Hold On
Present Tense: Hold On/ Holds On
-ing Form: Holding On
Past Tense: Held On
Past Participle: Held On

Non-separable

1. When you wait for a short time.

When I heard my doorbell ring I shouted, 'Hold on, I'm in the
shower!'

I held on for 10 minutes waiting for my mum. My mum was

on the phone and I wanted to speak with her. I decided I'd
call her later instead.
Non-separable

2. When you hold something tightly so you won't

fall off or get hurt. Hanging On can be used as an
alternative.
The fairground ride was so fast I had to hold on for my
safety.

Hold onto the rail when you walk downstairs.

Non-separable

3. When you hold someone or something tightly to

either protect them or prevent them from leaving or
being taken.
Hold onto the rail as you walk downstairs.

Some mothers hold on to their children for too long. They

should let children be independent.
 Hold Out
Infinitive: Hold Out
Present Tense: Hold Out/ Holds Out
-ing Form: Holding Out
Past Tense: Held Out
Past Participle: Held Out
Separable

1. To extend your hand or an object in front of you.

The barista held out the takeout coffee for the customer.

Hold your hand out,' said the palm reader. 'I will tell you your
future!'
Non-separable

2. To survive or resist a challenging situation such as an

attack, temptation or pressure.

I'm going to hold out for a little longer.

Hold out for a better business deal.

Non-separable

3. To refuse to accept anything less than your original

demand or expectation.

Stand firm and hold out for a better offer.

Be patient and hold out for another day - I think they will accept
your offer.
 Hold Up
Infinitive: Hold Up
Present Tense: Hold Up/ Holds Up
-ing Form: Holding Up
Past Tense: Held Up
Past Participle: Held Up

Separable

1. To hold someone or something up in the air.

To bid on an item at an auction, you usually hold up a paddle.

Can you help me by holding the mirror up? I want to step

back and see what it looks like in this room.
Separable

2. When you stop/delay someone or something for a

moment.
The workers in the road were holding up the traffic.

Sorry to hold you up, but can you help me?

Separable

3. When you steal from a person or business by

threat of violence.
The bank staff were held up by a thief.

“This is a hold up!” shouted the thief. “No one move. Give me
all your money or I'll hurt you!”

Separable

4. To remain in a physically/emotionally strong or

stable condition.
No matter what the problem is, she seems to hold up really
well.

I managed to hold myself up by working a lot and keeping

busy.
 Hook Up
Infinitive: Hook Up
Present Tense: Hook Up
-ing Form: Hooking Up
Past Tense: Hooked Up
Past Participle: Hooked Up

Separable

1. When you connect two electrical devices

together.
We hooked up the games console to the new TV.

Hook the television up with the DVD player to watch movies.

Separable

2. To give someone something for free or for a price

lower than the market value.
My sister works at Sephora so she hooked me up with
makeup.

We're friends! If you want buy from my store I will hook

you up with a great deal!
 Hurry Up
Infinitive: Hurry Up
Present Tense: Hurry Up/ Hurries Up
-ing Form: Hurrying Up
Past Tense: Hurried Up
Past Participle: Hurried Up

Non-separable

1. To do something quickly.
I knew that if I didn't hurry up I might miss the last train.

We need to hurry the children up! They're going to be late

for school.
 Keep At
Infinitive: Keep At
Present Tense: Keep At/ Keeps At
-ing Form: Keeping At
Past Tense: Kept At
Past Participle: Kept At

Non-separable

1. To continue doing an activity even though it may

be difficult.
If you want to learn a language you have to keep at it. You
should practice every day.

I want to be a manager, but my job is stressful. I am

keeping at it in hope that one day I will get the promotion.
 Keep Away
Infinitive: Keep Away
Present Tense: Keep Away/ Keeps Away
-ing Form: Keeping Away
Past Tense: Kept Away
Past Participle: Kept Away

Non-separable

1. To avoid getting close to someone or something.

Keep away from poisonous animals unless you're trained to
handle them.

Some airlines banned peanuts from their snack bar in an

attempt to keep the food away from people who were
allergic.
Non-separable

2. To stop being around a person or place.

You must keep away from them.

Keep your children away from my garden! They keep ruining

my plants.
 Keep Down
Infinitive: Keep Down
Present Tense: Keep Down/ Keeps Down
-ing Form: Keeping Down
Past Tense: Kept Down
Past Participle: Kept Down

Separable

1. To make sound, music and noise minimal.

I don't know how many times I've asked my roommate to keep down
her music.

My parents were always asking me to keep the noise down. I liked

to play music very loud as a teenager.
Separable

2. To lower something, especially a price or rate.

Keep down the price and the product will sell faster.

How long can you keep the price down?

Separable

3. To stop someone from achieving or attaining their full

potential.

Don't keep down your staff, teach them new skills so they can
progress their career.

You are keeping her down by taking opportunities away from her.
 Keep From
Infinitive: Keep From
Present Tense: Keep From/ Keeps From
-ing Form: Keeping From
Past Tense: Kept From
Past Participle: Kept From

Separable

1. To stop yourself or other people from doing

something.
When my favorite character in the show got killed off, I
couldn't keep from crying.

We need to keep Jessica from texting her ex boyfriend.

 Keep Off
Infinitive: Keep Off
Present Tense: Keep Off/ Keeps Off
-ing Form: Keeping Off
Past Tense: Kept Off
Past Participle: Kept Off

Non-separable

1. To avoid discussing a particular subject or topic.

My dad warned us to keep off politics at Thanksgiving dinner.

Keep the topic of discussion off politics!

Separable

2. To stop yourself or others from doing something.

Keep off the grass.

Keep your dog off my lawn - he digs it up!

 Keep On
Infinitive: Keep On
Present Tense: Keep On/ Keeps On
-ing Form: Keeping On
Past Tense: Kept On
Past Participle: Kept On

Non-separable

1. To continue doing something.

They started playing a board game in the early evening and
kept on all night.

Let's keep on talking until the sun goes down.

Separable

2. To remain in a position or place.

You're the best employee here, we're happy to keep you on.

Can you keep me on for another 6 weeks? I love this job.

 Keep To
Infinitive: Keep To
Present Tense: Keep To/ Keeps To
-ing Form: Keeping To
Past Tense: Kept To
Past Participle: Kept To

Separable

1. When you don't share information.

I'll tell you who I have a crush on, but it will have to be
kept to yourself!

Finally, I can tell you, I'm pregnant! I've had to keep that to
myself for one month!
Separable

2. To stay within certain limits, topics or areas.

Keep to the speed limit.

The children can go out to play if they keep to the garden.

 Keep Up
Infinitive: Keep Up
Present Tense: Keep Up/ Keeps Up
-ing Form: Keeping Up
Past Tense: Kept Up
Past Participle: Kept Up

Non-separable

1. To continue to do something.
If you keep up your guitar lessons you could be a rockstar
someday!

Keep up with the running. You're getting really fit.

Non-separable

2. To progress or move at the same rate.

If you come running with me, you must keep up.

Elizabeth always looks so fashionable! She keeps up with the

latest trends.
Separable

3. To prevent someone from sleeping.

Keep up the baby, so she sleeps more later.

The baby keeps me up at night. She cries every hour.

Non-separable

4. To be up to date on things.
I have to pay attention to keep up with the latest trends.

The children are so happy to see you every day! Do you

think you can keep the momentum up? They’d love for it to
continue.
 Kick Back
Infinitive: Kick Back
Present Tense: Kick Back/ Kicks Back
-ing Form: Kicking Back
Past Tense: Kicked Back
Past Participle: Kicked Back

Non-separable

1. To kick an object, usually a ball, to the place or

person it was with originally.
Hey! Can you kick back the ball for us?

Kick the ball back to those soccer players over there!

Non-separable

2. To relax.
Summer is a time to kick back and relax.

Kick back with a good book and a cocktail!

 Kick Out
Infinitive: Kick Out
Present Tense: Kick Out/ Kicks Out
-ing Form: Kicking Out
Past Tense: Kicked Out
Past Participle: Kicked Out

Non-separable

1. To force someone to leave an organization or

place.
Every week someone gets kicked out of that bar for
fighting.

Nightclub security staff have to kick any badly behaved

customers out immediately.
 Knock Off
Infinitive: Knock Off
Present Tense: Knock Off/ Knocks Off
-ing Form: Knocking Off
Past Tense: Knocked Off
Past Participle: Knocked Off

Separable

1. To use force to cause someone or something to

fall from its place, whether intentionally or
accidentally.
The vase got knocked off the mantelpiece while the kids
were playing in the living room.

You knocked my favorite vase off the shelf and it smashed.

Separable
2. To tell people to stop doing something annoying or bothersome.

Knock it off because you are being annoying.

He won't knock it off and his behavior upsets me.

Separable

3. To kill someone.
David knocked off his enemy!

Just knock him off. He’s bad news.

Separable

4. To do something quickly.
If we knock off the difficult portions of this project first, we
will be less stressed later.

Hmm. I think shopping is the easiest task on our list. Let's

knock that off first.

Separable

5. To reduce the price or time of something.

Can you knock off some money as this item of clothing is
ripped.

Can you knock 3 minutes off your lap time? You'll be the
fastest runner in the school.
Non-separable

6. [Noun] {Knock-off} A fake version of something

original.
It's a knock-off, you can tell the quality isn't as good as the
original.

I bought this bag for $3. It's knock-off.

 Knock Out
Infinitive: Knock Out
Present Tense: Knock Out/ Knocks Out
-ing Form: Knocking Out
Past Tense: Knocked Out
Past Participle: Knocked Out

Separable

1. When someone is struck hard enough to cause

them to lose consciousness.
Muhammed Ali famously knocked out George Foreman in 'The
Rumble in the Jungle' in 1974.

I can't watch boxing matches. I get so stressed watching

two men trying to knock each other out.
Separable

2. When you are greatly surprised or impressed by

something or someone.
The presentation was a total knockout! We were amazed!

I have some news that will knock you out.

Separable

3. When someone or something destroys equipment

and render it inoperable.
A bolt of lightning knocked out everyone's power for three
hours.

The woman illegally knocked her opponent out of the race by

kicking her bicycle.

Separable

4. When you produce something very quickly.

These cookies are easy to make. You will able to knock out
many after some practice.

Knock a quick drawing out. I want to see your art skills.

 Knock Over
Infinitive: Knock Over
Present Tense: Knock Over/ Knocks Over
-ing Form: Knocking Over
Past Tense: Knocked Over
Past Participle: Knocked Over

Separable

1. To make contact with something or someone in

such a way it or they fall..
I've knocked over three cups today. I don't know what's
wrong with me!

Be careful when you visit the museum, don't knock anything

over!
 Know About
Infinitive: Know About
Present Tense: Know About/ Knows About
-ing Form: Knowing About
Past Tense: Knew About
Past Participle: Known About

Non-separable

1. To have knowledge of or be familiar with

something.
I didn't know about Chinese art until I went to that new
exhibition.

Our math professor is so clever. He knows everything there

is to know about numbers!
 Lay Down
Infinitive: Lay Down
Present Tense: Lay Down/ Lays Down
-ing Form: Laying Down
Past Tense: Laid Down
Past Participle: Laid Down

Non-separable

1. To place something on a surface or an object.

A sleeping baby will wake up unless its laid down gently in
its crib.

Lay the picnic blanket down, so we can eat.

Separable

2. To create and implement a new policy, rule, etc.

The new document was enforced to lay down the rules.

It’s time to lay the rules down!

 Lay Off
Infinitive: Lay Off
Present Tense: Lay Off/ Lays Off
-ing Form: Laying Off
Past Tense: Laid Off
Past Participle: Laid Off

Separable

1. When a company or business ends a worker’s

employment.
Many workers were laid off when the factory was moved
abroad.

The company had to lay 50 members of staff off. They

couldn't afford to pay them.
Non-separable

2. To stop doing something.

Lay off me! You're annoying.

I think you should lay off Emma, she’s getting offended.

 Lead Up To
Infinitive: Lead Up To
Present Tense: Lead Up To/ Leads Up To
-ing Form: Leading Up To
Past Tense: Led Up To
Past Participle: Led Up To

Non-separable

1. When a period of time or a series of events

cause an event, situation or conversation to happen.
The class studied the events that led up to the Second
World War.

In the time leading up to an important event it's a good idea

to check the plan and make sure everything is done.
 Leave Behind
Infinitive: Leave Behind
Present Tense: Leave Behind/ Leaves Behind
-ing Form: Leaving Behind
Past Tense: Left Behind
Past Participle: Left Behind
Separable

1. When you don't take something or someone with you

when you leave.
She had to go all the way back home when she realized she'd left
behind her briefcase.

I left my laptop behind. It's on the train!

Separable

2. To increase the distance by which you are ahead of

something or someone.

The student was left behind because the other children were faster.

I passed the car and left it behind.

Separable

3. To forget or try not to think about an unpleasant

memory or experience.

Leave behind bad experiences, those memories don't serve you.

Let’s be friends again. I want to leave the past behind us.

 Leave Off
Infinitive: Leave Off
Present Tense: Leave Off/ Leaves Off
-ing Form: Leaving Off
Past Tense: Left Off
Past Participle: Left Off

Separable

1. To accidentally or intentionally not include a

person or thing on a list.
We couldn't believe it: we'd been left off the guest list!

It's difficult when you have to leave family members off the
wedding guest invite.
 Leave Out
Infinitive: Leave Out
Present Tense: Leave Out/ Leaves Out
-ing Form: Leaving out
Past Tense: Left Out
Past Participle: Left Out

Separable

1. To not include someone or something.

My mother always told me not to leave out my younger
brother when I was playing with my friends.

The children decided to leave one of their friends out of the

game. It was unkind.
Separable

2. To leave something where it doesn't belong or is

unsecured.
I had to leave out the parcel so the postman could return.

Leave the bike out. It’s very safe here.

 Leave Over
Infinitive: Leave Over
Present Tense: Leave Over/ Leaves Over
-ing Form: Leaving Over
Past Tense: Left Over
Past Participle: Left Over

Non-separable

1. When you have a portion that still remains from

something after you have used or eaten the rest of
it.
There were a lot of fries left over, so they asked the waiter
to put them in a bag to take home.

Any food left over can be eaten tomorrow.

 Let Down
Infinitive: Let Down
Present Tense: Let Down/ Let's Down
-ing Form: Letting Down
Past Tense: Let Down
Past Participle: Let Down

Separable

1. To disappoint someone.
I made a mistake and we lost the game. I felt like I had let
down the team.

Study hard and you won't let yourself down.

Separable

2. To lower or make something extend longer.

Turn the handle to lower down the car off the jack.

Let your hair down it will look prettier.

 Let In
Infinitive: Let In
Present Tense: Let In/ Let's In
-ing Form: Letting In
Past Tense: Let In
Past Participle: Let In

Separable

1. To allow someone or something to enter a place.

He keeps his bedroom window closed at night so that he
doesn't let in any creepy-crawlers.

Let the cat in, she is ready for her dinner.

Separable

2. To share your feelings or details about your

personal life.
You seem upset. Let me in, maybe I can help.

If you want a happy relationship you should let your partner

in and discuss your feelings.
 Let Off
Infinitive: Let Off
Present Tense: Let Off/ Let's Off
-ing Form: Letting Off
Past Tense: Let Off
Past Participle: Let Off

Separable

1. To allow someone to leave a car, bus, train etc.

I let off my friend at the corner. She said she could walk home
from there.

The bus driver opened the bus door to let the passengers off.
Separable

2. To release or dismiss the guilty without proper

punishment.

The judge let off the person on trial, so they could go home.

The teacher let Jake off his detention because he completed his
work on time.
Separable

3. To fire or release a gun, fireworks or a bomb.

Let the fireworks off! It's midnight!

Don't let that gun off!

 Let On
Infinitive: Let On
Present Tense: Let On/ Let's On
-ing Form: Letting On
Past Tense: Let On
Past Participle: Let On

Non-separable

1. To tell something that is a secret or private.

I knew that he was lying about enjoying the party, but I
didn't let on.

He let on that he knew my secrets.

 Let Out
Infinitive: Let Out
Present Tense: Let Out/ Let's Out
-ing Form: Letting Out
Past Tense: Let Out
Past Participle: Let Out

Separable

1. When you give permission for someone to leave or be

released from a place.
My kids are let out of school every day at 3.15.

Let the dog out. He wants to play in the garden.

Separable

2. When you do something that shows your emotions or

feelings, usually by making a sound.

She was so excited she let out a squeal of delight.

In the end I just let my tears out. I was so emotional.

Separable

3. When you disclose or reveal secret/confidential

information.

You can't trust her because she will let out your secret.

He let the secret out. Now the whole office knows.

 Let Up
Infinitive: Let Up
Present Tense: Let Up/ Let's Up
-ing Form: Letting Up
Past Tense: Let Up
Past Participle: Let Up

Non-separable

1. When someone or something becomes less intense

or strong.
She knew she couldn't let up if she wanted to win the race.

Moving houses is one of the most stressful things you can

do. Once you get into your new home the stress lets up.
 Lie Around
Infinitive: Lie Around
Present Tense: Lie Around/ Lies Around
-ing Form: Lying Around
Past Tense: Lay Around
Past Participle: Lain Around

Non-separable

1. To be lazy or to not do anything.

When I have time off work I tend to lie around a lot.

I don't feel well so I am going to have a day lying around! I

need a rest.
Non-separable

2. When an object is misplaced.

If you leave your things lying around, you will lose them.

Your clothes are lying around! Please pick them up.

 Lift Up
Infinitive: Lift Up
Present Tense: Lift Up/ Lifts Up
-ing Form: Lifting Up
Past Tense: Lifted Up
Past Participle: Lifted Up

Separable

1. To raise someone or something to a higher level.

It needed two people to lift up the bed frame and bring it
inside the house.

I ask my husband to lift the sofa up so I can vacuum

underneath it.
Separable

2. To make someone feel better.

Let's go for a coffee, it will give you a lift up.

I need a good lift me up! I'm going shopping.

 Light Up
Infinitive: Light Up
Present Tense: Light Up/ Lights Up
-ing Form: Lighting Up
Past Tense: Lighted Up
Past Participle: Lighted Up

Separable

1. To illuminate something.
In December, downtown is lit up with a lot of decorations.

At Christmas time we light the town up with fairy lights! It

looks magical.
Separable

2. To use a match or lighter to start a flame.

Strike the match and light up the fire.

Light the fire up!

 Lighten Up
Infinitive: Lighten Up
Present Tense: Lighten Up/ Lightens Up
-ing Form: Lightening Up
Past Tense: Lightened Up
Past Participle: Lightened Up

Separable

1. When a conversation is changed or a person

changes to become less serious.
He was always serious at work, but he lightened up when we
took him out to a bar.

We've been talking about death for the last hour. Let's
lighten this conversation up!
 Line Up
Infinitive: Line Up
Present Tense: Line Up/ Lines Up
-ing Form: Lining Up
Past Tense: Lined Up
Past Participle: Lined Up

Separable

1. To form in a row one after another or side-by-

side.
My son has all his action figures lined up on his bedroom
floor.

My brother is very neat and tidy. He likes to line everything

up.
Separable

2. When people do something all at the same time.

The secretaries line up the managers' schedules so they can
have meetings together.

Do you think we can line our plans up? If so, we can all meet
at the same time.
 Live With
Infinitive: Live With
Present Tense: Live With/ Lives With
-ing Form: Living With
Past Tense: Lived With
Past Participle: Lived With

Separable

1. To share the same residence.

My boyfriend and I have lived with each other for almost
five years.

I've been living in a new home with my boyfriend.

Separable

2. To endure an illness, disability or other kind of

situation.
Her mental illness was an affliction she had to live with on a
daily basis.

He is blind, but he has learned to live with this disability.

 Lock In
Infinitive: Lock In
Present Tense: Lock In/ Locks In
-ing Form: Locking In
Past Tense: Locked In
Past Participle: Locked In

Separable

1. To secure people or things behind a closed door.

He made sure his passport was locked in the safe before he
left the hotel room.

Lock the dog in the house when you go out. I don't want him
to get out when we're not in.
Separable

2. To keep a price, rate, contract, etc. the same.

If inflation stays the same, the interest rate will lock in at
3.0 %

Lock the deal in. I'm happy with the terms proposed.
 Lock Out
Infinitive: Lock Out
Present Tense: Lock Out/ Locks Out
-ing Form: Locking Out
Past Tense: Locked Out
Past Participle: Locked Out

Separable

1. When you don't have the key or passcode to

enter a secured place.
I got drunk and lost my keys last Saturday night, so I was
locked out of my apartment.

I've locked myself out of my phone because I forgot my

passcode.
Non-separable

2. [Noun] {Lockout} When an organization prohibits

workers from working.
We're having a lockout until all staff comply with the new
rules.

Staff have been locked out of work for 6 weeks.

 Lock Up
Infinitive: Lock Up
Present Tense: Lock Up/ Locks Up
-ing Form: Locking Up
Past Tense: Locked Up
Past Participle: Locked Up

Separable

1. When you shut the windows and doors of a place

or building.
It was her job to lock up the café at ten o'clock every
night.

When you lock the café up make sure you've turned the
lights out and set the alarm.
Separable

2. When you intentionally put people in prison/jail

or in a confined space where they can't get out.
The criminals were locked up by the police.

Lock them up! These criminals have been causing trouble for
years!
 Look Around
Infinitive: Look Around
Present Tense: Look Around/ Looks Around
-ing Form: Looking Around
Past Tense: Looked Around
Past Participle: Looked Around

Separable

1. To turn your head to see what or who is around you.

I heard a noise and looked around but I couldn't see anything.
Maybe it was just the wind.

I was looking all around, but I couldn't identify where the noise was
coming from.
Non-separable

2. To go to different parts of places and areas to see

what is there.

Let's visit and have a look around.

Can we look around this old building?

Separable

3. To search for something you want or need.

I need to look around for my car keys so I can drive to work.

I've looked all around the house. I can't find my wallet.

 Look At
Infinitive: Look At
Present Tense: Look At/ Looks At
-ing Form: Looking At
Past Tense: Looked At
Past Participle: Looked At

Separable

1. To divert your eyes to someone or something.

He suggested going to the roof of the building to look at the
eclipse.

Look over at the sign - it says don't walk on the grass.

Separable

2. To closely examine or think carefully about

something.
That's very interesting, I need to look at it

Let’s look at the problem from another point of view.

Separable

3. To read something.
I look at the road signs when I'm driving. It’s important to
pay attention.

Look over at the sign. It says stop!

Non-separable

4. To expect a certain amount of time or money

(always continuous).
I get paid on Friday. I'm looking at a payment of $1000.

We're looking at 4 weeks before we can deliver the sofa.

 Look Down On
Infinitive: Look Down On
Present Tense: Look Down On/ Looks Down On
-ing Form: Looking Down On
Past Tense: Looked Down On
Past Participle: Looked Down On

Non-separable

1. When you consider someone or something as

unimportant or with little to no value.
You're a snob if you look down on people based only their
social class.

No one is so perfect that they can justify looking down on

someone.
 Look
Infinitive: Look Forward To
Present Tense: Look Forward To/ Looks Forward To
-ing Form: Looking Forward To

Forward To
Past Tense: Looked Forward To
Past Participle: Looked Forward To

Non-separable

1. To anticipate a future event because it either

makes you happy and/or you benefit from it.
I'm looking forward to going outside again!

Let's go out and celebrate! We've got a wedding to look

forward to.
 Look Into
Infinitive: Look Into
Present Tense: Look Into/ Looks Into
-ing Form: Looking Into
Past Tense: Looked Into
Past Participle: Looked Into

Non-separable

1. To investigate or get more facts about something.

My friend suggested that I look into starting my own
business online.

I wanted to learn about the history of the world so I

started to look into it.
 Look Out
Infinitive: Look Out
Present Tense: Look Out/ Looks Out
-ing Form: Looking Out
Past Tense: Looked Out
Past Participle: Looked Out

Non-separable

1. To remain alert.
Engine leaks are one thing you should look out for when
you're buying a used car.

We live in a close community. Our neighbors look out for

each other.
Non-separable

2. To protect someone
I'll always look out for you.

We've been looking out for our neighbor, she's not very well.
 Look Over
Infinitive: Look Over
Present Tense: Look Over/ Looks Over
-ing Form: Looking Over
Past Tense: Looked Over
Past Participle: Looked Over

Separable

1. To examine or inspect something or someone.

The boy's mother looked over his suit before they headed to
the wedding.

A good writer will always employ an editor to look over their

book before they send it to publishers.

2. To look in a certain direction

Look over here!

How can we get that gorilla to look over here?

 Look Up
Infinitive: Look Up
Present Tense: Look Up/ Looks Up
-ing Form: Looking Up
Past Tense: Looked Up
Past Participle: Looked Up

Non-separable

1. When a situation becomes better.

I just got a raise! Things are looking up!

No matter how bad a situation is, eventually things will start

to look up.
Separable

2. To search and find someone or something.

I need to look up that information.

Look the question up, I don't know the answer.

Non-separable

3. To look in an upward direction.

I like to lie on the beach and look up at the sky.

Look up there!
 Look Up To
Infinitive: Look Up To
Present Tense: Look Up To/ Looks Up To
-ing Form: Looking Up To
Past Tense: Looked Up To
Past Participle: Looked Up To

Non-separable

1. This particular phrasal verb is used to say you

view someone with respect and/or admiration.
My older brother supported me through my younger years,
he was always someone I could look up to.

A good teacher is a person that you can look up to.

 Luck Out
Infinitive: Luck Out
Present Tense: Luck Out/ Lucks Out
-ing Form: Lucking Out
Past Tense: Lucked Out
Past Participle: Lucked Out

Non-separable

1. To have exceptionally good luck.

With all the rain during the week, we really lucked out our
weekend at the beach.

Wow, you really lucked out there! You won 2 competitions in

a row!
 Make For
Infinitive: Make For
Present Tense: Make For/ Makes For
-ing Form: Making For
Past Tense: Made For
Past Participle: Made For

Non-separable

1. To go in a certain direction, typically in a hurry.

Make for the door as fast as you can!

If the fire alarm rings you should make for the door!
Non-separable

2. To create a result or situation.

This recipe will make for the best cake!

Arguing about a problem will make for a difficult

conversation.
 Make Of
Infinitive: Make Of
Present Tense: Make Of/ Makes Of
-ing Form: Making Of
Past Tense: Made Of
Past Participle: Made Of

Non-separable

1. To understand the meaning of something.

What do you make of the government's partial easing of the
virus lockdown restrictions?

I heard the news, I don't know what to make of it.

 Make Up
Infinitive: Make Up
Present Tense: Make Up/ Makes Up
-ing Form: Making Up
Past Tense: Made Up
Past Participle: Made Up

Separable

1. To invent a story.
It's not good to make up stories to excuse your absence
from class.

Children have vivid imaginations. They make stories up all the

time.
Separable

2. To form smaller components into a larger form.

Sew 2 pieces of cloth to make up a larger piece.

I made this blanket up from 4 small blankets.

Separable

3. To make a final decision.

She needs to make up her mind about this job.

I've made my mind up. You're not going to the concert.

Separable

4. To add more money in order to complete a transaction.

I want to pay half electronically. I will make up the difference with

cash.

If the cost is $4.90 then I am happy to make that up to $5. Here’s

an extra $0.10.

Non-separable

5. To do something to compensate for what you didn't get

a chance to do at an earlier time.

I was too busy to see my girlfriend yesterday. I will make up for it

and cook dinner tonight.

I want to leave work early. I agreed I would make the time up by

staying late the next day.
Non-separable

6. To apply cosmetics to your face. [Noun] {Makeup}

Refers to cosmetics.

Each morning, I put my makeup on before work.

I have spent so much money on makeup, but I like to look my best.

 Mess Up
Infinitive: Mess Up
Present Tense: Mess Up/ Messes Up
-ing Form: Messing Up
Past Tense: Messed Up
Past Participle: Messed Up

Separable

1. When something is dirty or unorganized. [Part

Adj.] {Messed-up}
Please don't mess up my hair!

Whenever I bake a cake I always mess the kitchen up.

Separable

2. To ruin something. [Part Adj.] {Messed-up}

I knew you would mess up.

You've really messed this up!

 Mix Up
Infinitive: Mix Up
Present Tense: Mix Up/ Mixes Up
-ing Form: Mixing Up
Past Tense: Mixed Up
Past Participle: Mixed Up

Separable

1. To put or combine different things together so

they'll merge successfully.
The recipe requires that we mix up the ingredients.

Mix the butter and sugar together, then add flour and eggs.
That's how you make cake mixture.
Separable

2. To confuse two things with each other.

Twins are easily mixed up because they look so similar.

You've really mixed this up. I didn't mean to say that.

Separable

3. To make something more interesting.

We need to mix it up - let’s swap clothes!

Let's mix it up and bake chocolate cookies for a change.

 Monkey
Infinitive: Monkey Around With
Present Tense: Monkey Around With/ Monkeys Around
-ing Form: Monkeying Around With

Around With
Past Tense: Monkeyed Around With
Past Participle: Monkeyed Around

Non-separable

1. To try to play with or repair a device that you

have no true knowledge about.
While you were monkeying around town, I was studying for
final exams.

You've been monkeying around with that old car for 4 years!
It still doesn't work.
Non-separable

2. To behave in a careless and/or silly manner.

She likes to have fun and monkey around with her friends.

Stop monkeying around!

 Move In
Infinitive: Move In
Present Tense: Move In/ Moves In
-ing Form: Moving In
Past Tense: Moved In
Past Participle: Moved In

Separable

1. When you bring your personal belongings and

stuff to a new place where you will live.
When do you plan to move in with your girlfriend?

Move the dog in with us. We'll take care of him while you're
away.
 Move Out
Infinitive: Move Out
Present Tense: Move Out/ Moves Out
-ing Form: Moving Out
Past Tense: Moved Out
Past Participle: Moved Out
Separable

1. When you permanently remove all your

belongings and personal items from a place where
you live or stay.
After my roommate moves out this weekend I will post an ad
for the room.

I've got to move my things out of the house on Tuesday.

Separable

2. When you move someone or something out of a

place to another location.
Let's load the van with your items so you can move out.

Are you moving Derek out of his current home?

Separable

3. When someone or something changes position.

Move out of my way, so I can have more room on the couch.

The washing machine vibrates so much that it’s moved itself

out of its place. Can you help me push it back?
 Narrow Down
Infinitive: Narrow Down
Present Tense: Narrow Down/ Narrows Down
-ing Form: Narrowing Down
Past Tense: Narrowed Down
Past Participle: Narrowed Down

Separable

1. To reduce the number of options or possibilities.

We need to narrow down our options in case of inclement
weather.

We couldn't decide where to go on holiday. We narrowed the

options down to the hottest countries.
 Pay Back
Infinitive: Pay Back
Present Tense: Pay Back/ Pays Back
-ing Form: Paying Back
Past Tense: Paid Back
Past Participle: Paid Back

Separable

1. When you return money that you owe someone.

My friend asked me to pay back the loan as soon as I can.

I had to pay my mom back because she lended me $10 to

buy lunch.
Non-separable

2. An action meant to reciprocate or revenge a past

action taken by someone else.
They deserved that, it was payback for earlier!

I'm going to get payback on John for speaking badly about

me.
 Pay For
Infinitive: Pay For
Present Tense: Pay For/ Pays For
-ing Form: Paying For
Past Tense: Paid For
Past Participle: Paid For

Non-separable

1. To purchase merchandise.
You don't need to pay for me, I just got my monthly salary!

I hate paying for bills, it's so boring!

Separable

2. To take a punishment.
You will pay for what you did!

He paid heavily for the crimes he committed. 75 years in

prison.
 Pay Off
Infinitive: Pay Off
Present Tense: Pay Off/ Pays Off
-ing Form: Paying Off
Past Tense: Paid Off
Past Participle: Paid Off
Separable

1. To repay money that is owed to a person or entity.

You should pay off the money you owe to your friend.

If you owe people money it is wise to pay the money off as

quickly as you can.
Separable

2. To give someone money so they will leave you

alone or keep a secret.
He paid off his mistress in order to keep her quiet about his
affair.

If you pay me off I won't say a word about what you did!
Non-separable

3. When your hard work is rewarded.

The boss told me my hard work would pay off and I'd get a
promotion.

I felt really good for helping at the charity. Everyone was so

grateful. All the hard work paid off.
 Pay Up
Infinitive: Pay Up
Present Tense: Pay Up/ Pays Up
-ing Form: Paying Up
Past Tense: Paid Up
Past Participle: Paid Up

Separable

1. To pay all the money that is owed or asked for.

The bartender said to pay up before giving me another
drink.

The bank called, they have asked us to pay the deposit up in

full.
 Pick On
Infinitive: Pick On
Present Tense: Pick On/ Picks On
-ing Form: Picking On
Past Tense: Picked On
Past Participle: Picked On

Non-separable

1. To tease and/or criticize someone over a period

of time.
You should not pick on your little brother.

Picking on people won't make your problems any smaller.

 Pick Out
Infinitive: Pick Out
Present Tense: Pick Out/ Picks Out
-ing Form: Picking Out
Past Tense: Picked Out
Past Participle: Picked Out

Separable

1. When you are able to recognize something or

someone from a group.
Can you pick out what is different between the pictures?

If you witness a crime you might be asked to pick the

criminal out of a few suspects.
Separable

2. To choose something or someone from a variety

of choices.
There were so many flowers, I had to pick out my favorites.

Did you manage to pick the best bananas out?

 Pick Up
Infinitive: Pick Up
Present Tense: Pick Up/ Picks Up
-ing Form: Picking Up
Past Tense: Picked Up
Past Participle: Picked Up

Separable

1. To get someone or something from somewhere.

What time should I pick you up this evening?

Can you pick the children up after school?

Separable

2. To learn or acquire something new.

Michael is very good at picking up new games quickly.

Wow, you really picked this skill up quickly.

Separable

3. To purchase something at a low or discounted

price.
I picked up the best deals on Black Friday.

I picked this jacket up at the mall for 50% off!

Separable

4. To receive a signal from the airwaves.

I had to tune the radio in order to pick up a signal.

Listen to that… we are picking someone else’s radio signal up!

Separable

5. To obtain a contagious illness.

As a teacher in elementary school, it can be quite easy to
pick up a cold.

I've got a nasty cold. Stand back, you don't want pick it up.
Separable

6. To answer the phone.

I need to pick up the phone, because I've been waiting for
this call.

Pick the phone up, it’s been ringing for ages.

 Pile Up
Infinitive: Pile Up
Present Tense: Pile Up/ Piles Up
-ing Form: Piling Up
Past Tense: Piled Up
Past Participle: Piled Up

Separable

1. To put things in a pile or heap.

You can pile up the leaves over there after you rake them.

I always pile my clothes up in the corner of my room before

washing them.
Separable

2. When you accumulate more and more of

something unpleasant.
I was stressed because my work was piling up.

Tell us if we give you too much work, otherwise we'll keep

piling it up.
 Piss Off
Infinitive: Piss Off
Present Tense: Piss Off/ Pisses Off
-ing Form: Pissing Off
Past Tense: Pissed Off
Past Participle: Pissed Off

Separable

1. [Informal] To be angry about something.

It is not wise to piss off the people trying to help you.

If you keep behaving like that you're going to piss me off.

Non-separable

2. To rudely tell someone to leave or go somewhere

else because they are annoying you.
Piss off!

Would you piss off? I don't want you around me.

 Plan Ahead
Infinitive: Plan Ahead
Present Tense: Plan Ahead/ Plans Ahead
-ing Form: Planning Ahead
Past Tense: Planned Ahead
Past Participle: Planned Ahead

Separable

1. To prepare for a future event or situation.

We need to plan ahead in case it rains.

An organized bride will plan her wedding ahead of time.

 Plan For
Infinitive: Plan For
Present Tense: Plan For/ Plans For
-ing Form: Planning For
Past Tense: Planned For
Past Participle: Planned For

Separable

1. To prepare for a big event or expectation in the

future.
Did you plan for another location if our first choice is not
available?

It’s always a good idea to plan your investments for the

future.
 Plan On
Infinitive: Plan On
Present Tense: Plan On/ Plans On
-ing Form: Planning On
Past Tense: Planned On
Past Participle: Planned On

Separable

1. When you have the intention to do something.

I did not plan on being stuck with all these people in
quarantine.

Did you plan on going to the shops today?

 Plug In/Into
Infinitive: Plug In/Into
Present Tense: Plug In/ Plugs In/Into
-ing Form: Plugging In/Into
Past Tense: Plugged In
Past Participle: Plugged In

Separable

1. To connect an electrical appliance/machine to

another piece of equipment or to a power source.
You can plug in your phone charger here.

Plug the TV into that wall socket.

Separable

2. To insert an electrical device to an electrical

circuit.
Can you plug in the washing machine?

Can you plug the washing machine in?

 Plug Up
Infinitive: Plug Up
Present Tense: Plug Up/ Plugs Up
-ing Form: Plugging Up
Past Tense: Plugged Up
Past Participle: Plugged Up

Separable

1. To block a narrow passage such as a hole, drain,

or pipe so that nothing can flow through.
Plug up the drain if you want to take a bath.

Eww, the food debris is going to plug the drain up.

 Point Out
Infinitive: Point Out
Present Tense: Point Out/ Points Out
-ing Form: Pointing Out
Past Tense: Pointed Out
Past Participle: Pointed Out

Separable

1. To make someone aware of something.

I would like to point out you have been late to class every
day this week.

My daughter will point out whatever she sees! She even

pointed out that a lady had a big nose!
 Point To
Infinitive: Point To
Present Tense: Point To/ Points To
-ing Form: Pointing To
Past Tense: Pointed To
Past Participle: Pointed To

Separable

1. When you aim at something or someone using

your finger or hand.
Could you point to the student in the picture who bullied
you?

Point me to the bathroom please.

Separable

2. When someone or something suggests or focuses

on something that is true or likely to be true.
All the evidence points to Jerry being the criminal.

Clouds often point to rain in the near future.

 Pull Off
Infinitive: Pull Off
Present Tense: Pull Off/ Pulls Off
-ing Form: Pulling Off
Past Tense: Pulled Off
Past Participle: Pulled Off

Separable

1. To succeed in doing something difficult or tricky.

I cannot believe you pulled off writing your paper in 1 hour.

The teenager wanted to pull a BMX trick off to impress his

friends.
Non-separable

2. To move your vehicle to the side of the road or

off the highway.
You should pull off here. I think we might have a flat tire.

He pulled off the road without looking around. He almost hit

another car!
 Pull Out
Infinitive: Pull Out
Present Tense: Pull Out/ Pulls Out
-ing Form: Pulling Out
Past Tense: Pulled Out
Past Participle: Pulled Out

Separable

1. In the context of vehicles, it means leaving a

parking space and entering the street or other
driving area.
Stop at the intersection and pull out slowly.

He pulled out of the parking space slowly, because the car

park was very busy.
Separable

2. When someone reveals a weapon, usually in a

threatening way.
I was so scared when I saw him pull out a gun.

The thief walked into the shop and pulled his gun out.
Non-separable

3. When someone wants to cancel an arrangement or

agreement or to stop being involved in something.

I don't want to do this deal, so I'm going to pull out.

Thomas is being bullied at school. We're going pull him out and
homeschool him.

Separable

4. When soldiers are removed from a location as needed;

a retreat.

It's too dangerous, let's pull out all of our troops and return to
base.

Many people think the USA should pull their soldiers out of foreign
countries.
Separable

5. When something is removed from somewhere.

Could you pull my laptop out of my bag?

Pull the plug out and let the water down the drain.
 Pull Over
Infinitive: Pull Over
Present Tense: Pull Over/ Pulls Over
-ing Form: Pulling Over
Past Tense: Pulled Over
Past Participle: Pulled Over

Separable

1. To drive your vehicle to the side of the road to

stop.
In some places it is the law to pull over if an ambulance is
behind you.

When taking your driving test you will be asked to pull the
car over on the side of the road.
 Pull Through
Infinitive: Pull Through
Present Tense: Pull Through/ Pulls Through
-ing Form: Pulling Through
Past Tense: Pulled Through
Past Participle: Pulled Through

Separable

1. To recover from an injury or illness.

I am confident you can pull through this sickness, don't give
up!

My grandfather is very sick but I’m confident he will pull

through.
Separable

2. To continue past a difficult situation or challenge.

This quarter has been tough, but we will pull through.

Your optimism is pulling me through this hard time.

 Punch In
Infinitive: Punch In
Present Tense: Punch In/ Punches In
-ing Form: Punching In
Past Tense: Punched In
Past Participle: Punched In

Non-separable

1. To enter data or record time on a device.

At the beginning of each shift you need to punch in here.

We have a lot of work to do, we need to punch all of this

data in.

Separable

2. To punch someone in a particular area

I’m going to punch you in the face if you don’t shut up!

I got punched in the stomach. It hurt really badly!

 Punch Out
Infinitive: Punch Out
Present Tense: Punch Out/ Punches Out
-ing Form: Punching Out
Past Tense: Punched Out
Past Participle: Punched Out

Non-separable

1. To record the time you leave the workplace using

a special clock.
Make sure to punch out or your salary won't be correct.

At the end of the working day you need to punch out.

 Put Away
Infinitive: Put Away
Present Tense: Put Away/ Puts Away
-ing Form: Putting Away
Past Tense: Put Away
Past Participle: Put Away

Separable

1. To place something where it cannot be seen or

isn't in the way of other things.
Put away your toys first, then we can get ice cream.

I don't like putting the washing away, but it has to be done.

Separable

2. To send someone to a prison or mental institution.

The judge found him guilty and ordered for him to be put
away.

Put the criminal away for 10 years!

Separable

3. To consume large quantities of food and drinks.

He really knew how to put away his beer.

You put all that food away? How do you stay so slim?

Separable

4. To hide or save money or something valuable.

If I put away some money, in 6 weeks I'll have enough
savings for a holiday.

I earn $1000 each month. I want to save for a car, so I'm

going to put half of it away.
 Put Back
Infinitive: Put Back
Present Tense: Put Back/ Puts Back
-ing Form: Putting Back
Past Tense: Put Back
Past Participle: Put Back

Separable

1. When something is causing a project to slow

down.
We have really been put back in sales due to this pandemic.

Unfortunately the business had to close for a few days. This

will put the project back a bit.
Separable

2. When you postpone doing something and do it at

a later date.
Let's put that meeting next week back to a later date.

I don't think we have time to meet the deadline. Let's put it

back a bit.
Separable

3. When you return an object to where it belongs

or to where it was previously.
I went to the library to put back my book.

Put the sweets back where you found them.

Separable

4. [Informal] When you drink a lot of alcohol.

He can put back a lot of alcohol!

He put 3 beers and a shot of tequila back in one hour! We

couldn't believe it!
 Put Down
Infinitive: Put Down
Present Tense: Put Down/ Puts Down
-ing Form: Putting Down
Past Tense: Put Down
Past Participle: Put Down

Separable

1. To place something on a surface or an object.

You can put down your bags over there in the corner.

Put the bags down and give me a hug!

Separable

2. To criticize someone.
The manager constantly puts his deputy down.

Don't put her down, your criticism is making her doubt her
self worth.
Separable

3. To pay only a portion or a cost of something.

Put down the deposit to secure the house.

Please put the 10,000 dollar deposit down today. You can pay
the rest later.
Separable

4. To add something to a list.

Put down bread on the shopping list.

Are you writing a shopping list? Please put apples and rice
down. I must remember to buy them.

Separable

5. To kill an animal because it’s ill, too old or

considered a threat to society.
The dog is terminally ill and he needs to be put down.

Unfortunately, we've had to put our pet rabbit down. She

was so old.
 Put In
Infinitive: Put In
Present Tense: Put In/ Puts In
-ing Form: Put In
Past Tense: Put In
Past Participle: Put In

Separable

1. When you invest or make a deposit.

I’m going to put in $15,000 to start this business.

I've put half the bill in for dinner. You need to put in the
rest.
Separable

2. When you put an object into a container.

I've put it in the diary for next week.

Don’t forget to put your laptop in your backpack before

leaving for school!
Separable

3. When you use time or effort to accomplish

something.
I put in a lot of effort for that project.

I'm so pleased with the outcome. You put a lot of work in.

Separable

4. When you cause someone to be in a position,

circumstance, condition, etc.
I've been put in an awkward position.

Don't put her in a bad situation.

Separable

5. When you install or put something in place.

I’m going to put in a new toilet in my bathroom today.

Can you put my fridge in for me? It’s too heavy for me to do
it.
 Put Off
Infinitive: Put Off
Present Tense: Put Off/ Puts Off
-ing Form: Putting Off
Past Tense: Put Off
Past Participle: Put Off

Non-separable

1. To become offended by someone or something.

I was really put off by his poor attitude.

It puts me off when people are rude to others.

Separable

2. To postpone doing something.

Let's put off all of our responsibilities to tomorrow. I'm lazy
today.

We really shouldn't put our work off again.

 Put Out
Infinitive: Put Out
Present Tense: Put Out/ Puts Out
-ing Form: Putting Out
Past Tense: Put Out
Past Participle: Put Out

Separable

1. To extend a part of your body.

Put out your arms so I can take your measurements.

Put your leg out when Mike runs past us. He will fall over!
Separable

2. To leave something out for someone to collect or

use.
We put out candy for Halloween so the kids can take it.

Put the trash out at the end of the driveway, please.

Separable

3. To extinguish a fire, cigarette, etc.

I put out the cigarette as soon as my mom came in.

Put the fire out! Quick!

Separable

4. To issue or publish a book, newsletter, magazine,

etc.
The final edition was ready to put out to press.

The newspaper is ready so you can put it out tomorrow.

 Put Together
Infinitive: Put Together
Present Tense: Put Together/ Puts Together
-ing Form: Putting Together
Past Tense: Put Together
Past Participle: Put Together

Separable

1. To assemble or connect the parts of something.

To put together the puzzle should take about 1 hour.

Many parents spend their children's birthdays putting their new

toys together.
Separable

2. To make or create plans or a meal.

I've put together a collection of things for you. You can come and
collect them.

Have you put the plan together?

Separable

3. To position something or someone so they are close to

each other.

The seating plan was arranged so that couples were put together.

Put the salt and pepper shakers together. They're a set.

 Put Up
Infinitive: Put Up
Present Tense: Put Up/ Puts Up
-ing Form: Putting Up
Past Tense: Put Up
Past Participle: Put Up

Separable

1. To move an object to a higher level.

Put up both your arms and wave them above your head.

Let's put these items up in the attic.

Separable

2. When you add something to a wall, door or window.

During December we put up a wreath on our door.

Where should I put this painting up?

Separable

3. To build or install something that permanently

stands such as a building, wall, fence, etc.
I put up a fence today.

The builders were very efficient. They put the house up in

less than 3 months.
Separable

4. To let people stay in your house.

Can you put up my sister? She needs a place to sleep for
one night.

Can you put me and the dog up for one week? We need a
place to stay temporarily.

Separable

5. To contribute money to help pay for something.

I'll put up half the bill if you pay the rest.

I'm happy to put $1000 up to get a new playground for the

children.
Non-separable

6. To fight, resist, or argue about something you're

against.
I will put up a fight, because I feel strongly about this.

If you try to feed him vegetables he will put up a fight.

 Put Up To
Infinitive: Put Up To
Present Tense: Put Up To/ Puts Up To
-ing Form: Putting Up To
Past Tense: Put Up To
Past Participle: Put Up To

Separable

1. To encourage or persuade someone to do

something.
John was put up to pranking his teacher by his friends. He
shouldn't have done it.

Kevin was put up to misbehaving at school.

 Put Up With
Infinitive: Put Up With
Present Tense: Put Up With/ Puts Up With
-ing Form: Putting Up With
Past Tense: Put Up With
Past Participle: Put Up With

Non-separable

1. To tolerate or accept something that you'd rather

not.
I cannot put up with the noise from the construction
anymore!

I don't want to put up with our neighbor’s dog barking every

night.
 Ring Up
Infinitive: Ring Up
Present Tense: Ring Up/ Rings Up
-ing Form: Ring Up
Past Tense: Rang Up
Past Participle: Rung Up

Separable

1. To call someone on the phone.

Why don't you ring up your mom and see how she is doing?

Before we had the internet we would ring our friends up

and talk for hours.
Separable

2. When a cashier adds the total cost of your items

at a cash register.
The cashier rang up the sum of all the items.

A customer asked the cashier to ring the goods up. He

wanted to know how much they cost.
 Rip Off
Infinitive: Rip Off
Present Tense: Rip Off/ Rips Off
-ing Form: Ripping Off
Past Tense: Ripped Off
Past Participle: Ripped Off
Separable

1. When someone asks for a price for something

that is too high, when someone cheats or steals.
Some people will try to rip off other people who are less
informed about fair prices.

I paid $20 for this item and it broke immediately! The seller
has ripped me off.
Non-separable
2. [Noun] When someone steals, charges too much, or cheats you.

I bought this new television for $100. When I got it home I

realized it didn't work. It was a ripoff.

That price is a ripoff.

Separable

3. When someone or something physically removes

something from its place.
Rip off the broken bit.

He was angry so he ripped my paintings off the wall.

 Rip Up
Infinitive: Rip Up
Present Tense: Rip Up/ Rips Up
-ing Form: Ripping Up
Past Tense: Ripped Up
Past Participle: Ripped Up

Separable

1. To tear something (i.e. paper, cloth, etc.) into

pieces.
He ripped up the report card when he saw his grades.

The school sent a letter home with the student. He was

supposed to give it to his mother but he ripped it up instead.
Separable

2. To remove something (i.e. carpet, pavement,

flooring, etc.) from a surface, or to remove a
surface.
Rip up the carpet, it is going in the bin.

Let’s rip this old carpet up!

 Rule Out
Infinitive: Rule Out
Present Tense: Rule Out/ Rules Out
-ing Form: Ruling Out
Past Tense: Ruled Out
Past Participle: Ruled Out

Separable

1. When someone or something is excluded as a

possibility.
We have to rule out all other possibilities before going
forward.

I'm pleased that we can rule that out as a possibility.

 Run Across
Infinitive: Run Across
Present Tense: Run Across/ Runs Across
-ing Form: Running Across
Past Tense: Ran Across
Past Participle: Run Across

Separable

1. To move or run from one side to the other.

Run across the field as fast as you can!

Elena didn't look and ran straight across the road! Luckily
the oncoming car saw her and managed to stop.
 Run Around
Infinitive: Run Around
Present Tense: Run Around/ Runs Around
-ing Form: Running Out
Past Tense: Ran Around
Past Participle: Run Around

Non-separable

1. To go from one place to another in a hurry.

I have been running around all day doing errands.

I'm going to run around to the shops to buy a few items.

Separable

2. To become very busy doing a lot of different things.

I'll be running around tomorrow with all the tasks I need to

complete!

He had to run around town from store to store to get

everything he needed.
Non-separable

3. To play and run at the same time.

They run around the field enjoying themselves.

The dogs run all around the field chasing each other.
 Run Down
Infinitive: Run Down
Present Tense: Run Down/ Runs Down
-ing Form: Running Down
Past Tense: Running Down
Past Participle: Run Down

Separable

1. To hit someone or something with a vehicle.

He ran down the murderer with his car.

If you don't drive carefully you could run someone down.

Non-separable

2. To quickly move to a lower level or place.

Should we try to run down the hill?

The man ran down the street to meet his favorite grilled pork
vendor.
Non-separable

3. To gradually lose power or energy.

Don't use the torch until you need it, as you will run down the
battery.

It was his workplace that ran him down. They kept giving him too
much to do.
 Run Into
Infinitive: Run Into
Present Tense: Run Into/Runs Into
-ing Form: Running Into
Past Tense: Ran Into
Past Participle: Run Into

Non-separable

1. When collide with another object by accident.

I ran into a mailbox with my car.

I ran head first into a lamp post yesterday!

Non-separable

2. To unexpectedly see a person you know.

Did you run into my mom? She goes to the pool every Friday.

I ran into my auntie in the supermarket.

Non-separable

3. To have an unexpected problem.

I knew we'd run into a problem.

We ran into a problem when we were baking a cake. We

didn't have any eggs.

Non-separable

4. To enter a place quickly.

I had to run into the building before the door closed.

John ran into the airport because he was running late.

 Run Out
Infinitive: Run Out
Present Tense: Run Out/ Runs Out
-ing Form: Running Out
Past Tense: Ran Out
Past Participle: Run Out

Non-separable

1. When people exit a place very quickly.

We need to run out of the room if there is a fire.

If the fire alarm rings I don't care if it's irresponsible, I will

run straight out of this building.
Non-separable

2. When you have nothing left to use, consume, sell,

etc.
Oh no! We ran out of toilet paper!

Buy Kru P. Ann and Kru Kellen's book before they run out!
 Run Over
Infinitive: Run Over
Present Tense: Run Over/ Runs Over
-ing Form: Running Over
Past Tense: Ran Over
Past Participle: Run Over

Separable

1. When someone is injured or killed by a vehicle.

Sadly, my dog was run over by accident.

If you break the speed limits you are more likely to have a
terrible accident. The worst thing would be running someone
or something over.
Separable

2. When you practice for something, typically a

performance or speech.
Let's run over this script one more time before we present,
okay?

I need to run this speech over one more time before I am

completely ready.
Non-separable

3. When someone or something continues past a

limited time.
The meeting ran over due to unexpected questions at the
end.

Don't let the meeting run over. I need to leave on time.

Non-separable

4. When someone explains something again.

Run over that again, please. I didn't understand it.

You missed the start of the meeting. I'll run over those
details again later.
 Run Up
Infinitive: Run Up
Present Tense: Run Up/ Runs Up
-ing Form: Running Up
Past Tense: Ran Up
Past Participle: Run Up

Non-separable

1. To run from a lower elevation or level to a higher

elevation or level.
Let's see how fast we can run up the hill together.

Let's run up a mountain tomorrow!

Separable

2. To spend a huge amount of money on credit.

I spent too much money and ran up my bill.

Don't run your credit card up. You'll regret it when you need
to pay the money.
Non-separable

3. To run towards someone.

They ran up to me and gave me a hug.

Run up to the ice cream van and buy whatever you like.
 Screw On
Infinitive: Screw On
Present Tense: Screw On/ Screws On
-ing Form: Screwing On
Past Tense: Screwed On
Past Participle: Screwed On

Separable

1. To ensure the top of a container/bottle is sealed.

Make sure you screw on the cap securely before putting it
back.

Screw the lid on properly so the contents don't leak out.

Separable

2. To connect parts together, typically parts with a

spiral groove or with a screw.
Screw on the last piece and this model will be finished!

You need to screw the plaque on the wall or else it will fall
off!
 Screw Out Of
Infinitive: Screw Out Of
Present Tense: Screw Out Of/ Screws Out Of
-ing Form: Screwing Out Of
Past Tense: Screwed Out Of
Past Participle: Screwed Out Of

Separable

1. To cheat or deceive someone.

He screwed me out of $100 when he never paid his part of
the bill.

The thief screwed an innocent person out of their money.

 Screw Up
Infinitive: Screw Up
Present Tense: Screw Up/ Screws Up
-ing Form: Screwing Up
Past Tense: Screwed Up
Past Participle: Screwed Up

Separable

1. To make a mistake or do something really bad.

If you screw up on stage, just keep going!

Don't screw this job up! If you do, we'll fire you.
 See About
Infinitive: See About
Present Tense: See About/ Sees About
-ing Form: Seeing About
Past Tense: Saw About
Past Participle: Seen About

Non-separable

1. To seriously think about doing something.

We will have to see about a new film location.

I asked my parents if they will take me to a concert, they

said they would see about it.
 Sell Out
Infinitive: Sell Out
Present Tense: Sell Out/ Sells Out
-ing Form: Selling Out
Past Tense: Sold Out
Past Participle: Sold Out

Non-separable

1. When all the inventory of a particular product

has been purchased.
Toilet paper will sell out quickly, so make sure to go in the
morning!

During the summer the supermarkets sell out of ice.

Non-separable

2. To do something against your moral principles in

exchange for success.
If I take this money, my fans will think I sold out.

Don't sell yourself out. Stick to your values.

 Set Up
Infinitive: Set Up
Present Tense: Set Up/ Sets Up
-ing Form: Setting Up
Past Tense: Set Up
Past Participle: Set Up

Separable

1. To organize or plan for an activity/event to

happen.
We should set up an event for the new product launch.

Let's set a party up for my 30th birthday.

Separable

2. To start a new company, foundation, etc.

He left education without any formal qualifications, but he
managed to set up a successful business.

I hate working for other people. I'm setting a business up.

Separable

3. To prepare equipment and/or tools for use.

Can you set up the PC, please?

Can you set the PC up, please?

Separable

4. To introduce two people that are compatible for

dating/a relationship.

I want to set up my friend Jenna with Steve. I think they

would be good together.

He set them both up on a date because he thinks they will

be good for each other.
Non-separable

5. To be provided with more than enough money or

supplies for a period of time.
I've been saving so much that I'm now set up for the future.

The money my grandad gave me has set me up for life.

Separable

6. To trick or deceive someone.

Am I being set up? Is this a joke or a prank?

We set John up for a surprise. When he walks in we will all

jump out at him!
 Settle Down
Infinitive: Settle Down
Present Tense: Settle Down/ Settles Down
-ing Form: Settling Down
Past Tense: Settled Down
Past Participle: Settled Down

Non-separable

1. To begin living a stable and routine life.

Eventually as you get older you just want to settle down.

I don't think my boyfriend and I are going to settle down

together.
Separable

2. To become less active and more quiet.

I had a busy day, so I was happy to settle down for the
night.

Settle the children down by playing calm music.

 Settle For
Infinitive: Settle For
Present Tense: Settle For/ Settles For
-ing Form: Settling For
Past Tense: Settled For
Past Participle: Settled For

Non-separable

1. To accept something even though it’s not what

you want or need.
Don't settle for less than you deserve.

Don't settle with a partner, find someone you love deeply.

 Shake Up
Infinitive: Shake Up
Present Tense: Shake Up/ Shakes Up
-ing Form: Shaking Up
Past Tense: Shook Up
Past Participle: Shaken Up

Separable

1. To mix something in a container by shaking it.

Shake up the contents thoroughly in the bag.

Shake the salt over the potatoes then put them in the oven for
crispy roasted potatoes.
Separable

2. To upset, shock, or frighten someone.

She felt shook up after the car accident.

It's normal to feel shaken up after a bad experience.

Separable

3. To make major changes in a business or organization,

especially to make improvements.

It's time to shake things up! We have a new policy that staff only
have to work 4 days a week!

We're going to shake things up. The management team is changing

roles.
 Show Off
Infinitive: Show Off
Present Tense: Show Off/ Shows Off
-ing Form: Showing Off
Past Tense: Showed Off
Past Participle: Shown Off

Separable

1. To overly display your skills or what you have.

Kellen tried to show off his muscles but he didn't have much
to show off.

The children like to show off to their friends.

 Shut Off
Infinitive: Shut Off
Present Tense: Shut Off/ Shuts Off
-ing Form: Shutting Off
Past Tense: Shut Off
Past Participle: Shut Off

Separable

1. To stop the operation of an electrical or

mechanical device.
Shut off the coffee pot before you leave.

Shut all electronics off before you leave the office.

 Shut Up
Infinitive: Shut Up
Present Tense: Shut Up/ Shuts Up
-ing Form: Shutting Up
Past Tense: Shut Up
Past Participle: Shut Up

Separable

1. To stop talking.
Please shut up for once in your life!

Shut your dog up! He barks all night!

 Sign In
Infinitive: Sign In
Present Tense: Sign In/ Signs In
-ing Form: Signing In
Past Tense: Signed In
Past Participle: Signed In

Separable

1. To write your name on a list to indicate the day

and time you arrived at a certain place.
Please sign in so you get credit for attending.

Please sign in by filling out the form in the visitors’ book.

Separable

2. To enter your username and password online.

Sign in to the website to make an order.

Sign yourself in and I'll show you how to process an order.

 Sign Out
Infinitive: Sign Out
Present Tense: Sign Out/ Signs Out
-ing Form: Signing Out
Past Tense: Signed Out
Past Participle: Signed Out

Separable

1. To write your name on a list to indicate the day

and time of your departure.
Be sure to sign out your rental of the basketball.

Most offices will ask you to sign out when you leave.
Separable

2. To exit a program that requires a username and

password.
Please ensure that you sign out of your browser if you are
in a public place.

I forgot to sign myself out! Please can you sign me out of

Facebook on your phone?
 Sit Down
Infinitive: Sit Down
Present Tense: Sit Down/ Sits Down
-ing Form: Sitting Down
Past Tense: Sat Down
Past Participle: Sat Down

Non-separable

1. To change from a standing to a sitting position.

Please sit down so I can see the screen.

If you go to see a doctor he will always ask you to sit down.

Separable

2. To help someone to sit.

You look tired. Let me help you to sit down.

Can you help sit your grandma down?

 Slow Down
Infinitive: Slow Down
Present Tense: Slow Down/ Slows Down
-ing Form: Slowing Down
Past Tense: Slowed Down
Past Participle: Slowed Down

Separable

1. To do something more slowly.

Slow down, there are children playing!

She works too fast, we need to slow her down. She's making
too many mistakes.
 Sneak In/Into
Infinitive: Sneak In
Present Tense: Sneak In/ Sneaks In
-ing Form: Sneaking In
Past Tense: Sneaked In
Past Participle: Sneaked In

Separable

1. To enter a place quietly to avoid being seen or

heard.
When I was a kid I used to sneak into the cinema.

At midnight I sneak into the kitchen and prepare a snack.

 Sneak Out
Infinitive: Sneak Out
Present Tense: Sneak Out/ Sneaks Out
-ing Form: Sneaking Out
Past Tense: Sneaked Out
Past Participle: Sneaked Out

Non-separable

1. To leave a place without being noticed.

She tried to sneak out to go to the party.

Do you think I can sneak out of this café without paying?

 Sort Out
Infinitive: Sort Out
Present Tense: Sort Out/ Sorts Out
-ing Form: Sorting Out
Past Tense: Sorted Out
Past Participle: Sorted Out

Separable

1. To arrange or separate things into groups

according to similarities.
Let's sort out the sleeping arrangements.

I'm going to sort the DVDs out and order them

alphabetically.
Separable

2. To correct a misunderstanding or to solve a

problem.
That's not right, let me sort out the error.

Sort the problem out, please. We only have two weeks before
the project is due.
 Space Out
Infinitive: Space Out
Present Tense: Space Out/ Spaces Out
-ing Form: Spacing Out
Past Tense: Spaced Out
Past Participle: Spaced Out

Non-separable

1. When someone’s attention is not in the present

moment. [Adj.] {spaced out} To describe a person
whose attention isn't in the present moment.
I could tell he was spacing out in class.

I am so tired. I feel really spaced out and I can't

concentrate.
Separable

2. To create distance between people or things.

Let's space out all of the items in this room so we can look
at them more clearly.

Okay students, please space yourselves out for the next

activity.
 Stand Around
Infinitive: Stand Around
Present Tense: Stand Around/ Stands Around
-ing Form: Standing Around
Past Tense: Stood Around
Past Participle: Stood Around

Non-separable

1. To stand in one place or area when you should be

doing something.
Don't stand around, help us clean this mess!

He's been standing around all day. I'll give him some work to
do!
 Stand For
Infinitive: Stand For
Present Tense: Stand For/ Stands For
-ing Form: Standing For
Past Tense: Stood For
Past Participle: Stood For

Non-separable

1. To support or represent an idea, belief, etc.

I stand for racial equality.

I have always stood up for women's rights.

 Stand Up
Infinitive: Stand Up
Present Tense: Stand Up/ Stands Up
-ing Form: Standing Up
Past Tense: Stood Up
Past Participle: Stood Up

Separable

1. To rise from sitting or lying down to a vertical

position.
Please stand up so I can get a better look at you.

Stand up so I can tailor your trousers. I need to see how

long they are.
Separable

2. To not arrive to an arranged meeting.

I don't like dating. I'm scared of being stood up.

I can't believe he stood me up, we'd planned this date for

weeks.
 Start Off
Infinitive: Start Off
Present Tense: Start Off/ Starts Off
-ing Form: Starting Off
Past Tense: Started Off
Past Participle: Started Off

Non-separable

1. The beginning of an event, activity or time

period.
He started off the speech with a funny joke.

The presentation started off really well, but halfway through

you could see the presenter was getting very nervous.
Non-separable

2. When something starts a certain way, but

changes over time.
Things were ok to start off, but they soon got worse.

Our business started off on the right foot, that's how we

began our success!
Non-separable

3. When someone begins a career, life, or existence.

I was so excited to start off my career.

He started off his own business. Within one year he was a

millionaire!

Separable

4. When you begin a journey.

If we start off early, we should get there in time.

Let’s start off our adventure by planning it.

 Start Out
Infinitive: Start Out
Present Tense: Start Out/ Starts Out
-ing Form: Starting Out
Past Tense: Started Out
Past Participle: Started Out

Non-separable

1. To begin a trip or venture to some place.

We will start out traveling on a plane and end with a train.

Two students are walking 100 km for charity. They plan to start out
on Monday and finish on Friday.
Non-separable

2. To start something that results or develops into

something else.

We started out selling cookies as a hobby and then it grew into a

large business.

We want to start our project out small and then grow it from there.
Non-separable

3. To intend to do or be something.

We need to start out early, so leave plenty of time to arrive.

The day started out well. I had done all my jobs by 10:00 AM.
 Start Up
Infinitive: Start Up
Present Tense: Start Up/ Starts Up
-ing Form: Starting Up
Past Tense: Started Up
Past Participle: Started Up

Separable

1. To start something.
When should we start up this meeting?

If you're thinking about starting a business up you should do

it!
Non-separable

2. To make something work.

Why won't my laptop start up?

Start the car up please! It's cold outside so I want it to be

warm when we get in.
 Stay Off
Infinitive: Stay Off
Present Tense: Stay Off/ Stays Off
-ing Form: Staying Off
Past Tense: Stayed Off
Past Participle: Stayed Off

Non-separable

1. To avoid discussing a certain subject or topic.

Let's stay off the topic of politics at the family dinner, okay?

Can we stay off the topic of work for the rest of the
evening? I want to relax.
Non-separable

2. To avoid standing, walking or sitting on

something.
The sign was there to warn people to stay off the grass.

Stay off my property!

 Stay Out
Infinitive: Stay Out
Present Tense: Stay Out/ Stays Out
-ing Form: Staying Out
Past Tense: Stayed Out
Past Participle: Stayed Out

Non-separable

1. To spend time out of your own home.

Don't stay out too late, it can be dangerous.

We decided to stay out for the night, so we booked a hotel.

Non-separable

2. To not go inside a place.

It looked very dangerous, so they decided to stay out of the
building.

Stay out of my house!

Non-separable

3. To not get involved in a situation.

Stay out of this, I didn't ask for your opinion!

I'm staying out of this. I don't like this situation.

 Stay Up
Infinitive: Stay Up
Present Tense: Stay Up/ Stays Up
-ing Form: Staying Up
Past Tense: Stayed Up
Past Participle: Stayed Up

Non-separable

1. To remain in a place that is higher than ground

level.
Place stay up on the ledge until we can find you a ladder.

The children built a treehouse. They would stay up there all

day!
Non-separable

2. To remain awake long after your usual bedtime.

It was easy to stay up and talk because I had enjoyed the
conversation.

Stay up with me! I can't sleep.

 Step On
Infinitive: Step On
Present Tense: Step On/ Steps On
-ing Form: Stepping On
Past Tense: Stepped On
Past Participle: Stepped On

Non-separable

1. To place your foot on something or someone.

Let me step on the rock first to see if it is safe.

Ouch! You stepped on my toe!

Non-separable

2. To tell someone to hurry or move quickly.

Come on, we need to go, step on it

Step on it! We have a meeting in 5 minutes and we can't be

late.
 Stick Around
Infinitive: Stick Around
Present Tense: Stick Around/ Sticks Around
-ing Form: Sticking Around
Past Tense: Stuck Around
Past Participle: Stuck Around

Non-separable

1. To stay in a place or with someone for any period

of time.
I don't want to stick around here late at night.

My parcel was late, so I stuck around waiting for it.

 Stick Out
Infinitive: Stick Out
Present Tense: Stick Out/ Sticks Out
-ing Form: Sticking Out
Past Tense: Stuck Out
Past Participle: Stuck Out

Separable

1. To extend something outward.

The doctor asked me to stick out my tongue to look in my
throat.

He had filled his pockets with sweets. They were sticking out
of the top.
Non-separable

2. To be easily recognizable.
If you want to stick out wear bright clothing.

Cyclists want to stick out at night so they always ride with

their lights on and they wear reflective clothing.
Separable

3. To continue to do something.
If you don't like your job you should try and stick it out for
a few weeks. It might get better.

I know it’s hard, but stick it out. It will become easier.

Separable

4. When something extends from its main part.

Stick out your foot and use it to hold the door open.

Here’s my tripod for your camera. Just stick the legs out and
it will stand freely.
 Stick To
Infinitive: Stick To
Present Tense: Stick To/ Sticks To
-ing Form: Sticking To
Past Tense: Stuck To
Past Participle: Stuck To

Separable

1. When something is attached to another by some

form of adhesive.
If you use this putty it will stick to anything.

In school the young children were making pictures. They

stuck bits of glitter to a piece of paper.
Non-separable

2. To limit or commit yourself to doing one thing,

and not change or deviate from it.
Just stick to the plan and it will all work out.

Sticking to a plan helps a project run smoothly.

 Stick Up
Infinitive: Stick Up
Present Tense: Stick Up/ Sticks Up
-ing Form: Sticking Up
Past Tense: Stuck Up
Past Participle: Stuck Up

Separable

1. To use a weapon, especially a gun, to rob someone.

The city used to be dangerous, it was not uncommon for thugs to
stick people up.

Larry was a criminal who would stick people up and take their
money. Good thing he got caught.
Separable

2. To put a sign, picture, or notice where it can be seen.

Make sure you stick up the sign by the main entrance.

Stick the sign up high so everyone can see it.

Non-separable

3. When a part or piece points above the surface of

something and doesn't lie flat.

The radio antenna needs to stick up.

If you want to try a crazy hairstyle try sticking your hair up with
gel! You'll like like a mad professor.
 Stick With
Infinitive: Stick With
Present Tense: Stick With/ Sticks With
-ing Form: Stick With
Past Tense: Stuck With
Past Participle: Stuck With

Non-separable

1. To continue to use or do something.

Just stick with your diet and you will see results.

I promise if you stick with the plan you won't regret it.
Non-separable

2. To remain with people or remain loyal to them.

Stick with me and I promise I will look after you.

Stick with me for protection.

 Stop Off
Infinitive: Stop Off
Present Tense: Stop Off/ Stops Off
-ing Form: Stopping Off
Past Tense: Stopped Off
Past Participle: Stopped Off

Non-separable

1. To make a quick stop on your way to a

destination.
Can we stop off this exit? I need to use the bathroom.

Let’s stop off at your brother’s house this afternoon.

 Stop Over
Infinitive: Stop Over
Present Tense: Stop Over/ Stops Over
-ing Form: Stopping Over
Past Tense: Stopped Over
Past Participle: Stopped Over

Non-separable

1. To visit someone for a short period of time.

Hey, why don't you stop over for lunch today? It will be fun!

Yes, come to my house and stop over for 2 nights.

Non-separable

2. To make a quick stop during your travels.

My friend’s house is on route to work and I often stop over
for a coffee with them after work.

We are flying to the USA. We have to stop over in Tokyo.

 Straighten
Infinitive: Straighten Out
Present Tense: Straighten Out/ Straightens Out
-ing Form: Straightening Out

Out
Past Tense: Straightened Out
Past Participle: Straightened Out

Separable

1. To make something straight.

We need to straighten out this piece of metal, it's bent.

Straighten the bedding out and remove the creases to make the
bedroom look neater.
Separable

2. To resolve a problem or misunderstanding.

Let's talk about this and straighten out the problem.

Straighten the issues out now so we don't have to talk about them
tomorrow.
Separable

3. To improve someone’s attitude or behavior.

My son is so badly behaved. I need a plan to straighten out his poor

behavior.

Straighten yourself out and you'll become more employable.

 Stress Out
Infinitive: Stress Out
Present Tense: Stress Out/ Stresses Out
-ing Form: Stressing Out
Past Tense: Stressed Out
Past Participle: Stressed Out

Separable

1. To feel very worried, nervous or anxious.

Don't stress out about the test, it wasn't that bad!

It really stresses me out when people argue.

 Switch Off
Infinitive: Switch Off
Present Tense: Switch Off/ Switches Off
-ing Form: Switching Off
Past Tense: Switched Off
Past Participle: Switched Off

Separable

1. When you move something from the ‘on’ state to

the ‘off’ state. Synonymous to “Turn Off.”
Yesterday’s “Switch On” is the opposite.
Please switch off the lights before you go. Don't waste
electricity!

Switch the electronics off before you go to bed.

 Switch On
Infinitive: Switch On
Present Tense: Switch On/ Switches On
-ing Form: Switching On
Past Tense: Switched On
Past Participle: Switched On

Separable

1. When you move something from the ‘off’ state to

the ‘on’ state. Synonymous to “Turn On,” while
“Switch Off” is the opposite.
Can you switch on the television? The remote is next to you.

It's very dark in here. Please switch the lights on.

 Take Apart
Infinitive: Take Apart
Present Tense: Take Apart/ Takes Apart
-ing Form: Taking Apart
Past Tense: Took Apart
Past Participle: Taken Apart

Separable

1. To disconnect or separate the parts of an object.

When you take apart the pieces you can see how the
machine works.

Take the car apart and sell the components for spares.
 Take Back
Infinitive: Take Back
Present Tense: Take Back/ Takes Back
-ing Form: Taking Back
Past Tense: Took Back
Past Participle: Taken Back

Separable

1. To return something or someone.

I need to take back my sweater to the store, it's too small.

I ordered a lot of clothes at the weekend. It was a mistake.

I need to take them all back to the store.
Separable

2. To take something that you gave previously.

I have the right to take back my things.

I'm going to take my clothes back. My sister always wears

them.
Separable

3. To admit that something you said was not true.

I'm really sorry I offended you, I wish I could take back what I
said.

I take that comment back it was unfair of me to blame you.

Separable

4. To accept something that is returned or someone

who returns.
Yes I will take back my clothes. I've missed them.

You're back in the USA? We'll take you back. Come and stay
with us!

Separable

5. When something or someone reminds you of the

past.
Whenever I see my best friend I'm taken back to the good
days!

Oh I love that band. Their music takes me all the way back
to the 1960s.
 Take In
Infinitive: Take In
Present Tense: Take In/ Takes In
-ing Form: Taking In
Past Tense: Took In
Past Participle: Taken In

Non-separable

1. To be successfully tricked or deceived by

someone.
I was taken in by his false charm only to find he just
wanted something from me.

I feel foolish. I can't believe I was taken in so easily.

Separable

2. To understand something.
I read books over and over until I can take in the
information.

I took all the details in!

Separable

3. To assume care or support

I will take in a foster child. They will be looked after here.

We took the poor old dog in. He needed someone to love

him.

Separable

4. To make an item of clothing narrower or tighter

The dress will fit better if you take in the sides.

Can you take this jacket in? I've lost weight and it’s
currently too big.

Separable

5. To collect or earn a particular amount.

I take in $1000 after I've paid tax.

If I work hard I can take an extra $300 in!

 Take Out
Infinitive: Take Out
Present Tense: Take Out/ Takes Out
-ing Form: Taking Out
Past Tense: Took Out
Past Participle: Taken Out

Separable

1. To remove an object from an area, place or

container.
Take out the trash! It stinks!

Take all of the pieces out of the box so we can play the
game!
Separable

2. To withdraw money from a bank account.

I went to the cash machine to take out some money.

Can you take $50 out of the bank? We need cash.

Separable

3. When someone offers to pay for another person’s

dinner, movie, etc.
She was going to take out her Mother to dinner.

I'd like to take you out on a dinner date. I'll pay!

Separable

4. To kill someone.
I've been ordered to take out the enemy.

Take that guy out!

 Take Out On
Infinitive: Take Out On
Present Tense: Take Out On/Takes Out On
-ing Form: Taking Out On
Past Tense: Took Out On
Past Participle: Taken Out On

Separable

1. To direct your anger towards someone or

something when you're really upset about someone
or something else.
HEY! Don't take your anger out on me! It's not my fault!

John decided it would be best to take his anger out on a

punching bag instead of his family.
 Take Up On
Infinitive: Take Up On
Present Tense: Take Up On/ Takes Up On
-ing Form: Taking Up On
Past Tense: Took Up On
Past Participle: Taken Up On

Separable

1. When you accept an invitation or offer from

someone.
I think I'll take you up on that invitation!

Wow, 30% off if I order today? I'll take you up on that

offer.
 Talk Down To
Infinitive: Talk Down To
Present Tense: Talk Down To/ Talks Down To
-ing Form: Talking Down To
Past Tense: Talked Down To
Past Participle: Talked Down To

Non-separable

1. To talk to someone as if they are less intelligent

than you by conveying a tone of voice or attitude
that says so.
I hate it when someone talks down to someone else. We
should treat each other as equals.

Teachers sometimes talk down to their students but they

really shouldn't.
 Talk Into
Infinitive: Talk Into
Present Tense: Talk Into/ Talks Into
-ing Form: Talking Into
Past Tense: Talked Into
Past Participle: Talked Into

Separable

1. To convince someone to do something.

I don't want to get talked into a bad deal!

Do you think Matt will talk Jessica into investing in our

business?
 Talk To
Infinitive: Talk To
Present Tense: Talk To/ Talks To
-ing Form: Talking To
Past Tense: Talked To
Past Participle: Talked To

Non-separable

1. To have a conversation with someone.

If you don't understand your school work you should talk to
your teachers. They're there to help.

Will you talk to your mother about your wedding today?

 Tear Down
Infinitive: Tear Down
Present Tense: Tear Down/ Tears Down
-ing Form: Tearing Down
Past Tense: Tore Down
Past Participle: Torn Down

Separable

1. To deconstruct a building or home.

They're going to tear down the building tomorrow.

The old building was starting to fall down so they decided to

tear it down.
Separable

2. To make others feel bad about themselves.

They gossip at work and tear down the manager, making her
cry.

Don't tear me down I am trying to do a good job.

 Tear Off
Infinitive: Tear Off
Present Tense: Tear Off/ Tears Off
-ing Form: Tearing Off
Past Tense: Tore Off
Past Participle: Torn Off

Separable

1. To remove with force.

Tear off that piece that is hanging off the side.

We tore the bumper stickers off of our car because we

didn't like them anymore.
Non-separable

2. To leave quickly.
He tore off in his car! He was angry after an argument.

I know him, he will tear off quickly if he does not like the
situation he is in.
 Tell Apart
Infinitive: Tell Apart
Present Tense: Tell Apart/ Tells Apart
-ing Form: Telling Apart
Past Tense: Told Apart
Past Participle: Told Apart

Separable

1. To be able to differentiate something or someone

from something or someone else.
Can you tell apart these two photos?

Those twins are identical! I cannot tell them apart!

 Tell On
Infinitive: Tell On
Present Tense: Tell On/ Tells On
-ing Form: Telling On
Past Tense: Told On
Past Participle: Told On

Non-separable

1. To inform an authoritative figure about what

someone else did.
I saw what you did! I'm going to tell on you!

Do you think Jerry will tell on me for cheating on the test?

 Think About
Infinitive: Think About
Present Tense: Think About/ Thinks About
-ing Form: Thinking About
Past Tense: Thought About
Past Participle: Thought About

Non-separable

1. To consider something prior to making a final

decision.
Hmmm.. let me think about that.

This is an interesting proposal. We will think about it and get

back to you.
Separable

2. To actively have something or someone on your

mind.
I think about it all the time and it makes me anxious.

I think about my boyfriend first thing in the morning and

last thing at night.
 Think Ahead
Infinitive: Think Ahead
Present Tense: Think Ahead/ Thinks Ahead
-ing Form: Thinking Ahead
Past Tense: Thought Ahead
Past Participle: Thought Ahead

Non-separable

1. To think and plan carefully for a future situation

or event.
You never know what the future holds. You need to think
ahead!

Thinking ahead to next week, should we have a team

meeting.
 Throw Away
Infinitive: Throw Away
Present Tense: Throw Away/ Throws Away
-ing Form: Throwing Away
Past Tense: Threw Away
Past Participle: Thrown Away

Separable

1. To dispose of something you no longer find useful

in a waste bin, trash, etc.
The girl was angry with her mother because she threw
away her shoes.

I ripped my dress last night. I'm going to throw it away since

I won't be able to wear it now.
Separable

2. To do something to cause you to lose something

of importance.
He threw away a victory after he let the other team score.

He threw his relationship away because he didn't spend

enough time with his girlfriend.
 Throw Out
Infinitive: Throw Out
Present Tense: Throw Out/ Throws Out
-ing Form: Throwing Out
Past Tense: Threw Out
Past Participle: Thrown Out

Separable

1. When you get rid of something by putting it in a

trash can, bin, etc.
Could you please throw out your paper plates and cups?

I can't believe my mom threw all of my old stuff out!

Separable

2. When you forcefully order people to leave a

party, building, house, etc. The term “Kick Out” can
be used interchangeably in this context.
I had to throw out the person for misbehaving at the party.

Throw the drunk person out, they're going to cause trouble.

 Throw Up
Infinitive: Throw Up
Present Tense: Throw Up/ Throws Up
-ing Form: Throwing Up
Past Tense: Threw Up
Past Participle: Thrown Up

Separable

1. To vomit or puke.
I feel like I'm going to throw up.

I can't ride the roller coaster. I don't want to throw my lunch up.
Separable

2. To cause liquid or dust particles to rise into the air.

I love riding through the sand on my bike and throwing it up in the

air by braking hard.

The car skipped and threw dust up.

Separable

3. To thrust someone or something out of your hands and

into the air.

I watched them throw up the ball several times.

Throw the ball up into the air.

 Track Down
Infinitive: Track Down
Present Tense: Track Down/ Tracks Down
-ing Form: Tracking Down
Past Tense: Tracked Down
Past Participle: Tracked Down

Separable

1. To locate someone or something after a long

search
It took a long time but we finally tracked down your dog!

The police have been trying to track the criminal down for
years but they haven't found him yet.
 Trade In
Infinitive: Trade In
Present Tense: Trade In/ Trades In
-ing Form: Trading In
Past Tense: Traded In
Past Participle: Traded In

Separable

1. To exchange something old for something new.

Next week I'll trade in my iPhone for the new version.

If you trade your car in at the dealership, you won't get as

much value as if you sold it yourself.
Separable

2. When someone leaves their spouse in exchange

for someone younger.
I met his new young girlfriend, she was a trade in for his
wife who was much older.

I tell my wife that I will trade her in for a younger woman.

 Trick Into
Infinitive: Trick Into
Present Tense: Trick Into/ Tricks Into
-ing Form: Tricking Into
Past Tense: Tricked Into
Past Participle: Tricked Into

Separable

1. To convince or persuade someone to believe

something untrue or to do something for you.
I'm going to trick my mom into thinking I'm sick so I can stay
home from school.

Ann tricked Kellen into thinking that he'd won the lottery! It
was a very funny but also very cruel joke.
 Try On
Infinitive: Try On
Present Tense: Try On/ Tries On
-ing Form: Trying On
Past Tense: Tried On
Past Participle: Tried On

Separable

1. To see how something fits or looks before

purchasing.
You should always try on clothes before buying them.

Excuse me, do you have a fitting room where I can try these
jeans on?
 Try Out
Infinitive: Try Out
Present Tense: Try Out/ Tries Out
-ing Form: Trying Out
Past Tense: Tried Out
Past Participle: Tried Out

Non-separable

1. To show that you are qualified to do something.

I'm going to try out for the running team! If I make a good
impression I will be able to join them.

John wants to join the team. We should let him try out.
Separable

2. To test something to see if it is effective, good,

or interesting.
You should try out this new mobile app, I love it!

You should try English out! It's difficult to learn but it is

very useful!
 Turn Around
Infinitive: Turn Around
Present Tense: Turn Around/ Turns Around
-ing Form: Turning Around
Past Tense: Turned Around
Past Participle: Turned Around
Separable

1. When someone or something moves until it faces the

opposite direction.
Don't turn around yet! I don't want you to see what I'm working on!

I will turn this car around and go home if you don't put your
seatbelt on!
Non-separable

2. When a previously bad situation is reversed, and

begins improving.

I can't wait for a change in good luck, so my life can turn around
and get better.

We can turn this around, let’s take positive next steps.

Non-separable

3. Turnaround (n.) used as a noun means a great

improvement in a bad situation.

What a turnaround! I knew things would get better.

We can turn this around. Things don't look good now, but it will get
better.
 Turn Down
Infinitive: Turn Down
Present Tense: Turn Down/ Turns Down
-ing Form: Turning Down
Past Tense: Turned Down
Past Participle: Turned Down

Separable

1. To decrease the temperature, sound, etc.

Turn down that music! It's so loud!

Do you mind turning the heater down? I'm a bit warm.

Separable

2. To deny a request or proposal from someone.

Although the proposal looked good, I had to turn down the
offer because I couldn't afford it.

He turned the offer down because he couldn't afford it.

 Turn In
Infinitive: Turn In
Present Tense: Turn In/ Turns In
-ing Form: Turning In
Past Tense: Turned In
Past Participle: Turned In

Separable

1. To give someone or something to the police or

someone of authority.
Would you be willing to turn in your own mother?

The suspect turned himself in to police.

Non-separable

2. To go to bed.
I'm so tired, I'm going to turn in.

Is it time to turn in yet? It’s been a long day.

Separable

3. To submit something.
I finished my exam and headed to the office so I could turn
in the document.

Turn your essay in before the deadline.

 Turn Off
Infinitive: Turn Off
Present Tense: Turn Off/ Turns Off
-ing Form: Turning Off
Past Tense: Turned Off
Past Participle: Turned Off

Separable

1. To stop a device from functioning.

Turn off your mobile phone and go to bed!

Turn the television off so we can have dinner without a distraction.

Non-separable

2. To change course or direction.

The road ahead doesn't look right, turn off here.

We need to turn off the highway. We're not going in the right
direction.
Separable

3. To cause someone to lose interest or feel offended.

On their first date, Jessica was turned off by her date's bad breath.

What a boring lesson. Science is a subject that really turns me off.

 Turn On
Infinitive: Turn On
Present Tense: Turn On/ Turns On
-ing Form: Turning On
Past Tense: Turned On
Past Participle: Turned On

Separable

1. To cause someone to feel interested and/or

attracted.
Paulina's knowledge about politics really gets me turned on.

The way she dances turns me on!

Non-separable

2. To be against someone in an unpleasant way.

I trusted her until she decided to turn on me.

Let’s turn Jackie on her best friend Michelle. We will tell

Jackie that Michelle doesn't like her.
Separable

3. To activate something.
If you turn on the tap, the water will flow.

Turn the television on, I want to watch the news.

 Turn Out
Infinitive: Turn Out
Present Tense: Turn Out/ Turns Out
-ing Form: Turning Out
Past Tense: Turned Out
Past Participle: Turned Out

Non-separable

1. To attend an event, meeting, etc.

I hope everyone can turn out to the meeting tomorrow!

I'm so glad that this many people decided to turn out for
our concert!
Non-separable

2. To produce an unexpected result.

The cake turned out really well!

I really hope this project turns out well.

Separable

3. To produce something.
I can turn out a pair of curtains in under an hour.

Can your factory turn 50 cars out in a day?

Separable

4. To stop a light.
Turn out the lights.

Turn the lights out, it’s time for bed.

 Turn Over
Infinitive: Turn Over
Present Tense: Turn Over/ Turns Over
-ing Form: Turning Over
Past Tense: Turned Over
Past Participle: Turned Over

Separable

1. To move an object so that the part that is on top

becomes the bottom and vice versa.
Okay, it's time to massage your back. Turn over, please!

Turn the card over to see what you picked!

Separable

2. To give something or someone to someone in an

authoritative position.

It was time to turn over my responsibilities to someone else.

Turn the evidence over to the police.

Non-separable

3. To replace someone or something continuously.

They have a regular turnover of staff.

Do they turn a lot of staff over? That’s a sign of an unhappy

workplace.
 Turn Up
Infinitive: Turn Up
Present Tense: Turn Up/ Turns Up
-ing Form: Turning Up
Past Tense: Turned Up
Past Participle: Turned Up

Separable

1. To increase the controls of an electronic or

mechanical device.
I love this song! Turn up the volume!

How do you turn the brightness up on the computer screen?

Non-separable

2. To appear.
I was surprised to see her turn up at the party because she
wasn't invited.

I haven't seen my wallet in two days. I really hope it turns

up soon.
 Use Up
Infinitive: Use Up
Present Tense: Use Up/ Uses Up
-ing Form: Using Up
Past Tense: Used Up
Past Participle: Used Up

Separable

1. To completely consume or use all of a supply.

I used up all of my phone credits this month.

We have already used all of the money in the budget up!

Ahhh!
 Wake Up
Infinitive: Wake Up
Present Tense: Wake Up/ Wakes Up
-ing Form: Waking Up
Past Tense: Woke up
Past Participle: Woken up

Separable

1. When you are finished sleeping or when someone

wakes you.
I'd like to wake up tomorrow around 8.

Could you wake me up tomorrow at 8?

Separable

2. To realize or become aware of something.

You need to wake up and realize you’re not as young as you
once were.

I've got news for my daughter. It’s going to wake her up and
she won't like it.
 Wash Off
Infinitive: Wash Off
Present Tense: Wash Off/ Washes Off
-ing Form: Washing Off
Past Tense: Washed Off
Past Participle: Washed Off

Separable

1. To remove dirt or unwanted markings with soap

and water.
Mark needed to wash off his shoes after walking in the mud.

Wash the dirt off your face before you come to the dinner
table!
 Wash Up
Infinitive: Wash Up
Present Tense: Wash Up/ Washes Up
-ing Form: Washing Up
Past Tense: Washed Up
Past Participle: Washed Up

Separable

1. To clean your face, hands, body, etc.

Get yourself washed up. We're going out to a nice
restaurant.

Wash yourself up, you look like a mess!

Separable

2. When an object or person is carried by water to

the shore or bank.
As I sat on the beach, I saw large pieces of wood wash up
onto the sand.

The sea washed some plastic up onto the shore.

Non-separable

3. "Washed up" - Bubble please write that this is

only used as "washed up" not other forms of the
verb. Definition: When someone or something is no
longer of good use or successful.
He used to be good at football back in college but he's
washed up now.

I thought he was brilliant when he was younger, but he’s

washed up now.
 Watch Out
Infinitive: Watch Out
Present Tense: Watch Out/ Watches Out
-ing Form: Watching Out
Past Tense: Watched Out
Past Participle: Watched Out

Non-separable

1. To be aware of someone or something.

Watch out for mosquitos, they bite.

Watch out! You nearly stepped in that hole in the ground!

 Wear Down
Infinitive: Wear Down
Present Tense: Wear Down/ Wears Down
-ing Form: Wearing Down
Past Tense: Wore Down
Past Participle: Worn Down

Separable

1. To make the surface or top of something

disappear due to friction.
This sandpaper easily wears down the wood of this table.

Using my phone so much has worn the case down. I think I

need a new one.
Separable

2. To make someone tired, lose self-confidence or

agree to do something they originally didn't want
to do.
The bully knew he could wear down the other boy if he kept
picking on him.

This argument is really wearing me down. Can we stop?

 Wear Off
Infinitive: Wear Off
Present Tense: Wear Off/ Wears Off
-ing Form: Wearing Off
Past Tense: Wore Off
Past Participle: Worn Off

Non-separable

1. To decrease or disappear gradually.

I think the medicine I took is wearing off now.

The only thing that will help wear off the effects of alcohol
is time.
 Wear Out
Infinitive: Wear Out
Present Tense: Wear Out/ Wears Out
-ing Form: Wearing Out
Past Tense: Wore Out
Past Participle: Worn Out

Separable

1. When something is damaged or weakened from

use and age.
My old baseball glove is worn out. I used it for years.

I wore my shoes out by dancing in them every day.

Separable

2. When something or someone makes you very

tired.
I have been so worn out lately by my work.

My dog wore me out last night. He wouldn't listen to

anything I said!
 Wind Up
Infinitive: Wind Up
Present Tense: Wind Up/ Winds Up
-ing Form: Winding Up
Past Tense: Wound Up
Past Participle: Wound Up

Separable

1. To operate a mechanical device by turning its

handle.
You can wind up this toy to make it walk!

Wind the crank up so we can lift the sails of this boat!

Non-separable

2. When you arrive at a situation, place, or certain

state.
How did we wind up here? I think we've gone the wrong
way.

I only had a few drinks, somehow I've wound up drunk!

Non-separable

3. When a foreseen or unforeseen outcome happens

as a result of something.
How did we wind up here? This was not part of the plan!

If you keep committing crimes you'll wind up in prison.

Separable

4. To wrap something long around and around until

it forms a tight circle.
When you are finished, wind up the extension cable and put
it away.

They wind the thread up so tightly.

 Wipe Off
Infinitive: Wipe Off
Present Tense: Wipe Off/ Wipes Off
-ing Form: Wiping Off
Past Tense: Wiped Off
Past Participle: Wiped Off

Separable

1. To completely remove or clean something from a

surface or location.
I'll need to wipe off the table before we eat.

Paul wiped the sweat off of his face and kept running.
 Wipe Out
Infinitive: Wipe Out
Present Tense: Wipe Out/ Wipes Out
-ing Form: Wiping Out
Past Tense: Wiped Out
Past Participle: Wiped Out

Separable

1. To clean the inside of something.

Wipe out the inside of the microwave, please.

Wipe the microwave out for me, please.

Separable

2. To remove or destroy something or a group of

people.
Millions of people are wiped out by war.

Wipe the bad guys out!

Separable

3. To make someone very tired.

We climbed the mountain and after I was wiped out!

I can't go for a run today it’ll wipe me out!

Separable

4. To lose control, which results in a failed attempt

at something.
I lost the game because I wiped out.

He tried to surf a big wave, but wiped out.

 Wipe Up
Infinitive: Wipe Up
Present Tense: Wipe Up/ Wipes Up
-ing Form: Wiping Up
Past Tense: Wiped Up
Past Participle: Wiped Up

Separable

1. To remove liquid from a surface using a sponge,

towel or cloth, etc.
Wipe up the floor please. We don't want anyone slipping on
that water.

You spilled milk on the table. Could you please wipe it up?
 Work In
Infinitive: Work In
Present Tense: Work In/ Works In
-ing Form: Working In
Past Tense: Worked In
Past Participle: Worked In

Separable

1. To make time in a busy schedule for a person or

an activity.
I think I can work in a meeting with you next week.

Ohhh of course I have time for you! I'll work you into my
schedule soon!
Non-separable

2. To add, merge, or blend in together.

To make cake mix, combine butter and sugar then work in 2
eggs and the flour.

How are you going to work a break in today?

 Work Out
Infinitive: Work Out
Present Tense: Work Out/ Works Out
-ing Form: Working Out
Past Tense: Worked Out
Past Participle: Worked Out

Non-separable

1. When a situation, event, plan, or idea is successful.

I'm so happy about how this plan worked out!

I'm not so sure if this idea is going to work out.

Non-separable

2. When you exercise to improve and/or to keep your

physique in good shape.

I did a two hour workout today.

Are you working out today?

Non-separable

3. When a situation happens or ends in a certain way.

It will all work out in the end.

That's how the situation worked out.

Separable

4. To plan or devise something in detail.

Let's work out a plan.

We need to work the problems out - how are we going to

approach this? Let's make a plan.

Separable

5. To solve a problem.
Let's work out a solution to the problem.

Let’s work this out together.

Non-separable

6. To equal to a particular amount.

Work out my share and you keep the rest.

Yes it does work out if we split the bill in half we will pay
the same amount.
 Work Up
Infinitive: Work Up
Present Tense: Work Up/ Works Up
-ing Form: Working Up
Past Tense: Worked Up
Past Participle: Worked Up

Separable

1. To gradually improve at or make progress in something.

I've been working up to black belt in karate. I should get it in three

months.

If you work up little by little, eventually you'll be good enough to

trade stocks full time!
Non-separable

2. To develop something.

I need to work up a plan of action.

Can you work up a new template for a thank you letter? We will
send it to our customers.
Non-separable

3. To become overly emotional.

I feel really worked up about it.

That’s really worked me up. That driver should not have driven
through a red light!
 Wrap Up
Infinitive: Wrap Up
Present Tense: Wrap Up/ Wraps Up
-ing Form: Wrapping Up
Past Tense: Wrapped Up
Past Participle: Wrapped Up

Separable

1. To cover something with some kind of special

paper.
Wrap up all of your gifts and put them under the Christmas
tree!

Do you mind wrapping my gift up for me? I'm not very good
at it.
Separable

2. To cover yourself with a blanket or scarf in order

to stay warm.
It's so cold today, I will wrap up with my coat and scarf.

Wrap up warm, we're going to be freezing at work today!

Separable

3. To conclude a presentation, event, etc.

Let's wrap up, we are finished for the day.

Ok, time to wrap the presentation up. Do you have questions?

Non-separable

4. To be emotionally into someone or something.

She is so wrapped up in her new boyfriend.

She’s so wrapped up in herself she didn't see what was going

on around her.
 Zip Up
Infinitive: Zip Up
Present Tense: Zip Up/ Zips Up
-ing Form: Zipping Up
Past Tense: Zipped Up
Past Participle: Zipped Up

Separable

1. To close an item that has a zipper.

It is -8 degrees outside! Zip up your jacket to stay warm!

Can you zip me up? I can't reach the zipper.