15 Most Useful Phrasal Verbs

15 Most Useful Phrasal Verbs

A phrasal verb is a combination of words that takes on unique meaning. Because they have little to do with the words they are made of, they can be confusing to those learning English. The majority of phrasal verbs are slang and occur most frequently in spoken English, so meanings can usually be determined by the conversation, but an online phrasal verbs dictionary is helpful.

Some phrasal verbs in English routinely appear in online phrasal verbs lists; these 15 are handy to know.

1. “Call off”: to stop–”call off the search”–and used when phoning in to work. “I called off today because I’m sick.”

Modals “Need to” & “Had Better”

Modal Verbs can be tricky, so I though I would help you guys understand them. Let’s look at need to and had better today!

The other day, I showed you how to use must and have to. Today, I’d like to continue the conversation about models and look atneed to and had better.

I'll keep an eye out for it.

Your coworker lost one of her earrrings and is looking for it. You haven't seen it and you're not going to search for it, but you want to say something supportive to your coworker anyway.    I'll keep an eye out for it.

keep an eye out for (something) 

use your head

Use your head? We often use the expression “use [someone’s] head” to mean “think” or “have common sense.” It is often used as a command, like this:

     -Don’t use that hair dryer while you are in the bath, Jane. Use your head!

Modals Must and Have to

Modal Verbs can be tricky, so let’s look at must and have to today.

Point #1     Must shows necessity. We usually use must when someone makes a rule or law that we need to follow. The necessity usually comes from the rule or law or the person/authority who made the rule/law.

Dirt Cheap

This is an AWESOME and a simple phrase in spoken English.  You just need 2 minutes to learn this great phrase and I’m sure you’ll remember it forever. 

The term is “Dirt Cheap“.  If something is “cheap” it is “not expensive” or “something that doesn’t cost much money”.

Barista Dritan Alsela - Latte Art