List of Phrasal Verbs (Sentence examples: use up – yield to)

Phrasal verbs are verbs combined with one or more particles (like “up,” “out,” or “off”) that create meanings different from the base verb—think “give up,” “look after,” or “run into.” They’re common in everyday English, so learning them helps you sound more natural and understand native speakers more easily.

Phrasal Verb	Meaning	Example Sentence
use up	To consume completely	We used up all the printer paper before noon.
vouch for	To guarantee or confirm the quality/character of someone or something	I can vouch for her—she meets every deadline.
wait around	To stay somewhere doing nothing in particular	We had to wait around for an hour before the doors opened.
wait behind	To remain after others have left	Could you wait behind for a quick chat?
wait for	To remain until something/someone arrives or happens	I’ll wait for the next bus.
wait on	To serve someone (as in a restaurant)	The new server will wait on your table shortly.
wait out	To endure something unpleasant until it ends	Let’s wait out the storm before driving home.
wait up	To stay awake or delay leaving for someone	Don’t wait up for me—I’ll be late.
wash away	To remove or destroy by the action of water	The flood washed away part of the road.
wash down	To rinse/clean something thoroughly with liquid	We washed down the patio after the party.
wash off	To remove by washing from a surface	This marker should wash off with soap and water.
wash out	To remove by washing; to be canceled by rain (informal)	The stain finally washed out.
wash up	To wash dishes (UK); to wash hands/face (US)	I’ll wash up after dinner.
watch for	To look out for; be alert to notice	Watch for the blue sign—it’s where we turn.
watch out for	To be careful of; beware of	Watch out for pickpockets in crowded areas.
watch over	To guard or take care of	The nurse watched over the patient all night.
work against	To make success more difficult for	Constant interruptions work against productivity.
work at	To put effort into improving/achieving	She’s working at her Spanish every day.
work into	To incorporate or add gradually	I’ll work your feedback into the final draft.
work off	To get rid of (weight, stress, energy) by activity	He went for a run to work off his frustration.
work on	To spend time improving, repairing, or developing	I’m working on the presentation slides now.
work out	To solve/figure out; to exercise	We need to work out a fair schedule.
work up	To develop or build (feelings, appetite, courage)	The trailer really worked up my interest in the film.
work up to	To gradually prepare for or reach something challenging	She’s working up to a 10K race.
write back	To reply in writing	Thanks for your letter—I’ll write back tonight.
write down	To record in writing	Write down the Wi-Fi password before you forget it.
write in	To send a letter/email/message to an organization or program	Viewers were asked to write in with questions.
write into	To include in a text, script, or contract	They wrote a bonus clause into the agreement.
write off	To treat as a loss or not worth considering	The company decided to write off the bad debt.
write out	To write something in full	Please write out your full name in block letters.
write up	To compose a full account or formal report	I’ll write up the meeting notes this afternoon.
yield to	To give way or submit; to let another go first (traffic)	Drivers must yield to pedestrians at the crosswalk.