Phrasal Verbs

If you are not familiar with "phrasal verbs", we suggest you to first look at the lesson Phrasal and Prepositional Verbs ..

In addition to the definition in English, translation in Spanish and an example, here you will find information on syntax (see below for an explanation), if there are any existing derivatives, synonyms, antonyms, use notes and whether the verb is used more often in American or British English (US/UK).

Note on syntax: Phrasal verbs can be intransitive, inseparable or separable.

intransitive: these verbs do not take an object (ex. The car broke down yesterday.)

inseparable: the object must come after the phrasal verb (ex. I'm too busy to deal with the client right now.)

separable: the object must come after the phrasal verb (ex. The waiter added the bill up. or The waiter added up the bill.)

There are thousands of phrasal verbs in English and while the following list is extensive, it does not include all existing phrasal verbs. Those phrasal verbs which are featured are among the most commonly used.

intransitive: estos verbos no tienen un objeto (p.ej. The car broke down yesterday.)

separable: el objeto puede interponerse entre el verbo y una preposición o adverbio (p.ej. The waiter added the bill up. o The waiter added up the bill.)