B1 · Intermedio Capítulo 27

More Essential Phrasal Verbs

11 Reglas totales
127 ejemplos
5 min
Reglas en este capítulo Práctica rápida

Chapter in 30 Seconds

Master the most common phrasal verbs to sound like a natural English speaker in any situation.

  • Categorize essential phrasal verbs by their functional use in conversation.
  • Apply correct grammar structures to separable and inseparable verb phrases.
  • Recognize the nuance between literal and idiomatic meanings of common verbs.
Speak fluently by mastering everyday phrasal verbs.

Lo que aprenderás

Ready to sound more natural? This chapter will equip you to confidently express yourself, whether you need to 'cut down on' something or understand what someone really 'means'. Soon, you'll navigate everyday conversations with ease!

Learning Objectives

By the end of this chapter, you will be able to:

  1. 1
    By the end you will be able to: Use phrasal verbs correctly to describe habits, social plans, and interpersonal relationships.

Guía del capítulo

Overview

Getting comfortable with phrasal verbs is a game-changer for B1 English learners aiming to sound more natural and fluent. This chapter on English more essential phrasal verbs will unlock everyday conversations for you, moving beyond basic vocabulary to expressions that native speakers use all the time. You'll learn to confidently describe reducing habits with cut down on, understand intentions with mean, and manage tasks by knowing when to put off something.
Mastering these specific phrasal verbs is a crucial step in your B1 English grammar journey. We'll explore verbs like throw away for discarding items, make up for inventing or reconciling, and rely on for dependability. You'll discover how to talk about quitting habits with give up, finding things by chance using come across, and even cancelling plans politely with call off.
By the end of this guide, you’ll not only recognize these phrases but integrate them smoothly into your own speech and writing, making your English sound authentic and dynamic.

How This Grammar Works

Phrasal verbs are combinations of a verb and a preposition or adverb (sometimes both), and their meaning is often different from the individual words. This makes them tricky but also incredibly rich for expression. For instance, throw away isn't just about throwing; it specifically means to discard.
When using separable phrasal verbs like throw away or put off, remember that pronouns *must* go in the middle: we throw it away, not *throw away it*. Similarly, you put them off, not *put off them*. This separability is key to sounding natural.
We also have versatile verbs like make up, which can mean inventing a story (
He had to make up an excuse
), reconciling after an argument (
They finally made up after their fight
), or forming a whole (
Women make up 60% of the staff
). Understanding these different contexts is vital. For habits, you'll learn to distinguish between cut down on (reduce an amount, like
I need to cut down on coffee
) and give up (stop completely, as in
She gave up smoking
).
Remember that give up is typically followed by the gerund (-ing) form of a verb:
I should give up eating so much sugar.
Whether you rely on a friend for support, come across an old photo, or call off a meeting, these phrasal verbs add precision and naturalness to your communication, helping you bridge the gap between literal translations and idiomatic English.

Common Mistakes

Here are some common pitfalls B1 learners encounter with these phrasal verbs:
  1. 1✗ Don't throw away it.
✓ Don't throw it away.
Explanation: For separable phrasal verbs like throw away or put off, if you use a pronoun (it, them, us, etc.), it *must* go between the verb and the particle.
  1. 1✗ I need to give up to smoke.
✓ I need to give up smoking.
Explanation: When give up is followed by another verb, that verb almost always takes the -ing (gerund) form.
  1. 1✗ He just meant to say hello. (When the intention was different)
✓ What do you mean by that?
Explanation: The verb mean is often used to clarify intent or definition. Incorrectly using it can lead to miscommunication. Asking
What do you mean?
is how you clarify.

Real Conversations

A

A

I'm so tired. I feel like I'm always putting off my important tasks.
B

B

Maybe you should try to rely on a planner more. That helps me stay organized.
A

A

Did you hear about Tom? He decided to give up watching TV entirely!
B

B

Wow, really? I'm just trying to cut down on my screen time. I can't imagine quitting completely.
A

A

I came across this old photo of us from high school yesterday. We looked so different!
B

B

Oh, no way! I remember that day. We had to make up a crazy story about why we were late for class.

Quick FAQ

Q

What's the main difference between cut down on and give up?

Cut down on means to reduce the amount or frequency of something, but not stop entirely (e.g., "I'm cutting down on sugar

). Give up means to stop doing something completely (e.g.,
I gave up smoking last year").

Q

Can make up only mean to invent a story?

No, make up is very versatile! It can mean to invent something (

make up an excuse
), to reconcile after an argument (
They made up after their fight
), or to form a whole (
Women make up the majority of the team
).

Q

How do I know when a phrasal verb needs a pronoun in the middle, like throw it away?

Many phrasal verbs are *separable*, especially when they have an object. A good rule of thumb for B1 is that if the object is a pronoun (it, them, him, her, us, you), it usually goes between the verb and the particle. If the object is a noun, it can often go in either position (e.g.,

throw away the rubbish
or
throw the rubbish away
).

Q

In what situations would I typically use rely on?

You use rely on when you need someone or something for support, help, or to function properly. For example,

I rely on my car for work,
You can always rely on Sarah,
or
Many people rely on their phones for news.

Cultural Context

Phrasal verbs are a cornerstone of natural, everyday English. Native speakers use them constantly, often without even realizing it. While some might be considered more informal, many are standard in both casual and professional settings, making your speech sound much more fluent and less textbook-like.
Mastering these phrases, rather than always using single-word synonyms, is a key step towards truly connecting with native English communication.

Ejemplos clave (8)

1

Can you please `throw away that empty coffee cup`?

¿Puedes, por favor, tirar esa taza de café vacía?

Verbo Frasal: Throw away
2

Don't `throw away your shot` at getting into that university!

¡No desperdicies tu oportunidad de entrar a esa universidad!

Verbo Frasal: Throw away
3

The children love to `make up` elaborate games in the backyard.

A los niños les encanta inventar juegos elaborados en el patio trasero.

Verbo Frasal: Make up (Inventar/Reconciliar)
4

After their big argument, Maya and Ben `made up with` each other.

Después de su gran discusión, Maya y Ben se reconciliaron.

Verbo Frasal: Make up (Inventar/Reconciliar)
5

We need to `dress up` for Sarah's graduation party.

Necesitamos vestirnos elegantes para la fiesta de graduación de Sarah.

Vestirse: Ropa Formal y Disfraces (Dress up)
6

My little brother wants to `dress up` as a dinosaur for Halloween.

Mi hermano pequeño quiere disfrazarse de dinosaurio para Halloween.

Vestirse: Ropa Formal y Disfraces (Dress up)
7

What does 'rizz' `mean` on TikTok?

¿Qué significa 'rizz' en TikTok?

Entendiendo 'Mean': ¿Qué quieres decir?
8

I `mean to say` sorry for being late to the group call.

Quiero decir que lo siento por llegar tarde a la llamada grupal.

Entendiendo 'Mean': ¿Qué quieres decir?

Consejos y trucos (4)

💡

Los pronombres SIEMPRE van en medio

Siempre recuerda: si vas a 'throwing away' un pronombre (como 'it', 'them'), este DEBE ir entre 'throw' y 'away'. Piensa que es una regla fija para una comunicación más clara. Di throw it away, no throw away it.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Verbo Frasal: Throw away
💡

Regla de la colocación del pronombre

Recuerda que si el objeto de 'make up' (cuando significa inventar) es un pronombre como 'it' o 'them', ¡siempre debe ir entre 'make' y 'up'! Siempre di make it up, no make up it.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Verbo Frasal: Make up (Inventar/Reconciliar)
💡

¡El contexto es clave!

Siempre piensa en la situación. Dress up implica un cambio intencional por una razón especial, no solo vestirse cada día.
Always consider the situation. Dress up implies a deliberate change for a special reason, not just getting ready everyday.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Vestirse: Ropa Formal y Disfraces (Dress up)
💡

¡El Contexto Es Clave!

Siempre presta atención a las palabras alrededor de mean. ¿Lleva to + verbo después? Entonces es probable que sea una intención. ¿Es una pregunta sobre una palabra? ¡Seguro es una definición! La frase completa es tu mejor amiga.
I meant to go to the party.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Entendiendo 'Mean': ¿Qué quieres decir?

Vocabulario clave (5)

Discard to throw something away Reconcile to make up after a fight Procrastinate to put off a task Support to back someone up Chance an unplanned event

Real-World Preview

briefcase

The Busy Office

Review Summary

  • Verb + Particle + Object
  • Verb + Particle
  • Verb + Particle + Object

Errores comunes

When using a pronoun object, it must go between the verb and the particle.

Wrong: I throw away it.
Correcto: I throw it away.

Many phrasal verbs require a preposition to connect to the object.

Wrong: I rely my friend.
Correcto: I rely on my friend.

After 'give up', always use the gerund (-ing form).

Wrong: I gave up to smoke.
Correcto: I gave up smoking.

Reglas en este capítulo (11)

1

Verbo Frasal: Throw away

B1
Con 'throw away' vas a dominar cómo deshacerte de cosas, evitar desperdiciar y manejar oportunidades en inglés.
Can you please `throw away that empty coffee cup`?
11 ejemplos
2

Verbo Frasal: Make up (Inventar/Reconciliar)

B1
Domina el 'make up' para inventar historias o arreglar amistades, sonando fluido y natural.
The children love to `make up` elaborate games in...
12 ejemplos
3

Vestirse: Ropa Formal y Disfraces (Dress up)

B1
Dress up significa ponerse ropa especial, ya sea formal o un disfraz, para una ocasión específica.
We need to `dress up` for Sarah's graduation party...
10 ejemplos
4

Entendiendo 'Mean': ¿Qué quieres decir?

B1
Dominar mean te ayuda a expresar tu intención, definir conceptos y clarificar ideas con confianza.
What does 'rizz' `mean` on TikTok?
12 ejemplos
5

Depender de personas y cosas (Rely on)

B1
Dominar 'depend on' y 'rely on' con la preposición 'on' correcta mejora tu fluidez B1 al expresar necesidad y confianza.
Our weekend plans **depend on the weather** foreca...
12 ejemplos
6

Posponer Tareas: Cómo usar 'Put off'

B1
Domina put off para sonar súper natural al atrasar tareas o eventos, especialmente con los pronombres separables. ¡Es clave!
I really need to clean my room, but I'll probably...
10 ejemplos
7

Cómo usar 'Back Up' (Mover, Apoyar, Guardar)

B1
Dominar back up es entender sus diversos significados y cómo el contexto lo define. ¡No es tan difícil como parece!
Please **back up** your car so I can get out of th...
12 ejemplos
8

Cómo usar 'Cut Down On' (Reducir Hábitos)

B1
Dominar el phrasal verb cut down on te ayuda a hablar de Reducir hábitos de forma Natural y Efectiva.
I really need to `cut down on coffee` if I want to...
12 ejemplos
9

Dejar y Rendirse (Rendirse)

B1
¡Aprende a usar 'give up' para decir que dejas un hábito, paras un esfuerzo o te rindes con estilo en cualquier conversación!
I'm not going to `give up` on my dream of learning...
12 ejemplos
10

Encontrar por casualidad (Come across)

B1
Domina come across para expresar de forma natural descubrimientos accidentales y encuentros inesperados en inglés. ¡Te hará sonar muy natural!
While cleaning the attic, I came across my grandma...
12 ejemplos
11

Cómo usar 'Call Off' (Cancelar Eventos)

B1
¡Domina call off para expresar cancelaciones de eventos de forma natural y sonar como un hablante fluido de inglés! Es clave para sonar natural y fluido.
They decided to `call off` the picnic due to the s...
12 ejemplos

Next Steps

You have done an amazing job! Phrasal verbs are tricky, but you are now equipped to navigate English conversations with much more confidence.

Listen to a podcast and note every phrasal verb you hear.

Continue to: Mastering Perfect Tenses

Práctica rápida (10)

¿Qué oración usa correctamente 'rely on'?

Choose the correct sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: I rely on my laptop for work.
'Rely' siempre usa la preposición 'on' cuando indica aquello en lo que se confía o se necesita. Las opciones A y C usan preposiciones incorrectas.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Depender de personas y cosas (Rely on)

Encuentra y corrige el error en la oración.

Find and fix the mistake:

He gave up to smoke last month for his health.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: He gave up smoking last month for his health.
La forma correcta después de 'give up' al referirse a una actividad es el gerundio (forma -ing). Por lo tanto, 'smoking' es correcto, no 'to smoke'. ¡Buen ojo!

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Dejar y Rendirse (Rendirse)

Elige la forma correcta para completar la oración.

Please don't ___ that old newspaper; I haven't read it yet.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: throw it away
Cuando el objeto es un pronombre como 'it', debe colocarse entre 'throw' y 'away'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Verbo Frasal: Throw away

Elige la frase correcta:

Choose the correct sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: My cat loves to dress her up for photos.
Cuando el objeto es un pronombre como 'her', debe ir entre 'dress' y 'up'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Vestirse: Ropa Formal y Disfraces (Dress up)

Encuentra y corrige el error en la frase.

Find and fix the mistake:

I often come my favorite songs across when browsing playlists.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: I often come across my favorite songs when browsing playlists.
El *phrasal verb* 'come across' es inseparable cuando significa 'encontrar por casualidad'. La estructura correcta es 'come across [objeto]'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Encontrar por casualidad (Come across)

Elige la forma correcta para completar la frase.

Yesterday, I ___ a really old map in the attic.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: came across
Como la acción ocurrió 'yesterday' (ayer), necesitamos el pasado del verbo 'come', que es 'came'. Por lo tanto, 'came across' es correcto.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Encontrar por casualidad (Come across)

Encuentra y corrige el error

Find and fix the mistake:

After the argument, they made up it.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: After the argument, they made it up.
Cuando el objeto es un pronombre (como 'it'), debe ir entre 'make' y 'up' en el sentido de 'inventar'. Para reconciliación, sería 'made up with each other'. ¡Buena observación!

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Verbo Frasal: Make up (Inventar/Reconciliar)

Elige la forma correcta para completar la frase.

I always ___ my chores until the last minute.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: put off
Cuando el objeto 'my chores' sigue directamente, 'put off' es correcto. 'Put it off' sería para un pronombre, y 'put off them' es incorrecto.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Posponer Tareas: Cómo usar 'Put off'

¿Qué oración es correcta?

Choose the correct sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Both are correct.
Con objetos sustantivos ('her keys'), 'throw away' es separable, por lo que ambas colocaciones son correctas.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Verbo Frasal: Throw away

¿Qué frase usa correctamente 'mean' para expresar una consecuencia?

Elige la frase correcta:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Passing the exam means studying hard.
Cuando 'mean' expresa una consecuencia, va seguido del gerundio (forma -ing) del verbo o una frase nominal. 'Means studying' es correcto aquí.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Entendiendo 'Mean': ¿Qué quieres decir?

Score: /10

Preguntas frecuentes (6)

El significado principal de throw away es descartar algo, deshacerse de ello porque ya no es necesario o deseado, como
throw away the trash
.
¡Sí, absolutamente! Puedes
throw away an opportunity
(que significa desperdiciarla) o throw away money (que significa gastarlo imprudentemente). Es muy versátil.
Los dos significados principales de 'make up' son inventar o crear algo (como una historia o una excusa) y reconciliarse o volver a ser amigos después de una discusión. Por ejemplo,
I made up an excuse
o
They made up with each other
.
Cuando 'make up' significa inventar, es separable con objetos sustantivos (
make up a story
o
make a story up
). Sin embargo, con objetos pronominales, *debe* separarse (make it up). Cuando significa reconciliarse, suele ser inseparable y se usa con 'with' (
make up with someone
).
'Dress up' significa principalmente ponerse ropa formal para una ocasión especial o ponerse un disfraz. Piensa en ello como un esfuerzo extra para tu apariencia, como 'dressing up' para una gala o 'dressing up as' un superhéroe.
¡No siempre! Aunque su uso principal es sobre la vestimenta, 'dress up' también se puede usar figuradamente para hacer algo más atractivo o impresionante. Por ejemplo, puedes 'dress up' una comida sencilla con una guarnición o 'dress up' una presentación aburrida con gráficos vibrantes.
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