Phrasal verbs I – B2 English Vocabulary

B2 Phrasal verbs I

In this Pre-advanced Vocabulary Lesson on Phrasal Verbs, you will learn useful phrasal verbs that are common in everyday conversations and in B2 exams. Each phrasal verb includes a short explanation and an example sentence. The vocabulary charts, definitions, and examples below will help you understand and remember the terms.

B2 Phrasal verbs 1-10

1 If you back someone up, you support them in what they are saying or doing.

• Don’t worry, I’ll back you up if anyone disagrees.

2 If something breaks out, it suddenly starts, usually something bad like a fire, war, or fight.

• A fire broke out in the factory last night.

3 To bring about something means to cause it to happen.

• The storm brought about serious flooding in the area.

4 If you bring someone down, you make them feel sad or depressed.

• Failing the exam really brought her down.

5 If you bring something up, you start talking about it in a conversation.

• She brought up the issue of pay during the meeting.

6 If you call off something, you decide to cancel it.

• The match was called off because of the heavy rain.

7 If you catch up with someone, you talk to them about what’s new after not seeing each other for a while.

• It was great to catch up with old friends at the reunion.

8 If you check someone out, you look at them because you find them attractive.

• He was checking her out when she walked into the room.

9 If you come across something or someone, you find them by chance.

• I came across an old photo album in the attic.

10 If something comes down, it decreases or is reduced.

• The price of petrol has come down recently.

B2 Phrasal verbs 11-20

11 If you come up against something, you face a problem or opposition.

• We came up against serious delays during testing.

12 If you cool off, you become calmer or less angry.

• Take a walk to cool off before you reply.

13 If you cope with something, you manage a difficult situation.

• She can’t cope with the stress alone.

14 If you count on someone, you rely on them.

• You can count on me to help.

15 If you cover something up, you hide the truth about it.

• They tried to cover it up after the error.

16 If you cut back on something, you reduce the amount you use or spend.

• We must cut back on costs this quarter.

17 If you cut something down, you reduce its length or amount.

• Please cut the report down to 500 words.

18 If you cut something off, you stop its supply or connection.

• The company cut our internet off for non-payment.

19 If you do something up, you fasten it (buttons, zip).

• It’s cold — do your coat up.

20 If you drop by, you visit someone briefly and without planning.

• Feel free to drop by any time.

B2 Phrasal verbs 21-30

21 If you drop in (on someone), you visit briefly without arranging it first.

• We might drop in on Emma later.

22 If you face up to something, you accept it and deal with it.

• It’s time to face up to our mistakes.

23 If something falls apart, it fails completely or stops working.

• Their plan fell apart at the last minute.

24 When something falls out of fashion/use/favour, it stops being popular, used, or approved of.

• That style has fallen out of fashion.

25 If you figure something out, you understand it or solve it after thinking.

• I can’t figure it out.

26 If you get away, you escape from a place or person.

• The thieves got away before the police arrived.

27 If you get back at someone, you take revenge on them.

• She plans to get back at him for that comment.

28 If you get by, you manage with the money or skills you have.

• We can get by on one salary.

29 If you get down to something, you start doing it seriously.

• Let’s get down to work.

30 If people get together, they meet to spend time with each other.

• We usually get together on Sundays.

After completing the exercises in this lesson on Phrasal verbs, you can use the unit’s Vocabulary Flashcards to revise and help you memorize the terms.