Hey there! This is TOP episode 267. You NEED Phrasal Verbs. Here’s Why
Are you tired of lacking confidence when speaking English? Does it block you from achieving your true goals? This podcast is the place for you. This is Teacher Ola Podcast. My name’s Ola Mierniczak and I empower English learners to become confident speakers. The key to fluency is in your pocket. You’ll boost your vocabulary, brush up your grammar and improve your pronunciation. Enjoy your journey to fluency!
Hi, everyone! Welcome back and thank you for choosing this episode. Today we’re talking about one of the most powerful tools in the English language—phrasal verbs.
I know, I know… they can be confusing. But trust me, mastering phrasal verbs is absolutely worth it. By the end of this episode, you’ll not only understand why they’re so important but also feel motivated to start using them in your daily conversations.
But before we dive into today’s episode, I have an exciting announcement. I’m hosting a Phrasal Verbs Masterclass to help you learn, remember, and confidently use the most common phrasal verbs in English. If you’ve ever struggled with phrasal verbs, this is your chance to master them once and for all! Visit www.teacherola.com/masterclass to save your spot. It’s on the 20 and 21 of November, Wednesday and Thursday at 8:00 pm. Sign up now! Now, let’s get started!
Why Are Phrasal Verbs So Important?
So, why should you learn phrasal verbs? First off, let’s face it—phrasal verbs are everywhere. The speakers of English use them constantly, especially in casual conversations, at work, in movies, TV shows, and songs – everywhere!
For example, imagine your friend says, “Let’s hang out this weekend.” If you don’t know what “hang out” means, you will be confused. But once you learn it means “spend time together,” you’ll start hearing it everywhere.
It’s not just about understanding. Using phrasal verbs makes your English sound natural and fluent. Instead of saying, “I will arrange the meeting,” you could say, “I’ll set up the meeting.” Doesn’t that sound more relaxed?
How Phrasal Verbs Add Nuance
Another reason phrasal verbs are important is that they add nuance to your speech. Think about the difference between:
- “Give up” (which means to quit)
- And “give in” (which means to surrender).
If you mix those up, it could lead to some awkward moments. For example, saying, “I gave up to my boss” instead of “I gave in to my boss” changes the meaning entirely!
That’s why learning these little two- or three-word phrases is so valuable. They help you express yourself more accurately.
Real-Life Situations Where You’ll Use Phrasal Verbs
Let’s talk about real life. Where will you actually use phrasal verbs? Well… everywhere!
- In social situations: “Catch up with friends,” “turn up to a party,” or “hang out at the weekend.”
- At work: “Let’s follow up on that email,” “We need to bring up the budget,” or “Unfortunately, they had to lay off staff.”
- And in pop culture: Think about phrases like “break up” in romantic movies or “run out of time” in a song lyric.
Phrasal verbs help you connect with people and understand what’s happening around you.
Now, I get it—phrasal verbs can be tricky. One reason is that they often have multiple meanings. For example, “take off” can mean:
Removing clothing—“Take off your jacket.”
Leaving quickly—“I need to take off soon.”
Becoming successful—“His business is really taking off!”
That’s confusing, right? But don’t worry. The key is to learn them in context. Don’t just memorise a list. Instead, study how they’re used in real conversations, TV shows, or books.
Another tip? Group them by topic. For example:
- Travel: “Check in, take off, get on.”
- Emotions: “Cheer up, calm down, freak out.”
By focusing on related phrases, you’ll remember them more easily.
So, how can you start mastering phrasal verbs today? Here’s a quick action plan:
- Listen and observe: Pay attention to how English speakers use phrasal verbs in conversations, shows, and podcasts.
- Practice speaking: Start using simple phrasal verbs like “wake up,” “turn on,” or “get up” in your daily routine.
- Learn in chunks: Instead of memorising individual words, learn phrases or short dialogues that include phrasal verbs.
Remember, learning phrasal verbs takes time, but every step you take will make your English sound more natural and fluent.
Time to practise! Listen and repeat the sentences out loud:
Let’s hang out this weekend.
I’ll set up the meeting.
I gave in to my boss
Let’s follow up on that email
Unfortunately, they had to lay off staff.
Do you know why they broke up?
Take off your jacket.
His business is really taking off!
Can we check-in earlier?
Don’t freak out.
That’s it for today’s episode! I hope you’re feeling inspired to tackle those phrasal verbs head-on. Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode. And if you found this helpful, share it with a friend who’s learning English too!
Don’t forget to download your free worksheet that will help you to actively practise what you’ve learnt today! Go to teacherola.com/267 and grab your copy. If you’ve subscribed to my newsletter check your inbox.
Thanks for listening to today’s episode! Don’t forget, if you want to boost your confidence with phrasal verbs, sign up for my Phrasal Verbs Masterclass at www.teacherola.com/masterclass. Together, we’ll make phrasal verbs a natural part of your English. I can’t wait to see you there!
I love you , I believe in you, I know you can speak English with fluency IF you really want it! Stay fearless, take care and say it out loud! I’m your teacher, Teacher Ola, and you were listening to Teacher Ola Podcast. Bye for now.