Everyday English Phrasal Verbs: People and Things

Phrasal verbs make your English sound more natural and fluent.
Let’s look at 10 useful ones that you can use to talk about people and things in everyday situations.

Meaning: Make sure nothing bad happens to someone or something.

Example: My sister watched over our son while Ania and I went shopping.

• The nurse watched over the patients all night.

• Can you watch over my bag while I grab a coffee?

Meaning: Attack or become hostile toward someone suddenly.

Example: Adi has got a temper. He turned on me the instant I suggested he buy a new suit.

• The crowd turned on the player after his mistake.

• She turned on her best friend during the argument.

Meaning: Praise or flatter someone so they’ll do you a favor.

Example: Toshiro’s been buttering his brother up because he wants to borrow his car.

• Don’t try to butter me up — just tell me what you want.

• He buttered up his teacher before asking for extra credit.

Meaning: Pay a lot of attention to someone.

Example: Jordan’s aunts always fuss over him when they come to visit.

• Parents often fuss over their children too much.

• My grandmother fusses over every little detail.

Meaning: Admire or respect someone.

Example: Barney really looks up to his grandfather.

• I’ve always looked up to my older sister.

• Many people look up to great leaders and teachers.

Meaning: Collect things together.

Example: Nuwa gathered up the plates from the table and took them to the kitchen.

• He gathered up his papers before leaving the meeting.

• Let’s gather up the toys before dinner.

Meaning: Give away or relinquish something important to you.

Example: It was really hard to part with my old car. I’d had it since I was a student.

• I can’t part with this necklace — it’s from my mom.

• He finally parted with his childhood baseball cards.

Meaning: Find something by chance.

Example: While looking through things in my attic, I came across an old portrait of my great-grandfather.

• I came across an interesting article online.

• We came across a beautiful little café downtown.

Meaning: Retrieve something.

Example: Mel lent Dave her lawnmower a month ago, and she finally got it back from him.

• Did you get your book back from Sarah?

• He got his wallet back from the lost and found.

Meaning: Be found (usually by accident).

Example: Ava lost her passport ages ago. It turned up when she was cleaning the living room.

• My keys always turn up in the weirdest places.

• Don’t worry — your cat will turn up soon.