Phrasal Verbs – “phrasal verb” are verbs that have a different meaning from their base verb.

Phrasal verbs are used in idiomatic expressions in English. In these expressions, the preposition after the base verb changes the meaning of the verb. However, not every combination of a verb and a preposition creates a phrasal verb.

Example:

I ran into my friend at the cinema yesterday. (phrasal)

“Run” + “into” = “meet”

Look at me. (not a phrasal verb)

It is not a phrasal verb because the meaning remains the same as “look,” which means to gaze. Phrasal verbs, in contrast, should have a change in meaning, indicating an idiomatic expression.

Look after (phrasal)

It has an idiomatic meaning of taking care of someone, hence it is considered a phrasal verb.

Look down on somebody (phrasal)

“look” + “down” = “to hold a negative opinion about someone or to consider them inferior.”

I held up my hand. (not a phrasal verb)

It is not a phrasal verb as it means to raise the hand, indicating a change in position.

I held up a bank. (phrasal)

I held up the traffic.

It has a deyimsel anlam (idiomatic meaning) of robbing a bank or stopping the traffic.

come with us. (not a phrasal verb)

The meaning is still “to come,” so it is not a phrasal verb.

come down with: become ill with. (phrasal)

“George won’t be at the office today. He came down with the flu over the weekend.”

come across: find unexpectedly. (phrasal)

“I’ve lost my extra car keys. If you come across them while you’re cleaning the room, please put them in a safe place.”