11 Phrasal Verbs for Commuting

11 Phrasal Verbs for Commuting

Hello, dear English learners! Today we’re talking about a part of daily life that many people know all too well — commuting. Commuting simply means travelling from home to work or school regularly. Some people spend hours commuting every day, while others work from home and don’t commute at all. Whether you go by bus, train, bike, car, or on foot, today’s lesson will introduce you to 11 phrasal verbs for commuting.

Let’s jump in!

Check in

Meaning: to record or register your arrival at work.

• Ben checked in a few minutes early this morning because he wanted to finish his report before lunch.
• We have to check in at reception before entering the building.

Drop off

Meaning: to take someone to a place, usually by car.

• Simon dropped me off at work today because my car broke down.
• I can drop you off at the station if you’re in a hurry.

Get on

Meaning: to enter a bus, train, or other public transport.

• Michael got on the bus and headed straight for a window seat.
• We usually get on the train at twenty past eight. 

Get off

Meaning: to leave a bus or train.

• The children got off the bus in front of the school gates.
• I get off at the next stop — let me know when we’re close.

Fill up

Meaning: to fill something completely, especially a vehicle’s petrol tank.

• The driver filled up the tank before the morning rush.
• We need to fill up soon — we’re almost empty.

Pick up

Meaning: to collect someone or something from a place.

• Fiona will pick up the children on her way home.
• Can you pick me up from the office later? My meeting finishes at six.

Pull over

Meaning: to move a vehicle to the side of the road and stop.

• Nick pulled over to the slow lane as he came off the motorway.
• The police officer asked the driver to pull over immediately. 

Run out of

Meaning: to finish all of something.

• They had to stop at the petrol station because they ran out of petrol.
• I didn’t catch the bus — I ran out of money for my travel card.

Set off

Meaning: to start a journey.

• Please be ready — we’re setting off for work at seven sharp.
• They set off early to avoid the morning traffic.

Slow down

Meaning: to reduce speed.

• The car slowed down because the fog made visibility terrible.
• Can you slow down a little? I can’t see the street names.

Speed up

Meaning: to increase speed.

• Can you speed up? We’re going to be late for the meeting.
• The bus finally sped up once it left the city centre.

Do the quiz to perfect your knowledge: