How to Learn 10 Phrasal Verbs a Week

How to Learn 10 Phrasal Verbs a Week (And Actually Remember Them!)

Let’s face it—phrasal verbs can feel like a never-ending jungle of meanings. You’ve probably asked yourself: “How am I supposed to remember that ‘take off’ means removing clothes and that a plane can ‘take off’ too?” If you’re preparing for exams like FCE or CAE, you already know that phrasal verbs are everywhere—in Use of English tasks, listening tests, writing tasks, and even speaking parts. So how can you master them without losing your mind? Here’s a simple, powerful method on how to learn 10 phrasal verbs a week—and actually remember them.

Step 1: Choose your 10 with purpose

Don’t just grab any list from the internet. Be smart about it. Pick 10 related phrasal verbs—maybe ones connected to a theme like:

• Work and Jobs (get ahead, take on, hand in…)
• Travel (set off, check in, get back…)
• Relationships (get on with, fall out, break up…)

This helps your brain group them together, which makes them easier to recall later. It also mirrors how phrasal verbs often appear thematically in FCE/CAE reading and listening tasks.

Step 2: Create your own examples

Reading definitions is great. But writing your own sentences is even better.

Instead of:

“Turn down = to reject something”

Try:

“I turned down the job offer because it didn’t pay enough.”

When you write sentences that relate to your life, the words stick. Add a bit of humour or emotion—it helps even more!

How to Learn 10 Phrasal Verbs a Week

Step 3: Hear them in action

Don’t stop at writing—listen to how native speakers use these verbs. Search for your chosen phrasal verbs on:

• YouTube (look for “English phrasal verbs in real life”)
• Podcasts (BBC Learning English, The English We Speak)
• Series & TV shows (turn on subtitles for extra help!)

This builds context and pronunciation awareness—essential for CAE listening tasks.

Step 4: Use them in conversation or role play

Find a speaking partner, language exchange app, or even a mirror. Seriously! Practice saying the verbs naturally:

“Hey, could you help me sort out my notes later?”

 “I’m trying to cut down on sugar this month.”

The more you say them, the more confident you’ll feel in FCE/CAE Speaking Parts 1 and 3.

Step 5: Review & test yourself

A week later, quiz yourself.

• Can you remember the meanings?
• Can you use them in a new sentence?
• Can you spot them in texts or audios?

Use flashcards (apps like Quizlet are great), write a mini story using all 10, or try a quick multiple-choice quiz.

How to Learn 10 Phrasal Verbs a Week

Step 6: Keep a phrasal verb journal

Create a personal phrasal verb diary. Include:

• The verb
• Its meaning(s)
• Your example sentence
• Any notes (like if it’s separable, informal, etc.)
• A drawing or emoji (why not?)

After a month, you’ll have 40 new phrasal verbs that you didn’t just study—you truly own them.

You don’t need to learn hundreds of phrasal verbs all at once. Ten a week is a manageable, focused goal that leads to real results—especially for FCE and CAE exam success.

Remember:

“Little by little, a little becomes a lot.”

So pick your ten, make them your friends, and come back next week for ten more.

Happy learning!

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