Common Mistakes with Phrasal Verbs

Common Mistakes with Phrasal Verbs (and How to Avoid Them)

Phrasal verbs are one of the most challenging — and most revealing — areas of English. Learners often know the grammar rules perfectly, yet one small mistake with a phrasal verb can instantly make their English sound unnatural. The good news? Most phrasal verb mistakes are predictable, which means they are also fixable. In this post, we’ll look at the most common mistakes learners make with phrasal verbs, explain why they happen, and show you how to avoid them with confidence.

1. Translating Phrasal Verbs Literally

One of the biggest mistakes learners make is trying to understand phrasal verbs word by word.

❌ I will look up the children (meaning: search for them)

✅ I will look after the children

Phrasal verbs often have idiomatic meanings that cannot be guessed from the verb alone.

Tip for learners:

Always learn phrasal verbs as complete units, not as separate words.

2. Using the Wrong Preposition or Particle

A small change can create a completely different meaning — or no meaning at all.

❌ get on with a problem

✅ deal with a problem / get on with someone

Many verbs change meaning depending on the particle:

• get on (have a good relationship)
• get over (recover)
• get by (manage)

Tip:

Group phrasal verbs by main verb when learning them.

3. Confusing Transitive and Intransitive Phrasal Verbs

Some phrasal verbs need an object, while others don’t.

❌ She gave up. (meaning unclear)

✅ She gave up smoking.

Compare:

• give up (something) → transitive
• break down → intransitive

Tip:

Always check whether a phrasal verb requires an object.

4. Putting the Object in the Wrong Place

This mistake is especially common with separable phrasal verbs.

❌ She turned off it.

✅ She turned it off.

With pronouns (it, them, him), the object must go in the middle.

Correct patterns:

• turn off the light
• turn the light off
• turn it off ✅

Tip:

If the object is a pronoun, put it between the verb and the particle.

5. Avoiding Phrasal Verbs Completely

Some learners avoid phrasal verbs because they seem informal or difficult.

❌ I continued my studies.

✅ I carried on with my studies.

In reality, phrasal verbs are essential for natural English, especially in:

• speaking
• informal writing
• articles and reviews (B2 & C1 exams)

Tip:

Use phrasal verbs naturally — but don’t force them where a formal verb fits better.

6. Mixing Formal and Informal Language

Phrasal verbs are often informal, which means they are not always appropriate.

❌ The government put off the law. (formal context)

✅ The government postponed the law.

Tip:

Ask yourself: Is this spoken, neutral, or formal English?

Final Tip for Learners

Mastering phrasal verbs is not about memorising long lists. It’s about:

• noticing them in context
• understanding meaning, not translation
• practising them in short, natural sentences

If you can avoid these common mistakes with phrasal verbs, your English will immediately sound more confident, more fluent, and more natural — exactly what examiners and native speakers are listening for.

Download the Common Mistakes with Phrasal Verbs exercise worksheet here

Learn about the top 10 mistakes to avoid in the B2 First exam

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