What Are Phrasal Verbs?

Phrasal verbs are combinations of a verb and one or two particles (prepositions or adverbs). These particles change the meaning of the main verb completely. For example, the verb look means to see, but look for means to search for something, and look after means to take care of someone.

Many phrasal verbs are informal, but some are suitable for academic or formal contexts. They are a key part of fluent English, and you will find them often in everyday conversations, books, and exams like the B2 First.

[langcom_cta variant=”placement”]

Common Phrasal Verbs with ‘Come’

The verb come usually means to move towards the speaker. However, when combined with different particles, it forms many phrasal verbs with unique meanings.

• come across: To find or meet something/someone by chance.
• come up with: To think of an idea, plan, or solution.
• come out with: To say something suddenly and unexpectedly, often surprising or shocking.
• come off: To succeed or happen as planned; also, to become detached from something.
• come up: To happen, arise, or be mentioned.
• come by: To obtain or acquire something, often by chance or with effort.

Common Phrasal Verbs with ‘Go’

The verb go typically means to move away from the speaker. Like come, it forms many phrasal verbs with entirely new meanings.

• go for: To choose something; to try to get or achieve something.
• go ahead: To proceed; to give permission for something to happen.
• go out: To leave your home to go to a social event; also, for a light or fire to stop burning.
• go through: To experience a difficult or unpleasant situation; to examine something carefully.
• go by: To pass (used for time); to follow rules or instructions.
• go up: To increase in amount or level; to be built or constructed.

Tips for Learning Phrasal Verbs

Learning phrasal verbs can be challenging, but these strategies can help:

• Learn in context: Do not just memorize lists. See how phrasal verbs are used in sentences, stories, or articles.
• Group by particle: Sometimes, particles like up または out have a general sense that can help you understand new phrasal verbs.
• Use them actively: Try to use new phrasal verbs in your own speaking and writing. This helps you remember them.
• Keep a vocabulary notebook: Write down the phrasal verb, its meaning, and an example sentence that is personal to you.

例

• I came across an old photo album while cleaning the attic.
• She came up with a brilliant idea for the marketing campaign.
• He suddenly came out with a very rude comment.
• The presentation came off really well, everyone was impressed.
• A new problem has come up, so we need to discuss it.
• How did you come by such a rare book?
• I think I’ll go for the pasta tonight, it sounds delicious.
• Please go ahead and start without me, I’ll be there soon.
• We usually go out for dinner on Fridays.
• She went through a lot of stress during her exams.
• Time goes by so quickly when you’re having fun.
• House prices have gone up significantly this year.

練習

[langcom_cta variant=”exam”]

スペイン語話者がよく犯す間違い

Spanish speakers sometimes make mistakes with phrasal verbs due to direct translation or confusion with similar-sounding verbs.

• Direct Translation: Do not try to translate phrasal verbs word-for-word. For example, go out does not mean ‘salir’ in the sense of ‘exit a building’ (which is leave または go outside), but rather ‘salir de fiesta’ or ‘salir con alguien’.
• Confusing come そして go: Remember that come implies movement towards the speaker or a specific point, while go implies movement away. For example, if you are at home and invite someone, you say Come over! (not Go over!).
• Incorrect Particle: Using the wrong particle can change the meaning entirely or make the phrase incorrect. For instance, come up with (to invent/think of) is very different from come up (to appear/happen).

よくある質問

What is the main difference between ‘come’ and ‘go’ in phrasal verbs?

Generally, phrasal verbs with come suggest movement towards the speaker or a specific point, or an arrival. Phrasal verbs with go suggest movement away from the speaker or a specific point, or a departure. However, the particle often changes this basic meaning completely, so it is best to learn each phrasal verb’s specific meaning.

Why are phrasal verbs with ‘come’ and ‘go’ important for the B2 First exam?

Phrasal verbs are a key part of the B2 First exam, especially in the Reading and Use of English paper (Parts 1, 2, and 3) and the Speaking paper. Knowing phrasal verbs with common verbs like come そして go helps you understand texts, complete gap-fill exercises, and express yourself more fluently and accurately, which are all assessed at B2 level.

How can I remember so many phrasal verbs?

The best way is to learn them in context, not just as isolated words. Create your own example sentences, use them in conversations, and review them regularly. You can also group them by theme or by the particle they use to see if there are any patterns.

Are phrasal verbs with ‘come’ and ‘go’ always separable?

No, not all phrasal verbs are separable. Some are separable (e.g., pick up the book または pick the book up), while others are inseparable (e.g., come across an idea – you cannot say come an idea across). You need to learn whether each phrasal verb is separable or inseparable as you encounter it.

関連レッスン

• Multi-word verbs
• Multi-word verbs
• Multi-word verbs
• Multi-word verbs