Phrasal verbs combine a base verb (get, go, take…) with one or more particles (up, on, off…) to create a new meaning that's often very different from the original verb. Click a tab below to open one verb group at a time — each has its pattern, a table of meanings and examples, a separable/inseparable note, and two exercises.

Pattern: GET is one of the most flexible verbs in English — combined with different particles it can mean movement, relationships, or overcoming a difficulty.

Phrasal VerbMeaningExample
get upwake up and leave bedI get up at 7am every day.
get onboard a bus, train, plane or bikeWe got on the train at Platform 2.
get offleave a bus, train, plane or bikeGet off at the next stop.
get inenter a car or small space; arriveHe got in the car and drove away. · What time does the flight get in?
get out (of)leave a car or small spaceShe got out of the taxi.
get overrecover from an illness or bad experienceIt took him weeks to get over the flu.
get backreturnWe got back from holiday on Sunday.
get intobecome interested in; enterI got into painting during lockdown.
get along (with)have a friendly relationship with someoneMy roommates and I get along really well.
get awayescape; go on a short tripWe need to get away for the weekend.
get bymanage with minimal resourcesWe don't earn much, but we get by.
get rid ofeliminate, throw awayI finally got rid of my old sofa.
get throughcomplete something difficult; surviveShe got through the exam despite being nervous.
Separable: get back, get rid of Inseparable: get along with, get by, get over, get into

Exercise 1 — Multiple choice

1. I always ___ at 6:30am on weekdays.

2. She's finally starting to ___ her breakup.

3. We ___ really well with our new neighbours.

4. Could you please ___ that old broken chair?

5. What time do we ___ the airport? (= arrive)

Exercise 2 — Complete the text

Every morning I at 6am and quickly get dressed. I the bus outside my house and two stops later, near my office. Last year I painting as a hobby, and now I paint every weekend to relax. When work gets stressful, my colleagues and I always — we support each other a lot.