HOW TO TEACH PHRASAL VERBS

Hi friend, how’s it going?

Phrasal verbs can be really challenging to learn, especially since they rely so heavily on context. 

Multiple Meanings: Phrasal verbs can have several meanings (e.g., take off) and their meanings aren’t always obvious (give up).

Different Forms and Structures: Some phrasal verbs change meaning with particles (look up vs. look after) and can be separable or inseparable (turn off vs. run into).

Common but Complex: They are frequent in casual speech but less so in formal contexts. With overlapping synonyms (put off vs. postpone) and tricky pronunciation, they require extra practice.

You can understand why memorising them can be such an overwhelming task!

Over the years, we have developed various activities for teaching phrasal verbs to ensure that students from diverse cultural backgrounds and learning styles can connect with at least one approach.

The Independent Learner (Individual Work)

1. Phrasal Verb Journal – Students list new phrasal verbs, their meanings, and use them in sentences. (W)

2. Verb-Particle Flashcards – Students create flashcards to quiz themselves on phrasal verbs and their meanings. (R/W)

3. Fill-in-the-Blanks Worksheet – Complete sentences with missing phrasal verbs. (R/W)

4. Verb + Particle Collage – Create a collage of phrasal verbs, with meanings and sentences. (R/W)

5. Phrasal Verb Story – Write a story using at least five different phrasal verbs. (W)

Sharing is Caring (Paired Work)

1. Phrasal Verb Pair Quiz – One student writes sentences with missing phrasal verbs for the other to fill in. (R/W)

2. Phrasal Verb Interviews – Students interview each other using phrasal verbs in their responses. (S)

3. Matching Game – Match phrasal verbs with their definitions. (R)

4. Sentence Relay – Write and alternate sentences with phrasal verbs to build a story. (S/W)

5. Find the Error – Identify and correct errors in sentences with misused phrasal verbs. (R/W)

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work (Group Work)

1. Mind Mapping – Create a mind map of phrasal verbs related to a theme. (R/W)

2. Phrasal Verb Skits – Create and perform skits using multiple phrasal verbs. (S)

3. Phrasal Verb Debate – Prepare and participate in a debate, using phrasal verbs naturally in arguments. (S/W)

4. Group Phrasal Verb Story – Each student contributes a sentence to build a group story. (S/W)

5. Phrasal Verb Pictionary – Draw a phrasal verb while others guess what it is. (S)

MACRO SKILLS LEGEND

Here are a few phrasal verbs to get you started:

BREAK

PUT

BRING

Feel free to use these for listening practice or as general guidance to support your students.

NEED A LESSON KIT TO HELP YOU TEACH PHRASAL VERBS?

PHRASAL VERBS LESSON KIT (3).pdf

Download PDF • 2.92MB

To access more lesson kits, click here

Let us know how you go!!

Good luck! :)