15 Useful Phrasal Verbs You Need for School or Work (with Examples)

Phrasal verbs are very common in English, especially at school or in the workplace. If you want to sound more natural and understand native speakers better, it's important to learn them.

But don’t worry! You don’t need to memorise a long list. Start with the most useful ones that you can use every day at school or at work.

15 Useful Phrasal Verbs You Need for School or Work 

Here are 15 easy phrasal verbs that will help you in class, meetings, emails, and more.

1. Hand in

Meaning: To submit something (like homework or a report)

Example: I have to hand in my assignment by Friday.

2. Catch up

Meaning: To reach the same level as others

Example: I missed two classes. Now I need to catch up.

3. Look into

Meaning: To investigate or check something

Example: The teacher said she’ll look into the issue.

 4. Go over

Meaning: To review or check carefully

Example: Let’s go over the answers before we finish.

5. Figure out

Meaning: To find the solution or understand something

Example: I’m trying to figure out how this program works.

6. Put off

Meaning: To delay or postpone something

Example: Don’t put off your homework until the last minute.

7. Take on

Meaning: To accept a task or responsibility

Example: She took on a new project at work.

8. Run out of

Meaning: To use everything and have no more left

Example: We ran out of paper in the office.

9. Turn in

Meaning: To submit (same as "hand in")

Example: Please turn in your report by 5 p.m.

10. Come up with

Meaning: To think of an idea or plan

Example: He came up with a great topic for the presentation.

11. Call off

Meaning: To cancel something

Example: The meeting was called off due to bad weather.

 12. Work on

Meaning: To spend time improving something

Example: She’s working on her writing skills.

 13. Set up

Meaning: To organise or arrange something

Example: Can you set up the classroom for the group activity?

14. Keep up with

Meaning: To stay at the same speed or level

Example: It’s hard to keep up with all the homework.

15. Check in

Meaning: To contact or update someone

Example: Let’s check in later to see how the project is going.

Conclusion

Phrasal verbs are a big part of everyday English. They can be tricky at first, but learning just a few useful ones will really help your speaking and writing. Try to use 2 -3 of these every day at school or work, you’ll sound more natural and confident in no time!

Want more phrasal verbs or free practice worksheets? Let me know in the comments!

Happy Learning 😊