Mastering Phrasal Verbs with Multiple Meanings: A Guide for ESL Learners

Phrasal verbs are integral to mastering English, and they often come with multiple meanings, making them particularly challenging for ESL learners. In this article, we will explore phrasal verbs that have at least three different meanings, providing definitions and examples for each to help you navigate their complexities.

Phrasal Verbs with Multiple Meanings

1. Take Off
   • Definition 1: To remove something (usually clothing).
     • Example: “Please take off your shoes before entering the house.”
   • Definition 2: To become airborne.
     • Example: “The plane took off at 7 PM.”
   • Definition 3: To become successful or popular.
     • Example: “Her career really took off after she released her first album.”
2. Break Down
   • Definition 1: To stop functioning (usually a machine).
     • Example: “Our car broke down on the way to the beach.”
   • Definition 2: To lose control emotionally.
     • Example: “She broke down in tears after hearing the bad news.”
   • Definition 3: To explain something in detail.
     • Example: “The teacher broke down the complex equation for the students.”
3. Put Off
   • Definition 1: To postpone something.
     • Example: “We had to put off the meeting until next week.”
   • Definition 2: To discourage or repel.
     • Example: “The smell of the food put me off.”
   • Definition 3: To distract.
     • Example: “The noise from the construction site put me off my work.”
4. Turn Up
   • Definition 1: To increase the volume or intensity.
     • Example: “Can you turn up the music?”
   • Definition 2: To appear or arrive.
     • Example: “She turned up at the party unexpectedly.”
   • Definition 3: To be found, especially by chance.
     • Example: “My missing keys turned up in the kitchen.”
5. Bring Up
   • Definition 1: To raise a topic for discussion.
     • Example: “He brought up the issue of punctuality during the meeting.”
   • Definition 2: To raise a child.
     • Example: “She was brought up in a small village.”
   • Definition 3: To vomit.
     • Example: “After eating the spoiled food, he brought it all up.”
6. Set Up
   • Definition 1: To arrange or organise.
     • Example: “We need to set up a meeting with the new client.”
   • Definition 2: To establish or start a business.
     • Example: “They set up a new company last year.”
   • Definition 3: To deceive or trick someone.
     • Example: “He claimed he was set up by his colleagues.”
7. Give Up
   • Definition 1: To stop trying.
     • Example: “She gave up on learning French.”
   • Definition 2: To surrender or relinquish.
     • Example: “The thief gave himself up to the police.”
   • Definition 3: To stop doing or consuming something.
     • Example: “I’ve decided to give up smoking.”
8. Look Up
   • Definition 1: To search for information.
     • Example: “I need to look up the word in the dictionary.”
   • Definition 2: To visit someone.
     • Example: “Look me up when you’re in town.”
   • Definition 3: To improve.
     • Example: “Things are looking up for the company.”
9. Run Out
   • Definition 1: To use up completely.
     • Example: “We ran out of milk.”
   • Definition 2: To leave a place quickly.
     • Example: “He ran out of the room when he heard the news.”
   • Definition 3: To become no longer valid or available.
     • Example: “My passport has run out.”
10. Take In
    • Definition 1: To absorb or understand information.
      • Example: “It’s a lot of information to take in at once.”
    • Definition 2: To deceive or trick someone.
      • Example: “I was taken in by his lies.”
    • Definition 3: To provide shelter or accommodation.
      • Example: “They took in the stray cat.”

Phrasal verbs with multiple meanings can be perplexing for ESL learners, but understanding their different uses is crucial for fluency in English. By learning the various meanings and practising them in context, you can navigate these linguistic challenges more effectively. Keep practising, and soon, you’ll find these phrasal verbs becoming a natural part of your vocabulary.