Have you ever wondered why ESL learners and teachers keep talking about phrasal verbs? The answer is pretty simple. You have to understand and be able to use phrasal verbs correctly if you want to speak fluent English. Here you will learn 20 Phrasal verbs related to education.
I would also suggest that you check out my post on the grammar of phrasal verbs where you will learn about 5 types of phrasal verbs in English.
20 Phrasal Verbs related to Education
CATCH ON
to understand
Example: They were making fun of me, but I didn’t catch on until I saw them laughing.
DROP OUT
to leave school or university before your course has finished
Example: Sally had dropped out of college in the first year.
FALL BEHIND
to not be on schedule, to be behind the standard or level of students in your class/group
Example: He was a smart boy in school, but he fell behind due to his illness and gave up.
FIND OUT
to learn something that you didn’t know
Example: Please click on the following link to find out about the lessons provided in school.
GO OVER
to review something, to check something
Example: I’m not sure if my figures are accurate, can we go over the one more time?
HAND IN
to give a piece of your work to somebody (teacher, lecturer) so that they can read it or deal with it
Example: Students have handed in their assignment for marking.
HAND OUT
to give or offer things to people in a group so that each person has one or some
Example: The teacher opened a folder she’d brought with her and handed out sheets of paper to everyone.
CUT OUT
to remove a part of something by cutting it
Example: They cut out animals and flowers from the scraps of clothing.
LOOK AT
1. to read something quickly and not very thoroughly
Example: I looked at your report and I think it’s really good.
2. to investigate or think carefully about a problem or situation
Example: Travel expenses are getting out of control. We need to have a look at them closely.
LOOK UP
to find a piece of information in a boo, internet, etc
Example: Can you give me his last name, so I can look up his email address?
Phrasal Verbs related to Education
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MISS OUT
to not include something or someone
Example: She missed some important points out of her essay.
MIX UP
to confuse two things or people
Example: Jack has a difficulty with visualising numbers and often mixes them up.
OPT FOR
to choose a particular option or thing
Example: Peter was unsure what to study in college, he eventually opted for business and law.
RUN THROUGH
to read or rehearse something quickly in order to repeat or check
Example: I had run through my figures over and over again.
SIGN UP
to agree to take part in an activity or to join an organisation
Example: If you have never signed up for this programme, please contact our support team directly so we can help out.
TAKE IN
to absorb new facts and information
Example: I was so shocked that I didn’t take in everything.
KICK SOMEBODY OUT
to force somebody to leave a place, course, job, etc
Example: They kicked him out of school just as his final year was to begin.
READ OVER
to read something from beginning to end in order to find mistakes or check details
Example: You should always read over your work to ensure there are no spelling mistakes.
STUDY UNDER
to be taught by someone
Example: He entered the Art Students’ League where he studied under many famous artists.
PUT OFF
to postpone something to a later time
Example: Due to his severe illness, he is forced to put off his studies until he regains his health.
More Information
For more information on English idiomatic expressions, English Grammar Rules and English vocabulary words, check out the following links:
English Idioms related to Speed
