: Definitions are supported by thousands of examples from the Collins Corpus , a massive database of modern English. Practical Learning Tools Single-Word Verb Index
A phrasal verb is a combination of a standard verb (e.g., "go," "take," "get") and one or two particles (adverbs or prepositions like "out," "on," "off"). The resulting combination almost always has a meaning that is different from the original verb alone. For example, while "go" means to move, "go on" can mean to continue, happen, or even to talk too much. This idiomatic nature is the main source of difficulty for learners, as the meaning cannot be easily guessed from the individual words. The tendency in the past has been to regard them as arbitrary items of language that must simply be learned by heart. The Collins COBUILD Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs was created as a direct alternative to this rote memorization of random lists.
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Learning phrasal verbs takes practice and dedication. Here are some final tips:
: Features a two-color design and clear labelling for "core" phrasal verbs that are most important for learners to know. Amazon.com Benefits for Learners (PDF) Phrasal Verbs and the LinGO-ERG - ResearchGate : Definitions are supported by thousands of examples
Instead of searching for a pirated PDF, use or flashcard apps pre-made from COBUILD definitions. Many learners have shared such decks legally. Also, the COBUILD Phrasal Verbs Workbook (ISBN 978-0007450075) is affordable used and often more useful for active learning than a raw PDF.
| Feature | | 2nd Edition (2002 / Re-issued 2011) | 3rd Edition (2012) | 4th Edition (2020) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Coverage | Over 3,000 phrasal verbs | Over 4,500 references | Data not specified, but "thousands of new phrasal verbs" added | Data not specified, but continues to expand coverage | | Examples | Thousands from the COBUILD database | Over 12,500 from the 'Bank of English' | Thousands of updated examples from the Collins Corpus | Updated examples from the Collins Corpus | | New Features | - | - | Index of 200 single-word verbs, collocations boxes, self-study exercises, revised particles index | All features of the 3rd edition, with new phrasal verbs and layout improvements | | Key Strength | Groundbreaking corpus-based coverage for its time | Significantly expanded coverage and examples | Major revision with extensive new learner-focused features | Most current and comprehensive edition | For example, while "go" means to move, "go
After a while, I a beautiful lake and decided to stop off for a picnic. As I was laying out the food, I ran into an old friend who was out for a stroll . We caught up on each other's news and ended up spending the rest of the day together.
Pedagogical strengths
The is a definitive resource for mastering these expressions. This guide explains why this dictionary is unique, how to use it effectively, and what to consider when looking for a digital version. Why Phrasal Verbs Matter for Fluency