Prepositions give many nonnative speakers of English a very hard time. And when they are used to form phrasal verbs, they seem even harder. Oftentimes it is challenging to remember what preposition follows a certain verb in order to communicate a particular meaning.
According to the Oxford dictionary, a phrasal verb is a verb that is made up of (hello, a phrasal verb alert 😅) a main verb followed by an adverb, preposition, or both. Americans love using phrasal verbs in their every-day lives. For example, it sounds more natural to say that something is made up of or made out of something instead of using the fancier word constructed.
But nonnative speakers find it hard to remember many expressions because they try to make sense out of the prepositions that follow the verbs. For example, expressions like “I’m up for it” and “I’m down for it” mean the same thing and this introduces confusion.
10 phrasal verbs that may confuse nonnative speakers of English
Below you will find a list of ten phrasal verbs that may cause confusion to nonnative English speakers.
1. Are you on something?
“Are you on something” actually means “are you on drugs?” If you ever hear someone asking you this question, they usually don’t really mean that you take drugs, but that you’ve probably said something strange or something that sounds a bit crazy. This expression can be used if you are arguing with someone or as a joke with one of your best friends, for example. If you ever decide to use it, make sure that it’s quite informal and I wouldn’t recommend saying it in a professional setting.
Examples:
- What are you doing? That’s crazy. Are you on something?
- Stop it. This is dangerous. Are you on something?
2. You are onto something
If you are onto something, you have discovered something special or important. It can also mean that you are suspicious of something deceptive. You can also say that you are onto someone. This means that you have discovered that they are doing something wrong. So, if someone’s onto you, be careful. Just make sure that you don’t say “I’m into you” instead of “I’m onto you” because the former has a different meaning and if you mix up these expressions, you might find yourself in an embarrassing situation 😉.
Examples:
- When my boss started praising me, I realized I was onto something.
- Split workouts seemed like an annoyance at first, but I realized I was onto something when I saw the results.
3. Someone is into you
If someone is into you, this means that they are romantically interested in you. But you can also be into something, which means that you like it. For example, if you are into horror movies, it means that you like watching them.
Examples:
- I started to hang out with him and his friends,
and I realized he was into me not long after. - I know he’s into you. He’s always looking at you.
4. I’m on it
To be on something means that you are actively dealing with a problem. Imagine that your boss told you that there is a particular task that needs to be taken care of right away. You answer: “I’m on it.” This means that you are immediately going to deal with the issue at hand.
Examples:
- A: We need to finish this project by the end of the week.
B: Don’t worry. I’m on it. - Why haven’t you finished the paperwork yet?
I thought you had said you were on it.
5. I’m up for it
If you are up for something, it means that you are willing to do something or try something out. You might be up for a challenge, for example, or you might be up for a fun night out with your friends. Whatever it is, you want to or agree to do it.
Examples:
- This is going to be a big challenge.
Are you sure you’re up for it? - I trust you and I’m up for anything you through at me.
6. I’m down for it (or just “I’m down”)
This might look or sound strange, but to be down for something is the same as to be up for something. It’s just a bit more slangy and it’s used mostly by young people. I know, it sounds counterintuitive because up and down are opposites. But, hey, language is not math and it’s often illogical 😅.
Examples:
- A: Do you want to go to the party tonight?
B: Sure. I’m down for it. - A: Do you want to go grab some lunch?
B: I’m down.
7. I’m in
If you are in or you wish to be counted in, it means that you want to be included in a certain activity. You can say this phrase instead of “I want to participate.” You can also say “count me in.”
Examples:
- Hey, we are planning to throw Jeff a surprise birthday party. Are you in?
- A: I’m going to the movies tonight. Anyone else coming?
B: I’m in.
8. I’m out
If your partner tells you that he/she/they is/are out, this means that they are breaking up with you. You can use this phrase to indicate that you are ending a relationship that you are no longer interested in.
Examples:
- I’m sick and tired of your cheating. I’m out.
- That’s it. It’s over between us. I’m out.
9. Out of it
If you are out of it, it means that you are confused, disoriented, sedated, or intoxicated. For example, you might be confused or “out of it” because you drank too much or because you are sick. But you are just unable to concentrate at the moment or to understand what is going on around you.
Examples:
- Man, I drank so much last night that I don’t remember how I got home.
I hate feeling out if it. - Have you taken something?
You seem a bit out of it.
10. I’m with you
If someone tells you “I’m with you,” it means that they agree with you and have the same opinion on a topic you are discussing. You can say this phrase instead of saying “I agree with you.” This can also mean “I support you.”
Examples:
- A: I hate these tests. They are not helpful at all.
B: I’m with you on that one. - Don’t be afraid to bring up the issue.
The team and I are with you.
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Although you can definitely get by in English without using phrasal verbs, knowing how to use some of them will make you sound and feel more natural. Don’t worry if you still find many of these phrasal verbs confusing; they ARE confusing. But the more you use them, the easier they become. Just have fun and don’t get frustrated if you still find them hard.
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