Phrasal Verbs A to Z

Breaking Down Phrasal Verbs: The Essentials of Beginning with "B"

Introduction

Phrasal verbs are a vital component of the English language, often bringing learners both fascination and frustration in equal measure. These combinations of verbs and prepositions or adverbs can alter the original meaning of the verb entirely, presenting a challenge for those learning English as a second language. In this lesson, we'll explore phrasal verbs that begin with the letter 'B', aiming to demystify their meanings and demonstrate how they can be used in sentences. By the end of this guide, learners will have a clearer understanding of these phrasal verbs and will be better equipped to use them confidently in everyday conversations.

1. Back down: To withdraw or yield in a dispute or confrontation.

   • Example: After a lengthy debate, he finally backed down and agreed with the team's decision.

2. Back up: To support or confirm something or someone.

   • Example: She always backs up her arguments with solid evidence.

3. Bail out: To rescue someone from a difficult situation, often financially.

   • Example: His parents had to bail him out after his business venture failed.

4. Barge in: To enter a place or conversation rudely or abruptly.

   • Example: He barged in without knocking, interrupting the meeting.

5. Bear with: To be patient or tolerant with someone or something.

   • Example: Please bear with me while I sort out this issue.

6. Beat up: To physically attack someone, causing them harm.

   • Example: He was beaten up by a gang on his way home.

7. Blow up: To explode or to cause something to explode.

   • Example: The gas leak caused the house to blow up.

8. Break down: To stop functioning (for machinery) or to lose control emotionally.

   • Example: The car broke down on the way to the airport. / She broke down in tears after hearing the news.

9. Break into: To forcibly enter a building or vehicle.

   • Example: Thieves broke into the house while we were on holiday.

10. Break up: To end a relationship or to disperse a gathering.

    • Example: They decided to break up after five years together.

11. Bring about: To cause something to happen.

    • Example: The new law will bring about significant changes.

12. Bring back: To return something or someone to their original place or condition.

    • Example: Could you bring back the book I lent you last week?

13. Brush up on: To improve one's knowledge or skill in a particular area.

    • Example: I need to brush up on my French before the trip.

14. Buckle down: To start working seriously on something.

    • Example: It's time to buckle down and finish the project.

15. Bump into: To meet someone unexpectedly.

    • Example: I bumped into an old friend at the supermarket.

16. Burn out: To become extremely tired or sick by working too hard over a long period.

    • Example: She was burnt out after months of working overtime.

17. Butt in: To interrupt a conversation rudely.

    • Example: He has a habit of butting in when others are speaking.

18. Buy out: To purchase the entire stock, shares, or interests of a company.

    • Example: The larger company bought out the smaller one.

19. Buy up: To buy large quantities of something or all that is available.

    • Example: Investors bought up all the available shares.

20. Back out: To withdraw from an agreement or commitment.

    • Example: He backed out of the deal at the last minute.

21. Branch out: To expand or extend one's interests or activities.

    • Example: The company is branching out into new markets.

22. Buckle up: To fasten the seatbelt in a vehicle.

    • Example: Always buckle up for safety before driving.

23. Build up: To gradually accumulate or increase something.

    • Example: The company has built up a strong reputation over the years.

24. Burst out: To suddenly say something loudly, especially due to a strong emotion.

    • Example: She burst out laughing at the joke.

25. Butter up: To flatter someone to gain a favor.

    • Example: He's always buttering up the boss for his own advantage.

26. Buzz around: To move quickly and busily from one place to another.

    • Example: The office was buzzing around with activity before the deadline.

27. Bail someone out: To help someone out of a difficult situation, often by lending money.

    • Example: His friend had to bail him out of jail.

28. Bear out: To support or confirm the truth of something.

    • Example: The facts bear out his story.

29. Boil down to: To be summarized or reduced to the most essential point.

    • Example: It all boils down to a lack of communication.

30. Bottle up: To suppress or hide one's feelings.

    • Example: It's not healthy to bottle up your emotions.

By familiarizing yourself with these phrasal verbs, you'll enhance your ability to express yourself more naturally and fluently in English. Remember, the key to mastering phrasal verbs is practice and exposure, so try to incorporate them into your daily conversations and written communications.