Phrasal Verbs A to Z

Expanding Vocabulary: Mastering Phrasal Verbs Starting with "E"

Introduction

Phrasal verbs are an integral part of the English language, offering a way to express complex ideas through the combination of a simple verb and one or more particles. They are particularly challenging for ESL learners due to their idiomatic meanings that often cannot be deduced from the individual words themselves. This lesson is dedicated to phrasal verbs beginning with the letter 'E', aiming to demystify their usage and enhance your fluency. By the end of this session, you'll have a richer vocabulary and the confidence to use these expressions in both spoken and written English.

1. Ease off: To gradually reduce in intensity or speed.

   • Example: The rain began to ease off by the afternoon.

2. Ease up: Similar to ease off; to become less severe or relaxed.

   • Example: The workload will ease up once the project is complete.

3. Edge out: To gradually defeat someone or become more successful than them.

   • Example: She edged out the other competitors to win the contract.

4. Egg on: To encourage someone to do something, often something unwise.

   • Example: His friends egged him on to jump into the lake.

5. End up: To finally find oneself in a situation or place.

   • Example: If you don't study, you might end up failing the class.

6. Enter into: To start to participate in or become involved in something.

   • Example: The company entered into a new partnership.

7. Even out: To become equal or make something equal.

   • Example: Use a roller to even out the dough.

8. Eye up: To look at someone or something with interest or desire.

   • Example: He was eyeing up the cakes on the display.

9. Ease into: To slowly start or become familiar with something.

   • Example: Ease into the new exercise routine to avoid injury.

10. Eat up: To consume all of something.

    • Example: The kids ate up all the cookies.

11. Edge away/around: To slowly move away from someone or something.

    • Example: She edged away from the crowd to get some air.

12. Embark on/upon: To start a new project or journey.

    • Example: He embarked on a journey across Asia.

13. Endear to: To make oneself beloved or liked.

    • Example: His honesty endeared him to his colleagues.

14. Engage in: To participate in an activity.

    • Example: She engages in community service on weekends.

15. Enter upon: Similar to enter into; to begin or start.

    • Example: We are about to enter upon a new era in the company.

16. Erase from: To completely remove or eliminate from something.

    • Example: The incident was erased from his memory.

17. Escape from: To get away from a place where you have been confined or in danger.

    • Example: The prisoner escaped from jail.

18. Explain away: To give a reason for or excuse something.

    • Example: He tried to explain away his absence with a vague excuse.

19. Eye out for: To watch carefully for someone or something.

    • Example: Keep an eye out for the delivery van.

20. Ease back: To return to something gradually or cautiously.

    • Example: She eased back into work after her maternity leave.

21. Eat away: To gradually destroy, erode, or consume.

    • Example: Rust is eating away at the metal.

22. Edge into: To slowly move into a position or condition.

    • Example: The car edged into a tight parking space.

23. Eke out: To make a small amount of something last longer by using it sparingly.

    • Example: They had to eke out their supplies during the winter.

24. Empty out: To remove everything from inside a space or container.

    • Example: Empty out your pockets before the laundry.

25. Endear oneself to: To make oneself liked or loved by someone.

    • Example: She endeared herself to everyone with her kind nature.

26. Enquire about: To ask for information about something.

    • Example: I called to enquire about the job vacancy.

27. Enter into: To start to engage in an agreement or discussion.

    • Example: They entered into negotiations with the striking workers.

28. Ease off on: To reduce the pressure or intensity of something.

    • Example: Ease off on the brakes as you approach the bend.

29. Eat into: To use up resources or time.

    • Example: The project costs are eating into our profits.

30. Edge forward: To move forward slowly and carefully.

    • Example: The crowd edged forward to get a better view of the stage.

By integrating these phrasal verbs into your daily English use, you'll not only broaden your vocabulary but also gain the ability to express yourself more precisely and naturally. Remember, learning phrasal verbs is an ongoing process, so continuous practice and exposure are key to mastering them.