Phrasal Verbs A to Z

Flourishing in English: Phrasal Verbs Starting with "F"

Introduction

The use of phrasal verbs in the English language cannot be overstated. These combinations of verbs and prepositions or adverbs take on unique meanings that often diverge significantly from the meanings of their individual parts. For ESL learners, understanding and using phrasal verbs is crucial for achieving fluency and naturalness in English communication. This lesson is dedicated to phrasal verbs that start with the letter 'F'. By exploring these verbs, you will gain valuable insights into their usage, enhancing both your comprehension and expressive abilities in English.

1. Face up to: To accept and deal with a difficult reality.

   • Example: It's time to face up to our responsibilities.

2. Fall apart: To break into pieces; also used metaphorically to describe failure or collapse.

   • Example: The old book fell apart in my hands. / Their marriage began to fall apart.

3. Fall back on: To rely on something or someone as a backup plan.

   • Example: If the job doesn't work out, I can always fall back on my savings.

4. Fall for: To be deceived by; also, to develop romantic feelings for someone.

   • Example: I can't believe you fell for that trick. / He fell for her the moment they met.

5. Fall through: For plans or arrangements to fail to happen.

   • Example: Our holiday plans fell through at the last minute.

6. Fan out: To spread out over a wide area.

   • Example: The search party fanned out to cover more ground.

7. Fend off: To defend against an attack or unwanted questions.

   • Example: She fended off the criticism with good humor.

8. Fess up: Informal; to admit something, typically a wrongdoing.

   • Example: It's better to fess up to your mistake now.

9. Figure out: To understand or find a solution to something.

   • Example: It took me a while to figure out the problem.

10. Fill in: To provide information or details that are missing.

    • Example: Can you fill in the form before your appointment?

11. Fill out: To complete (a form, questionnaire, etc.) by providing required information.

    • Example: Please fill out this application carefully.

12. Find out: To discover information or a fact.

    • Example: We need to find out the truth.

13. Fire up: To start a machine, or to excite or energize someone.

    • Example: Fire up the grill, we're having a barbecue! / The coach fired up the team before the game.

14. Fish out: To retrieve something from a liquid or container.

    • Example: He fished out a coin from the fountain.

15. Fit in: To get along well in a group or situation; to belong.

    • Example: She quickly fitted in at her new school.

16. Fix up: To repair or renovate something.

    • Example: They fixed up the old house and sold it for a profit.

17. Flake out: Informal; to fail to meet someone or do something as promised.

    • Example: He flaked out on us at the last minute.

18. Flare up: To suddenly become more intense, usually referring to conflicts or medical conditions.

    • Example: The discussion flared up into a full-blown argument.

19. Flesh out: To add more details to something to make it more complete.

    • Example: We need to flesh out the proposal before submitting it.

20. Flick through: To look quickly through a book, magazine, etc.

    • Example: She flicked through the magazine, looking for the article.

21. Flip out: Informal; to react in an excited, angry, or agitated manner.

    • Example: He flipped out when he saw the damage to his car.

22. Flirt with: To consider something casually or not seriously.

    • Example: She flirted with the idea of moving abroad.

23. Flog off: Informal; to sell something, especially something undesirable.

    • Example: He's trying to flog off his old computer.

24. Fool around: To waste time doing unimportant things; also, to engage in casual sexual activity.

    • Example: Stop fooling around and get to work.

25. Fork out: Informal; to pay an amount of money, especially reluctantly.

    • Example: I had to fork out a fortune for the car repairs.

26. Frown upon: To disapprove of something.

    • Example: Smoking is frowned upon in many public places.

27. Fumble around: To search for something by feeling or groping clumsily.

    • Example: I fumbled around in the dark looking for the light switch.

28. Fuse together: To join or blend to form a single entity.

    • Example: The metals are fused together under high heat.

29. Fizzle out: To gradually end or lose strength, often disappointingly.

    • Example: The protest fizzled out after a few hours.

30. Fawn over: To give excessive attention or flattery to someone, often to gain favor.

    • Example: The students fawned over the visiting celebrity.

Mastering these phrasal verbs beginning with 'F' will significantly enhance your English vocabulary, enabling you to express yourself more vividly and accurately. Remember, regular practice in using these verbs in your conversations and writing will help cement your understanding and ensure these expressions become a natural part of your English repertoire.