Phrasal Verbs A to Z

Harnessing English: Phrasal Verbs Starting with "H"

Introduction

Phrasal verbs are a pivotal aspect of English language learning, offering dynamic ways to convey actions and ideas. For learners of English as a Second Language (ESL), understanding and effectively using phrasal verbs beginning with the letter 'H' can significantly improve communication skills. This lesson delves into such phrasal verbs, equipping you with the knowledge to use them confidently in various contexts. By the end of this guide, you will have expanded your vocabulary and gained a deeper understanding of these versatile expressions.

1. Hand back: To return something to the person who gave it to you.

   • Example: The teacher handed back the exams at the end of class.

2. Hand down: To give something to a younger person, especially within the same family.

   • Example: The necklace was handed down from her grandmother.

3. Hand in: To submit something (like homework or a report).

   • Example: Students must hand in their assignments by Friday.

4. Hand out: To distribute something to a group of people.

   • Example: They were handing out free samples in the store.

5. Hang about/around: To spend time in a place waiting or doing nothing much.

   • Example: There were a lot of teenagers hanging about outside the cinema.

6. Hang back: To hesitate or hold back.

   • Example: She hung back because she was nervous about meeting new people.

7. Hang on: To wait for a short time; also, to hold something tightly.

   • Example: Hang on a minute while I grab my coat.

8. Hang out: To spend time relaxing or socializing.

   • Example: We usually hang out at the park on weekends.

9. Hang up: To end a phone call; also, to place clothes on a hook or hanger.

   • Example: He hung up before I could answer his question.

10. Head back: To return to a place.

    • Example: After the movie, we headed back home.

11. Head for: To go in the direction of.

    • Example: We're heading for the beach this weekend.

12. Head off: To prevent something from happening; also, to leave somewhere.

    • Example: We need to head off any potential problems.

13. Heat up: To make something hot; to become exciting or tense.

    • Example: Can you heat up the soup for lunch?

14. Help out: To assist someone.

    • Example: I'll help out with the cleaning after dinner.

15. Hide away: To go to a place where you won't be found or bothered.

    • Example: I just want to hide away and read my book.

16. Hold back: To restrain or keep something from happening.

    • Example: She held back tears during the speech.

17. Hold down: To keep a job; to restrain someone or something.

    • Example: It's hard to hold down a job while studying full time.

18. Hold off: To delay doing something; to keep someone or something at bay.

    • Example: Let's hold off on making a decision until next week.

19. Hold on: To wait; to grip something tightly.

    • Example: Hold on, I'll check the schedule.

20. Hold out: To resist; to survive in difficult circumstances.

    • Example: The city held out until reinforcements arrived.

21. Hold up: To delay; to rob, especially using a weapon.

    • Example: Traffic was held up due to the accident.

22. Hook up: To connect a machine to a power supply; informally, to meet someone or to begin a relationship.

    • Example: Let's hook up the DVD player to the TV.

23. Hurry up: To do something more quickly.

    • Example: Hurry up, or we'll be late!

24. Hush up: To keep something secret.

    • Example: They tried to hush up the scandal.

25. Hone in: To focus attention closely on something.

    • Example: The team honed in on the main issue during the meeting.

26. Hit back: To retaliate or respond strongly to criticism.

    • Example: She hit back at the critics in her latest interview.

27. Hammer out: To negotiate or reach an agreement through discussion.

    • Example: The two sides need to hammer out their differences.

28. Heap on: To give or add in large amounts.

    • Example: He heaped praise on the winning team.

29. Hedge around: To avoid giving a direct answer or making a firm decision.

    • Example: He hedged around the question of his future plans.

30. Hunker down: To settle into a safe or comfortable place or position, especially for a long duration.

    • Example: We hunkered down at home during the storm.

Understanding and using these phrasal verbs beginning with 'H' will not only boost your English vocabulary but also help you communicate more effectively and naturally. Remember, practice makes perfect, so try to incorporate these expressions into your daily conversations and written communications.