Phrasal Verbs A to Z

Powering Up Your English: Essential Phrasal Verbs Starting with "P"

Introduction

Phrasal verbs are an integral part of the English language, offering a dynamic way to express a wide array of actions and ideas. For learners of English as a Second Language (ESL), acquiring a solid understanding of phrasal verbs is crucial for achieving fluency and confidence in both spoken and written English. This lesson focuses on phrasal verbs that start with the letter "P", aiming to demystify their meanings and showcase their usage through practical examples. By the end of this guide, you'll be better prepared to integrate these versatile expressions into your everyday language, enriching your conversations and writings with nuanced expressions.

1. Pass away: To die.

   • Example: His grandfather passed away after a long illness.

2. Pass out: To faint or lose consciousness.

   • Example: She passed out from dehydration during the hike.

3. Pass up: To decline or refuse a good opportunity.

   • Example: I can't believe he passed up the chance to study abroad.

4. Pay back: To repay money owed or take revenge.

   • Example: I'll pay you back next week for the concert ticket.

5. Pay off: To result in success or to finish paying a debt.

   • Example: All his hard work paid off when he was promoted.

6. Pick out: To select or choose.

   • Example: She picked out a dress for the party.

7. Pick up: To lift; also, to learn something new or to collect someone.

   • Example: He picked up a few words of Spanish on his vacation.

8. Point out: To indicate or mention something.

   • Example: She pointed out the main attractions on the map.

9. Put away: To tidy up or store something in its place.

   • Example: Please put away your toys before dinner.

10. Put off: To postpone or delay.

    • Example: We've put off our meeting until next week.

11. Put on: To dress oneself in something; also, to gain (weight).

    • Example: He put on his coat and left the house.

12. Put out: To extinguish; also, to inconvenience someone.

    • Example: The firefighters put out the fire quickly.

13. Put up with: To tolerate or endure.

    • Example: I can't put up with this noise any longer.

14. Pull apart: To separate or tear into pieces.

    • Example: The kids pulled apart the toy to see how it worked.

15. Pull off: To successfully achieve something difficult.

    • Example: She pulled off a surprise party without him suspecting anything.

16. Pull over: To move to the side of the road and stop.

    • Example: The police officer signaled for the car to pull over.

17. Push back: To reschedule to a later time or date.

    • Example: We need to push back the deadline to accommodate the new changes.

18. Push for: To strongly advocate or demand something.

    • Example: The team is pushing for better working conditions.

19. Phase out: To gradually stop using something.

    • Example: The company plans to phase out the old software by the end of the year.

20. Pile up: To accumulate or stack up.

    • Example: The work just keeps piling up.

21. Pipe down: To become quiet or stop talking.

    • Example: The teacher asked the students to pipe down.

22. Play down: To make something seem less important or serious.

    • Example: He played down the risks involved in the procedure.

23. Play up: To emphasize or highlight the importance of something.

    • Example: The brochure plays up the benefits of early investment.

24. Press on: To continue or proceed, especially with determination.

    • Example: Despite the difficulties, they pressed on with the project.

25. Price out: To establish a price for something; also, to become too expensive for someone.

    • Example: We were priced out of the housing market in that area.

26. Pry into: To inquire too closely into someone else's private matters.

    • Example: It's rude to pry into other people's affairs.

27. Pucker up: To contract one's lips, usually in preparation for a kiss.

    • Example: She puckered up when he leaned in.

28. Pump up: To inflate; also, to excite or motivate.

    • Example: The coach pumped up the team before the game.

29. Pair off: To form pairs or couples.

    • Example: The teacher asked the students to pair off for the dance lesson.

30. Plow through: To proceed with difficulty; also, to work through something laboriously.

    • Example: He plowed through the paperwork that had accumulated on his desk.

By integrating these "P" starting phrasal verbs into your English usage, you'll not only enrich your vocabulary but also enhance your ability to express complex ideas and emotions more effectively. Remember, consistent practice in various contexts is key to mastering these versatile linguistic tools.