Phrasal verbs
Occasionally when you add or change a particle after a verb it will radically change the meaning of the verb. That's why some students get scared when the come across (find) phrasal verbs for the first time. However, they are an essential part of modern English so students would do well to spend some time getting familiar with at least the most common ones.
Phrasal verbs are basically short two or three word phrases, usually a verb plus one or two particles, that change the meaning of the verbs. Depending on the context the meaning of the phrasal verb can also change. Sounds a bit difficult, but don't worry, once you start recognising and listening for these phrases you'll understand it in no time!
First you start with a non-phrasal verb. Let's say the verb “pick” for example. The meaning of this word usually means to choose. Have a look at this example:
Verb: Pick
“I couldn't pick between the pizza and the steak.”
But if we add the word “up” to our verb pick we then get the phrasal verb “pick up”. Pick up...
Phrasal Verb: Pick Up
So this phrasal verb has multiple meanings, but generally it means to collect something or someone.
“Can you pick up some sugar on your way home from work?”
“I dropped my pen, will you pick it up for me?”
“I have to pick up the kids from karate today at 4PM!”