If you want to sound more like a native English speaker, mastering phrasal verbs is non-negotiable. While you might already know basic two-word phrasal verbs like “check in” (to register), things get a little more challenging—and much more interesting—when we enter advanced territory.
Enter the 3-word phrasal verb. These blocks consist of a verb + two prepositions. Adding that second preposition often completely changes the original meaning. For example, “check in” transforms entirely when it becomes “check in on” (to visit someone to see if they are okay).
This guide breaks down 10 advanced 3-word phrasal verbs that will instantly elevate your English fluency.
The 10 Essential 3-Word Phrasal Verbs
1. Keep up with
- Meaning: To remain up to date, or to keep pace and follow at the same speed as someone or something.
- Examples:
- “Sorry boss, but I can’t keep up with all the paperwork.”
- “Our hiking guide walked fast, but we were able to keep up with him.”
2. Put up with
- Meaning: To tolerate or endure an annoying person or an unpleasant situation without complaining.
- Examples:
- “It’s enough! I can’t put up with you anymore, get out!”
- “Jesse’s room is super messy. I wonder why her mom puts up with the mess.”
3. Come up with
- Meaning: To think of an idea, a plan, or a creative solution to a problem.
- Examples:
- “I came up with a great idea for you guys to improve your English…”
- “Leah came up with a business idea to make more money.”
4. Cut back on
- Meaning: To reduce the consumption, use, or amount of something.
- Examples:
- “I need to cut back on my spending to save money.”
- “I’m getting chubby, so I have decided to cut back on fast food.”
5. Come down with
- Meaning: To catch an illness or start becoming sick.
- Examples:
- “I’m not feeling well; I think I’m coming down with the flu.”
- “She came down with food poisoning after eating sushi last night.”
6. Let [someone] in on
- Meaning: To share a secret, a plan, or private information with someone.
- Examples:
- “Can you let me in on your gardening secrets?”
- “Julia finally let me in on the surprise party plans.”
7. Look out for
- Meaning: To be watchful, alert, vigilant, or careful about potential danger or opportunities.
- Examples:
- “When you drive, you have to look out for people crossing the road.”
- “To save money when you go shopping, make sure to always look out for sales.”
8. Look up to
- Meaning: To deeply admire, respect, or view someone as a role model.
- Examples:
- “I really look up to professional footballers for their stamina.”
- “I always looked up to my mother for her positive personality.”
9. Look down on
- Meaning: To feel superior to someone, or to think they are less important or inferior.
- Examples:
- “Rich people often look down on the poor.”
- “I felt like the interviewer was looking down on me because I don’t have a college degree.”
10. Hold off on
- Meaning: To delay, postpone, or wait until a later time to do something.
- Examples:
- “I’ve decided to hold off on traveling to the US until I save more money.”
- “You’d better hold off on buying a car until the annual sales start.”
Summary Reference Table
| Phrasal Verb | Quick Definition | Common Context |
| Keep up with | Stay at the same pace | Technology, paperwork, fast walkers |
| Put up with | Tolerate / Endure | Annoying behavior, messy rooms |
| Come up with | Create an idea / Solution | Plans, business ideas, strategies |
| Cut back on | Reduce consumption | Spending, fast food, expenses |
| Come down with | Get sick | Flu, virus, food poisoning |
| Let in on | Share a secret | Surprise parties, private tips |
| Look out for | Stay alert / Watchful | Pedestrians, sales, pickpockets |
| Look up to | Admire / Respect | Parents, mentors, athletes |
| Look down on | Feel superior to | Class differences, qualifications |
| Hold off on | Postpone / Delay | Large purchases, travel plans |
Test Your Knowledge: Contextual Practice Quiz
Try to fill in the correct phrasal verb mentally before checking the context clues provided below!
- Quiz 1: “Eric complains all the time, how can you put up with him?” (Context: Dealing with someone’s annoying habits)
- Quiz 2: “We need to come up with a good name for our new product.” (Context: Brainstorming a creative solution)
- Quiz 3: “The world is changing so fast, it’s hard to keep up with new technology these days.” (Context: Trying to stay up to date)
- Quiz 4: “Can I let you in on something? Sure, you can tell me anything…” (Context: Sharing a secret)
- Quiz 5: “I feel pain in my back, so I’m going to cut back on exercise for a few days.” (Context: Reducing an activity for health reasons)
- Quiz 6: “When visiting a crowded market, it is important to look out for pickpockets.” (Context: Staying alert to danger)
- Quiz 7: “The entire family came down with a virus and had to stay home for a week.” (Context: Catching an illness)
Quick-Fire Review Challenge
Can you match the real-world scenario to the phrasal verb?
- Hiking in the woods requires you to look out for wildlife.
- If a speaker talks too fast, you might struggle to keep up with them.
- Delaying a major software integration means you hold off on it.
- Dealing with a sibling’s daily pranks means you put up with them.
- Getting sick from unexpected mosquito bites means you came down with malaria.
Which of these phrasal verbs do you find yourself using the most in your daily conversations?
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