Intransitive Phrasal Verbs

Verbs with no direct object

Sections
Introduction

1. Definition & Core Meaning

Intransitive phrasal verbs do not take a direct object — they are complete actions on their own.

What is it?
Verbs with no direct object

2. Use Cases

VerbMeaningExample
Break downTo stop workingMy car broke down yesterday.
Get upTo rise from bedI get up at 7 AM.
Show upTo arrive/appearHe didn't show up for the meeting.
Grow upTo become an adultI grew up in London.
Give inTo surrenderThey finally gave in.
Go onTo continuePlease go on with your story.
Go offTo explode/ringThe alarm went off.
Come backTo returnWhen will you come back?
Sit downTo take a seatPlease sit down.
Stand upTo rise to feetStand up when he enters.
Wake upTo stop sleepingI woke up late.
Calm downTo become relaxedYou need to calm down.
Dress upTo wear nice clothesWe dressed up for the party.
Drop inTo visit brieflyFeel free to drop in anytime.
Eat outTo eat at a restaurantWe eat out every Friday.
Get awayTo escapeThe thief got away.
Hold onTo waitHold on a minute.
Look outTo be carefulLook out! A car is coming.
Pass outTo faintIt was so hot I nearly passed out.
Run awayTo escape/leaveThe dog ran away.
Sleep inTo sleep later than usualI love to sleep in on Sundays.
Speak upTo speak louderPlease speak up, I can't hear you.
Stay upTo not go to sleepWe stayed up all night talking.
Take offTo depart (plane)The plane took off on time.
Work outTo exerciseI work out at the gym.

3. When to Use It (Time Expressions/Signals)

[!NOTE]
Use intransitive phrasal verbs when describing a state or action that needs no object.

4. How to Use It (Rules)

  • No direct object is used.
  • Sentence can end with the verb.
  • Cannot be separated (nothing to separate with).