8 Ways To Teach Phrasal Verbs Easily | Bright Classroom Ideas
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Phrasal verbs are a common and important part of the English language, and as a teacher, it’s essential to know how to effectively teach them to English language learners. Here are some key strategies for teaching phrasal verbs in English.
1. Introduce phrasal verbs in context
Introducing phrasal verbs in context is one of the most effective ways to help students understand the meaning of the phrasal verbs. Contextualization can be done through various means, including using videos, images, and reading texts.
Example: when teaching the phrasal verb “run into,” you can show a video of two friends running into each other at a coffee shop. By seeing the phrasal verb in action, students can better understand the meaning of the word.
2. Teach phrasal verbs in groups
Phrasal verbs can be grouped according to their meaning or function. Grouping phrasal verbs in this way helps students understand how they are used in context and can also help them remember the words more easily.
Example: phrasal verbs related to travel can be grouped together, such as “take off,” “land,” and “check in.”
3. Use real-life examples
Real-life examples can help students understand how phrasal verbs are used in everyday language. Teachers can use examples from movies, TV shows, books, and newspapers to show how phrasal verbs are used in context.
Example: when teaching the phrasal verb “break up,” a teacher can show a clip from a movie or TV show where a couple breaks up, which will give students a better understanding of the word.
4. Focus on the particle
Phrasal verbs consist of a verb and a particle (e.g., “run into,” “look up”). In many cases, the meaning of the phrasal verb depends on the particle. Therefore, it’s important to focus on the particle when teaching phrasal verbs.
Example: the phrasal verb “break down” can mean “to stop working,” but “break up” means “to end a relationship.” Teachers should focus on the different particles used in phrasal verbs and explain how they change the meaning of the verb.
