In this deck you will master ten essential phrasal verbs that have multiple meanings. These verbs are tricky because the same phrasal verb can mean completely different things depending on the context. For example, turn up can mean to arrive somewhere, to increase volume, or to appear unexpectedly. Learning to distinguish between these meanings will make your English sound much more natural.

Let's start with turn up. This phrasal verb has three main meanings. First, it means to arrive somewhere, usually unexpectedly or late. You might say John turned up at the party after midnight. Second, it means to increase the volume or intensity of something. Please turn up the music, I can't hear it. Third, it means something appears or is found, often when you weren't looking for it. My keys turned up in the washing machine.

Now let's look at pick up, which has four common meanings. First, it means to lift something from a surface. Can you pick up that book from the floor? Second, it means to collect someone or something, usually by car. I'll pick you up at seven o'clock. Third, it means to learn something quickly or casually. She picked up French while living in Paris. Fourth, it means to improve or get better. Business is picking up after the slow winter months.