150 High Frequency Phrasal Verbs: a – K

come across
find by chance
🔹 We came across a beautiful park while we were walking around the town.


come down with
become ill with a cold, flu, etc
🔹 I’ve got an awful headache. I hope I’m not coming down with something.


come on
We use ‘come on’ …
…to get somebody to do something more quickly…
🔹 Come on, eat your breakfast, or you’ll be late for school.
…to encourage them to do sth…
🔹 Come on, come to the party with us. It’ll be fun.
…or to ask them to be more reasonable.
🔹 Come on, you can’t expect me to work late again tonight. I’m exhausted.


come out
become available to buy or see
🔹 When is J K Rowling’s next book coming out?


could do with
really need something, would benefit from something.
🔹 Jill is so tired. She could do with a holiday.
🔹 If you don’t mind, I could really do with some help in the kitchen. The guests will be arriving soon.


cut down (on)
consume less (often for health benefits)
🔹 Would you like some wine? No thanks, I’m trying to cut down.
🔹 The doctor told Philip he should cut down on salt.


cut off
stop the supply of electricity, gas, etc
🔹 If you don’t pay the bill soon, the gas company will cut us off.
🔹 My mum and I were talking on the phone when suddenly we were cut off (= the signal was broken)


do up
fasten clothes
🔹 It’s very cold so do up your coat before you go outside.


do without
manage without somebody or something
🔹 There’s no wifi at the hotel. We’ll just have to do without.
🔹 “Can you do without me at the shop tomorrow morning? I need to take my dad to the airport.”