Contents
Phrasal verbs with BE are extremely common in everyday English. Although they look simple, many learners find them confusing because BE combines with adjectives, adverbs, or prepositions to create different meanings.
In this lesson, youβll learn a carefully selected list of common phrasal verbs with BE, along with clear meanings, natural examples, and helpful grammar notes. Mastering these expressions will help you sound more fluent and confident in both spoken and written English.
List of Phrasal Verbs with BE
- Be above
- Be along
- Be around
- Be cut out for
- Be down
- Be down to
- Be down on
- Be down
- Be fed up
- Be in for
- Be in on
- Be on about
- Be on to
- Be out for
- Be there for
- Be snowed under
- Be taken aback
- Be taken with
- Be up for
- Be up to
- Be with
Common Phrasal Verbs with BE: Meanings and Examples
Be above
π Pronunciation: /bi ΙΛbΚv/
π Meaning:
1) To consider something beneath your dignity or unworthy of your attention.
2) To be higher in rank or position.
π Example: She is above gossip and refuses to join in.
π‘ Grammar Note: Intransitive β Inseparable
π Synonyms: Be too good for, Be superior to
Be along
π Pronunciation: /bi ΙΛlΙΕ/
π Meaning: To arrive or appear.
π Example: The doctor should be along soon.
π‘ Grammar Note: Intransitive β Inseparable
π Synonyms: Arrive, Show up
Be around
π Pronunciation: /bi ΙΛraΚnd/
π Meaning:
1) To exist or still be present.
2) To spend time near someone; to socialize.
π Example: Is your manager around this afternoon?
π‘ Grammar Note: Intransitive β Inseparable
π Synonyms: Be present, Be nearby
Be cut out for
π Pronunciation: /bi kΚt aΚt fΙΛr/
π Meaning: To be naturally suited for something.
π Example: He is cut out for leadership roles.
π‘ Grammar Note: Intransitive β Inseparable
π Synonyms: Be suited to, Be made for
Be down
π Pronunciation: /bi daΚn/
π Meaning: To feel sad or depressed.
π Example: She is down after failing the exam.
π‘ Grammar Note: Intransitive β Inseparable
π Synonyms: Feel low, Feel blue
Be down with
π Pronunciation: /bi daΚn wΙͺΓ°/
π Meaning: To be ill or sick.
π Example: Iβm down with the flu today.
π‘ Grammar Note: Intransitive β Inseparable
π Synonyms: Be sick with, Come down with
Be down to
π Pronunciation: /bi daΚn tuΛ/
π Meaning: To be reduced to a particular amount.
π Example: Weβre down to our last option.
π‘ Grammar Note: Intransitive β Inseparable
π Synonyms: Be reduced to, Have only left
Be down on
π Pronunciation: /bi daΚn Ιn/
π Meaning: To have a negative opinion about someone or something.
π Example: The boss is down on careless mistakes.
π‘ Grammar Note: Intransitive β Inseparable
π Synonyms: Disapprove of, Look down on
Be fed up
π Pronunciation: /bi fed Κp/
π Meaning: To feel annoyed or tired of something.
π Example: Iβm fed up with constant delays.
π‘ Grammar Note: Intransitive β Inseparable
π Synonyms: Be sick of, Be tired of
Be in for
π Pronunciation: /bi Ιͺn fΙΛr/
π Meaning: To be about to experience something (often unpleasant).
π Example: Youβre in for a surprise.
π‘ Grammar Note: Intransitive β Inseparable
π Synonyms: Be about to face, Be headed for
Be in on
π Pronunciation: /bi Ιͺn Ιn/
π Meaning: To be involved in or aware of a secret.
π Example: Sheβs in on the plan.
π‘ Grammar Note: Intransitive β Inseparable
π Synonyms: Be involved in, Be aware of
Be on about
π Pronunciation: /bi Ιn ΙΛbaΚt/
π Meaning: To talk repeatedly about something.
π Example: Heβs always on about his new car.
π‘ Grammar Note: Intransitive β Inseparable
π Synonyms: Go on about, Keep talking about
Be on to
π Pronunciation: /bi Ιn tuΛ/
π Meaning: To realize the truth.
π Example: The police are on to him.
π‘ Grammar Note: Intransitive β Inseparable
π Synonyms: Figure out, Catch on to
Be out for
π Pronunciation: /bi aΚt fΙΛr/
π Meaning: To want something strongly.
π Example: Heβs out for success.
π‘ Grammar Note: Intransitive β Inseparable
π Synonyms: Seek, Aim for
Be there for
π Pronunciation: /bi Γ°eΙ fΙΛr/
π Meaning: To support someone emotionally.
π Example: Iβll always be there for you.
π‘ Grammar Note: Intransitive β Inseparable
π Synonyms: Support, Stand by
Be snowed under
π Pronunciation: /bi snΙΚd ΛΚndΙ/
π Meaning: To be extremely busy.
π Example: Iβm snowed under with work.
π‘ Grammar Note: Intransitive β Inseparable
π Synonyms: Be swamped, Be overloaded
Be taken aback
π Pronunciation: /bi ΛteΙͺkΙn ΙΛbΓ¦k/
π Meaning: To be surprised or shocked.
π Example: She was taken aback by his comment.
π‘ Grammar Note: Passive form β Inseparable
π Synonyms: Be shocked, Be startled
Be taken with
π Pronunciation: /bi ΛteΙͺkΙn wΙͺΓ°/
π Meaning: To be attracted to or impressed by.
π Example: He was taken with her confidence.
π‘ Grammar Note: Passive form β Inseparable
π Synonyms: Be impressed by, Be charmed by
Be up for
π Pronunciation: /bi Κp fΙΛr/
π Meaning: To be willing or eager.
π Example: Are you up for a challenge?
π‘ Grammar Note: Intransitive β Inseparable
π Synonyms: Be willing to, Be game for
Be up to
π Pronunciation: /bi Κp tuΛ/
π Meaning: To be doing something.
π Example: What are you up to tonight?
π‘ Grammar Note: Intransitive β Inseparable
π Synonyms: Be doing, Be occupied with
Be with
π Pronunciation: /bi wΙͺΓ°/
π Meaning:
1) To be in a romantic relationship.
2) To agree with or support someone.
π Example: Iβm with you on that decision.
π‘ Grammar Note: Intransitive β Inseparable
π Synonyms: Agree with, Support
Dialogue Examples with Phrasal Verbs with BE
Dialogue 1
A: You look exhausted. Whatβs going on?
B: Iβve been snowed under with deadlines all week.
A: That sounds stressful. Are you up for taking a break tonight?
B: Iβd love to, but Iβm still down to my last task.
A: Donβt worry. Iβll be there for you if you need help.
Dialogue 2
A: Why does Mark seem so quiet today?
B: Heβs a bit down after the meeting.
A: Really? I thought he was cut out for leadership roles.
B: He is, but the manager was really down on his proposal.
A: Iβm with Mark on that ideaβit made sense to me.
Exercises with Answers
Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks
Complete the sentences using the correct phrasal verb with BE.
- She is completely ________ with her job and wants a change.
- Iβm ________ for whatever challenge comes next.
- He was ________ aback by the final decision.
- Weβre ________ to only one option now.
- Sheβs ________ with a bad cold today.
Answer Key β Exercise 1
- fed up
- up
- taken
- down
- down
Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer
Choose the correct phrasal verb with BE to complete each sentence.
- If you lie again, youβll be _____ serious trouble.(a) in for (b) out for (c) on about
- Sheβs always _____ new opportunities to grow professionally.(a) up to (b) out for (c) down on
- Donβt worryβyour parents will always _____ you.(a) be there for (b) be on to (c) be around
- The police are _____ the scam already.(a) on about (b) on to (c) with
- Iβm totally _____ you on this decision.(a) with (b) up to (c) down to
Answer Key β Exercise 2
- a) in for
- b) out for
- a) be there for
- b) on to
- a) with
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Are phrasal verbs with BE separable?
A: No. These expressions are inseparable. The verb BE always stays with the adjective or preposition.
Q: Does the verb BE change tense in phrasal verbs with BE?
A: Yes. The verb BE must be conjugated according to the subject and tense (am / is / are / was / were), while the rest of the phrasal verb remains unchanged.
Conclusion
Understanding phrasal verbs with BE will greatly improve your fluency and comprehension. Practice them regularly in context, and donβt forget to review the grammar notes to avoid common mistakes.
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