Phrasal Verbs for Relationships Exercises

English uses a rich set of phrasal verbs to describe relationships and social interactions. When you have a good relationship with someone, you get on with them. If friends have an argument, they might fall out, but hopefully they will make up afterwards. Romantic relationships use their own set: you might ask someone out (invite them on a date), go out with someone (be in a relationship), or sadly break up (end the relationship). These phrasal verbs are essential for talking about the people in your life.

Many relationship phrasal verbs are inseparable, especially three-word verbs like get on with, look up to (admire and respect), and put up with (tolerate). However, some are separable: "She asked him out" (not "asked out him"). An important phrasal verb for advanced learners is grow apart, which describes two people slowly becoming less close over time: "They grew apart after moving to different cities." This is different from break up, which suggests a definite, often sudden end. Cambridge B1 and B2 exams frequently test relationship phrasal verbs in both reading and listening sections, often in conversations between friends or stories about family dynamics.