Introduction

Neil and Georgie demonstrate some phrasal verbs that can be used to talk about friendships and relationships in general. 

Phrasal verbs mentioned

get on (with someone)
like someone and have a friendly relationship with them

  • My sister and I really get on. We have a lot of fun together!
  • Arturo gets on with his colleagues. They have similar personalities.

fall out (with someone)
stop being friends with someone after an argument

  • Mia and Nathan fell out after Mia lied and didn’t apologise.
  • Jake fell out with his roommate about household responsibilities. 

run into (someone)
meet someone unexpectedly

  • Fatima ran into her neighbour at the supermarket.
  • Two childhood friends ran into each other in a London coffee shop. 

hear from (someone)
receive communication from someone, e.g. via phone, email or letter

  • I was thrilled to hear from my long-lost friend after years of being out of touch.
  • Do you know how Uncle Jim is? I haven’t heard from him in a while.

make up (with someone)
become friends with someone again after having an argument

  • It took time, but eventually the siblings made up and repaired their relationship.
  • We’re all waiting for you and Charlie to make up. It would be a shame to lose the friendship.

hang out (with someone)
spend time relaxing or socialising with someone

  • At the weekend, my friends and I hang out at the local coffee shop.
  • I love hanging out with my younger cousins – they’re so funny! 

catch up (with someone)
talk to someone about what’s been happening in your lives since the last time you spoke

  • Family reunions are a great time to catch up with relatives you don’t see often.
  • I caught up with Lina last week – so much has happened since I last saw her!

TOP TIPS!

  • If you see the word ‘something’, it usually means the verb requires an object.
  • If ‘something’ is in the middle of the phrasal verb, it means that it can be separated by the object (but doesn’t have to be).
  • If ‘something’ is at the end of the phrasal verb, it means it cannot be separated.