Change & Development — Phrasal Verbs
Change · 8 phrasal verbs · Level B2
grow into
Meaning: to become big or mature enough for something
grow IN-to transitive inseparable — the object stays after the whole verb
Example: Kids grow into their older siblings' clothes.
In conversation: She grew into a confident leader.
Common partners: grow into clothes · grow into a role
⚠️ Common mistake: Grow into = time makes it fit (clothes, roles, skills). Grow out of = the opposite!
A He'll grow into the jacket.
B By winter, probably.
turn into
Meaning: to change and become something different
turn IN-to transitive inseparable — the object stays after the whole verb
Example: Small towns turn into cities over decades.
In conversation: The meeting turned into an argument.
Common partners: turn into a problem · turn into a tradition
⚠️ Common mistake: Turn into needs a RESULT: turned into a mess / turned into a success.
A Rain can turn into snow tonight.
B Then the roads get dangerous.
phase in
Meaning: to introduce something gradually
phase IN transitive separable — a pronoun goes in the middle of the verb
Example: The school will phase in the new system over a year.
In conversation: They phase in flexible hours this spring.
Common partners: phase in gradually · phase in over months
⚠️ Common mistake: The partner of phase out: old out slowly, new in slowly.
A They phase in the new software in June.
B Training starts next week.
build on
Meaning: to use an existing success as a base for more
build ON transitive inseparable — the object stays after the whole verb
Example: Build on what you learned in Book One.
In conversation: The team built on last year's success.
Common partners: build on success · build on experience
⚠️ Common mistake: Build on = start FROM something good. Build up = grow something gradually.
A Build on your A2 English daily.
B Small steps, every day — got it.
catch up with
Meaning: to reach the same level as someone/something ahead
catch UP with transitive inseparable — the object stays after the whole verb
Example: Run fast to catch up with the group.
In conversation: Technology catches up with science fiction.
Common partners: catch up with the leaders · the past catches up with you
⚠️ Common mistake: Dark version: Your past catches up with you = old mistakes return. Common in stories!
A I'll catch up with you at the corner.
B Hurry — we leave in five.
do away with
Meaning: to abolish or get rid of something completely
do a-WAY with transitive inseparable — the object stays after the whole verb
Example: The school did away with paper forms.
In conversation: Many cities do away with cash parking meters.
Common partners: do away with rules · do away with fees
⚠️ Common mistake: Do away with = officially END a system/rule: They did away with the dress code.
A They did away with the entry fee.
B Free for everyone now!
give way to
Meaning: to be replaced by something new
give WAY to transitive inseparable — the object stays after the whole verb
Example: Old factories give way to apartments.
In conversation: Anger gave way to relief.
Common partners: give way to new buildings · winter gives way to spring
⚠️ Common mistake: Formal and written — beautiful in essays: Night gave way to dawn.
A The old theater gave way to a mall.
B Progress, I guess.
stem from
Meaning: to be caused by / originate from
stem FROM transitive inseparable — the object stays after the whole verb
Example: Most arguments stem from poor communication.
In conversation: Her confidence stems from years of practice.
Common partners: stem from a problem · stem from experience
⚠️ Common mistake: Stem from points BACKWARD to the cause: problems stem from X.
A His fear stems from childhood.
B Therapy is helping him see that.
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