Phrasal verbs: social interactions

This ESL worksheet introduces students to 15 common phrasal verbs for social interactions and everyday situations. Through dialogues, matching tasks, guided discussions, and role-play style activities, learners develop fluency and confidence using these expressions naturally in conversation.

By the end of the worksheet, students will be able to:

• Recognise and understand the meanings of key phrasal verbs for socialising, daily events, and small talk.

• Use these verbs appropriately in short dialogues and casual interactions.

• Practise speaking skills through realistic scenarios that encourage collaboration and creativity.

This resource is ideal for intermediate learners who want to expand their vocabulary for social contexts.

Activities Overview

Activity 1 – Learners are introduced to all phrasal verbs through 5 short dialogues. These examples highlight how the verbs are used in natural conversations. After each dialogyue, students match the verbs to their definitions to build understanding.

Activity 2 – Students complete dialogue with the correct phrasal verbs.

Activity 3 – A series of personalised discussion questions invites learners to reflect on their own experiences. Students practise recalling and using the phrasal verbs while talking about real-life situations, such as unexpected encounters, cancelled plans, or catching up with friends.

Activity 4 –Students look at images and complete the corresponding sentences with the correct verb.

Activity 5 – A creative pair-work task. Students select both a scenario and a pair of phrasal verbs, then collaborate to write and perform a short dialogue. This reinforces accuracy while encouraging fluency and improvisation.

For more speaking practice, you can use the printable conversation cards.