Phrasal verbs for relationships: A guide to natural English conversation

Relationships can be a rollercoaster of emotions, and finding the right words to describe them isn’t always easy. That’s where phrasal verbs for relationships come in. These everyday expressions add color and depth to how we talk about love, friendship, and family.

Whether you are “falling for” someone new or “patching up” a friendship p after a “falling out,” mastering these terms is essential for sounding like a native speaker. In this guide, we break down the most common relationship phrasal verbs with meanings and examples.

Pro tip for learners: Mastering phrasal verbs takes practice. We recommend using the Oxford Phrasal Verbs Dictionary or the English Phrasal Verbs in Use Workbook to practice these expressions daily.

Essential phrasal verbs for dating and romance

If you are navigating the early stages of a relationship or a long-term marriage, these are the verbs you will hear most often.

Phrasal verbs for friendship and social connection

Not all relationships are romantic. Use these phrases to describe your friends, colleagues, and family members.

• Get along: To have a friendly or harmonious relationship.
  • Example: “The children get along so well together.”
• Look up to: To admire or respect someone deeply.
  • Example: “I have always looked up to my father for his integrity.”
• Stand by: To remain loyal to someone during difficult times.
  • Example: “Jen stood by her husband through thick and thin.”
• Look down on: To regard someone as inferior (the opposite of look up to).
  • Example: “It is wrong to look down on people because of their job.”

Handling conflict: Phrasal verbs for relationship problems

No relationship is perfect. Here is how to describe the “rough patches” using native-level English.

1. Falling out

This means to have a serious argument that damages the relationship.

• Example: “I had a big falling out with my brother over money.”

Arguments are often tied to how we feel; check out our guide on phrasal verbs for emotions to learn more.

2. Put up with

To tolerate someone’s unpleasant behavior.

• Example: “I don’t know how she puts up with his constant complaining.”

3. Patch up

To repair a relationship or “fix” the bond after an argument.

• Example: “They finally patched up their friendship after not speaking for months.”

4. Wear down

To make someone feel tired or exhausted through persistent behavior.

• Example: “He was worn down by his partner’s constant criticism.”

5. Wrestle with

To struggle with a difficult decision or problem.

• Example: “They are wrestling with the decision of whether to move abroad.”

Need to patch up a rough patch? Sometimes the right words are hard to find. Tools like The 5-Minute Couple’s Journal or Relationship Conversation Starter Cards can help you “work through” communication hurdles.

Ending a relationship: Phrasal verbs for breaking up

When things don’t work out, English speakers use these specific phrases to describe the end.

• Break up / Split up: To end a romantic relationship.
  • Example: “My parents split up when I was 14 years old.”
• Cut loose: To end a connection or stop dating someone, often to avoid trouble.
  • Example: “You need to cut him loose before his drama affects your life.”
• Move on: To stop having feelings for someone and start a new chapter.
  • Example: “It took her years to move on after the divorce.”
• Let down: To fail to support someone or disappoint them.
  • Example: “He really let her down when he forgot their anniversary.”

Frequently asked questions about relationship phrasal verbs

Summary and further study

Phrasal verbs for relationships add nuance to your English. Remember, context is key; the meaning can shift depending on the situation. Some phrases, like patch up, apply to both friends and lovers, while others, like make out, are strictly romantic.

Expand your vocabulary with these guides:

• Why study Phrasal verbs?: Understand the logic behind these complex verb structures to make learning easier.
• Phrasal verbs for emotions: Learn how to describe how you feel after a breakup or a new crush.
• Phrasal verbs for everyday: Expand your vocabulary beyond relationships into daily chores and work life.
• Phrasal verbs for travel: Whether you travel for business or pleasure, learn these phrases to up your game.

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