English Phrasal Verbs

Alphabetical list H of commonly-used phrasal verbs.

Phrasal Verbs beginning with the letter 'H'

hand back
- Return.
  "She read the article and then handed it back."
hand down
- Pass on (by tradition, inheritance...).
  "My clothes were handed down to me by my older sister."
hand in
- Submit (report, homework).
  "All application forms must be handed in before the end of the month."
hand out
- Distribute.
  "Samples will be handed out at the end of the demonstration."
hand over
- Give to someone in authority.
  "The boy was forced to hand over the mobile phone he had stolen."
hang back
- Be reluctant to do something.
  "All the children rushed towards the clown except one boy who hung back."
hang on
- Wait.
  "Hang on a minute. I'm nearly ready."
hang on to
- Keep a hold on something.
  "Be careful. Hang on to that rope and you'll be ok.
hang out
- Spend time in a particular place or with a group of friends.
  "Where does Danny hang out these days?"
  "Who does he hang out with?"
hang up
- End a telephone conversation.
  "Please don't hang up. I haven't finished yet.

head off
- Start to go somewhere.
  "The group of tourists headed off to the train station."
head for
- Go towards or move in a certain direction.
  "We all started to shout because the boat was heading for the rocks."
hit at
- Aim a blow at something.
  The customer hit at the wasp with a newspaper."
hit back
- Retaliate; reply to an attack.
  "When he was attacked, the boy hit back with all his strength."
hit on/upon
- Find unexpectedly or by inspiration.
  "As she watched the news she hit upon an idea for her new collection."
hold off
- Delay something until a later time.
  "Could you hold off your decision until after the meeting?
hold on
- Wait for a short time.
  "Hold on a moment please. I'll put you through to Mr. Brown."
- Grip tightly.
  "She held on to the railing as she crossed the bridge."
hold up
- Show as a example.
  "The teacher held up the diagram for all to see."
hook up
- Fasten (a garment).
  "Can you help me to hook up my dress? It's a bit complicated."
hook up (with)
- Link broadcasting facilities.
  "Many networks are hooked up by satellite."
hunt down
- Search everywhere in order to find someone or something.
  "The police are trying to hunt down the murderer."
hurry up
- Be quick; act speedily.
  "Come on Harry. Hurry up! We're going to miss the bus!

More Phrasal Verbs:

« A B C D E-F G H I-J-K L M-N O-P-Q R-S T U-Z »