Definition

Phrasal verbs are used by all native English speakers with great frequency. It’s impossible to speak proper english without using them. Some thoughts can only be expressed by them. In many cases, there is a latin-based verb that can describe the action, but a native English speaker will use a phrasal verb instead. For instance, if you are playing chess with an American friend, and he is winning the game, in a matter of a few moves he will have you in checkmate. You could say: I desist. There´s a chance he won´t understand you. The word desist exists in English but it is hardly used. Rather than desist you must say: I give up. This phrasal verb expresses exactly what you want to say. That’s why phrasal verbs are so important, some thoughts are impossible to say otherwise.