10 Phrasal Verbs for Talking About the New Year in English (2025 Edition)
As one year draws to a close, it’s natural to reflect on the past twelve months while dreaming of fresh starts and new possibilities. Whether you’re celebrating achievements from 2024 or planning your intentions for 2025, here are ten phrasal verbs that will help you talk about your goals, ambitions, and reflections in English with confidence!
1. To cut down on
Meaning: To reduce the amount or frequency of something.
Example:
I want to cut down on sugar in the new year, so I’m not going to buy any more sweet treats.
How to use it: Use cut down on when you’re talking about habits or routines you want to limit. It could be related to spending less money, eating fewer sweets, or even cutting down on screen time.
2. To take up
Meaning: To start doing a new activity or hobby.
Example:
This year, I’m going to take up yoga to improve my flexibility and reduce stress.
How to use it: Perfect for expressing new interests or healthy hobbies you’re planning to introduce into your life in 2025.
3. To look after
Meaning: To take care of someone or something.
Example:
In 2025, I’m determined to look after my mental health by meditating every day.
How to use it: Often used when we talk about caring for people (children, relatives, or friends) or even pets and personal well-being.
4. To give up
Meaning: To stop doing or having something; to quit.
Example:
I’m planning to give up smoking because I want to be healthier in the coming year.
How to use it: Talk about leaving behind bad habits, whether it’s smoking, an unhealthy diet, or too much time on social media.
5. To reflect on
Meaning: To think carefully about something that happened.
Example:
I need to reflect on my 2024 achievements before setting my 2025 goals.
How to use it: Use it to talk about the process of looking back and evaluating past experiences, whether it’s your personal or professional life.
6. To set out
Meaning: To begin a journey or work on an objective.
Example:
I’m setting out on a journey to learn a new language in 2025.
How to use it: This phrasal verb emphasizes the start of a plan, goal, or trip—perfect for talking about your big New Year’s resolutions.
7. To carry forward
Meaning: To continue something or move it to a later point in time.
Example:
I’m going to carry forward the momentum from my 2024 achievements and build on them in 2025.
How to use it: Great for expressing how you plan to keep the positive energy or progress from one year into the next.
8. To look back on
Meaning: To review or remember the past.
Example:
When I look back on 2024, I realise how much I’ve grown as a person.
How to use it: Similar to reflect on, but focuses more on recalling memories and past experiences rather than analysing them in detail.
9. To keep on
Meaning: To continue doing something despite challenges.
Example:
Even though learning English can be difficult, I’ll keep on practicing every day until I’m fluent.
How to use it: Use this phrasal verb when talking about perseverance, especially in the face of obstacles or setbacks.
10. To stick to
Meaning: To follow or continue doing something without changing it.
Example:
I’m going to stick to my workout schedule in 2025, no matter what.
How to use it: Ideal for emphasising commitment to a plan, routine, or resolution.
The start of a new year is the perfect time to reflect on what you’ve accomplished and set out new goals. Whether you’re determined to cut down on bad habits, take up healthier ones, or simply keep on striving toward your dreams, these phrasal verbs will help you talk about your intentions clearly and confidently in English.