13 Phrasal verbs for talking about health.

Phrasal verbs are an important part of English language, and they are used frequently in everyday conversations. When it comes to talking about health, there are a number of phrasal verbs that are commonly used. So let’s have a look at them.

1. Dose up

To ‘dose up’ means to take a medication, vitamin, or supplement in a large or excessive quantity. For example, if you have a cold, you might dose up on vitamin C to help boost your immune system. This phrasal verb is often used when talking about taking medication or supplements to improve your health or treat a specific condition.

2. Cut down on

The phrase ‘cut down on’ means to reduce the amount of something. For example, if you are trying to improve your health, you might need to cut down on junk food or sugary drinks. This phrasal verb is often used when talking about unhealthy habits that should be reduced or eliminated.

3. Come down with

To ‘come down with’ means to become ill with a particular disease or illness. For example, if you are exposed to someone with the flu, you might come down with the flu a few days later.

4. Work out

To ‘work out’ means to exercise. This phrasal verb is often used in the context of going to the gym or participating in physical activity to improve your health. For example, you might say "I need to work out more often to stay healthy."

5. Swell up

To ‘swell up" means to become enlarged or puffy, usually as a result of an injury, infection, or allergic reaction. For example, if you get stung by a bee, the affected area might swell up. This phrasal verb is often used when talking about injuries, allergic reactions, or other physical conditions that cause swelling.

6. Throw up

To ‘throw up’ means to vomit or to expel the contents of your stomach through your mouth. This phrasal verb is often used in the context of feeling sick or experiencing nausea. For example, if you eat something that doesn't agree with you, you might need to throw up to feel better.

7. Break out

To ‘break out’ means to suddenly develop a skin condition, such as a rash or acne. For example, if you are under stress, you might break out in hives. This phrasal verb is often used when talking about skin conditions.

8. Pass out

To ’pass out’ means to lose consciousness. This phrasal verb is often used in the context of medical emergencies or accidents. For example, if someone is injured and loses consciousness, they might be said to have passed out.


Learn English With Jo on YouTube


9. Look after

To ‘look after’ means to take care of someone or something. For example, if you are a caregiver for an elderly person, you might need to look after their health needs.

10. Give up

To ‘give up’ means to stop doing something that is harmful or unhealthy. For example, if you are a smoker, you might decide to give up smoking to improve your health. This phrasal verb is often used when talking about quitting a habit that is detrimental to your well-being.

If you’d like to book a trial English conversation class with me then check have a look at my profile on italki or drop me a message.

Sign up to italki and you will receive $10 italki credits in your student wallet within 48 hours of making you first purchase

11. Put on

To ‘put on’ means to gain weight. For example, if you eat too much junk food, you might put on weight.

12. Cut out

To ‘cut out’ means to eliminate something that is unhealthy. For example, if you are trying to improve your health, you might need to cut out sugary drinks or processed foods from your diet.

13. Get over

To ‘get over’ means to recover from an illness or injury. For example, if you have the flu, you might need to rest and take medication to get over it.

Previous
Previous

English phrasal verbs for talking about dating and relationships.

Next
Next

English phrases and expressions - go with the flow