Motion Verbs in English: How Phrasal Verbs Show Direction
In English, motion verbs are often formed with phrasal verbs – a simple verb combined with a small particle like in, out, away, up, down, across, around. The verb shows the action, and the particle shows the direction. Together they create new meanings.
Let’s explore the most common motion verbs in English.
1. To go
The basic motion verb to go is the root of many phrasal verbs:
- go in – enter
- go out – exit, leave, or go for entertainment
- go away – leave, move farther
- go back – return
- go around – circle, bypass
- go across– cross something
2. To come
The verb to come shows movement toward the speaker. With particles, it becomes very expressive:
- come in – enter
- come out – exit, appear
- come over – visit someone’s home
- come back – return
- come up – approach, move closer
3. To leave / go away
When talking about leaving a place, English often uses:
- leave – neutral
- go away – more vivid, “move farther, disappear”
4. To enter / come in
English has the formal verb to enter, but the phrasal verb come in is much more common in daily life.
- Enter the building. (formal)
- Come in, please. (natural)
5. To exit / go out
The same contrast works with exit (formal) vs. go out (everyday English).
- He exited the station. (formal)
- Let’s go out tonight. (informal, go for entertainment)
6. To approach / come up
When describing moving closer, English uses:
- approach – formal
- come up – conversational
Example: He came up to me and asked a question.
7. To step back / move away
For increasing distance, English prefers phrasal verbs:
- step back – literally move a step backwards
- move away – create distance
8. To cross / get across
Crossing an obstacle can be expressed with:
- cross – neutral
- get across – phrasal verb, also figurative (“to make someone understand”)
9. To go around / walk around
For circling or bypassing:
- go around – circle or avoid
- walk around – move casually without a fixed goal
Key Takeaway
English motion verbs are highly systematic:
- Verb = the action (go, come, move, walk, step).
- Particle = the direction (in, out, away, back, up, around, across).
Once you see the pattern, phrasal verbs stop being confusing and become a powerful tool of expression.