Let’s learn some common phrasal verbs, to help us talk about clothing in English. Notice that sometimes we can divide the phrasal verb, and sometimes we can’t.
to have on = to be wearing
He has on a suit.
He has a suit on.
to put on = to apply/ to dress
I want to put on some make up.
I want to put some make up on.
to take off = to remove
We took off our jackets.
We took our jackets off.
to dress up = to wear a costume or something elegant
The participants dressed up for the ceremony.
Don’t divide the phrasal verb.
to dress down = to wear casual clothing
They dressed down and just wore jeans.
Don’t divide the phrasal verb.
to try on = to put on to see if it fits
She will try on the sweater.
She will try the sweater on.
do up = to fasten/close
Let me help you do up your collar.
Let me help you do your collar up.
break in = to make more comfortable over time
You need to break in your hiking boots.
You need to break your hiking boots in.
kick off = remove shoes by kicking / relax
Frank was relieved to sit down and kick off his shoes.
Frank was relieved to sit down and kick his shoes off.
