Phrasal Verbs for Commuting

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For millions of people worldwide, commuting is an integral part of daily life. It’s a time when we transition from the comfort of our homes to the bustle of our workplaces and back again. The journey, whether it’s by car, bus, train, bike, or foot, often involves an array of actions and interactions that can be perfectly described using phrasal verbs. In this article, we explore the phrasal verbs that vividly illustrate the experiences of commuters, complete with examples for context and understanding.

Setting Off

The commute begins with the act of setting off, a phrase that means to start a journey or leave a place.

  • Example: I set off for work at 7:00 AM to avoid the rush hour traffic.

As commuters, we often need to hurry up to catch a bus or train on time.

  • Example: I had to hurry up and finish my breakfast so I wouldn’t miss the 8:15 train.

Picking Up Speed

Once on the road, drivers might need to speed up to merge onto the highway.

  • Example: The traffic was light, so I sped up and merged onto the freeway smoothly.

For those taking public transportation, the bus or train may pull in to the station, which means it arrives and stops at the platform.

  • Example: As I reached the platform, the train was just pulling in.

Navigating Transfers

Many commuters have to change over from one mode of transportation to another, such as from a bus to a subway.

  • Example: I always have to change over from the bus to the subway at Jackson Square.

If you’re driving, you might need to switch lanes to prepare for an upcoming turn or exit.

  • Example: Be sure to switch lanes early; the exit for downtown is coming up.

Dealing with Delays

Delays are a common part of commuting. When a train or bus is running late, it is said to be held up.

  • Example: My train was held up due to a signal failure further down the line.

Drivers may slow down or even come to a standstill when there is heavy traffic or an accident up ahead.

  • Example: Traffic on the highway came to a standstill after a minor collision between two cars.

Finding Alternatives

Sometimes, we need to take a detour if the usual route is blocked or congested.

  • Example: There was roadwork on Main Street, so I had to take a detour through the park.

Public transport users might get off at a different stop if there’s a problem on their usual route.

  • Example: I had to get off at the earlier stop today because of construction at the station.

Arriving and Departing

Upon reaching the destination, commuters may pull up in their cars, which means to stop the vehicle at a specific place.

  • Example: I pulled up in front of the office just in time for my meeting.

When leaving the vehicle, especially public transport, we get out.

  • Example: After a long ride, I was relieved to finally get out at my stop.

Facing Setbacks

Unfortunately, not all commutes go smoothly. If your car won’t start, you could say it broke down.

  • Example: My car broke down this morning, so I had to call roadside assistance.

For transit riders, if a service is canceled, it is said to be called off.

  • Example: The 9:00 AM bus was called off due to a staffing issue.

Interacting with Others

Commuting can also be a social experience where we run into coworkers or acquaintances, meaning to meet them unexpectedly.

  • Example: I ran into Jane on the subway; she works in the same building as I do.

Sometimes we may need to move over in a seat to make room for someone else.

  • Example: A pregnant lady boarded, so I moved over to give her space to sit.

The Home Stretch

As the workday ends, it’s time to head back, which means to return to your starting point or home.

  • Example: I head back home around 6:00 PM, just in time for dinner.

If you’re picking upsomeone on your way home, you might swing by their location, meaning to make a short detour to their place.

  • Example: I’ll swing by the daycare to pick up the kids before driving home.

Winding Down

Finally, as we approach our homes, we might pull into the driveway, which means to enter a particular place by vehicle.

  • Example: I pulled into the driveway, relieved to be home after a long day.

And with that, we get in, entering our home, ending the cycle of commuting—at least until the next day begins.

  • Example: I got in, kicked off my shoes, and sighed with relief; there’s no place like home.

Final Thoughts

Phrasal verbs are not just a grammatical curiosity; they are the lifeblood of everyday English, especially when it comes to something as routine and universal as commuting. They capture the nuanced movements and social interactions that fill our journeys to and from work. By understanding and using these phrasal verbs, English learners can more effectively communicate their daily experiences and native speakers can articulate their days with greater color and accuracy. Whether you’re setting off early to avoid being held up by traffic, or you’re pulling into your destination, these phrases help to navigate the ebb and flow of daily travel. The next time you’re heading back home and find yourself stuck in traffic, remember these phrasal verbs—they might just make your commute a little more interesting.

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