Phrasal verbs with off may not be hard to pull off

This article studies the phrasal verbs (PV) widely used in contemporary English**. They are challenging to foreign language learners not only because they are numerous but also with their multiple meanings. Polysemous phrasal verbs are seen from a new perspective with the development of cognitive linguistics. Researchers apply the cognitive principles to arrange them in systematic groups and to prove that their meanings are not randomly chosen but motivated. The present study focuses on phrasal verbs with OFF and organizes their meanings in a radial network related to one core, invariant meaning. The particle encodes specific conceptualizations of spatial relations non-native speakers of English are unaware of. The article provides some suggestions to teaching PVs using a cognitive-based approach to help EFL learners memorize phrasal verbs more efficiently.