Love is the most powerful emotion we experience as human beings. It inspires poetry, ignites passion, and motivates us to be the best versions of ourselves.
As an English learner, understanding how to express love in the right words can make your conversations richer and your emotions clearer.
Whether you’re talking about the excitement of a new romance, the warmth of affection between friends, or the unbreakable bond of family, mastering the language of love is a journey you can’t afford to miss.
In celebration of Valentine’s Day, let’s take a deep dive into British English phrasal verbs and idioms that will help you express love, affection, and kindness with confidence.
This blog post is designed to provide you with 7 idioms and 10 essential phrasal verbs that will add depth, colour, and authenticity to your conversations about love.
The ability to speak naturally about love is empowering. It’s the first step in unlocking the language of connection—and who better to guide you through this than a teacher who understands the power of words, like me? 😉
Let’s celebrate the power of English together and take your language skills to the next level.
Ready to speak from the heart?
Phrasal Verbs About Love
1. Fall for someone
This is one of the most common ways to say that you’ve developed romantic feelings for someone. It’s not just a passing crush—it’s the deeper feeling that develops over time.
Example: “I didn’t expect it, but I’ve fallen for him. There’s something so special about the way he listens to me.”
This phrasal verb captures the moment when you realise your feelings have evolved beyond mere friendship. It’s a beautiful phrase that adds depth to the process of falling in love.
2. Ask someone out
To ask someone out is to invite them on a date. This is a pivotal moment in the early stages of a romantic relationship when you are taking that brave step towards sharing your feelings with someone.
Example: “I’m nervous, but I think I’ll ask her out this weekend. I’ve been wanting to for a while now!”
This is a powerful and somewhat vulnerable moment—the moment where you take action and express your interest in someone. It can be both exciting and scary.
3. Get together
To get together means to spend time with someone in a romantic context, usually as the beginning of a relationship. It’s the first step towards growing closer and discovering shared values and interests.
Example: “We’ve been talking for months now, and I think it’s time we get together this weekend. I’m excited to see where this goes.”
This phrasal verb symbolises the beginning of something beautiful. It’s about taking that initial step from friendship or acquaintance to something more intimate.
4. Break up (with someone)
Unfortunately, not all love stories last forever. To break up means to end a romantic relationship. While it’s a difficult moment, it’s important to know how to express it naturally in English.
Example: “After a long conversation, we decided to break up. It wasn’t easy, but we both felt it was the right decision.”
This phrase can be hard to hear, but it’s an essential part of love’s journey. Knowing how to use it helps you express the end of a relationship with understanding and maturity.
5. Make up (with someone)
After a fight or disagreement, making up means reconciling and coming back together. It’s about forgiveness, healing, and learning from the challenges you face as a couple or friends.
Example: “We had a big argument last night, but we made up this morning. It’s so much better now that we’ve talked things through.”
The ability to make up is one of the most important aspects of any relationship. It’s about coming together after difficulties, understanding each other, and finding peace.
6. Cheer someone up
To cheer someone up means to lift their spirits, especially when they are feeling sad or down. It’s an essential part of any healthy relationship—supporting each other during difficult times.
Example: “I made her a cup of tea to cheer her up after she had a rough day at work. It made her smile.”
This phrasal verb is a beautiful way of showing affection through small acts of kindness. It’s a reminder that love isn’t just about grand gestures—it’s also about the little things.
7. Fall out (with someone)
To fall out with someone means to have an argument that causes a temporary break in the relationship. It’s often used when discussing disagreements between close friends or lovers.
Example: “We fell out over something silly, but we’ve talked it through and are friends again.”
While falling out can cause tension, it’s a reminder that love and friendship aren’t perfect. It’s okay to disagree—it’s how you move forward that matters.
8. Go out with someone
To go out with someone means to date them. It’s an important phrase for those in the early stages of romance when you’re taking the time to explore each other’s personalities and see if a deeper connection can grow.
Example: “We’ve been going out for a month now, and I feel like we’re really starting to understand each other.”
This phrase is widely used when talking about dating and exploring romantic relationships.
9. Put up with someone
To put up with someone means to tolerate their behaviour, even when it’s difficult or annoying. This is often used in long-term relationships where patience and understanding are key to maintaining love.
Example: “He puts up with all my quirks, and I’m so grateful. He’s my rock.”
This phrasal verb highlights the power of patience and acceptance in a relationship. Love is about learning to accept each other’s imperfections.
10. Drift apart
Sometimes relationships naturally drift apart. This happens when two people grow emotionally distant, often without any major conflict. It’s a natural part of life.
Example: “We were so close during university, but after graduation, we just drifted apart. Life changed, and we didn’t keep in touch.”
This is a sad but realistic phrasal verb. Not all relationships last forever, but that doesn’t mean they weren’t meaningful.
Idioms About Love
In addition to phrasal verbs, there are countless British idioms that can elevate your expressions of love. These colourful sayings will help you speak about love in more nuanced ways.
Here are 7 idioms about love that will make your English sound more natural and authentic:
1. Head over heels in love
When you’re head over heels in love, you’re deeply in love, often in a way that is overwhelming or all-consuming. It’s a powerful phrase that conveys the intensity of your feelings.
Example: “She’s head over heels in love with him. You can see it in the way she talks about him.”
This idiom is often used to describe someone who is completely smitten.
2. Tie the knot
When two people decide to tie the knot, they get married. It’s an idiomatic expression that symbolises commitment and the start of a new chapter in a relationship.
Example: “They’re getting married next month. It’s so exciting—they’re finally tying the knot!”
This is a traditional and romantic way to talk about weddings.
3. Wear your heart on your sleeve
To wear your heart on your sleeve means to openly express your emotions and feelings, especially love. It’s about being vulnerable and not hiding your true feelings.
Example: “He wears his heart on his sleeve, which is one of the things I love about him. He’s always honest about how he feels.”
This idiom is perfect for describing someone who is open and transparent in their emotions.
4. On cloud nine
If you’re on cloud nine, you’re incredibly happy—often because of love or a special relationship. It’s an idiom that speaks to the joy and excitement of romance.
Example: “She’s been on cloud nine ever since he proposed to her. She can’t stop smiling!”
This is a beautiful way to describe the euphoria of love.
5. The apple of someone’s eye
When someone is the apple of your eye, they are deeply cherished and loved. It’s often used to describe someone who is your favourite person or the one who holds a special place in your heart.
Example: “He’s the apple of her eye—she’s always looking out for him and caring for him.”
This idiom conveys deep affection and care.
6. A match made in heaven
A match made in heaven refers to a couple who are perfectly suited for each other. It’s the ultimate compliment for a relationship that seems destined to succeed.
Example: “They’re such a match made in heaven. They balance each other out so perfectly.”
This idiom is a beautiful way to describe two people who are perfectly aligned in love.
7. Love at first sight
When you experience love at first sight, you fall in love with someone the moment you see them for the first time. It’s the kind of romantic story that feels almost magical.
Example: “I know it sounds cliché, but it was love at first sight when we met. I just knew we were meant to be.”
This idiom is perfect for telling a love story with a sense of destiny.
Conclusion: Speak the Language of Love Fluently
Valentine’s Day is about more than just chocolates and roses. It’s a chance to celebrate the deep connections we share with others—whether it’s romantic love, love between friends, or love for our family.
As an English learner, expressing your feelings with these British English phrasal verbs and idioms will open doors to more meaningful and emotional conversations.
And if you’re ready to take your English to the next level, I’m here to help you grow and connect more deeply. Get in touch to book your first lesson and start speaking in a more fluent and natural way, today. Your heart is ready to be heard. 💛
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