Phrasal verbs with “Leap”

“Leap” [liːp] in English is a verb that means to jump or move suddenly and quickly forward. It is often used when referring to a swift movement, either physical or metaphorical, as well as when making a rapid transition from one action to another. Grammatically, leap can function as both a transitive verb (taking an object) and an intransitive verb.

Examples of usage:

• The cat leaped onto the table.
• She leaped for joy when she heard the news.
• The company is leaping into new markets.

In combination with prepositions or adverbs, leap forms phrasal verbs that carry new idiomatic meanings. Below are some of the most common phrasal verbs with “leap.”

Top 10 Phrasal Verbs with “Leap”

Phrasal verbs with “leap” can be used both literally (to jump) and figuratively (a sudden transition to action or change). Below are the 10 most common phrasal verbs with leap, their meanings, and usage examples.

1. Leap at (something)
   • Meaning: To eagerly accept an opportunity or offer without hesitation.
   • Example: He leaped at the opportunity to work abroad.
2. Leap over (something)
   • Meaning: To physically jump over something or overcome an obstacle.
   • Example: The athlete leaped over the fence during the race.
3. Leap into (something)
   • Meaning: To start a new activity with energy and enthusiasm.
   • Example: She leaped into her new job with enthusiasm.
4. Leap on/upon (something)
   • Meaning: To quickly react to or notice something, often with eagerness.
   • Example: The teacher leaped on the student’s mistake during the presentation.
5. Leap up
   • Meaning: To suddenly rise or jump up due to surprise or excitement.
   • Example: She leaped up when the phone rang.
6. Leap out at (someone)
   • Meaning: To stand out noticeably or grab attention.
   • Example: That word leaped out at me in the text.
7. Leap forward
   • Meaning: To make rapid progress or a significant advance.
   • Example: The technology industry leaped forward in the last decade.
8. Leap across (something)
   • Meaning: To physically jump across something.
   • Example: The deer leaped across the river with ease.
9. Leap in
   • Meaning: To start something quickly and without hesitation.
   • Example: They leaped in to help when they saw the accident.
10. Leap to (someone’s) defense
    • Meaning: To quickly defend someone or something.
    • Example: She leaped to her friend’s defense when he was being criticized.

How to Use Phrasal Verbs with “Leap”

Phrasal verbs can change meaning depending on the context, so it is important to pay attention to how they are used. Mastering phrasal verbs with leap can help you become more expressive and natural in your English communication.

Practice Examples

• When an opportunity to improve your skills arises, don’t be afraid to leap at it.
• Could you leap over this obstacle in your life?
• Don’t hesitate to leap into new projects with full energy.
• As soon as you see a chance, leap on it.
• It’s essential to leap forward, even when it feels like nothing is changing.

Exercise: Fill in the Gaps with a Phrasal Verb with “Leap”

Complete the sentences with the appropriate phrasal verb using leap. Use them in the correct form.

1. When she heard she had won, she ____________ for joy.
2. The company decided to ____________ a new market this year.
3. He ____________ the chance to participate in the international project.
4. The athlete easily ____________ the obstacles on the track.
5. She ____________ her colleague’s defense during the argument.
6. That color ____________ at me in the painting.
7. The kids ____________ when they heard the signal to start the game.
8. The technology industry has ____________ in the last five years.
9. The teacher immediately ____________ the student’s answer.
10. The deer easily ____________ the river during the hunt.

Answers:

1. leaped up
2. leap into
3. leaped at
4. leaped over
5. leaped to
6. leaped out
7. leaped up
8. leaped forward
9. leaped on
10. leaped across