charge a phone
/tʃɑːrdʒ ə foʊn/
Meaning
To connect a mobile phone to an electrical outlet or power source to fill its battery. This is a very common daily action used when a phone's battery is low or dead.
Examples
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I need to charge my phone before we go out tonight.
I need to charge my phone before we go out tonight.
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Can I use your cable to charge my phone?
Can I use your cable to charge my phone?
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My phone is charging in the kitchen right now.
My phone is charging in the kitchen right now.
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Don't forget to charge your phone before the long flight.
Don't forget to charge your phone before the long flight.
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She always charges her phone overnight while she sleeps.
She always charges her phone overnight while she sleeps.
Common Mistakes
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✗ I need to fill my phone.
✓ I need to charge my phone.
In English, we do not 'fill' electronic devices with power; we use the verb 'charge' or 'recharge'.
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✗ I am putting electricity in my phone.
✓ I am charging my phone.
Avoid translating literally from other languages. Use the verb 'charge' directly.
Related Expressions
Practice
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My battery is at 5%, so I really need to ___ my phone.
💡 Use the verb that means to put power back into a battery.
Show answer
charge
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Where can I ___ my phone in this airport?
💡 You need to find a power outlet to do this.
Show answer
charge