The Top 10 Phil Dunphy Quotes on ‘Modern Family’

8. “Claire, you’re a hard one to figure out. You don’t trust bad boys, and yet you married one.”

Season 5 Episode 14: “iSpy”

For context, Phil was on the cheer team in college.

7. “If you want to be truly happy in life, surround yourself with people who make you laugh. And also, people who bring snacks.”

Season 4 Episode 2: “Schooled”

Phil gave Haley a book of his wisdom when she went to college titled Philsosophy. This is one of many great lessons he passed down to his daughter.

6. Phil: "I was going to take Luke and Manny go-karting for their good report cards."
Claire: "What was good about Luke's report card?"
Phil: "...He didn't lose it."

Season 2 Episode 22: “Good Cop Bad Dog”

Phil and Claire got into an argument about who gets to be the good cop versus the bad cop. This interaction of Phil just being happy Luke didn't lose his report card shows how he might've been the good cop.

5. “The iPad comes out on my actual birthday. It's like Steve Jobs and God got together to say, 'We Love You, Phil.'"

Season 1 Episode 19: “Game Changer”

Phil used his iPad for a lot of things throughout the show. Some might call him the original iPad kid.

4. “Gotta fix that step!”

Multiple Episodes

Burrell turned an improvised slip walking up the stairs into one of the best running jokes on the show.

3. “Happy Valenbirthaversary!”

Season 2 Episode 16: “Regrets Only”

When Claire is mad and Phil doesn't know why, his happy Valenbirthaversary sums up just how confused he is.

2. "Claire's a perfectionist, which sometimes is a good thing, like when it comes to picking a husband."

Season 1 Episode 24: “Family Portrait”

Sometimes Phil's jokes were really quick. It can take multiple rewatches to catch ones like this.

1. “Never be afraid to reach for the stars, because even if you fail, you’ll always be wearing a Parentchute.”

Season 4 Episode 2: “Schooled”

After watching his first child go away to college, this is one of the last quotes from the episode. Phil's parentchute idea beautifully showcases his love and affection towards his kids — ready to catch them if they fall.