The 9th of March 2021

Prepositional verbs vs phrasal verbs

Prepositional verbs = verb + a preposition

Phrasal verbs = verb + a particle (a preposition/an adverb) = new meaning

Ex. 1/pag. 43 (textbook)

Prepositional verbs:

 Worry about:
They were worried about their trip to London (concerned with).
 Depend on:
At the moment, Danny is depending on Timmy to bring the project at school.
 Agree about (a certain situation/context/a thing):
We agreed about going to the mountain next summer.
 Agree with (someone):
I agree with Thomas. School is boring.
 Listen to:
I was listening to the radio when my cat disappeared.
 Talk to (discuss, speak):
She talks too loudly./ He was talking to Santa Claus when it started snowing.
 Wait for (situation/person):
I was waiting for my birthday/ I was waiting for my sister to arrive.
 Argue with (someone):
Last year Tom argued with Sarah about the party.
 Argue about (situation/context):
We argued about buying a Ferrari or a bike.
 Participate in:
You participated in the last basketball world cup, didn’t you?
 Look forward to:
I’m looking forward to meeting my Indian penfriend.
 Dream about (situation/person):
I dream about getting a new laptop./ I dream about Ben all day.
 Phrasal verbs
Is it a preposition or an adverb?

An object can go before or after an adverb – but it can only go after a preposition: so phrasal
verbs can be separable or inseparable.

 Separable:

correct: verb + object + adverb → I switch the computer on.

correct: verb adverb + object → I switched on the computer.

 Inseparable:

correct: verb + preposition + object → The cat jumped on the computer.

incorrect: verb + object + preposition → The cat jumped the computer on.

 Give away:
1. to give something for free:
I gave away my old phone.
2. to reveal the true identity or character of somebody:
His bad/negative actions gave him away.
 Take off:
1. remove clothing:
Tommy was taking off his hat when his mother came.
2. leave the ground (planes, helicopter):
The plane took off at 12 o’clock.
 Pick out:
1. pick something from a number of alternatives:
He picked out skating from the discussed activities.
2. distinguish something or someone from a group:
Gina picked out Brad’s voice from the crowd.
 Pick up:
1. move an object:
Timmy picked up his pencil and put it on the table.
2. go somewhere to collect someone or something:
Bella went to her brother’s school and picked Jimmy up.
 Put away:
1. store something in a safe place:
My mother put away the money in the safe.
2. consume food or drinks in large quantities:
 His uncle was angry about John putting away cheese and wine.
 Put on:
1. get dressed:
Fred was putting on his jacket while Tiffany was putting on her socks.
2. activate/turn on something:
Put on the radio, Bill! They are playing my favourite song!
 Throw away:
1. get rid of something:
Can you please throw away the garbage?
2. deliver a line for a dramatic effect:
They were arguing about going to the movies when George thew away a line that
shocked everyone.
 Try on:
1. to test if something fits:
Let me borrow that red dress of yours and try it on.
2. to behave badly in order to annoy someone:
Brady was keen on upsetting Jerry and decided to try it on by starting a fight.
 Wear out:
1. to make/to feel tired:
She wore me out by asking lots of questions about the test.
2. to use something for a long time so that it can no longer be used:
These shoes are too worn out to wear at the party. They belonged to my big brother.
 Get into:
1. to start something:
Last year Brenda got into dancing.
2. try a piece of clothing:
I’ve gained weight and I don’t think I’ll be able to get into my old dress.
 Go with:
1. to combine things:
Give me that yellow skirt to see if it goes with my purple shirt!
2. to choose or accept something:
Tim was going on with his talk about going to Holland, so I decided to go with it.
 Look for:
1. search for something:
I’m looking for a new flat. Can you help me?
2. get involved in an argument (looking for trouble):
He was in a bad mood and he was looking for trouble.

Ex. 2 page 43

Phrasal verbs

1. This T – shirt is too old. I’m going to put it in the bin.

This T – shirt is too old. I’m going to throw it away.
2. I like this jumper. I’m going to find out if it fits.
I like this jumper. I’m going to try it on.

3. I love the sales. I always find good bargains in the shops.

I love the sales. I always look for good bargains in the shops.

4. Does this jacket look good with these trousers?

Does this jacket go with these trousers?

5. I’m not going to wear these shoes so often. I don’t want them to deteriorate.
I’m not going to wear these shoes so often. I don’t want them to wear out.