Phrasal Verbs

Study & Practice

Phrasal Verb = Verb + Particle (preposition and/or adverb)

Examples

point out name after pick up

run for set off

Most common particles used to make phrasal verbs:
about across around
at away back
down in
off on
out over
round through to
up
A phrasal verb functions as a verb whose meaning is, in most cases,
different from the meaning of the individual words.
One verb may be used with different particles to give different
meanings.
● turn on (start; switch on)
● turn off (switch off)
● turn up (increase)
● turn down (decrease)
● Sometimes, it’s easy to guess the meaning of the phrasal verb because the verb and the
particle are used literally.
● For example, the meaning of the phrasal verb take away (eliminate; remove) can be
guessed from the meaning of the verb take and the meaning of the adverb away.
● However, the meaning of many phrasal verbs is difficult to guess because the verb and
particle are used idiomatically in these phrasal verbs.
● For example, when you first learn the phrasal verb let down (disappoint) or put up with
(accept), it is unlikely that you can guess the meaning by adding up the meaning of the the
individual words. You need to look up the meaning in a dictionary or ask a native speaker.
Types of Phrasal Verbs
Type 1: verb + particle (no object)

The phrasal verbs in the first group are intransitive (i.e. do

not take an object).
● Stand up, please! (rise to one’s feet)
● The fire alarm will go off if it detects smoke. (start ringing)
● Their plan didn’t work out. (succeed)
Type 2: verb + particle + object
(separable)
The phrasal verbs in the second group are transitive (i.e. take an object). The
object can come after the particle or between the verb and the particle. That’s
why this type is called separable phrasal verbs.
● Make sure to put out the fire before you sleep! (stop)
● Make sure to put the fire out before you sleep!
● He had to call off the meeting. (cancel)
● He had to call the meeting off.
 Continued

Type 2: verb + particle + object

(separable)
if the object is a pronoun (me, her, him etc.), it has to come between the verb
and the particle.
● Let’s clean up the mess before they arrive!
● Let’s clean the mess up before they arrive!
● Let’s clean it up before they arrive!
● Incorrect: Let’s clean up it before they arrive!
Type 3: verb + particle + object
(inseparable)
These phrasal verbs are also transitive (i.e. take an object). But the object in
this group cannot come between the verb and the particle. That’s why this type
is called inseparable phrasal verbs.
Here are a few examples. The object must always be placed after the particle.
● I came across an old friend in the national park. (meet accidentally)
● His family counts on him. (depend on)
● Please, go over the report before the meeting! (review; examine)
Type 4: verb + particle + particle +
object
The object always comes after the second particle. In other words,
these phrasal verbs are inseparable phrasal verbs.

Almost always, the meaning is idiomatic:

● I look forward to the next chapter. (anticipate with pleasure)
● She cannot easily get along with people. (have friendly
relationships)
● I cannot put up with noise. (tolerate; accept)
 List of Phrasal Verbs

● act on = take action

● act out = perform with actions and gestures
● add in = include something as part of something else
● add up = (mathematics) add
● agree with = think that something is right
● aim at = target
● allow for = include (in a plan or calculation)
● allow of = permit; show that something is possible
● answer back = reply rudely

For a complete list check this page: phrasal verbs

 Practice

⇔ Take a quiz on phrasal verbs (Quiz 1)

⇔ Take a quiz on phrasal verbs (Quiz 2)
⇔ Take a quiz on separable and inseparable phrasal verbs
Watch this video!
Thank you!