Phrasal Verbs

Phrasal Verbs

Phrasal verbs are combinations of a verb and one or more particles (prepositions or adverbs) that create a new meaning different from the original verb. They are commonly used in spoken and written English.

1. What Are Phrasal Verbs?

Definition:

  • A phrasal verb consists of a main verb + a particle.
    • Look (verb) + up (particle) → look up = to search for information.
       

Why Use Phrasal Verbs?

  • Phrasal verbs make your English sound more natural and fluent.
  • They are often idiomatic, meaning their meaning cannot always be guessed from the individual words.

2. Types of Phrasal Verbs

Transitive Phrasal Verbs: Require an object.

  • I’ll pick up the kids from school.
  • She gave up her dream of becoming a singer.
     

Intransitive Phrasal Verbs: Do not require an object.

  • He woke up late.
  • The plane took off.
     

Separable Phrasal Verbs: The object can come between the verb and the particle.

  • Can you turn off the lights?
  • Turn the lights off.
     

Inseparable Phrasal Verbs: The object cannot come between the verb and the particle.

  • I’m looking for my keys. (Correct)
  • I’m looking my keys for. (Incorrect)

3. Structure

Basic Structure: Subject + phrasal verb + (object)

  • She picked up the package.
  • They ran out of ideas.
     

Separable Structure:

  • If transitive and separable:
    • I turned off the computer.
    • I turned the computer off.
  • If inseparable:
    • He looks after his younger sister. (Correct)
    • He looks his younger sister after. (Incorrect)

4. Tips for Learning Phrasal Verbs

  • Learn them in context: Study them as part of phrases or sentences rather than isolated words.
  • Group them by themes: Focus on common phrasal verbs used for specific topics like travel, work, or daily life.
  • Practice regularly: Incorporate them into your speaking and writing.

5. Examples

Phrasal Verbs for Everyday Use:

  • Bring up: To mention a topic.
    • She brought up an interesting point in the meeting.
  • Call off: To cancel.
    • They called off the wedding due to unforeseen circumstances.
  • Run out: To use all of something.
    • We ran out of milk, so I’ll buy some more.
  • Get along: To have a good relationship.
    • They get along really well.
  • Look after: To take care of.
    • Can you look after my dog while I’m away?
       

Phrasal Verbs for Work/Study:

  • Fill out: To complete a form.
    • Please fill out this application.
  • Take on: To accept responsibility.
    • He’s taking on more projects at work.
  • Work out: To solve a problem.
    • They worked out the issue together.
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