Phrasal verbs are combinations of a verb with a preposition or adverb that create a new meaning. They are common in English and are essential for natural conversation.
Phrasal verbs are a key part of English grammar that combines a verb with one or more particles (prepositions or adverbs) to create a new meaning. They can be separable or inseparable and often have idiomatic meanings that are not obvious from the individual words.
- Phrasal verbs consist of a verb + particle (e.g., on, up, out, off).
- The meaning can be literal or idiomatic.
- They can be separable (object can go between verb and particle) or inseparable (object always follows the particle).
- Phrasal verbs are used in everyday conversation, writing, and formal/informal contexts.
Types of Phrasal Verbs
There are two main types of phrasal verbs: separable and inseparable. Understanding the difference is crucial for correct word order.
- Separable: The object can go between the verb and particle or after the particle. (e.g., turn off the light / turn the light off)
- Inseparable: The object always follows the entire phrasal verb. (e.g., look after the baby)
- Some phrasal verbs can be both, depending on the meaning or context.
Can some phrasal verbs be both separable and inseparable depending on the context?
yes
Some phrasal verbs can be both separable and inseparable depending on the meaning or context.
Separable Phrasal Verbs
Separable phrasal verbs allow the object (usually a noun or pronoun) to come between the verb and the particle or after the particle. When using a pronoun, it must go between the verb and particle.
- turn off the light / turn the light off
- pick up the phone / pick the phone up
- put on the jacket / put the jacket on
Using a pronoun:
- turn it off (✓), turn off it (✗)
- pick it up (✓), pick up it (✗)
Inseparable Phrasal Verbs
Inseparable phrasal verbs do not allow the object to come between the verb and the particle. The object always follows the entire phrasal verb.
- look after the baby (not look the baby after)
- get over the illness (not get the illness over)
- run into a friend (not run a friend into)
The object can be a noun or pronoun, but the order stays the same:
- look after her (✓), look her after (✗)
Common Phrasal Verbs and Their Meanings
Here are some common phrasal verbs along with their meanings and example sentences. Note whether they are separable (S) or inseparable (I).
- turn off (S): stop a device
- Turn off the lights before you leave.
- pick up (S): lift or collect
- I’ll pick up the kids from school.
- put on (S): wear
- She put on her coat.
- look after (I): take care of
- Can you look after my cat?
- get over (I): recover from
- It took her weeks to get over the flu.
- run into (I): meet by chance
- I ran into an old friend yesterday.
- give up (S): stop trying
- Don’t give up on your dreams.
- break down (I): stop working
- My car broke down on the highway.
- call off (S): cancel
- They called off the meeting.
- take off (I/S): leave the ground / remove
- The plane took off at 8 PM.
- She took off her shoes.
Tips for Learning Phrasal Verbs
Learning phrasal verbs can be challenging because of their idiomatic meanings and word order rules. Here are some tips:
- Learn phrasal verbs in context (e.g., through sentences or stories).
- Pay attention to whether they are separable or inseparable.
- Practice using pronouns correctly with separable phrasal verbs.
- Use flashcards or apps to review common phrasal verbs.
- Don’t be afraid to make mistakes—practice is key!
Why is it important to pay attention to whether a phrasal verb is separable or inseparable?
because it affects word order and object placement
Knowing if a phrasal verb is separable or inseparable is crucial for placing the object correctly and using the phrasal verb naturally.
Conclusion
Phrasal verbs are an essential part of English grammar that add flexibility and nuance to your speaking and writing. Understanding the types, meanings, and correct word order will help you use them confidently and naturally.
Last updated: Thu Jun 12, 2025
