Phrasal Verbs

Phrasel Verbs

Grammar explanation

Phrasal verbs are very common in English, especially in more informal contexts. They are made up of a verb and a particle or, sometimes, two particles. The particle often changes the meaning of the verb.

I called Jen to see how she was. (call = to telephone)

They've called off the meeting. (call off = to cancel)

In terms of word order, there are two main types of phrasal verb: separable and inseparable. 

Separable

With separable phrasal verbs, the verb and particle can be apart or together.

They've called the meeting off.

OR

They've called off the meeting.

However, separable phrasal verbs must be separated when you use a pronoun. 

The meeting? They've called it off.

Here are some common separable phrasal verbs:

• I didn't want to bring the situation up at the meeting.

  (bring up = start talking about a particular subject)

• Please can you fill this form in?

  (fill in = write information in a form or document)

Non-separable

Some phrasal verbs cannot be separated. 

Who looks after the baby when you're at work?

Even when there is a pronoun, the verb and particle remain together.

Who looks after her when you're at work?

Here are some common non-separable phrasal verbs:

• I came across your email when I was clearing my inbox.

  (come across = to find something by chance)

• The caterpillar turned into a beautiful butterfly.

  (turn into = become)

Some multi-word verbs are inseparable simply because they don't take an object.

• I get up at 7 a.m.

• 
  

With two particles

• Phrasal verbs with two particles are also inseparable. Even if you use a pronoun, you put it after the particles.

• 
  

  --> Who came up with that idea?

  (come up with = think of an idea or plan)

  -->Let's get rid of these old magazines to make more space.

  (get rid of = remove or become free of something that you don't want)

Open Ended

Put the words in the correct order.

1. with / for Mika´s birthday / Has anyone / come / a good idea / up

Open Ended

Put the words in the correct order.

2. it / politely / down. / The invitation to their wedding? / turned

Open Ended

Put the words in the correct order.

3. look / when my parents are on holiday, I / the cat. / after

Open Ended

Put the words in the correct order.

4. over / I´m heartbroken. How long will it take / to get / this?

Open Ended

Put the words in the correct order.

5. could / into / turn / a desert. / If climate change continues, this / whole area