Phrasal verbs can feel like one of the trickiest parts of learning English, can’t they? As your grammar guide, I’m here to walk you through them step by step so they become less confusing and a lot more fun!
Phrasal verbs are combinations of verbs with prepositions or adverbs (or both) that often create meanings you wouldn’t expect just by looking at the individual words. For example, “look up” doesn’t mean staring at the sky it can mean searching for information. These expressions are everywhere in spoken and written English, so mastering them is key to sounding natural and understanding native speakers.
In this lesson, we’ll explore what phrasal verbs are, break them into simple categories, and look at how to use them correctly. I’ll also point out common mistakes and share plenty of real-life examples and practice tips along the way.
By the end, you’ll feel more confident using phrasal verbs in your daily conversations and writing. Let’s dive in and start mastering this essential part of English!
Table of Contents
- Definition of Phrasal Verbs
- Structural Breakdown
- Types and Categories
- Examples of Phrasal Verbs
- Usage Rules
- Common Mistakes
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics
- FAQ
- Conclusion
Definition of Phrasal Verbs
A phrasal verb is a combination of a verb and one or more particles (usually a preposition or an adverb) which functions as a single verb. The meaning of a phrasal verb is often idiomatic, meaning it cannot be deduced from the individual meanings of the verb and the particle(s).
Phrasal verbs are extremely common in spoken and informal written English, making them essential for effective communication.
For example, the verb “look” has a simple meaning, but when combined with the particle “up” in the phrasal verb “look up,” it means to search for information in a reference book or online. The combination creates a new, distinct meaning.
The particle fundamentally alters the verb’s original sense. Therefore, understanding the specific meaning of each phrasal verb is vital to interpreting English correctly.
Phrasal verbs can be classified based on several criteria, including their transitivity (whether they take an object), separability (whether the verb and particle can be separated by an object), and the type of particle(s) involved. Recognizing these different classifications can help learners understand and use phrasal verbs more effectively.
Transitivity
Transitivity refers to whether a verb takes a direct object. Phrasal verbs can be either transitive or intransitive.
- Transitive Phrasal Verbs: These require a direct object. For example, “turn on” in the sentence “Please turn on the light.” Here, “the light” is the direct object.
- Intransitive Phrasal Verbs: These do not require a direct object. For example, “break down” in the sentence “The car broke down.” There is no object receiving the action.
Separability
Separability refers to whether the verb and particle in a transitive phrasal verb can be separated by the object. Some transitive phrasal verbs are separable, while others are inseparable.
- Separable Phrasal Verbs: The object can be placed between the verb and the particle, or after the particle. For example, “turn on” can be used as “turn the light on” or “turn on the light.” However, if the object is a pronoun, it *must* go between the verb and the particle: “turn it on.”
- Inseparable Phrasal Verbs: The object *must* follow the particle. For example, “look after” in “look after the baby.” It is incorrect to say “look the baby after.”
Particle Type
Phrasal verbs can also be categorized by the type of particle they use: prepositions, adverbs, or both.
- Phrasal Verbs with Prepositions: These particles act as prepositions, indicating a relationship between the verb and an object. Example: “look after” (after is a preposition).
- Phrasal Verbs with Adverbs: These particles act as adverbs, modifying the verb’s meaning. Example: “turn on” (on is an adverb).
- Phrasal Verbs with Both: Some phrasal verbs use both an adverb and a preposition. Example: “look forward to” (forward is an adverb, and to is a preposition).
Structural Breakdown
The basic structure of a phrasal verb is: Verb + Particle(s). The particle can be an adverb, a preposition, or both. Understanding this structure is the first step in recognizing and using phrasal verbs correctly.
The verb component of a phrasal verb can be any verb, but certain verbs are more commonly used in phrasal verbs than others. Common verbs include: *get, take, put, look, turn, come,* and *go*.
The particle component is typically a preposition (e.g., *on, in, at, to, for, with*) or an adverb (e.g., *up, down, away, out, back*). The combination of these elements creates unique meanings.
The meaning of the phrasal verb is often related to, but distinct from, the meanings of the individual words. This idiomatic nature is what makes phrasal verbs challenging for English learners.
Memorizing common phrasal verbs and their meanings is often necessary.
The placement of the object in transitive phrasal verbs depends on the separability of the verb. As mentioned earlier, separable phrasal verbs allow the object to be placed between the verb and the particle, while inseparable phrasal verbs require the object to follow the particle.
Types and Categories
Phrasal verbs can be categorized based on their function and meaning. Understanding these categories can help learners to group and remember phrasal verbs more effectively.
Action Phrasal Verbs
These phrasal verbs describe actions or activities. Examples include: *run away, set off, take off, carry on, get up.*
Separation Phrasal Verbs
These phrasal verbs indicate separation or removal. Examples include: *give away, throw away, cut off, break up.*
Communication Phrasal Verbs
These phrasal verbs relate to communication or interaction. Examples include: *call up, speak up, talk over, find out.*
Movement Phrasal Verbs
These phrasal verbs describe movement or direction. Examples include: *come across, move on, go through, look around.*
State Phrasal Verbs
These phrasal verbs describe states or conditions. Examples include: *calm down, pass out, show off, end up.*
Examples of Phrasal Verbs
This section provides extensive examples of phrasal verbs, organized by common verbs used in their construction. Each table offers numerous examples to illustrate the diverse meanings and uses of these verbs.
Pay close attention to the context in which each phrasal verb is used to fully understand its meaning.
The following table provides examples of phrasal verbs using the verb “get.” These examples demonstrate the various meanings that “get” can take on when combined with different particles.
| Phrasal Verb | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| get up | to rise from bed | I usually get up at 7 AM. |
| get on | to enter a bus, train, etc. | We got on the bus to downtown. |
| get off | to leave a bus, train, etc. | She got off the train at the next station. |
| get over | to recover from an illness or setback | It took me a while to get over the flu. |
| get along (with) | to have a good relationship with someone | I get along well with my colleagues. |
| get away | to escape | The thief tried to get away from the police. |
| get back | to return | When will you get back from your trip? |
| get through | to finish something | I need to get through this report by tomorrow. |
| get around | to travel to different places | It’s easy to get around the city by subway. |
| get by | to manage with limited resources | We can get by on a tight budget. |
| get into | to become interested in | I’m starting to get into classical music. |
| get out of | to avoid doing something | He tried to get out of doing the dishes. |
| get together | to meet socially | Let’s get together for coffee next week. |
| get behind | to fall behind | I’m getting behind on my work. |
| get ahead | to make progress | He’s determined to get ahead in his career. |
| get down | to depress | The bad weather is getting me down. |
| get across | to communicate clearly | I tried to get my point across, but no one understood. |
| get at | to imply | What are you getting at? |
| get around to | to finally manage to do something | I’ll get around to fixing the car eventually. |
| get over with | to finish something unpleasant | Let’s just get this over with. |
| get someone down | to make someone feel sad | The news really got her down. |
| get something across | to communicate something successfully | He had trouble getting his message across. |
| get something over with | to finish something you don’t want to do | I want to get the exam over with. |
| get mixed up | to become confused | I always get mixed up with their names. |
| get carried away | to become too excited | I got carried away while shopping. |
| get a hold of | to contact someone | I need to get a hold of John. |
The following table provides examples of phrasal verbs using the verb “take.” These examples show the various meanings and uses of the phrasal verb “take” with different particles.
| Phrasal Verb | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| take off | to remove (clothing) | Please take off your shoes before entering. |
| take after | to resemble | She takes after her mother. |
| take up | to start a hobby | I want to take up painting. |
| take over | to assume control | The company was taken over by a larger firm. |
| take back | to retract a statement | I take back what I said. |
| take down | to write down | Please take down my number. |
| take out | to remove | Please take out the trash. |
| take in | to deceive | He was taken in by the scam. |
| take on | to accept a responsibility | I can’t take on any more work. |
| take apart | to disassemble | He took apart the engine to fix it. |
| take away | to remove | The waiter took away our plates. |
| take to | to develop a liking for | I took to her immediately. |
| take through | to explain something in detail | Let me take you through the process. |
| take up with | to associate with | He’s been taking up with a bad crowd. |
| take stock of | to assess a situation | We need to take stock of our resources. |
| take issue with | to disagree with | I take issue with your statement. |
| take heed of | to pay attention to | You should take heed of his warning. |
| take charge of | to assume responsibility for | She took charge of the project. |
| take responsibility for | to accept blame | He took responsibility for the mistake. |
| take exception to | to object strongly to | I take exception to your remarks. |
| take credit for | to claim praise for | He took credit for my work. |
| take flight | to run away | The birds took flight when we approached. |
| take root | to become established | The idea took root in their minds. |
| take effect | to become operative | The new law will take effect next month. |
| take heart | to feel encouraged | Take heart, things will get better. |
| take place | to occur | The meeting will take place tomorrow. |
The following table provides examples of phrasal verbs using the verb “look.” These examples illustrate the variety of meanings “look” can convey when combined with different particles.
| Phrasal Verb | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| look up | to search for information | I need to look up the definition of that word. |
| look after | to take care of | Can you look after my plants while I’m away? |
| look forward to | to anticipate with pleasure | I’m looking forward to the holidays. |
| look into | to investigate | The police are looking into the crime. |
| look out | to be careful | Look out! There’s a car coming. |
| look down on | to consider someone inferior | He looks down on people who haven’t gone to college. |
| look up to | to admire | I look up to my older brother. |
| look over | to examine | Please look over my essay. |
| look through | to search | I looked through my notes but couldn’t find the answer. |
| look back | to remember the past | When I look back on my childhood, I have fond memories. |
| look around | to explore | We looked around the town. |
| look ahead | to think about the future | It’s important to look ahead and plan for the future. |
| look on | to watch without getting involved | The crowd looked on as the firefighters battled the blaze. |
| look out for | to be vigilant for | Please look out for any suspicious activity. |
| look to | to rely on | We look to our parents for guidance. |
| look upon | to regard | We look upon him as a friend. |
| look in on | to visit briefly | I’ll look in on my grandmother later. |
| look the other way | to ignore something | The teacher looked the other way when the student cheated. |
| look daggers at | to glare angrily at | She looked daggers at him for interrupting. |
| look a gift horse in the mouth | to be unappreciative of a gift | Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth. |
| look like | to resemble | She looks like her mother. |
| look sharp | to be quick | Look sharp, we’re running late. |
| look alive | to be energetic | Look alive, everyone! |
| look to the future | to anticipate | We look to the future with hope. |
| look through rose-colored glasses | to see things optimistically | She always looks through rose-colored glasses. |
The following table provides examples of phrasal verbs using the verb “put.” These examples illustrate the varied meanings that “put” can have when combined with different particles.
| Phrasal Verb | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| put on | to wear (clothing) | Please put on your coat. |
| put off | to postpone | We had to put off the meeting. |
| put out | to extinguish | Please put out the fire. |
| put up with | to tolerate | I can’t put up with his behavior anymore. |
| put down | to insult | He always puts down my ideas. |
| put away | to store | Please put away your toys. |
| put through | to connect by phone | Can you put me through to the manager? |
| put together | to assemble | I need to put together the furniture. |
| put across | to communicate | He struggled to put across his point. |
| put forward | to suggest | She put forward a new proposal. |
| put in | to install | We need to put in a new window. |
| put back | to return to its place | Please put back the book when you’re done. |
| put upon | to take advantage of | I feel like he’s always putting upon me. |
| put down to | to ascribe to | His success can be put down to hard work. |
| put someone through the wringer | to subject someone to a difficult experience | The training put them through the wringer. |
| put on a brave face | to pretend to be happy | She put on a brave face despite her sadness. |
| put the cart before the horse | to do things in the wrong order | You’re putting the cart before the horse. |
| put one’s foot down | to be firm | The teacher had to put her foot down. |
| put all one’s eggs in one basket | to risk everything on one venture | Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. |
| put it there | to offer a handshake | Put it there, partner. |
| put paid to | to ruin | The rain put paid to our picnic. |
| put pen to paper | to start writing | It’s time to put pen to paper. |
| put someone in the picture | to inform someone | Let me put you in the picture. |
| put a sock in it | to be quiet | Put a sock in it! |
| put your money where your mouth is | to back up one’s words with actions | He needs to put his money where his mouth is. |
Usage Rules
Using phrasal verbs correctly requires understanding certain rules regarding transitivity, separability, and word order. These rules govern how phrasal verbs are used in sentences and are essential for avoiding common errors.
Transitivity: Remember that transitive phrasal verbs require an object, while intransitive phrasal verbs do not. Using a transitive phrasal verb without an object, or vice versa, will result in an incorrect sentence.
Separability: For separable transitive phrasal verbs, the object can be placed between the verb and the particle or after the particle. However, when the object is a pronoun (e.g., *it, him, her, them*), it *must* be placed between the verb and the particle. For inseparable phrasal verbs, the object *must* always follow the particle.
Tense and Agreement: The verb component of a phrasal verb must agree with the subject of the sentence and be in the correct tense. The particle, however, remains unchanged.
Intonation: In spoken English, the stress pattern of a phrasal verb can affect its meaning. Generally, both the verb and the particle are stressed, but the emphasis can shift depending on the context.
Formal vs. Informal: Phrasal verbs are more common in spoken and informal written English. In formal writing, it is often preferable to use a single-word verb with a similar meaning.
Common Mistakes
One of the most common mistakes learners make is using the wrong particle with a verb. For example, saying “look at” instead of “look after” when meaning “to take care of.” These mistakes can lead to miscommunication and confusion.
Another common mistake is incorrectly separating inseparable phrasal verbs. For example, saying “look the baby after” instead of “look after the baby.” This error is particularly common among learners who are not familiar with the separability rules of phrasal verbs.
Using the wrong tense or form of the verb is another frequent error. Remember that the verb component of a phrasal verb must agree with the subject and be in the correct tense.
The particle, however, remains unchanged.
Finally, learners sometimes struggle to recognize the idiomatic nature of phrasal verbs and attempt to deduce their meaning from the individual words. This can lead to incorrect interpretations and usage.
Here are some examples of common mistakes and their corrections:
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| I look at my cat. | I look after my cat. | “Look after” means to take care of, while “look at” simply means to observe. |
| Turn the light off it. | Turn it off. | When the object is a pronoun (it), it must go between the verb and the particle. |
| She get up early. | She gets up early. | The verb must agree with the subject (she) in the third person singular. |
| He putted it on. | He put it on. | The verb “put” does not change form in the past tense. |
| I am looking forward to see you. | I am looking forward to seeing you. | After “look forward to,” use the gerund form of the verb (seeing). |
Practice Exercises
These practice exercises are designed to help you reinforce your understanding of phrasal verbs. Each exercise focuses on different aspects of phrasal verb usage, including meaning, transitivity, and separability.
Answers are provided at the end of each exercise.
Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks with the correct phrasal verb from the list below.
(get up, get over, get along with, get away, get back)
- I usually __________ at 7 AM on weekdays.
- It took me a while to __________ the flu.
- I __________ my colleagues very well.
- The thief tried to __________ from the police.
- When will you __________ from your trip?
Answer Key:
- get up
- get over
- get along with
- get away
- get back
Exercise 2: Choose the correct option to complete the sentence.
- Please __________ your shoes before entering.
- a) take off
- b) take on
- She __________ her mother.
- a) takes after
- b) takes up
- I want to __________ painting.
- a) take over
- b) take up
- The company was __________ by a larger firm.
- a) taken back
- b) taken over
- I __________ what I said.
- a) take down
- b) take back
Answer Key:
- a) take off
- a) takes after
- b) take up
- b) taken over
- b) take back
Exercise 3: Rewrite the following sentences, placing the object in the correct position (if possible).
- Please turn on the light.
- I need to look after the baby.
- She put on her coat.
- He took apart the engine.
- They called up their friend.
Answer Key:
- Please turn the light on. (also correct: Please turn on the light.)
- I need to look after the baby. (inseparable)
- She put her coat on. (also correct: She put on her coat.)
- He took the engine apart. (also correct: He took apart the engine.)
- They called their friend up. (also correct: They called up their friend.)
Exercise 4: Match the phrasal verb with its meaning.
| Phrasal Verb | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 1. Look up | a. To tolerate |
| 2. Put up with | b. To extinguish |
| 3. Get along with | c. To search for information |
| 4. Put out | d. To have a good relationship |
Answer Key:
| Phrasal Verb | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 1. Look up | c. To search for information |
| 2. Put up with | a. To tolerate |
| 3. Get along with | d. To have a good relationship |
| 4. Put out | b. To extinguish |
Exercise 5: Fill in the blanks with a suitable particle.
- I’m looking ________ to the holidays.
- Please put ________ your shoes.
- The firemen put ________ the fire quickly.
- We need to take ________ more staff.
- He takes ________ his father.
Answer Key:
- forward
- on
- out
- on
- after
Advanced Topics
For advanced learners, there are several more complex aspects of phrasal verbs to explore. These include the use of phrasal verbs in idiomatic expressions, the nuances of meaning between different phrasal verbs with similar meanings, and the regional variations in phrasal verb usage.
Idiomatic Expressions: Many phrasal verbs are used in idiomatic expressions, which have a figurative meaning that is different from the literal meaning of the words. Understanding these expressions requires a deeper knowledge of English language and culture. Examples include: “kick the bucket” (to die), “bite the bullet” (to face a difficult situation), and “hit the nail on the head” (to be exactly right).
Nuances of Meaning: Different phrasal verbs with similar meanings can have subtle differences in connotation or usage. For example, “look at” and “look into” both involve examining something, but “look at” is a general term, while “look into” implies a more thorough investigation.
Regional Variations: The usage of phrasal verbs can vary depending on the region or dialect of English. Some phrasal verbs may be more common in British English than in American English, or vice versa. Being aware of these regional variations can help learners avoid misunderstandings and communicate more effectively.
FAQ
- What is the difference between a phrasal verb and a prepositional verb?A phrasal verb consists of a verb and a particle (adverb or preposition) that together create a new meaning. A prepositional verb consists of a verb followed by a preposition that governs a noun or pronoun. The key difference is that the particle in a phrasal verb changes the verb’s meaning, while the preposition in a prepositional verb connects the verb to its object without fundamentally altering the verb’s core meaning. For example, “look at” is a prepositional verb because “at” simply connects “look” to its object. “Look up,” on the other hand, is a phrasal verb because “up” changes
the meaning of “look” to “search for information.” - Are phrasal verbs formal or informal?Phrasal verbs are generally considered informal and are more commonly used in spoken English and informal writing. In formal writing, it is often better to use a single-word verb with a similar meaning. For example, instead of saying “put off,” you might say “postpone.”
- How can I learn phrasal verbs more effectively?Learning phrasal verbs requires consistent effort and practice. Some effective strategies include:
- Memorizing common phrasal verbs and their meanings.
- Reading and listening to English content to see phrasal verbs in context.
- Using flashcards or other memory aids to review phrasal verbs regularly.
- Practicing using phrasal verbs in your own speaking and writing.
- Focusing on phrasal verbs that are relevant to your specific needs and interests.
- Why are phrasal verbs so difficult to learn?Phrasal verbs can be challenging for several reasons:
- Their idiomatic nature means that their meaning cannot be easily deduced from the individual words.
- Many phrasal verbs have multiple meanings, which can be confusing.
- The rules governing their transitivity and separability can be complex.
- Their usage can vary depending on the region or dialect of English.
- Are there any patterns in phrasal verbs that can help me learn them?While phrasal verbs are often idiomatic, there are some patterns that can help learners:
- Certain verbs (e.g., get, take, put, look, turn, come, go) are frequently used in phrasal verbs.
- Some particles have consistent meanings (e.g., “up” often indicates completion or increase, “down” often indicates decrease or negativity).
- Grouping phrasal verbs by function or meaning can make them easier to remember.
Conclusion
Mastering phrasal verbs is crucial for achieving fluency and comprehension in English. While they can be challenging due to their idiomatic nature and complex rules, understanding their structure, types, and usage will significantly improve your English skills.
By studying the examples provided, practicing the exercises, and avoiding common mistakes, you can confidently use phrasal verbs in both spoken and written English. Continue to immerse yourself in the language, and you’ll find that phrasal verbs become a natural and integral part of your communication.