Separable Phrasal Verbs: A Comprehensive Guide

by

Phrasal verbs are a crucial part of English, adding richness and nuance to the language. Among them, separable phrasal verbs can be particularly tricky.

Understanding how these verbs function and where to correctly place the object is essential for clear and effective communication. This guide provides an in-depth look at separable phrasal verbs, offering definitions, examples, usage rules, and practice exercises to help you master this important aspect of English grammar.

This comprehensive resource is designed for English language learners of all levels, from beginners seeking a solid foundation to advanced speakers aiming to refine their grammar skills. By the end of this guide, you will be able to confidently use separable phrasal verbs in both written and spoken English.

This guide will help you:

  • Understand the definition and characteristics of separable phrasal verbs.
  • Identify separable phrasal verbs and their components.
  • Learn the rules governing the separation of phrasal verbs.
  • Avoid common mistakes when using separable phrasal verbs.
  • Practice using separable phrasal verbs through various exercises.

Table of Contents

1. Definition of Separable Phrasal Verbs

A phrasal verb is a combination of a verb and a particle (usually a preposition or an adverb) that creates a new meaning, often distinct from the original verb. Separable phrasal verbs are those where a noun or pronoun object can be placed either between the verb and the particle or after the particle.

This flexibility is a key characteristic that distinguishes them from inseparable phrasal verbs, where the object *must* follow the particle. Understanding this distinction is crucial for correct usage.

The separability of a phrasal verb often depends on the object. If the object is a pronoun (e.g., it, him, her, them), it *must* go between the verb and the particle. If the object is a noun, it can usually go in either position, although one position might sound more natural than the other depending on the specific verb and context. Recognizing separable phrasal verbs and understanding their behavior is an important step in mastering English grammar.

1.1 Classification of Phrasal Verbs

Phrasal verbs can be classified based on their transitivity (whether they take an object) and their separability. Some phrasal verbs are intransitive, meaning they do not take an object at all (e.g., break down). Others are transitive, meaning they do take an object. Transitive phrasal verbs can be further divided into separable and inseparable.

  • Intransitive: Does not take an object (e.g., The car broke down.)
  • Transitive Separable: Takes an object, which can be placed between the verb and particle or after the particle (e.g., Turn the light on. or Turn on the light.)
  • Transitive Inseparable: Takes an object, which *must* be placed after the particle (e.g., Look after the children. NOT Look the children after.)

1.2 Function of Separable Phrasal Verbs

Separable phrasal verbs function as a single verb unit, often expressing actions or states that are different from the meaning of the individual words. They add color and precision to the English language, allowing for more nuanced communication.

Mastering the use of separable phrasal verbs helps you sound more natural and fluent in English.

For example, consider the phrasal verb “pick up.” The individual words “pick” and “up” have their own meanings, but “pick up” can mean to lift something, to collect someone, or to learn something. The context usually clarifies the specific meaning intended.

1.3 Contexts for Using Separable Phrasal Verbs

Separable phrasal verbs are commonly used in everyday conversation, informal writing, and even in more formal contexts. They appear frequently in instructions, narratives, and descriptions.

Being able to understand and use them effectively is essential for navigating a wide range of English-speaking situations.

You’ll encounter separable phrasal verbs in:

  • Instructions: “Fill out the form.”
  • Conversations: “Can you turn the music down?”
  • Narratives: “She made up a story.”
  • Descriptions: “He threw away the old newspapers.”

2. Structural Breakdown of Separable Phrasal Verbs

The structure of a separable phrasal verb consists of a verb and a particle. The key characteristic is the ability to insert the object between these two components.

Understanding this structure is fundamental to using these verbs correctly.

Verb + Object + Particle OR Verb + Particle + Object

2.1 The Verb Component

The verb component of a separable phrasal verb is the main action word. It can be any transitive verb that can be combined with a particle to form a new meaning. Common verbs used in separable phrasal verbs include turn, pick, put, take, bring, look, fill, and throw.

Examples:

  • Turn in “turn on”
  • Pick in “pick up”
  • Put in “put off”

2.2 The Particle Component

The particle component is usually a preposition or an adverb that modifies the verb’s meaning. Common particles include on, off, up, down, out, in, away, and over. The particle is crucial in creating the new meaning of the phrasal verb.

Examples:

  • On in “turn on”
  • Up in “pick up”
  • Off in “put off”

2.3 Object Placement

The object of a separable phrasal verb is the noun or pronoun that receives the action. As mentioned earlier, the object’s position depends on whether it is a noun or a pronoun.

Nouns can usually be placed either before or after the particle, while pronouns *must* be placed between the verb and the particle.

Noun Object: Verb + Object + Particle OR Verb + Particle + Object (e.g., Turn the light on. or Turn on the light.)

Pronoun Object: Verb + Object + Particle (e.g., Turn it on. NOT Turn on it.)

3. Types and Categories of Separable Phrasal Verbs

Separable phrasal verbs can be categorized based on their meaning and the type of action they describe. Understanding these categories can help you remember and use them more effectively.

These verbs describe physical actions or activities. They are often used in instructions, descriptions of events, and everyday conversations.

Examples include: turn on, turn off, pick up, put down, throw away, take out, and fill up.

These verbs relate to communication, such as speaking, writing, or conveying information. They are commonly used in discussions, presentations, and written reports.

Examples include: bring up, point out, spell out, call off, and write down.

These verbs describe interactions between people, such as relationships, conflicts, or agreements. They are often used in narratives, personal anecdotes, and social commentary.

Examples include: break up, make up, get along with, and look up to (though “look up to” is typically inseparable).

These verbs involve resolving issues, finding solutions, or dealing with challenges. They are frequently used in business contexts, technical discussions, and problem-solving scenarios.

Examples include: figure out, work out, sort out, and iron out.

4. Examples of Separable Phrasal Verbs

The following tables provide extensive examples of separable phrasal verbs, demonstrating their usage with both noun and pronoun objects. Careful study of these examples will enhance your understanding and ability to use these verbs correctly.

Related Learning Post  Indefinite Pronouns: Examples and Usage in Sentences

4.1 Examples with Action-Related Verbs

This table illustrates action-related separable phrasal verbs, showing how the object can be placed both between the verb and particle and after the particle (when the object is a noun), and how pronouns *must* be placed between the verb and the particle.

Phrasal Verb Example with Noun Object (Separated) Example with Noun Object (Not Separated) Example with Pronoun Object
Turn on Turn the light on. Turn on the light. Turn it on.
Turn off Turn the computer off. Turn off the computer. Turn it off.
Pick up Pick the book up. Pick up the book. Pick it up.
Put down Put the pen down. Put down the pen. Put it down.
Throw away Throw the trash away. Throw away the trash. Throw it away.
Take out Take the garbage out. Take out the garbage. Take it out.
Fill up Fill the gas tank up. Fill up the gas tank. Fill it up.
Switch on Switch the radio on. Switch on the radio. Switch it on.
Switch off Switch the television off. Switch off the television. Switch it off.
Hang up Hang the coat up. Hang up the coat. Hang it up.
Tidy up Tidy the room up. Tidy up the room. Tidy it up.
Clean up Clean the mess up. Clean up the mess. Clean it up.
Eat up Eat the food up. Eat up the food. Eat it up.
Drink up Drink the juice up. Drink up the juice. Drink it up.
Warm up Warm the milk up. Warm up the milk. Warm it up.
Cool down Cool the soup down. Cool down the soup. Cool it down.
Dress up Dress the child up. Dress up the child. Dress him up.
Pack up Pack the luggage up. Pack up the luggage. Pack it up.
Load up Load the truck up. Load up the truck. Load it up.
Wash up Wash the dishes up. Wash up the dishes. Wash them up.
Chop up Chop the vegetables up. Chop up the vegetables. Chop them up.
Cut up Cut the paper up. Cut up the paper. Cut it up.
Tear up Tear the letter up. Tear up the letter. Tear it up.
Rip up Rip the fabric up. Rip up the fabric. Rip it up.
Fold up Fold the clothes up. Fold up the clothes. Fold them up.

4.2 Examples with Communication-Related Verbs

This table shows communication-related separable phrasal verbs, again demonstrating the flexibility of object placement with nouns and the obligatory separation with pronouns.

Phrasal Verb Example with Noun Object (Separated) Example with Noun Object (Not Separated) Example with Pronoun Object
Bring up Bring the topic up. Bring up the topic. Bring it up.
Point out Point the error out. Point out the error. Point it out.
Spell out Spell the word out. Spell out the word. Spell it out.
Call off Call the meeting off. Call off the meeting. Call it off.
Write down Write the note down. Write down the note. Write it down.
Read out Read the message out. Read out the message. Read it out.
Speak up Speak the answer up. (Less common, but grammatically possible) Speak up the answer. (Less common, and sounds unnatural) Speak it up. (Less common, and sounds unnatural)
Shout out Shout the name out. Shout out the name. Shout it out.
Sing out Sing the song out. (Less common, but grammatically possible) Sing out the song. (Less common, and sounds unnatural) Sing it out. (Less common, and sounds unnatural)
Leave out Leave the detail out. Leave out the detail. Leave it out.
Cross out Cross the mistake out. Cross out the mistake. Cross it out.
Rub out Rub the pencil mark out. Rub out the pencil mark. Rub it out.
Mark down Mark the price down. Mark down the price. Mark it down.
Note down Note the information down. Note down the information. Note it down.
Take down Take the information down. Take down the information. Take it down.
Hand out Hand the papers out. Hand out the papers. Hand them out.
Pass out Pass the leaflets out. Pass out the leaflets. Pass them out.
Send out Send the invitations out. Send out the invitations. Send them out.
Print out Print the document out. Print out the document. Print it out.
Fax over Fax the document over. Fax over the document. Fax it over.
Read through Read the contract through. Read through the contract. Read it through.
Look over Look the report over. Look over the report. Look it over.
Go over Go the details over. Go over the details. Go them over.
Talk over Talk the plan over. Talk over the plan. Talk it over.
Think over Think the proposal over. Think over the proposal. Think it over.

4.3 Examples with Relationship-Related Verbs

This table provides examples of relationship-related separable phrasal verbs. Note that some relationship-related phrasal verbs, like “look up to,” are typically inseparable.

Phrasal Verb Example with Noun Object (Separated) Example with Noun Object (Not Separated) Example with Pronoun Object
Break up Break the relationship up. Break up the relationship. Break it up.
Make up Make the story up. Make up the story. Make it up.
Win over Win the crowd over. Win over the crowd. Win them over.
Take to Take the newcomer to. (Less common, and sounds unnatural) Take to the newcomer. (Inseparable in this context) Take to him. (Inseparable in this context)
Fall for Fall the trick for. (Incorrect – Inseparable) Fall for the trick. (Inseparable) Fall for it. (Inseparable)
Ask out Ask Sarah out. Ask out Sarah. Ask her out.
Turn down Turn the offer down. Turn down the offer. Turn it down.
Look down on Look the poor down on. (Incorrect – Inseparable) Look down on the poor. (Inseparable) Look down on them. (Inseparable)
Look up to Look the mentor up to. (Incorrect – Inseparable) Look up to the mentor. (Inseparable) Look up to him. (Inseparable)
Tell off Tell the child off. Tell off the child. Tell him off.
Show off Show the new car off. Show off the new car. Show it off.
Boss around Boss the employees around. Boss around the employees. Boss them around.
Cheer up Cheer the friend up. Cheer up the friend. Cheer him up.
Calm down Calm the child down. Calm down the child. Calm him down.
Settle down Settle the class down. Settle down the class. Settle them down.
Wind up Wind the colleague up. Wind up the colleague. Wind him up.
Let down Let the team down. Let down the team. Let them down.
Stand up Stand the friend up. Stand up the friend. Stand him up.
Back up Back the claim up. Back up the claim. Back it up.
Stick up for Stick the friend up for. (Incorrect – Inseparable) Stick up for the friend. (Inseparable) Stick up for him. (Inseparable)
Take after Take the father after. (Incorrect – Inseparable) Take after the father. (Inseparable) Take after him. (Inseparable)
Look in on Look the patient in on. (Incorrect – Inseparable) Look in on the patient. (Inseparable) Look in on him. (Inseparable)
Related Learning Post  Mastering the Simple Future Tense: Examples and Usage

4.4 Examples with Problem-Solving-Related Verbs

This table provides examples of problem-solving-related separable phrasal verbs.

Phrasal Verb Example with Noun Object (Separated) Example with Noun Object (Not Separated) Example with Pronoun Object
Figure out Figure the problem out. Figure out the problem. Figure it out.
Work out Work the solution out. Work out the solution. Work it out.
Sort out Sort the issue out. Sort out the issue. Sort it out.
Iron out Iron the differences out. Iron out the differences. Iron them out.
Solve Solve the question out. (Incorrect – ‘solve’ is not typically used with ‘out’ as a phrasal verb) Solve out the question. (Incorrect – ‘solve’ is not typically used with ‘out’ as a phrasal verb) Solve it out. (Incorrect – ‘solve’ is not typically used with ‘out’ as a phrasal verb)
Find out Find the truth out. Find out the truth. Find it out.
Rule out Rule the possibility out. Rule out the possibility. Rule it out.
Cross off Cross the task off. Cross off the task. Cross it off.
Block out Block the noise out. Block out the noise. Block it out.
Filter out Filter the impurities out. Filter out the impurities. Filter them out.
Weed out Weed the inconsistencies out. Weed out the inconsistencies. Weed them out.
Cut out Cut the waste out. Cut out the waste. Cut it out.
Wipe out Wipe the data out. Wipe out the data. Wipe it out.
Tackle Tackle the problem out. (Incorrect – ‘tackle’ is not typically used with ‘out’ as a phrasal verb) Tackle out the problem. (Incorrect – ‘tackle’ is not typically used with ‘out’ as a phrasal verb) Tackle it out. (Incorrect – ‘tackle’ is not typically used with ‘out’ as a phrasal verb)
Pinpoint Pinpoint the cause out. (Incorrect – ‘pinpoint’ is not typically used with ‘out’ as a phrasal verb) Pinpoint out the cause. (Incorrect – ‘pinpoint’ is not typically used with ‘out’ as a phrasal verb) Pinpoint it out. (Incorrect – ‘pinpoint’ is not typically used with ‘out’ as a phrasal verb)
Narrow down Narrow the options down. Narrow down the options. Narrow them down.
Boil down Boil the issue down. Boil down the issue. Boil it down.
Break down Break the resistance down. Break down the resistance. Break it down.
Crack down Crack the crime down. (Less common, and sounds unnatural) Crack down the crime. (Less common, and sounds unnatural) Crack it down. (Less common, and sounds unnatural)
Clean up Clean the situation up. Clean up the situation. Clean it up.
Patch up Patch the relationship up. Patch up the relationship. Patch it up.
Clear up Clear the confusion up. Clear up the confusion. Clear it up.

5. Usage Rules for Separable Phrasal Verbs

Mastering separable phrasal verbs requires understanding specific usage rules. These rules govern object placement and help you avoid common errors.

5.1 The Pronoun Rule

As previously emphasized, when the object is a pronoun (it, him, her, them, us), it *must* be placed between the verb and the particle. This is a strict rule with no exceptions.

Correct: Turn it on.

Incorrect: Turn on it.

5.2 The Noun Rule

When the object is a noun, it can usually be placed either between the verb and the particle or after the particle. However, the choice can sometimes affect the rhythm and emphasis of the sentence.

Both Correct: Turn the light on. and Turn on the light.

5.3 The Length Rule

If the noun object is particularly long or complex, it’s often more natural to place it after the particle. This improves readability and avoids awkward sentence structures.

More Natural: Turn on the incredibly bright and energy-efficient LED light bulb. (Instead of Turn the incredibly bright and energy-efficient LED light bulb on.)

5.4 The Emphasis Rule

The placement of the object can also affect the emphasis of the sentence. Placing the object after the particle can give it more prominence.

Emphasis on the action: Pick up the book. (Focus is on the action of picking up)

Emphasis on the object: Pick the book up. (Focus is slightly more on the book itself)

5.5 Exceptions to the Rules

While the above rules are generally reliable, some phrasal verbs may sound more natural with the object in one position or the other, even when the object is a noun. This is often due to idiomatic usage and can only be learned through exposure and practice.

For example, while both “Fill the form out” and “Fill out the form” are grammatically correct, “Fill out the form” is the more common and natural-sounding phrasing.

6. Common Mistakes with Separable Phrasal Verbs

Using separable phrasal verbs correctly can be challenging, and learners often make predictable errors. Understanding these common mistakes can help you avoid them.

6.1 Incorrect Pronoun Placement

The most common mistake is placing a pronoun object after the particle. Remember, pronouns *must* go between the verb and the particle.

Incorrect: Turn on it.

Correct: Turn it on.

6.2 Treating Separable Verbs as Inseparable

Another mistake is treating separable phrasal verbs as inseparable, especially with noun objects. While placing the noun object after the particle is often correct, remember that you usually have the option of placing it between the verb and the particle.

Technically Correct, but Less Flexible: Only saying “Turn on the light.” and never “Turn the light on.”

6.3 Overgeneralizing Separability

Not all phrasal verbs are separable. Trying to separate an inseparable phrasal verb is a common error.

Incorrect: Look the children after. (Because “look after” is inseparable)

Correct: Look after the children.

6.4 Misunderstanding the Meaning

Phrasal verbs often have meanings that are different from the individual words. Using a phrasal verb without understanding its specific meaning can lead to miscommunication.

For example, “put off” means to postpone, not to physically put something off of something else.

7. Practice Exercises

The following exercises will help you practice using separable phrasal verbs correctly. Each exercise focuses on different aspects of separability, object placement, and sentence construction.

7.1 Exercise 1: Object Placement

Rewrite the following sentences, placing the object in both possible positions (where applicable). If the object is a pronoun, only one answer is possible.

Question Answer
1. Please turn off the television. Turn the television off. / Turn off the television.
2. Can you pick up it? Can you pick it up?
3. They threw away the old newspapers. They threw the old newspapers away. / They threw away the old newspapers.
4. She filled up the gas tank. She filled the gas tank up. / She filled up the gas tank.
5. Don’t forget to take out them. Don’t forget to take them out.
6. He brought up a sensitive topic. He brought the sensitive topic up. / He brought up the sensitive topic.
7. The teacher pointed out it. The teacher pointed it out.
8. She called off the meeting. She She called the meeting off. / She called off the meeting.
9. Write down it quickly. Write it down quickly.
10. Did you figure out the answer? Did you figure the answer out? / Did you figure out the answer?
Related Learning Post  Mastering Linking Sounds: Fluency in English Pronunciation

7.2 Exercise 2: Error Correction

Identify and correct the errors in the following sentences. Explain why the original sentence is incorrect.

  1. Turn on it, please.
    Turn on it, please. Turn it on, please.

    Explanation: Pronoun objects must be placed between the verb and the particle.

  2. Look after the dog.
    Look after the dog. Look after the dog.

    Explanation: No mistake – “look after” is an inseparable phrasal verb.

  3. She picked up the phone it.
    She picked up the phone it. She picked the phone up.

    Explanation: This sentence is grammatically incorrect because it includes both the noun and pronoun, the correct sentence should be “She picked the phone up” or “She picked it up”.

  4. He threw the garbage away.
    He threw the garbage away. He threw the garbage away.

    Explanation: No mistake – This sentence is correct because noun objects can be placed after the particle.

  5. They fill up it.
    They fill up it. They fill it up.

    Explanation: Pronoun objects must be placed between the verb and the particle.

  6. Bring up the subject it.
    Bring up the subject it. Bring the subject up.

    Explanation: This sentence is grammatically incorrect because it includes both the noun and pronoun, the correct sentence should be “Bring the subject up” or “Bring it up”.

  7. Point out the error to me.
    Point out the error to me. Point out the error to me.

    Explanation: No mistake – This sentence is correct because “point out” is an inseparable phrasal verb when there is preposition after the particle.

  8. Call off it immediately.
    Call off it immediately. Call it off immediately.

    Explanation: Pronoun objects must be placed between the verb and the particle.

  9. Write down quickly the information.
    Write down quickly the information. Write the information down quickly.

    Explanation: It is more natural to place the length noun object between the verb and particle.

  10. Did you figure it the problem out?
    Did you figure it the problem out? Did you figure the problem out? or Did you figure it out?

    Explanation: This sentence is grammatically incorrect because it includes both the noun and pronoun, the correct sentence should be “Did you figure the problem out?” or “Did you figure it out?”.

7.3 Exercise 3: Sentence Completion

Complete the following sentences using the given separable phrasal verbs. Pay attention to object placement.

  1. Please __________ (turn / off / the lights) when you leave.
    Please turn the lights off or turn off the lights when you leave.
  2. I need to __________ (pick / up / it) from the store.
    I need to pick it up from the store.
  3. She __________ (throw / away / the old clothes) because they didn’t fit anymore.
    She threw the old clothes away or threw away the old clothes because they didn’t fit anymore.
  4. Can you __________ (fill / up / the form) before submitting it?
    Can you fill the form up or fill up the form before submitting it?
  5. He __________ (bring / up / it) during the meeting, which was quite awkward.
    He brought it up during the meeting, which was quite awkward.
  6. Don’t forget to __________ (write / down / the address) before you forget.
    Don’t forget to write the address down or write down the address before you forget.
  7. They couldn’t __________ (figure / out / the problem) despite trying for hours.
    They couldn’t figure the problem out or figure out the problem despite trying for hours.
  8. She __________ (call / off / it) due to unforeseen circumstances.
    She called it off due to unforeseen circumstances.
  9. We need to __________ (sort / out / the issues) before moving forward.
    We need to sort the issues out or sort out the issues before moving forward.
  10. He promised to __________ (take / out / the trash) every Tuesday.
    He promised to take the trash out or take out the trash every Tuesday.

8. Advanced Topics on Separable Phrasal Verbs

For advanced learners, exploring more nuanced aspects of separable phrasal verbs can further refine your understanding and usage.

8.1 Intonation and Stress

The intonation and stress patterns in sentences with separable phrasal verbs can subtly change the meaning or emphasis. Pay attention to how native speakers stress the verb, particle, and object in different contexts.

For example, stressing the particle can emphasize the action itself: “Turn the LIGHT on!” (as opposed to something else).

8.2 Regional Variations

The separability of certain phrasal verbs and the preferred object placement can vary across different English-speaking regions. Be aware of these regional variations to avoid sounding unnatural in certain contexts.

For example, some phrasal verbs might be more commonly separated in American English than in British English, or vice versa.

8.3 Formal vs. Informal Usage

While separable phrasal verbs are common in both formal and informal contexts, some may be more appropriate for one style than the other. In very formal writing, you might choose a single-word verb instead of a phrasal verb for greater precision.

For example, instead of “find out,” you might use “discover” in a formal report.

8.4 Phrasal Verbs with Multiple Particles

Some phrasal verbs include more than one particle (e.g., “look forward to”). These are generally inseparable, and the object *must* follow the final particle.

Correct: I’m looking forward to the vacation.

Incorrect: I’m looking the vacation forward to.

9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How can I tell if a phrasal verb is separable?

A: One way to test if a phrasal verb is separable is to try placing a pronoun object between the verb and the particle. If the sentence sounds natural and grammatically correct, the phrasal verb is likely separable.

However, the best way is to learn through exposure and practice.

Q: Are there any rules about which position sounds better for noun objects?

A: While both positions are often grammatically correct, placing a long or complex noun object after the particle usually improves readability. Also, placing the object after the particle can give it more emphasis.

Q: What happens if I separate an inseparable phrasal verb?

A: Separating an inseparable phrasal verb will result in a grammatically incorrect and unnatural-sounding sentence. It’s crucial to recognize which phrasal verbs are inseparable and avoid separating them.

Q: Are there any resources for learning more about phrasal verbs?

A: Yes, there are many resources available, including dictionaries specifically for phrasal verbs, online grammar guides, and language learning apps. Practice and exposure to authentic English content are also invaluable.

Q: Is it okay to use separable phrasal verbs in formal writing?

A: Yes, but use them judiciously. While acceptable, consider whether a single-word verb might be more precise or appropriate for the tone of your writing.

10. Conclusion

Mastering separable phrasal verbs is an essential step in achieving fluency and accuracy in English. By understanding the definitions, structural rules, and common mistakes associated with these verbs, you can significantly improve your communication skills.

Practice the exercises provided, pay attention to context and usage, and continue to expand your vocabulary of phrasal verbs. With consistent effort, you’ll confidently and correctly use separable phrasal verbs in both spoken and written English, enhancing your overall language proficiency.