Phrasal verbs are combinations of a verb and one or more particles (prepositions or adverbs) that together create a meaning different from the original verb. They are common in spoken and informal English and can be tricky for learners due to their idiomatic nature.
Example:
take off— The plane took off at noon. (The meaning is not simply “take” + “off”, but “to leave the ground”.)
Components of a Phrasal Verb
A phrasal verb typically consists of:
- Base verb — e.g. take, put, give
- Particle(s) — e.g. up, out, over, away, off, to
Depending on the number of particles, phrasal verbs fall into different categories:
One-Particle Phrasal Verbs
- Examples: wake up, give in, run away
Two-Particle (Three-Word) Phrasal Verbs
- Examples: look forward to, come up with, get away with
Rare Multi-Particle Verbs (with three particles)
Very uncommon; may occur in idioms or set expressions. Example: catch up on something with someone
Types of Phrasal Verbs by Separability
Separability refers to whether the object of a phrasal verb can be inserted between the verb and its particle.
1. Separable Phrasal Verbs
The object can go between the verb and the particle.
Example:
- Turn off the light.
- Turn the light off.
Note: If the object is a pronoun, it must go in the middle:
✅ Turn it off. ❌ Turn off it.
2. Inseparable Phrasal Verbs
The verb and the particle cannot be separated by an object.
Example:I came across an old friend yesterday. (✅ came across him, ❌ came him across)
3. Optionally Separable (Context-Dependent)
Some phrasal verbs allow both forms depending on context, meaning, or emphasis.
Example:Pick up the kids. / Pick the kids up.
Transitivity in Phrasal Verbs
Transitivity refers to whether a phrasal verb requires a direct object.
Transitive Phrasal Verbs
These verbs need a direct object.
Example:Bring up a topic. (“a topic” is the object)
Intransitive Phrasal Verbs
These verbs do not take an object.
Example:He passed out after the race. (no object)
Verbs That Are Both Transitive and Intransitive
Many phrasal verbs can function as both, depending on the meaning.
Example:
- She broke down after the meeting. (intransitive)
- He broke down the door. (transitive)
Summary Table
| Feature | Type | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Particle count | One‑particle | wake up |
| Particle count | Two‑particle (3 words) | look forward to |
| Separability | Separable | turn off the TV |
| Separability | Inseparable | run into a problem |
| Separability | Optionally separable | pick up the phone |
| Transitivity | Transitive | bring up a point |
| Transitivity | Intransitive | pass out |
| Transitivity | Both | break down (a wall) |
Phrasal Verbs Table
[[ level.name ]] - [[ level.desc ]]
| Phrasal verb | Meaning | |
|---|---|---|
[[verb.expression]] [[[verb.t]]] |
|
| Phrasal verb | Meaning | |
|---|---|---|
[[verb.expression]] [[[verb.t]]] |
|