Phrasal Verbs

Phrasal Verbs in English

Phrasal verbs are combinations of verbs with one or more particles (prepositions or adverbs) that create a meaning different from the original verb. They are commonly used in informal English and can be challenging for learners because the meaning often cannot be inferred from the individual words.


Structure of Phrasal Verbs

  1. Verb + Preposition: look after, run into
  2. Verb + Adverb: turn off, give up
  3. Verb + Adverb + Preposition: get away with, put up with

Types of Phrasal Verbs

  1. Transitive Phrasal Verbs
  2. Intransitive Phrasal Verbs
  3. Separable Phrasal Verbs
  4. Inseparable Phrasal Verbs

Transitive Phrasal Verbs

Transitive phrasal verbs require an object to complete their meaning.

Examples:

  • She looked up the information online.
  • He put off the meeting.

Intransitive Phrasal Verbs

Intransitive phrasal verbs do not require an object.

Examples:

  • The plane took off.
  • We broke up last year.

Separable Phrasal Verbs

Separable phrasal verbs can have the object placed between the verb and the particle or after the particle. When the object is a pronoun, it must be placed between the verb and the particle.

Examples:

  • She looked up the word. / She looked the word up.
  • He turned off the lights. / He turned the lights off.
  • They called off the event. / They called it off.

Inseparable Phrasal Verbs

Inseparable phrasal verbs cannot have the object placed between the verb and the particle; the object must come after the particle.

Examples:

    • She ran into an old friend.
    • They came across a hidden treasure.
    • He looks after his younger brother

Examples of Common Phrasal Verbs

  1. Give up: Stop trying or quit.
    • He gave up smoking.
  2. Take off: Remove or ascend.
    • Please take off your shoes.
    • The plane took off on time.
  3. Look after: Take care of.
    • She looks after her grandmother.
  4. Turn on: Start a device.
    • Turn on the TV, please.
  5. Get along: Have a good relationship.
    • They get along well with each other.

Exercise 1: Match the Phrasal Verb with Its Meaning

Match the phrasal verbs with their correct meanings.

  1. Run into
  2. Give up
  3. Look after
  4. Turn off
  5. Break down

a. Stop trying

b. Meet unexpectedly

c. Take care of

d. Stop a device

e. Stop working (for machines)

 

Exercise 2: Fill in the Blanks with the Correct Phrasal Verb

Choose the correct phrasal verb to complete each sentence: give up, take off, turn on, run into, look after, 

  1. Could you please ______ the lights?
  2. She decided to ________ trying after several failed attempts.
  3. He _______ his little brother while their parents are away.
  4. We _______ an old friend at the market.
  5. The airplane _______ smoothly from the runway.

Exercise 3: Rewrite the Sentences Using Phrasal Verbs

Rewrite the sentences using the phrasal verbs in parentheses.

  1. She stopped smoking. (give up)
  2. They canceled the meeting. (call off)
  3. He met her by chance at the park. (run into)
  4. Please start the computer. (turn on)
  5. The teacher takes care of the students. (look after)

Exercise 1

  1. b. Run into – Meet unexpectedly
  2. a. Give up – Stop trying
  3. c. Look after – Take care of
  4. d. Turn off – Stop a device
  5. e. Break down – Stop working (for machines)
Exercise 2
  1. turn on
  2. give up
  3. looks after
  4. ran into
  5. took off
Exercise 3
  1. She gave up
  2. They called off the meeting.
  3. He ran into her at the park.
  4. Please turn on the computer.
  5. The teacher looks after the students.

Here’s a breakdown of the key aspects of phrasal verb grammar:

 

Structure: A phrasal verb typically consists of a main verb and one or more particles. The particles can be prepositions (e.g., “up,” “down,” “on,” “off,” “in,” “out”) or adverbs (e.g., “away,” “together,” “apart,” “down,” “up”). The main verb and the particle(s) combine to form a unit of meaning that may not be directly deducible from the individual components.

 

Example: “turn up” (meaning: arrive unexpectedly or increase the volume)

 

Transitivity: Phrasal verbs can be transitive (taking a direct object) or intransitive (not taking a direct object). Some phrasal verbs can function both transitively and intransitively, depending on the context.

 

  • Transitive: “She turned off the lights.”
  • Intransitive: “The lights turned off.”

Separable vs. Inseparable: Phrasal verbs can be separable or inseparable, which affects the placement of the direct object when used in a sentence.

 

Separable: The object can be placed between the main verb and the particle or after the particle.

  • Example: “I turned off the lights” or “I turned the lights off.”

Inseparable: The object must come after the entire phrasal verb.

  • Example: “She made up a story.”

 

Particle Usage: The choice of particle can significantly alter the meaning of the phrasal verb. Different particles can convey different directions, intensities, or aspects of the action.

  • Example: “run into” (meaning: meet unexpectedly or collide with something) vs. “run out of” (meaning: deplete the supply of something)

 

Idiomatic Expressions: Many phrasal verbs have idiomatic meanings that are not directly derived from the individual meanings of the main verb and the particles. Learning the idiomatic meanings is crucial for understanding and using phrasal verbs effectively.

  • Example: “take off” (meaning: become successful or leave suddenly, especially for aircraft)

 

Context: Understanding the context in which a phrasal verb is used is essential for interpreting its meaning correctly. The same phrasal verb can have different meanings based on the context in which it appears.

Phrasal verbs add depth and richness to English language usage, but mastering them requires practice and familiarity with their various forms, meanings, and usage patterns.

 

Summary:

 

  • Phrasal Verbs: Combinations of a verb with one or more particles that change the original verb’s meaning.
  • Types: Transitive, intransitive, separable, inseparable.
  • Common Phrasal Verbs: Include actions, states, and relationships.
  • Exercises: Practice matching, filling in blanks, and rewriting sentences to understand and use phrasal verbs correctly.

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