PHRASAL VERBS

What’s a phrasal verb?

A phrasal verb is a verb followed by a preposition or an adverb; the combination creates a meaning different from the original verb alone.

Phrasal verbs are part of a large group of verbs called “multi-part” or "multi-word” verbs. 

The preposition or adverb that follows the verb is sometimes called a particle.

Phrasal verbs and other multi-word verbs are an important part of the English language. 

However, they are mainly used in spoken English and informal texts.

They should be avoided in academic writing where it is preferable to use a formal verb such as “to postpone” rather than “to put off”.

Example given

To get  =  to obtain

I need to get a new battery for my motorcycle.

To get together  =  to meet 

Why don’t we get together for a picnic one day?

Types of phrasal verbs

Phrasal verbs can be either transitive or intransitive.

Transitive phrasal verbs

These phrasal verbs need an object in order to be used.

E.g. I made up an excuse about the computer. ('Excuse' is the object of the verb.)

You can separate some of the transitive phrasal verbs, it means, you can place the object between the verb and the particle.

E.g. I looked the word up in the dictionary.

However, some verbs can’t be separated and the object must be placed after the particle.

E.g. I will look into the matter as soon as possible.

Some phrasal verbs can take an object either between the verb and the particle or after the particle.

E.g. I picked up the book. I picked the book up.

Note: However, if the object is a pronoun, it must be placed between the verb and the preposition.

E.g. I picked it up

Intransitive phrasal verbs

Unlike the transitive ones, these verbs don’t need an object when used in a sentence.

E.g. My car broke down.