Do you know how to use verbs in phrases like take the dog for a walk, turn the lights off, and call my sister back? Enhance your knowledge with a lesson given below and the grammar explanation to guide you better.
Look at these examples to see how phrasal verbs are used.
Could you hand me that book over there?
Why are you taking that comment to heart?
The committee is examining options for the new project.
We need to figure out a plan before the deadline.
Help me with the IELTS Registration
Grammar explanation - Phrasal verbs
Phrasal verbs are very common in English, especially in more informal contexts. They are made up of a verb and a particle or, sometimes, two particles. The particle often changes the meaning of the verb.
I texted Sam to see if he was free. (text = to send a message)
They've set up a new branch in the city. (set up = to establish)
In terms of word order, there are two main types of phrasal verbs: separable and inseparable.
1. Separable
With separable phrasal verbs, the verb and particle can be apart or together.
They've set the meeting up.
OR
They've set up the meeting.
However, separable phrasal verbs must be separated when you use a personal pronoun.
The meeting? They've set it up.
Here are some common separable phrasal verbs:
I didn't want to bring the issue up during the discussion.
bring up = start talking about a particular subject)
Could you take this package back?
(take back = return something)
I'll drop you off at the airport.
(drop off = deliver someone to a place)
She turned the offer down because it didn’t suit her.
(turn down = to not accept an offer)
2. Non-separable
Some phrasal verbs cannot be separated.
Who takes care of the pets when you're away?
Even when there is a personal pronoun, the verb and particle remain together.
Who takes care of them when you're away?
Here are some common non-separable phrasal verbs:
I stumbled upon your article while researching.
(stumble upon = to find something by chance)
The ice cream melts into a puddle in the sun.
(melt into = become)
It was a challenging project. It took weeks to recover from it.
(recover from = get over something)
We are aware of the situation and we are investigating it.
(investigate = look into)
Some multi-word verbs are inseparable simply because they don't take an object.
I wake up at 6 a.m.
3. With two particles
Phrasal verbs with two particles are also inseparable. Even if you use a personal pronoun, you put it after the particles.
Who came up with that plan?
(come up with = think of an idea or plan)
Let’s get rid of these old clothes to make some space.
(get rid of = remove or become free of something you don't want)
I didn’t really get along with my neighbor when I was a kid.
(get along with = like and be friendly towards someone)
Can you stand that noise all the time? I don’t know how you put up with it.
(put up with = tolerate something difficult or annoying)
The event is next week. I’m really looking forward to it.
(look forward to = be happy and excited about something that is going to happen)