Phrasal Verbs

What Are Phrasal Verbs?

A phrasal verb is a verb made up of a verb and another word (either a preposition or a particle). Here are some examples of phrasal verbs: A phrasal verb has a different meaning to the verb used in the phrasal verb. (For example, to catch up does not mean the same as to catch.)

A phrasal verb is also known as multi-word verb or a compound verb.

There Are Transitive and Intransitive Phrasal Verbs

Some phrasal verbs are transitive (i.e., they can take a direct object), and some phrasal verbs are intransitive (i.e., do not take a direct object).

Here are some examples of transitive phrasal verbs. (The phrasal verbs are shaded and the direct objects are in bold.) Here are some examples of intransitive phrasal verbs. (The phrasal verbs are shaded. Of course, there are no direct objects.) Some phrasal verbs can be transitive or intransitive depending on their meaning. For example:

There Are Separable and Inseparable Phrasal Verbs

Some transitive phrasal verbs are separable. This means the direct object appears between the verb and the preposition. For example: Some transitive phrasal verbs are inseparable. This means the direct object appears after the preposition. For example: Lots of transitive phrasal verbs can be used in a separable way or an inseparable way. For example:

A Quick Test




IS THE ACCOMPANYING WORD A PARTICLE OR A PREPOSITION?

A phrasal verb is a single verb made up of more than one word. A phrasal verb is made up of a verb and an accompanying word (or words). The accompanying word (or words) is classified as either a preposition or a particle.

When the accompanying word introduces a prepositional phrase, it is classified as a preposition. If it does not, it is classified as a particle. For example (phrasal verbs shaded): Read more about prepositional phrases.


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See Also

What are transitive verbs? What is a direct object? What are intransitive verbs? What are prepositions? Glossary of grammatical terms