Phrasal verbs
Definition
A phrasal verb combines a verb with an adverb particle, and sometimes a preposition, to create a single meaning. That meaning may be transparent, as in sit down, or idiomatic, as in give up.
Examples
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Please turn off the lights.
Turn off means stop a machine, light or device from operating.
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They looked after the children for the evening.
Look after means take care of.
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I ran into an old friend at the station.
Run into can mean meet unexpectedly.
Separable vs. inseparable phrasal verbs
Turn the radio down.
The object can appear between turn and down.
She looks after her nephew.
The object follows the complete phrasal verb look after.
Some phrasal verbs allow a noun object in the middle. Others keep the verb and particle together. The pattern belongs to the individual phrasal verb.
Pronoun objects reveal separability
With a separable phrasal verb, a pronoun object normally has to go between the verb and particle. A noun object may often go in either position.
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Please turn it off.
The pronoun it must appear between the verb and particle.
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Please turn off the computer.
A noun object can follow the particle with this phrasal verb.
Common mistakes
Please turn off it.
Please turn it off.
A pronoun object goes between the two parts of a separable phrasal verb.
She looks her brother after.
She looks after her brother.
Look after is inseparable.
Quick check
Question 1 of 3
Which sentence correctly places a pronoun with pick up?
With separable pick up, the pronoun goes between the verb and particle.Which sentence correctly uses the inseparable phrasal verb look after?
Look after stays together before its object.Which sentence uses give up to mean stop trying or stop a habit?
Gave up smoking correctly uses the phrasal verb and the following -ing form.Nice work — you've completed the quick check.
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