Phrasal Verbs

Learn how to use phrasal verbs in English.

Special Lesson Activities for This Grammar Point

Phrasal Verbs

Point 1: Phrasal verbs are combinations of a verb and one or more particles (prepositions) that together create a new meaning.
  1. She looked up the word in the dictionary.
  2. He ran into an old friend at the store.
  3. They turned off the lights before leaving.
  4. I broke up with my girlfriend.
Point 2: The meaning of the phrasal verb may not be obvious from the individual words. Phrasal verbs often take the place of high-level vocabulary.
  1. He called off the meeting. (Canceled)
  2. The city tore down the old building. (Demolished)
  3. They bring up interesting topics. (Raise or introduce)
  4. They ran up the a big phone bill. (Accumulated)
Point 3: Phrasal verbs can be separable or inseparable. Separable phrasal verbs allow the object or pronoun to come between the verb and the particle, while inseparable phrasal verbs do not.

Separable

  1. She took her jacket off.
    1. She took off her jacket.
  2. They turned the TV off.
    1. They turned off the TV.
  3. She picked the toys up off the floor.
    1. She picked up the toys off the floor.
  4. I forgot to take the trash out.
    1. I forgot to take out the trash.

Inseperable

  1. I ran into Jason at the party.
  2. My teacher went off on me for being late.
  3. You should look around before you buy a car!
  4. The party really took off once Bon arrived.
Point 4: The pronoun can only go between the verb and particle with separable phrasal verbs. It cannot go after the particle.
  1. She took her jacket off. Correct!
  2. She took off her jacket. Correct!
  3. She took it off. Correct!
  4. She took off it. Incorrect!
Point 5: The choice of particle can significantly change the meaning of the phrasal verb. Different particles can be used with the same verb to express different actions or ideas.
  1. He broke up with his girlfriend. (ended a relationship)
  2. My car is always breaking down at the worst time. (not working)
  3. He broke into the house. (illegally entered)
  4. After dating for a year, Bill and Sue broke up.
Point 6: Some phrasal verbs have different meanings with the same particle.
  1. My car is always breaking down at the worst time. (not working)
  2. My teacher is good at breaking down grammar. (explaining)
  3. The police broke down the door. (opened with force)
  4. He broke down and cried. (became emotionally upset)

I hope this explanation provides a clearer understanding of phrasal verbs, including the use of pronouns and their placement within the phrasal verb structure.

Answer the following questions about the interview.

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