Phrasal Verbs
A phrasal verb is a verb that is made up of more than one word. When we add a particle or particles to a verb, the verb becomes a phrasal verb. Particle includes preposition or adverb. Remember that the meaning of the phrasal verb becomes different from the original verb. Phrasal verbs are common in a more informal context.
- (1) They called me yesterday.
- (2) CEO of the company called off the meeting.
In sentence 1 the verb call means to telephone. In sentence 2 the verb (call off) means to cancel.
Structures of Phrasal Verbs
Verb + Adverb
We know that we add an adverb to a verb to make a phrasal verb. The
structure of this type is:
Verb + Adverb = Phrasal Verb
- We have to put off the meeting due to some internal issues.
- They get up early in the morning and go to work on time. Therefore, they are healthy and wealthy.
In the first sentence, the phrasal verb (put off) is made up of
verb + adverb and it has changed its meaning. By put, we mean to place in a
specified position. Put off means to postpone.
In the second sentence, the phrasal verb (get up) is also made up of verb + adverb and it has changed its meaning. Get means to obtain and get up means to rise to one’s feet.
Verb + Preposition
We also make a phrasal verb by adding a preposition to a verb. In
this instance preposition is a part of a verb. It does not function as a preposition. These verbs are also called prepositional phrasal verbs. The structure
of this type is:
Verb + Preposition = Phrasal Verb
- They look after many orphans.
- They talked about the current issues in the company.
In the first sentence, the phrasal verb (look after) is made up
of verb + preposition. Look means to direct one’s gaze towards. Look after means
to take care.
Similarly, in the second sentence, the phrasal verb (talk about) is made up of verb + preposition. Talk means an exchange of ideas via conversation. Talk about means to discuss.
Verb + Adverb + Preposition
Phrasal verbs are also made by adding adverb + preposition to
a verb. The structure of this type is:
Verb + Adverb + Preposition = Phrasal verb
- We have run out of sugar.
- I look forward to meeting them.
In the above sentences, the phrasal verbs (run out of, look forward to) are made up of verb + adverb + preposition. Run out of means use up and look forward to means await something eagerly.
Transitive Phrasal Verbs
A phrasal that needs an object is called a transitive phrasal
verb. These are examples of transitive phrasal verbs.
- You have to fill in the form to enter sensitive places.
- We switched off all lights then we went out.
- He turned down the volume of the TV.
Intransitive Phrasal Verbs
A phrasal verb that does not need an
object is called an intransitive phrasal verb.
- All the students stood up when their teacher entered the class.
- We reached late because our car broke down.
Separable Phrasal Verbs
A separable phrasal verb means a phrasal verb that we can separate. It means we can put the direct object between verb and particle. If the particle is an adverb and the phrasal verb has a direct object as well, then it can be
separable.
- I turned off the TV.
- I turned the TV off.
When the direct object is a pronoun, then
it must be used in middle.
- I turned the TV off.
- I turned it off.
- I turned off it. Incorrect
Inseparable Phrasal Verbs
An inseparable phrasal verb means a phrasal
verb that we can not separate and we can’t put the direct object in the middle. We
can’t separate prepositional verbs. They are inseparable.
- They look after many orphans.
- They look many orphans after. Incorrect
