Phrasal Verb: Definition, Examples & Rules | English Grammar
Last Updated: 01 Jul, 2025
Welcome! In this lesson, you'll learn everything you need to know about Phrasal Verbs in English grammar. We'll cover what they are, why they matter, how to use them, and how to avoid common mistakes. You'll also find real-life examples, a quick quiz, and pro tips to help you master this essential grammar topic.
What is a Phrasal Verb?
Phrasal Verb Definition: A Phrasal Verb is a combination of a verb and one or more particles (prepositions or adverbs) that together form a single semantic unit with a meaning that is often different from the individual words.
Why are Phrasal Verbs Important? They are essential for natural English communication and are used extensively in both spoken and written English. Phrasal verbs often have idiomatic meanings that cannot be understood from the individual words.
Function in Grammar
Phrasal verbs function as single verbs in a sentence, but they consist of multiple words. They can be transitive or intransitive and can be separable or inseparable. For example:
- I look up the word. (Transitive, separable)
- The plane takes off at 3 PM. (Intransitive, inseparable)
Phrasal Verb vs Regular Verb: Phrasal verbs consist of multiple words with idiomatic meanings, while regular verbs are single words.
Types of Phrasal Verbs
| Type | Description | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Transitive Separable | Object can come between verb and particle | look up, put on, take off |
| Transitive Inseparable | Object must come after the particle | look after, wait for, listen to |
| Intransitive | No direct object | get up, sit down, come back |
Phrasal verbs can be categorized by their transitivity and separability.
📌 Phrasal Verb Challenge!
Can you identify which words are phrasal verbs in these sentences?
- I look up the word.
- She puts on her coat.
- They get up early.
Show Answers
- look up (search for information)
- puts on (wear clothing)
- get up (rise from bed)
Examples of Phrasal Verbs in Sentences
- I look up the word in the dictionary.
- She puts on her coat before going out.
- They get up early every morning.
- He takes off his shoes at the door.
- We look after the children.
- She comes back from work at 6 PM.
- He gives up smoking last year.
- They set up a new business.
- I run into an old friend yesterday.
- She breaks down in tears.
- He picks up the phone.
- We turn off the lights.
- They bring up an interesting point.
- I find out the truth.
- She goes through the documents.
Notice how each phrasal verb has a specific meaning that may be different from the individual words.
Separable vs Inseparable Phrasal Verbs
Key Differences
| Aspect | Separable | Inseparable |
|---|---|---|
| Object Position | Can come between verb and particle | Must come after particle |
| Example | I look the word up. | I look after the children. |
| Pronoun Object | Must separate (I look it up) | Cannot separate (I look after them) |
| Common Examples | put on, take off, look up | look after, wait for, listen to |
Understanding separability is crucial for correct phrasal verb usage.
Special Rules and Notes
- Separable Phrasal Verbs: With separable phrasal verbs, the object can come between the verb and particle.
- Inseparable Phrasal Verbs: With inseparable phrasal verbs, the object must come after the particle.
- Pronoun Objects: With separable phrasal verbs, pronoun objects must come between the verb and particle.
- Multiple Meanings: Many phrasal verbs have multiple meanings depending on context.
- Formal vs Informal: Phrasal verbs are often more informal than their single-word equivalents.
- Three-Word Phrasal Verbs: Some phrasal verbs have three parts (verb + particle + preposition).
- Idiomatic Meanings: The meaning of phrasal verbs is often not predictable from the individual words.
- Stress Patterns: In phrasal verbs, the particle is usually stressed more than the verb.
Quick Quiz: Spot the Phrasal Verb!
Which words are phrasal verbs in these sentences?
- I look up the word in the dictionary.
- She puts on her coat before going out.
- They get up early every morning.
- He takes off his shoes at the door.
- We look after the children.
- She comes back from work at 6 PM.
- He gives up smoking last year.
- They set up a new business.
Answers: look up, puts on, get up, takes off, look after, comes back, gives up, set up
🔧 Sentence Correction Challenge!
Can you spot and fix the mistakes in these sentences?
- I look after them the children. (Incorrect word order)
- She puts it on her coat. (Incorrect - coat is not a pronoun)
- He takes off it. (Incorrect - pronoun must separate separable phrasal verb)
Show Corrected Sentences
- I look after the children. (Correct word order for inseparable)
- She puts on her coat. (Correct - no separation needed)
- He takes it off. (Correct - pronoun separates separable phrasal verb)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a phrasal verb?
A phrasal verb is a combination of a verb and one or more particles (prepositions or adverbs) that together form a single semantic unit with a meaning that is often different from the individual words.
How do you identify a phrasal verb?
Phrasal verbs consist of a verb plus a particle (e.g., look up, take off, get up) and often have idiomatic meanings.
Are phrasal verbs separable or inseparable?
Some are separable (object can come between verb and particle), some are inseparable (object must come after the particle).
Why are phrasal verbs important?
They are used extensively in natural English and often have meanings that cannot be guessed from the individual words.
Can phrasal verbs have more than two words?
Yes, some phrasal verbs have three words (e.g., look forward to, get away with).
Conclusion
Understanding phrasal verbs is essential for natural English communication. These multi-word verbs are used extensively in both spoken and written English and often have idiomatic meanings. Always remember to pay attention to whether a phrasal verb is separable or inseparable, as this affects word order. Practice identifying and using them in context, and don't be afraid to look up their meanings since they often can't be understood from the individual words. The more you practice, the more naturally you'll be able to use phrasal verbs to express yourself clearly and idiomatically in English!