Phrasal Verbs
Learn how to use phrasal verbs in English.
Answer the following questions about the interview.
Phrasal Verbs
Point 1: Phrasal verbs are combinations of a verb and one or more particles (prepositions) that together create a new meaning.
- She looked up the word in the dictionary.
- He ran into an old friend at the store.
- They turned off the lights before leaving.
- 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.
- He called off the meeting. (Canceled)
- The city tore down the old building. (Demolished)
- They bring up interesting topics. (Raise or introduce)
- 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
- She took her jacket off.
- She took off her jacket.
- They turned the TV off.
- They turned off the TV.
- She picked the toys up off the floor.
- She picked up the toys off the floor.
- I forgot to take the trash out.
- I forgot to take out the trash.
Inseperable
- I ran into Jason at the party.
- My teacher went off on me for being late.
- You should look around before you buy a car!
- 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.
- She took her jacket off. Correct!
- She took off her jacket. Correct!
- She took it off. Correct!
- 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.
- He broke up with his girlfriend. (ended a relationship)
- My car is always breaking down at the worst time. (not working)
- He broke into the house. (illegally entered)
- After dating for a year, Bill and Sue broke up.
Point 6: Some phrasal verbs have different meanings with the same particle.
- My car is always breaking down at the worst time. (not working)
- My teacher is good at breaking down grammar. (explaining)
- The police broke down the door. (opened with force)
- 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.
About the Teacher
My name is Todd Beuckens and I am an ESL teacher in Thailand. I created this site to provide teachers and students free audio lessons and learning materials not usually found in commercial textbooks.