Phrasal Verbs: Definition, Types and Examples

Phrasal Verbs

Definition

• A phrasal verb is a combination of a verb and a preposition, a verb and an adverb, or a verb and both a preposition and an adverb.
• Phrasal verbs have a different meaning than the individual words that make them up.

Characteristics

• Idiomatic: phrasal verbs have a non-literal meaning that cannot be deduced from the individual words.
• Informal: phrasal verbs are often used in informal spoken language and in writing for a casual tone.
• Separable: some phrasal verbs can be separated by an object, while others cannot.
• Transitive: phrasal verbs can take an object, but not all do.

Types of Phrasal Verbs

• Intransitive phrasal verbs: do not take an object (e.g. "get up")
• Transitive phrasal verbs: take an object (e.g. "pick up the book")
• Separable phrasal verbs: can be separated by an object (e.g. "pick up the book" or "pick the book up")
• Inseparable phrasal verbs: cannot be separated by an object (e.g. "get on" cannot be "get the bus on")

Examples

• Common phrasal verbs:
  • Get on/off
  • Get in/out
  • Pick up
  • Turn off
  • Take away
• Phrasal verbs with different meanings:
  • "Get on" can mean to board a vehicle or to continue doing something
  • "Turn off" can mean to stop a device or to become uninterested

Tips for Learning Phrasal Verbs

• Learn phrasal verbs in context to understand their meanings.
• Practice using phrasal verbs in sentences to improve fluency.
• Focus on common phrasal verbs first, and then move on to more complex ones.
• Be aware of the differences in meaning between phrasal verbs and their individual words.