2. WHAT IS A PHRASAL VERB?
A phrasal verb is a verb followed by a
preposition or an adverb; the combination
creates a meaning different from the original
verb alone.
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3. ask around ask many people the
same question
I asked around but
nobody has seen my
wallet.
break down stop functioning
Our car broke down at
the side of the highway
in the snowstorm.
call around phone many different
places/people
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We called around but
we weren't able to find
the car part we needed.
dress up wear nice clothing
It's a fancy restaurant so
we have todress up.
fall down fall to the ground
The picture that you
hung up last nightfell
down this morning.
get up get out of bed
I got up early today to
study for my exam.
4. CLASSIFICATIONS
Phrasal verbs are part of a large group of
verbs called “multi-part” or “multi-word”
verbs.
The preposition or adverb that follows the
verb is sometimes called a particle.
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5. SPOKEN ENGLISH
Phrasal verbs and other multi-word verbs are an
important part of the English language.
However, they are mainly used in spoken English
and informal texts.
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6. TRANSITIVE
AND
INTRANSITIVE PHRASAL VERBS
Some phrasal verbs are transitive. (A transitive
verb always has an object.)
Example : I completed my Homework. ('Excuse' is
the object of the verb.)
Some phrasal verbs are intransitive . (An
intransitive verb does not have an object.)
Example : I completed first.
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7. SEPARABLE OR INSEPARABLE PHRASAL VERBS
Some transitive phrasal verbs are separable. (The
object is between the verb and the preposition.)
Example : I looked the word up in the dictionary.
Some transitive phrasal verbs are inseparable.
(The object is placed after the preposition.)
Example : I will look into the matter as soon as
possible.
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8. Some transitive phrasal verbs can take an object in
both places.
Example : I picked up the book.
I picked the book up.
However, if the object is a pronoun, it must be
placed between the verb and the preposition.
Example : I picked it up.
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