English for Students

Phrasal Verb

A Phrasal Verb consists of a verb and a preposition or adverb that modifies or changes the meaning. Give up is such a verb that means stop doing something, which is very different from give. The word or words that modify a verb in this manner can also go under the name particle.

Phrasal verbs can be divided into groups:

Intransitive verbs:

These don't take an object.

• They had an argument, but they've made up now.


Inseparable verbs:

The object must come after the particle.

• They are looking after their grandchildren.


Separable verbs:

With some separable verbs, the object must come between the verb and the particle:

• The quality of their work sets them apart from their rivals.

In our phrasal verb dictionary, we classify these as Separable.[obligatory]

With some separable verbs, the object can before or after the particle, though when a pronoun is used it comes before the particle:

• Turn the TV off.

• Turn off the TV.

• Turn it off.

In our phrasal verb dictionary, we classify these as Separable [optional]

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