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Home - Grammar - Phrasal Verb
Phrasal Verb
 
Phrasal Verb

In this lesson you will learn the definition of a phrasal verb, study examples of phrasal verbs, and take a test.
Phrasal Verb Definition
  • A phrasal verb is a combination of:
  • a verb and a preposition
  • a verb and an adverb
  • a verb with both an adverb and a preposition
  • The meaning of a phrasal verb is different from the original verb
  • The preposition or adverb that follows the verb is called a particle and changes the meaning of the phrasal verb
  • Phrasal verbs can be divided into the following groups:
  • intransitive phrasal verb 
  • does not take an object
  • inseparable phrasal verb
  • the object comes after the particle
  • separable phrasal verb
  • the object comes between the verb and the particle
  • separable phrasal verb
  • the object can come before or after the particle though when a pronoun is used it comes before the particle
Phrasal Verb Examples
  • intransitive phrasal verb - does not take an object
  • They had an argument, but they've made up now.
  • inseparable phrasal verb - the object comes after the particle
  • They are looking after their grandchildren.
  • separable phrasal verb - the object comes between the verb and the particle
  • The quality of their work sets them apart from their rivals.
  • separable phrasal verb - the object can come 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.
Phrasal Verb Test

Phrasal verbs are verbs that contain a verb and a particle which together form the unit of meaning. Study the examples below. For the test, fill in the blanks with the correct phrasal verb.
  • put together - this phrasal verb means to assemble
  • The office manager tried to put together the new table.
  • think up - this phrasal verb means to create or invent
  • The inventor spent the weekend trying to think up a new invention.
1.  He has to ________ the balloons for the party.

     a.  blow out
     b.  blow up
     c.  fill in
2.  She wanted to ________ the clothes before buying them.

     a.  keep on
     b.  try on
     c.  fill in
3.  The teacher decided to ________ the exam until next week.

     a.  put off
     b.  leave out
     c.  give out
4.  The student had to ________ all night studying.

     a.  hold on
     b.  wake up
     c.  stay up
5.  Quit acting like a child. You need to ________.

     a.  grow up
     b.  work out
     c.  build up
6.  She needs to ________ her clothes at the dry cleaners.

     a.  set up
     b.  pick up
     c.  put up
7.  The couple decided to ________ their problems instead of ending the relationship.

     a.  hang up
     b.  run off
     c.  work out
8.  You should ________ the old product before opening a new one.

     a.  pick up
     b.  pick out
     c.  use up
9.  If it rains, we have to ________ the game.

     a.  call off
     b.  call up
     c.  cut off
10.  He already spent one hour trying to ________ the math problem.

     a.  figure out
     b.  put off
     c.  put on
More Tests
 
Additional Information
Are You Crazy About English?
(Beginner - Listening)

An audio lesson to help with your understanding of phrasal verbs. The English is spoken at 75% of normal speed. Click here to visit the lesson page with the written script for this audio program.
Are You Hungry for Food Phrasals? Part One
(Beginner - Listening)

An audio lesson to help with your understanding of phrasal verbs. The English is spoken at 75% of normal speed. Click here to visit the lesson page with the written script for this audio program.
Cheer Up! Phrasal Verbs and Emotions
(Beginner - Listening)

An audio lesson to help with your understanding of phrasal verbs. The English is spoken at 75% of normal speed. Click here to visit the lesson page with the written script for this audio program.
Cooking with Phrasal Verbs
(Beginner - Listening)

An audio lesson to help with your understanding of phrasal verbs. The English is spoken at 75% of normal speed. Click here to visit the lesson page with the written script for this audio program.
 
 
 
Grammar Tips
Can You Catch These Native Speaker Mistakes?
(Beginner - Listening)

An audio lesson to help with your understanding of common mistakes. The English is spoken at 75% of normal speed. Click here to visit the lesson page with the written script for this audio program.
Commonly Confused Words: Part One
(Beginner - Listening, reading)

A video lesson to help with your understanding of commonly confused words.
The English is spoken at 75% of normal speed.
Click here to visit the lesson page.
Commonly Confused Words: Part One
(Beginner - Listening)

An audio lesson to help with your understanding of commonly confused words. The English is spoken at 75% of normal speed. Click here to visit the lesson page with the written script for this audio program.
Commonly Confused Words: Part Two
(Beginner - Listening, reading)

A video lesson to help with your understanding of commonly confused words.
The English is spoken at 75% of normal speed.
Click here to visit the lesson page.
Commonly Confused Words: Part Two
(Beginner - Listening)

An audio lesson to help with your understanding of commonly confused words. The English is spoken at 75% of normal speed. Click here to visit the lesson page with the written script for this audio program.
 
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