Phrasal Verbs in English Grammar With Example Sentences

A phrasal verb is a group of two or more words that function as a single verb with a meaning all its own. For instance, the definitions of pick up and up alone are significantly distinct from each other; pick up indicates to grab or hoist. Phrasal verbs, which are common in spoken English, may be very complex because there are hundreds of them and their meanings aren’t always obvious.

Confusion may be increased by the fact that many of the basic verbs that are used to create phrasal verbs are also employed in several separate phrasal verbs with unique meanings.

Among the most challenging topics for multilingual English speakers to master is phrasal verbs in particular. Hopefully, this tutorial can assist make sense of this confusing subject by providing an overview of English phrasal verbs, including a list of the most common ones.

What Are Phrasal Verbs?

Phrasal verbs are compound verbs that consist of two or more words that combine to form a new verb that has a meaning distinct from the original terms. Let’s look at a few phrasal verb examples to help you understand: Put on denotes putting something on oneself (e.g., clothing), get on denotes moving forward; and go on denotes continuing on even in the face of leaving something behind.

Phrasal verbs are very helpful in casual speech. But we may have trouble comprehending casual English if we don’t know what these phrasal verbs signify. Thus, knowing how to use phrasal verbs is really helpful for having a discussion that flows naturally!

Advantages of Using Phrasal Verbs

• Expressiveness: Phrasal verbs allow for more nuanced and expressive communication.
• Versatility: They add flexibility to language use, enabling speakers to convey various shades of meaning.

Types of Phrasal Verbs:

1. Transitive Phrasal Verbs
2. Intransitive Phrasal Verbs
3. Separable Phrasal Verbs
4. Inseparable Phrasal Verbs

Phrasal Verbs in English Grammar With Example Sentences:

1. Transitive Phrasal Verbs

For a transitive phrasal verb to make meaning, an object is required. They resemble acts that call for the activity of something or someone. In the sentence “She picked up the book,” for instance, “picked up” cannot make sense without the object “book”. Verbs like “pick up,” “set down,” “turn off,” and “bring up” are frequently used in these contexts. They aid in the description of acts involving face-to-face communication with people or objects.

         2. Intransitive Phrasal Verbs

Phrasal verbs that are intransitive do not require an object to be understood. They stand alone as whole units. In “She showed up at the party,” for instance, the word “shown up” functions on its own alone. They are frequently employed to describe generic acts that do not specifically include objects or persons, such as coming, happening, or continuing.

Intransitive Phrasal Verbs in English Grammar with example sentences

      3. Separable Phrasal Verbs

You can insert an object in between the verb and the particle when using separable phrasal verbs. In the sentence “Please put the vase down,” for example, the word “vase” appears between the words “put” and “down.” They provide flexibility in phrase construction for object-related activities.

         4. Inseparable Phrasal Verbs 

Phrasal verbs that are inseparable are ones in which the verb and particle cannot be separated. The particle must come before the item. In the sentence “She looks after her sister,” for instance, there is no space allowed between “looks” and “after.” These verbs are typically used to express caring for someone or something, looking like someone, or looking forward to something with great anticipation.

Inseparable Phrasal Verb in English Grammar with example sentences