What is a phrasal verb?
A phrasal verb is a verb followed by a preposition or an adverb; the combination creates ameaning different from the original verb alone.
| Example : | |
| To get = to obtain | I need to get a new battery for my camera. |
| To get together = to meet | Why don’t we all get together for lunch one day? |
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.
The preposition or adverb that follows the verb is sometimes called a particle.
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. They should be
avoided in academic writing where it is preferable to use a formal verb such as “to postpone”
rather than “to put off”.
However, they are mainly used in spoken English and informal texts. They should be
avoided in academic writing where it is preferable to use a formal verb such as “to postpone”
rather than “to put off”.
Transitive and intransitive phrasal verbs :
Some phrasal verbs are transitive. (A transitive verb always has an object.)
Example : I made up an excuse. ('Excuse' is the object of the verb.)
Example : I made up an excuse. ('Excuse' is the object of the verb.)
Some phrasal verbs are intransitive . (An intransitive verb does not have an object.)
Example : My car broke down.
Example : My car broke down.
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.
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.
Example : I will look into the matter as soon as possible.
Some transitive phrasal verbs can take an object in both places.
Example : I picked up the book.
I picked the book up.
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.
Example : I picked it up.
That is an interesting information, I think it can be more interesting if you put the function of phrasal verbs. I hope you do not mind if I add a bit of information, including a little function of phrasal verbs.
BalasHapusA phrasal verb functions the same way as a simple verb, but its meaning is idiomatic:
The numbers don’t add up.
That’s an offer he can’t turn down.
Call off the wedding.
Phrasal verbs are among the most difficult concepts for ESL students to grasp; the particle changes the verb in a way that’s entirely colloquial.
Some phrasal verbs are separable: their particles can be separated from the verb and a noun inserted. Others cannot be separated.
Separable:
She added up the numbers.
She added the numbers up.
Inseparable:
We have enough to fall back on.
He broke into the conversation.
Some are both separable and inseparable, depending on their meaning.
Separable:
She threw the ball up.
Inseparable:
She was so nauseated, she felt like throwing up.
One of the biggest difficulties with phrasal verbs is that there’s no guideline for which ones are separable and which are not. Native English speakers grow up incorporating phrasal verbs into their daily conversation and know how to form them intuitively. Unfortunately, non-native speakers must rely solely on memorization.