Phrasal Verbs: A comprehensive guide to proper usage

Phrasal Verbs | An Overview

Phrasal verbs – the cornerstone of informal English communication, are often considered one of the trickiest aspects of the language to master. They add a certain flair to the language and are used in everyday conversations, making it essential to learn their correct usage.

If you find these verbs confusing or difficult to understand, don’t worry! In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the intricacies, equip you with tips and tricks to master them and help you elevate your English proficiency.

What are phrasal verbs?

Phrasal verbs comprise two or three words – a main verb and one or more small words, like “up” or “off.” These small words are called particles. When you put them together, they create a new meaning different from the original verb. 

For example, “turn off” means “to stop something from working,” even though “turn” and “off” have different meanings on their own. Phrasal verbs are common in English, and they can be tricky to learn because the purpose isn’t always obvious from the individual words.

Types of phrasal verbs

Transitive or intransitive

A transitive verb requires an object after the particle, while an intransitive phrasal verb does not. For example, “turn on” is a transitive verb because it requires an object, such as “turn on the light,” while “get up” is an intransitive verb because it does not require an object.

Separable and inseparable

A separable verb means the object can separate the verb and particle. For example, “turn on the light” can be separated as “turn the light on.” An inseparable verb means that the verb and particle cannot be separated. For example, “give up” cannot be separated from “give the book up.”

How to use phrasal verbs

Phrasal verbs can be challenging to use correctly because the verb often differs from the exact meaning of the words that make it up. You can use these tips to use phrasal verbs correctly:

Learn in context

To use them correctly, it is essential to have a proper understanding of context. This means learning how they are used in real-life situations rather than memorizing their definitions.

For example, you might learn the verb “break up” to mean the end of a romantic relationship, but to use it correctly, you need to understand when and how to use it in a sentence.

Use in sentences

Once you have an idea of context, practice using it in sentences. This will help you understand how to use it correctly in different contexts.

For example, if you have learned the verb “turn off,” you might practice using it in different situations, such as “turn off the TV,” “turn off the lights,” or “turn off the computer.”

Pay attention to the particles

The particles or prepositions that make up these verbs are essential to their meaning. Therefore, paying attention to them when learning and using phrasal verbs is important.

For example, the verbs “look up” and “look after” have different meanings because they have different particles. “Look up” means searching for information, while “looking after ” means caring for someone.

Understand the different forms

These verbs can take on different forms depending on the tense or form of the sentence. For example, “turn off” can be used in the present tense, as in “I turn off the lights,” or in the past tense, as in “I turned off the lights.”

It can also be used in the present participle form, as in “I am turning off the lights,” or in the past participle form, as in “I have turned off the lights.” Understanding the different forms of these verbs will help you use them correctly in different contexts.

Use naturally

Finally, it is essential to use phrasal verbs naturally in conversation. This means not trying to force them into sentences but using them when they fit naturally. Using phrasal verbs can make your speech or writing sound natural, so using them sparingly and appropriately is important.

Common phrasal verbs and their meanings

Here are some common verbs and their meanings to help you get started:

• Bring up: To raise a topic or to mention something. Example: She brought up the idea of taking a vacation this summer.

• Call off: To cancel something. Example: They called off the meeting due to bad weather.

• Come across: To find or discover something by chance. Example: I came across an old photo of us while cleaning my closet.

• Fill out: To complete a form or document. Example: Please fill out this application form and submit it by the end of the day.

• Get along: To have a good relationship with someone. Example: I get along well with my co-workers.

• Hang up: To end a phone call. Example: She hung up on me when I started to argue with her.

• Keep up: To maintain or continue at the same level or pace. Example: She has to study hard to keep up with her classmates.

• Put off: To postpone or delay something. Example: They decided to put off their vacation until next year.

• Run into: To meet someone unexpectedly. Example: I ran into my old friend from high school at the grocery store.

• Take off: To remove something quickly or to leave quickly. Example: She took off her coat as soon as she entered the house.

Key takeaways

• Phrasal verbs comprise a verb and one or more particles, which can change the verb’s meaning.
• Learning in context is important because they can have various meanings depending on the context in which they are used.
• Paying attention to the particles can help to understand their meanings better and use them correctly.
• Understanding the different forms of phrasal verbs, including the present participle and past participle, is important for using them correctly in different contexts.
• Using it in natural conversation and writing is essential to avoid sounding unnatural or overusing them.
• Some common sentences include “bring up,” “call off,” “come across,” “fill out,” “get along,” “hang up,” “keep up,” “put off,” “run into,” and “take off.”

We hope this comprehensive guide has provided you with valuable insights and information. If you have any questions or would like to share your thoughts, do not hesitate to reach out to us. Good luck with your exams!

Liked this blog? Read also: Types of nouns | A detailed guide!

FAQs

Q.1 What are phrasal verbs?

Phrasal verbs are a type of verb that consists of a main verb and one or more particles. The particles can be adverbs or prepositions, changing the verb’s meaning differently.

Q.2 Why are phrasal verbs important to learn?

Phrasal verbs are a common feature of spoken and written English, and they are used in a wide range of situations. Learning phrasal verbs can help you understand native speakers better and make your own English sound more natural and fluent.

Q.3 How can I use phrasal verbs to make my English sound more natural and fluent?

You can practice using phrasal verbs in context and consider how native speakers use them in conversations and written materials. Using phrasal verbs can also help you avoid sounding too formal or stiff in your language, making your English sound more natural and authentic.