Understanding Phrasal Verbs: Types and Examples

Posted on Jan 28, 2025 in English

Understanding Phrasal Verbs

A phrasal verb consists of a verb and a preposition or adverb that modifies or changes the meaning. For example, ‘give up‘ is a phrasal verb that means ‘to 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’.

Types of Phrasal Verbs

Phrasal verbs can be divided into several groups:

1. Intransitive Verbs

  • These do not take an object.
  • Example: “They had an argument, but they’ve made up now.”

2. Inseparable Verbs

  • The object must come after the particle.
  • Example: “They are looking after their grandchildren.”

3. Separable Verbs

  • With some separable verbs, the object must come between the verb and the particle.
  • Example: “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 come before or after the particle, though when a pronoun is used, it comes before the particle.
  • Examples:

“Turn the TV off.“

“Turn off the TV.“

Inseparable Phrasal Verbs

Phrasal Verb

Meaning

Example Sentence

back out of (something)

Fail to keep a commitment

The client backed out of the deal at the last minute.

come across (something)

Find accidentally

While cleaning the house, I came across a check I had forgotten to deposit.

count on (something / someone)

Depend on, rely on

I’m counting on you to send me the information by the end of the day – I need it as soon as possible.

fill in for (someone)

Substitute for

The president of the company is traveling, so the vice-president is filling in for him at the meeting.

get rid of (something)

Eliminate, throw away

We have rats in the house – we need to call the exterminator to get rid of them.

go over (something)

Review

Before the test, let’s go over the topic of phrasal verbs.

look after (something / someone)

Take care of

I can’t go out tonight because I’m looking after my sister’s children.

look forward to (something)

Feel happy/excited about something in the future

I’m really looking forward to our family vacation in Florida – it’s going to be awesome!

look into (something)

Investigate

I’m looking into the possibility of taking an intensive English course in Australia next year.

put up with (something / someone)

Tolerate something/someone unpleasant

One of my colleagues is not very nice, but we put up with him because he does excellent work.

run into (someone)

Meet unexpectedly

I ran into my ex-boyfriend at the supermarket – that was an unpleasant surprise.

settle on (something)

Decide on, choose

I was debating what type of fitness class to take, and I finally settled on yoga.

take after (someone)

Resemble in looks or personality

She’s very friendly and extroverted – she takes after her mother.