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American English Grammar
Phrasal verb
Learning objectives
In this lesson you will learn the definition of a phrasal verb, study examples of phrasal verbs, and take a test.
Definition of a phrasal verb
  • 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
Examples of phrasal verbs
  • 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.
Take the test
Phrasal verbs are verbs that contain a verb and a particle which together form the unit of meaning. Study the examples below. On 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.
Fun Easy English Tests
Phrasal verb
 
  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

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