PHRASAL VERBS:
Let's start with a simple question : What on earth are Phrasal Verbs?
- A Phrasal Verb is a magical combination of 2 - 3 words comprised of a Verb and a particle ( either a Preposition or an Adverb) to create a literal or figurative meaning !
How many types of Phrasal Verbs are there?
Types of Phrasal Verbs : 3!
- They are Separable Phrasal Verbs, Inseparable Phrasal Verbs (Transitive,) Three-word Phrasal Verbs (Transitive,) and Intransitive Phrasal Verbs.
- Separable Phrasal Verbs: A separable Phrasal verb means that it can be separated by another word that goes in between the verb and the particle.
Examples :
You can separate "turn" and "on" to say "Turn the light on.") Put away your toys. (You can separate "put" and "away" to say "Put your toys away."
What on earth is a transitive Phrasal Verb?
- A transitive phrasal verb takes an object, for example: Hang up your jacket.
- When a phrasal verb is transitive, it's possible to put the object between the verb and the adverb/preposition, or put it afterwards. There is no difference in meaning.
Examples:
Hang + your jacket + up!
Hang up + your jacket !
What about an intransitive Phrasal Verb?
An intransitive phrasal verb would mean then that we have a phrasal verb with no direct object.
A chart with a few examples :
IMORTANT NOTE :
If we want to use a pronoun (like him, her, them, us, or it) with a Phrasal Verb, we must separate the Verb and the particle!
Examples :
Correct: This is a rather valuable book. Please pick it up.
Incorrect: This is a rather important book. Please pick up it.
Correct: It is chilly outside, don't forget to put a coat on!
Incorrect: It is chilly outside, don't forget to put on it! ( Referring to the coat!)
Correct: It is chilly outside, don't forget to put + it + on!
TAKEAWAY : Separate two part Phrasal Verbs if you are using a Pronoun! ( He, she, it, them, those, that etc.)
FINALLY : What are literal and figurative/ idiomatic Phrasal Verbs?
Literal phrasal verbs :
Some of the most common phrasal verbs have a clear/literal meaning which you can guess by looking at the meaning of the Verb. :
EXAMPLES:
I ran out of the house. ( Literally left in a rush)
I put my mobile phone in my bag. Then I took it out again. ( Placed the phone inside the bag)
Idiomatic/Figurative phrasal verbs :
Phrasal verbs also have idiomatic meanings - meanings that are less obvious or impossible to guess from the individual words (This is where context will greatly help you alongside learning more about the particle = preposition or Adverb used with the Verb!).
My friend wants me to put in more effort at the gym. ( Invest more time or energy)
Oh no! We've run out of coffee. ( To have less to none of what one once had)
Let's take out a book at the library. ( Borrow or rent something)
PARTICLES : Prepositions/Adverbs comprehension to better understand Phrasal Verbs:
Remember that learning more about particles will increase your overall understanding and ability to memorise more phrasal verbs as you begin to incorporate them in your everyday speech:
- In: To fill something / Also to increase something ( Phrasal Verb: Take in the beauty of the aesthetically pleasing artwork!)
- Out: To remove something > move something in a direction/ opposite of in (Phrasal Verb : I want to take you out this evening!)
- Down: To decrease in size or amount/eliminate ( Phrasal Verb: Calm down! = Decrease your anger/ stress!)
- Up: Completely/wholly/fully ( Phrasal Verbs: Give up !/Finish up etc)
