By:Matthew Shaw

Multiword Verbs

Multiword VerbsThe English language has a large variety of multiword verbs.

Definition:Multiword verbs consist of a combination of a verb and one or two other elements

Types of Multiword Verbs

Phrasal Verbs Prepositional VerbsPhrasal Prepositional Verbs

Phrasal Verbs

Verbs that are made up of verb and a following particle

Particle = preposition or adverb(Do not function as a preposition or adverb)

Ex. set up, handed in, give up

Daniela handed in her homework early.

The meanings of phrasal verbs cannot be predicted from the meanings of its individual elements

Ex. rule out

Meaning of rule + meaning of out

Together these two words create one verb with one meaning

Phrasal Verb TypesTransitive Phrasal Verbs

Separable Inseparable Permanently Separated

Intransitive Phrasal Verbs PureErgative

Separable Transitive PVIts parts may be separated by an object

Ex. looked up

Maggie looked up the address.Maggie looked the address up.

Seen above is use of the particle movement rule

Particle Movement RuleAs long as the direct object of a separable phrasal verb is not a pronoun, the particle movement rule is optionalPronouns: him, her, it, them, this/that, these/those

Ex. John looked up the telephone number.John looked it up.*John looked up it.

Inseparable Transitive PVThese verbs do not permit the particle to move over the direct object even if it is a pronoun

Ex. pick on

Don’t pick on my brother.Don’t pick on him.*Don’t pick him on.

Permanently Separated Transitive PV

These verbs require that the direct object occur between the verb and the particle

Ex. let off

The judge let the thief off with a light sentence.The judge let him off with a light sentence.*The judge let off the thief with a light sentence.

Pure Intransitive PVThese verbs usually cannot be separated from the following particle by an adverb

Ex. took off

The plane took off quickly and climbed to cruising altitude.*The plane took quickly off and climbed to cruising altitude.

Ergative PVThese verbs describe an action that is experienced by the subject

Ex. die down, taper off

After about an hour, the storm began to die downAt the end of December, sales of consumer goods usually taper off.

Prepositional VerbsVerbs that consist of a verb and a following prepositional phrase

Ex. applied for

He applied for the job.*He applied the job for.

Phrasal Prepositional VerbsVerbs that consist of a verb and the first element, a preposition, followed by a prepositional phrase

Ex. put up with, looks up to

I guess I will have to put up with his bad behavior.Joan really looks up to her father.*Joan really looks up her father.