Phrasal Verbs

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Phrasal Verbs• Phrasal verbs are a combination of a verb and a

particle that together have a special meaning.• The meanings of phrasal verbs are not literal (and

sometimes not logical). They must be memorized.PUT (verb)+ OFF (particle) = to postpone“We will have to put off the meeting until everyone

can attend.”• While other synonyms are more common in

academic writing, phrasal verbs may be used when paraphrasing or explaining.

Separable Phrasal Verbs

• Some phrasal verbs can be separated by a noun or a pronoun.– I figured out the answer. (verb + particle + noun)– I figured it out. (verb + pronoun + particle)

• If a phrasal verb is separable it can only be followed by a noun. It CANNOT be followed by a pronoun.– I figured out the answer.

NOT– I figured out it.

Nonseparable Phrasal Verbs

• Some phrasal verbs can NOT be separated by a noun or a pronoun.

• A noun or pronoun will always follow these kinds of phrasal verbs.– I ran into Ryan at the gym.– I ran Ryan into at the gym. NOT POSSIBLE

Three Word Phrasal Verbs

• Some phrasal verbs use three words and must be used together.– run out of: to finish a supply of something.“I’m so sorry! We ran out of toilet paper!”

• Three word phrasal verbs are always followed by an object and are non-separable.– ran out of (phrasal verb) + toilet paper (object)