TC
- Feb 17, 2022
- 2 min read

PHRASAL VERBS

Updated: Aug 8, 2022

Phrasal verbs are verbs which consist of usually two or three words.

For example: find out, get up, come up with

These verbs work as a unit, and we should avoid translating them word by word. They have a complex meaning. Be careful about not only their meaning but also their form.

1) separable = we can separate the verb from the particle(s) and insert an object

for instance: pick up

using a pronoun: I will pick you up at 6 p.m. I will pick up you at 6 p.m.

using a noun: I will pick my son up at 6 p.m. I will pick up my son at 6 p.m.

using a name: I will pick Tom up at 6 p.m. I will pick up Tom at 6 p.m.

2) inseparable = we CANNOT separate the verb from the particle(s)

for instance: look forward to

I am looking forward to this summer and free travelling.

Daniel cannot keep up with the rest of the team.

3) transitive = these verbs need an object

Let’s call the meeting off. (It would not make sense to say just Let’s call off.)

4) intransitive = these verbs do not need an object; they make sense when they are used on their own.

Watch out! There is a car coming. Hurry up! We are late.

Please, go on.

A LIST OF SOME PHRASAL VERBS:

break up with, deal with, cope with, catch up with, get away with, read up on, brush up on, turn up, turn down, drop out, follow up, put sb through

A more detailed list of phrasal verbs with their meanings can be downloaded here:

https://www.terceflmc.com/sourcesandmaterialsforsharing-terce/080d3a25-a991-4480-9aaf-40a6764cff97

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