Phrasal Verbs
Understand verb + particle combinations like give up, look after and turn down.
What Is It?
A phrasal verb is a verb + one or two small words (particles) that together make a new meaning: give up (quit), look after (take care of), run out of (have none left).
Why Do English Speakers Use It?
Everyday spoken English is full of them. Native speakers say “find out” far more often than “discover”.
When to Use It
- Daily routines: I get up at 7 and set off at 8.
- Relationships: We get on well. They broke up last year.
- Problems: The car broke down. We ran out of fuel.
- Work: Can you fill in this form and hand it in?
When NOT to Use It
In formal writing, a single verb is often better: “postpone” instead of “put off”, “investigate” instead of “look into”.
Sentence Structure
| Type | Object position | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Intransitive (no object) | — | The plane took off. |
| Separable | before or after the particle | Turn the TV off. / Turn off the TV. |
| Inseparable | after the particle only | Look after the baby. |
Grammar Rules
- With separable verbs, a pronoun must go in the middle: turn it off (not turn off it).
- Some phrasal verbs have several meanings: take off (a plane leaves / remove clothes).
- Three-part verbs are inseparable: look forward to, run out of, get on with.
- Learn them in a sentence, not as single words.
Real-Life Examples
- Please turn down the music.
- I’ll pick you up at six.
- Monica gave up sugar last month.
- Can you find out what time the shop opens?
Common Learner Mistakes
- Can you turn off it?Can you turn it off?
- I look forward to hear from you.I look forward to hearing from you.
- Look the baby after.Look after the baby.
Quick Memory Tip
Learn phrasal verbs by theme (travel, work, feelings) and write one sentence about your own life for each.
Real Conversation
Joe: My laptop keeps switching off by itself.
Monica: Maybe the battery is running out. Have you looked into it?
Joe: Not yet. I’ll take it to the shop and find out.
Interactive Practice
Pick an answer to check your understanding.
Question 1 of 5
My doctor says I should ___ smoking.
Question 2 of 5
Can you ___ the music? I’m trying to sleep.
Question 3 of 5
I’m looking forward to ___ you.
Question 4 of 5
We’ve ___ milk. Can you buy some?
Question 5 of 5
Please ___ your shoes before you come in.
Final Mini Quiz
One last check before you mark the lesson complete.
Which sentence is correct?
Finished the lesson?
Log in to save lesson progress and earn XP.