What are phrasal verbs?

A phrasal verb consists of a verb combined with a preposition or adverb that produces a meaning distinct from the base verb.

Examples:

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  run + into = meet
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  run + away = leave home

Certain phrasal verbs are intransitive. An intransitive verb is one that cannot take a direct object.

Example:

• "show up" does not accept an object

Certain phrasal verbs are transitive. A transitive verb is capable of taking a direct object.

Example:

• "story" functions as the object of "make up"

Several transitive phrasal verbs are separable. In these cases, the object is positioned between the verb and the preposition. Within this Phrasal Verb Dictionary, we indicate separable phrasal verbs by placing a * between the verb and the preposition / adverb.

Examples:

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Certain transitive phrasal verbs are inseparable. When inseparable, the object appears after the preposition. In this Phrasal Verb Dictionary, we identify inseparable phrasal verbs using a + symbol placed after the preposition / adverb.

Examples:

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Various transitive phrasal verbs allow the object to be placed in both positions. In this Phrasal Verb Dictionary, such phrasal verbs are marked using both * and + symbols.

Examples:

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ATTENTION! Although many phrasal verbs permit the object in either location, if the object is a pronoun, it must be positioned between the verb and the preposition.

Examples:

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•   correct
•   incorrect