The document discusses four types of multi-word verbs in English: 1) Verb + particle (no object), 2) Verb + particle + object (separable), 3) Verb + particle + object (inseparable), and 4) Verb + particle + particle. It provides examples for each type to illustrate their usage, both literally and idiomatically. Exercises are also included for the reader to practice identifying the different types of multi-word verbs.

1. Multi-word verbs
There are four types of multi-word verbs:
Type 1
Verb + particle (no object)
A He put on his coat and went out.
B I didn’t put enough wood in the fire and it went out.
In A the word and particle are used literally. In B they are used idiomatically. To go out means
to stop burning.
Examples with literal meaning:
Sit down.
She stood up and walked out.
Please go away.
She walked right past the shop without noticing it.
Examples with idiomatic meaning:
The meat has gone off.
The marriage didn’t work out.
Our plans fell through (failed).
Type 2
Verb + particle + object (separable)
A I put up the picture.
B I put up my sister for the night.
In A the verb and particle are used literally. In B they are used idiomatically. To put up means to
give someone food and a place to sleep usually for the night or a few days.
Type 2 multi-word verbs are separable. The object can come between the verb and the particle.
I put up the picture. I put up my sister.
I put the picture up. I put my sister up.
But if the object is a pronoun it always comes between the verb and the particle.
I put it up.
I put her up.
Examples with literal meaning:
The waiter took away the plates.
Don’t throw it away.
They’re pulling that old building down.
Examples with idiomatic meaning:
I put off the meeting (postponed).
She told her boyfriend off for being late.
Don’t let me down (disappoint).

2. Type 3
Verb + particle + object (inseparable)
A She came across the room.
B She came across an old friend while she was out shopping.
In A the verb and particle are used literally. In B they are used idiomatically. To come across
means to find by accident.
Type 3 multi-word verbs are inseparable. The object (noun or pronoun) always comes after the
particle.
Examples with a literal meaning:
I’m looking for Jane.
They ran across the park.
We drove past them.
Examples with an idiomatic meaning:
I’ll look after it for you (take care of)
She takes after her father.
He never got over the death of his wife. (recover from)
Type 4
Verb + particle + particle
I get on very well with my boss.
I’m looking forward to it.
How can you put up with that noise?
Type 4 multi-word verbs are always idiomatic. The object cannot change position. It cannot come
before the particles, or between the particles.
Not * I’m looking forward it to.
PRACTICE MATCHING
Match each of these multi-word verbs with its equivalent:
1 to get into to organize
2 to make it to postpone
3 to get sorted to follow
4 to get spotted to enter (a new career)
5 to be out and about to pass (a test)
6 to tag along to be noticed
7 to put on hold to travel
8 to get through to succeed (finally)

3. EXERCISES
In the following groups of sentences one meaning of the multi-word verb is literal and two are
idiomatic. Say which is which:
1 A The plane to Hong Kong has just taken off.
B Take the vase off the table. It’s going to fall.
C He’s very famous now. His popularity really took off when he made that film.
2 A I’ll bring you up some water when I come to bed.
B Have you brought up the question of borrowing the money?
C They brought up six children with very little money.
3 A Her health has really picked up since she moved to a sunny climate.
B Can you pick up my pen for me? It’s under your chair.
C I picked up a little Italian when I was working in Rome.
4 A It took me a long time to get over the operation.
B Mario doesn’t speak much English so it was difficult to get over to him what I
wanted.
C Can you help me get over this wall? The gate is closed.
5 A I looked up Bob’s number in the phone book.
B The new manager is very good. Sales have really looked up since he came.
C We looked up the tree and there was the cat on the top branch.
Separable or inseparable?
Check whether the multi-word verb in the following sentences is separable
or not. Replace the italics with the pronoun.
He turned on the light.
She takes after her father.
I’ve just looked up the word in my dictionary.
He’s looking after my cats while I’m away.
She has brought up those children really well.
We picked up Spanish very quickly.
I don’t think they’ll ever get over the shock of her death.
He’s taken up golf because he has a lot of free time since he retired.

4. VERBS WITH TWO PARTICLES
Complete the pairs of sentences with one of the following multi-word verbs.
Put up with
Go out with
Get on with
Run out of
Look forward to
A I don’t _____________________ my sister’s husband.
Our teacher told us to our work quietly.
B Has the photocopier _____________________ paper again?
The children always school as soon as the bell
Goes.
C Why don’t you ever _____________________ Christmas?
We always going on holiday.
D I must _____________________ the dog. She hasn’t been for
A walk yet.
Tom and Flora used to each other when they
were teen-agers.
E How do you manage to ______________________ the noise from your
neighbours?
Some parents a lot of bad behaviour
from their kids.
In which pairs of sentences is the meaning the same? In which is the meaning different?