The document discusses phrasal verbs, focusing on their separability and usage in the context of technology and communication. It provides examples of transitive and intransitive phrasal verbs, along with practice exercises to enhance understanding. The material highlights how these verbs are used in everyday situations, particularly with digital devices.

1. Phrasal Verbs:
5 Separable and
Inseparable
Living in the
Digital Age
Focus on Grammar 4
Part V, Unit 12
By Ruth Luman, Gabriele Steiner, and BJ Wells
Copyright © 2006. Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.

2. Cell Phone Help Line
This is my first cell phone. I’m trying to figure
it out. I looked over the directions, but I’m still
confused. When I make a phone call, all the
buttons on the phone light up, and I don’t
know what to do. Help!
Every time I want to call up someone on
this cell phone, the phone cuts me off. I
just heard a strange sound. I’m afraid this
phone is going to blow up! Please help
me out!

3. Transitive Phrasal Verbs 1
Most transitive phrasal verbs are separable. This means
that noun objects can go after the particle or between the
verb and the particle.
He can’t figure out the instructions.
noun object
He can’t figure the instructions out.
noun object

4. Be Careful!
If the direct object is a pronoun, it must go between
the verb and the particle.
I turned off it.
I turned it off.
off

5. Usage Note
When the noun object is part of a long phrase, we
usually do not separate the phrasal verb.
He charged the battery in
the handheld computer up.
up
He charged up the battery in
the handheld computer.

6. Form three sentences about
Practice 1 technology for each separable
phrasal verb.
put together
Example: = assemble
 It’s difficult to put together a new device.
 It’s difficult to put a new device together.
 It’s difficult to put it together.
1. close down 2. switch on 3. pick out
= close by force = start a machine = select, identity
4. set up 5. turn off 6. look up
= prepare for use = stop a machine = try to find

7. Transitive Phrasal Verbs 2
Some transitive phrasal verbs are inseparable. This means
that both noun and pronoun objects always go after the
particle. You cannot separate the verb from its particle.
Sam ran his boss into.
into
Sam ran into his boss.
He ran him into.
into
Sam ran into him.

8. Transitive Phrasal Verbs 3
A small group of transitive phrasal verbs must be
separated.
I have to do over the report.
I have to do the report over.
over

9. Use the separable and inseparable
Practice 2 phrasal verbs to discuss good
manners when using a computer or
cell phone.
Example: Don’t carry on a cell phone
conversation during a wedding.
1. 4. start over =
carry on
= continue start again
2. get out of 5. talk into
= benefit = persuade
from
3. count on 6. go after
= depend on = pursue
Inseparable
verb

10. Transitive Phrasal Verbs 4
Some transitive phrasal verbs are used in combination with
certain prepositions. A phrasal verb + preposition combination
(also called a three-word verb) is usually inseparable.
I think I should drop out of this class.
I can’t keep up with new technology.

11. Ask and answer the questions with a
Practice 3 partner using three-word verbs in
your answers.
Example: Is it difficult for you to keep up with new
technology? Why or why not?
• It’s difficult to keep up with of a class?
Have you ever dropped out
new technology because Iany good ideas this week? What
• Have you come up with
haven’t they?
were learned to use the
old technology yet.
• Who do you usually team up with in class activities?
• If someone makes a decision that you disagree with, do
you still go along with the decision?
• When do you get out of your classes?
• When was the last time you followed through with
something? What was it?

12. Intransitive Phrasal Verbs
Some phrasal verbs are intransitive. This means that
they do not take an object.
Son, hold on. I’m busy talking
on the phone right now.
Dad, hang up and call
the fire department!

13. Use the intransitive phrasal verbs to
Practice 4 describe your experiences with
different forms of technology.
Example: run out Last week the photocopy
= not have enough machine ran out of toner.
1. close down 4. play around
= stop operating = have fun
2. call back = 5. empty out
return a call = empty completely
3. blow up 6. sign up
= explode = register

14. References
Copyright © 2006 Pearson Education
and its licensors. All rights reserved.