Phrasal verbs are multi-word verbs that combine a main verb with a particle, which can be an adverb or preposition, to create a new verb. There are four types of phrasal verbs: 1) separable, where the object can be placed between the verb and particle; 2) prepositional, where a preposition follows the verb; 3) intransitive, where the verb and particle cannot be separated; and 4) three-part, where an adverb and preposition follow the verb. Phrasal verbs are commonly used in informal English to replace more formal verbs.

1. Phrasal verbsPhrasal verbs
Adapted from
http://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/course/intermediate/unit-21/tab/gra

2. Meaning and useMeaning and use
Multi-word verbs are verbs that combine
with one or two particles, which may
be adverbs or prepositions, to make
new verbs.
For example:
Shall we give away all the old books in the office?
(=donar)
He kept on arguing so in the end I gave in.
(=rendirse)
I’ll just have water. I’m trying to give
up coffee. (=dejar de hacer algo)


3. Meaning and useMeaning and use
Phrasal verbs are often used in spoken and
informal English instead of a more formal
verb.
I don’t believe that story. I think he made it up!
(invented it)
Come to my office and we’ll talk it over. (discuss it)
‘Is the meeting still on today?’‘No, they’ve called it off.’
(cancelled it)


4. Type 1 Separable phrasal verbsType 1 Separable phrasal verbs
They are transitive. Most phrasal verbs
are this type.
You can put the object after the phrasal
verb, but you can also separate the
main verb and the particle.
I looked up the answer.→
I worked the answer out.

5. Type 1 verbsType 1 verbs
If you use an object pronoun, you
must always separate the main verb and
the particle.
He’s worked it up
NOT: He’s worked up it.



6. Type 2 Prepositional verbsType 2 Prepositional verbs
They are a special type of transitive
verbs that are followed by a preposition
and not an adverb.
I completely disagree with him.
NOT: I completely disagree him with.

7. Type 3 Intransitive phrasal verbsType 3 Intransitive phrasal verbs
They are intransitive, so you can’t
separate the two parts of the verb.
Watch out! There’s a car coming.

8. Type 4Three-part phrasal verbsType 4Three-part phrasal verbs
They have an adverb and a preposition
followed by a direct object.
You can’t separate the parts of the
phrasal verb.
You must stand up for what you think is right.

9. Type 3 andType 4 phrasal verbsType 3 andType 4 phrasal verbs
You can add a preposition to some Type
3 verbs so that they can have an object.
"Where’s the paper for the photocopier?"
"I think we’ve run out. Jake! Have we run out
of paper for the photocopier?"

10. For more information:For more information:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english