A phrasal verb is a verb combined with a preposition or adverb to create a meaning different from the original verb. Phrasal verbs are commonly used in spoken English and informal writing but should be avoided in academic writing. Examples are given of transitive phrasal verbs, which require an object, and intransitive phrasal verbs, which do not. The placement of the object with transitive phrasal verbs can vary depending on the specific verb.

2.  A phrasal verb is a verb followed by a
preposition or an adverb; the combination
creates a meaning different from the original
verb alone.

3.  Phrasal verbs are part of a large group of
verbs called “multi-part” or "multi-
word” verbs.
 The preposition or adverb that follows
the verb is sometimes called a particle.

4.  Phrasal verbs and other multi-word
verbs are an important part of the
English language.
 However, they are mainly used in
spoken English and informal texts.

5.  They should be avoided in academic
writing where it is preferable to use a
formal verb such as “to postpone” rather
than “to put off”.

6.  To get = to obtain
 I need to get a new
battery for my
motorcycle.
 To get
together = to
meet
 Why don’t we get
together for a
picnic one day?

7.  Phrasal verbs can be either transitive or
intransitive.

8.  These phrasal verbs need an object in
order to be used.
 E.g. I made up an excuse about the
computer. ('Excuse' is the object of the
verb.)

9.  You can separate some of the transitive
phrasal verbs, it means, you can place the
object between the verb and the particle.
 E.g. I looked the word up in the dictionary.

10.  However, some verbs can’t be separated
and the object must be placed after the
particle.
 E.g. I will look into the matter as soon as
possible.

11.  Some phrasal verbs can take an object either
between the verb and the particle or after
the particle.
 E.g.
 I picked up the book.
 I picked the book up.

12.  Note: However, if the object is a pronoun,
it must be placed between the verb and the
preposition.
 E.g. I picked it up

13.  Unlike the transitive ones, these verbs
don’t need an object when used in a
sentence.
 E.g. My car broke down.