Phrasal verbs are combinations of verbs and particles like prepositions or adverbs that form new meanings. They are commonly used in spoken English and informal writing. Some phrasal verbs have multiple meanings depending on context, making them difficult for learners. Phrasal verbs can be either transitive, taking a direct object, or intransitive, not taking an object. The placement of the object with transitive phrasal verbs depends on whether the phrasal verb is separable or inseparable.