Three-Part Phrasal Verbs (get on with, look forward to)
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Three-part phrasal verbs combine a verb, an adverbial particle, and a preposition to create a single, inseparable meaning.
- They are always inseparable; the object must come after the final preposition. Example: 'I get on with him.'
- The verb part conjugates normally for tense and person. Example: 'He is looking forward to it.'
- If followed by another verb, use the -ing form. Example: 'I look forward to seeing you.'
Overview
Sometimes three words work together as one. They have one meaning.
The meaning is new. You cannot guess it from each word.
These words are common. They help you speak like a friend.
These words show you know English very well.
How This Grammar Works
- Correct:
She needs to come up with a new plan. - Incorrect:
She needs to come a new plan up with. - Incorrect:
She needs to come up a new plan with.
Formation Pattern
put up with | Example: look forward to |
put | look |
with | to |
When To Use It
- Everyday Conversation: They are ubiquitous in spoken English. You'll hear phrases like, "I have to catch up on my emails after my vacation," or "How do you put up with that noise?"
- Informal Digital Communication: In texts, social media posts, and instant messages, they are standard. A post might read, "Really looking forward to the weekend!" This sounds much more natural than "I am anticipating the weekend with pleasure."
- Workplace Emails (Semi-Formal): In emails to colleagues, they are common and appropriate for conveying a collaborative and approachable tone. For instance, "Let's try to come up with a solution in our meeting tomorrow," is perfectly acceptable. Or, "I'll follow up on that client request this afternoon."
When Not To Use It
- Formal Academic and Scientific Writing: Research papers, essays, and dissertations require a formal register. A phrasal verb can weaken the scholarly tone.
- Instead of: The study will look into the effects of the policy.
- Prefer: The study will investigate the effects of the policy.
- Instead of: We need to come up with a new hypothesis.
- Prefer: We need to devise a new hypothesis.
- Legal and Official Documents: Contracts, official reports, and legal correspondence require unambiguous language. The idiomatic nature of phrasal verbs can sometimes create ambiguity.
- Instead of: The company will not put up with violations of the code of conduct.
- Prefer: The company will not tolerate violations of the code of conduct.
- Formal Business Proposals: When trying to impress a client or secure funding, a more formal lexicon conveys greater seriousness and professionalism.
- Instead of: We'll have to do away with our old software.
- Prefer: We'll have to eliminate our old software.
get on with is perfect for an email to a teammate, proceed with is the better choice for a formal project charter.Common Mistakes
- Incorrectly Separating the Verb: This is the most frequent error. Learners familiar with separable two-part phrasal verbs (like
pick up the book/pick the book up) try to apply the same logic. This is always incorrect for three-part verbs. - Mistake:
I have to catch my work up on. - Correction:
I have to catch up on my work.
- Confusing
toas an Infinitive Marker: This is a classic error. When a three-part phrasal verb ends into(e.g.,look forward to,get around to), the wordtois a preposition, not part of an infinitive. It must be followed by a noun or a gerund (-ingform). - Mistake:
I look forward to meet you. - Correction:
I look forward to meeting you. - Mistake:
He never got around to fix the car. - Correction:
He never got around to fixing the car.
- Choosing the Wrong Particle or Preposition: The meanings of these verbs are highly specific to their exact combination of words. Changing one small word can completely change the meaning.
- Confusion:
get on with(continue; have a good relationship) vs.get away with(escape punishment). - Mistake:
He tried to get on with cheating on the exam.(Incorrect meaning) - Correction:
He tried to get away with cheating on the exam.
- Incorrect Object Placement: The object must always come after the complete phrasal verb. It cannot be placed anywhere else.
- Mistake:
Let's get with the project on. - Correction:
Let's get on with the project.
Common Collocations
catch up on | To do something you didn't have time for earlier | sleep, rest, work, reading, the news, a TV series |come up with | To think of; to create (an idea) | a plan, a solution, an idea, a name, the money |put up with | To tolerate or endure something unpleasant | the noise, the situation, his attitude, it |get away with | To do something wrong without being punished | it, the crime, cheating, lying |I really need to catch up on some sleep this weekend.The marketing team came up with a brilliant new slogan.I don't know how she puts up with his constant complaining.
Contrast With Similar Patterns
- Three-Part vs. Two-Part Phrasal Verbs: The most obvious difference is structure (three words vs. two) and the rule of inseparability. While you can say
take your shoes off, you cannot sayget your work on with. The three-part structure is a rigid, inseparable block.
- Three-Part Phrasal Verbs vs. Verb + Prepositional Phrase: This is a more subtle distinction. In a verb + prepositional phrase, the verb retains its literal meaning, and the prepositional phrase provides extra information (e.g., location, direction). In
He looked down at his phone,lookedmeans 'to use one's eyes', anddown at his phonetells us where. The meaning is compositional. In the three-part phrasal verbHe looked down on them, the unitlooked down ontakes on a new, non-literal meaning: 'to feel superior to'. The meaning is idiomatic. The preposition is fused with the verb and particle to create a new lexical item.
Quick FAQ
- Q: Can a three-part phrasal verb ever be separated?
- A: No, never. This is the golden rule. The
Verb + Particle + Prepositionunit is an inseparable block. Always place the object after the entire phrase.I can't put up with the noise, notI can't put the noise up with.
- Q: Why must I use a gerund (
-ing) after a phrasal verb ending into? - A: Because in this structure,
tois a preposition, not an infinitive marker. Prepositions in English are followed by a noun or a gerund (which functions as a noun). Think of it like this: you look forward towards an event. That event can be a noun (the party) or an action-as-a-noun (seeing you).
- Q: Are all three-part phrasal verbs informal?
- A: Most lean towards informal or neutral registers. However, some are widely used in professional and semi-formal contexts (e.g.,
follow up on,get back to). The key is to develop a feel for the specific verb. When in doubt in a highly formal setting, choose a single-word Latinate verb (investigateinstead oflook into).
- Q: How can I effectively learn these verbs?
- A: Do not try to memorize long lists. Learn them in chunks and always in context. For each new verb, learn it as a complete phrase (
come up with) and write down one or two real sentences that use it with a common collocation (come up with a plan,come up with a solution). This contextual learning is far more effective than rote memorization.
- Q: Is the middle word (
upinput up with) an adverb or a preposition? - A: Linguistically, it's called an adverbial particle. Its main job is to combine with the base verb to form an idiomatic meaning. The final word (
withinput up with) is the true preposition that connects the entire verb unit to its object.
2. Negative & Question Forms
| Type | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Negative
|
Subject + auxiliary + not + VPP
|
I don't get on with him.
|
|
Question
|
Auxiliary + subject + VPP?
|
Do you get on with her?
|
|
Negative Question
|
Auxiliary + n't + subject + VPP?
|
Don't you get on with them?
|
Conjugating 'Get on with'
| Tense | Subject | Verb Form | Particles | Object |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Present Simple
|
I / You / We
|
get
|
on with
|
my boss
|
|
Present Simple
|
He / She
|
gets
|
on with
|
the team
|
|
Past Simple
|
Everyone
|
got
|
on with
|
each other
|
|
Present Continuous
|
They
|
are getting
|
on with
|
the work
|
|
Present Perfect
|
She
|
has gotten
|
on with
|
her life
|
|
Future (Will)
|
You
|
will get
|
on with
|
it eventually
|
Meanings
A specific type of phrasal verb consisting of three distinct words: a base verb, an adverbial particle, and a preposition. Together, they function as a single semantic unit with a meaning often unrelated to the individual words.
Social Harmony
To have a good relationship with someone.
“Do you get on with your new colleagues?”
“I've always gotten on with my sister.”
Anticipation
To feel excited about a future event.
“I'm looking forward to the weekend.”
“We look forward to hearing from you soon.”
Tolerance
To accept or endure an unpleasant situation or person without complaining.
“How do you put up with that noise?”
“I won't put up with your rudeness any longer.”
Depletion
To use all of a supply so that none is left.
“We've run out of milk.”
“I hope we don't run out of gas on the highway.”
Avoidance
To avoid doing something that you do not want to do, especially by giving an excuse.
“I managed to get out of going to the meeting.”
“Don't try to get out of your chores!”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
Subject + Verb + P1 + P2 + Object
|
I look forward to the trip.
|
|
Negative
|
Subject + do/did not + Verb + P1 + P2 + Object
|
He didn't run out of money.
|
|
Question
|
Do/Did + Subject + Verb + P1 + P2 + Object?
|
Did you get away with it?
|
|
Continuous
|
Subject + be + Verb-ing + P1 + P2 + Object
|
She is catching up on work.
|
|
Perfect
|
Subject + have + Verb-ed + P1 + P2 + Object
|
We have cut down on coffee.
|
|
With Gerund
|
Subject + VPP + Verb-ing
|
I look forward to meeting you.
|
|
With Pronoun
|
Subject + VPP + Pronoun
|
I can't put up with it.
|
Formality Spectrum
I cannot tolerate this level of noise. (Complaining about noise)
I can't put up with this noise. (Complaining about noise)
I'm not standing for this racket. (Complaining about noise)
I ain't dealin' with this noise no more. (Complaining about noise)
The Three-Part Phrasal Verb Family
Relationships
- get on with have a good relationship
- look up to admire
Problems
- put up with tolerate
- face up to accept reality
2-Part vs 3-Part Phrasal Verbs
Can I separate it?
Does it have 3 parts?
Common 3-Part Verbs by Usage
Social
- • get on with
- • look up to
- • make up for
Action
- • run out of
- • keep up with
- • get away with
Examples by Level
I look forward to the holiday.
We run out of bread.
I get on with my mom.
He looks up to his dad.
Are you looking forward to the party?
They ran out of time during the test.
I don't get on with my neighbor.
She needs to catch up on her sleep.
I can't put up with this heat anymore.
We need to cut down on sugar.
He got away with cheating on the exam.
I'm looking forward to seeing you again.
You must face up to your responsibilities.
How can we make up for the lost time?
I've been trying to get out of this meeting all day.
She really stands up for what she believes in.
The government has come in for a lot of criticism.
I don't want to go back on my promise.
We've come up against a few unexpected problems.
He's always trying to check up on what I'm doing.
The new law doesn't quite measure up to our expectations.
I'm afraid I can't let you get away with such blatant plagiarism.
You'll have to work hard to keep up with the rest of the class.
He's finally come around to our way of thinking.
Easily Confused
Learners try to separate 3-part verbs because they know some 2-part verbs are separable.
Learners use the base verb after 'look forward to' because they see the word 'to'.
Learners drop the 'with' and change the meaning from 'relationship' to 'boarding a vehicle'.
Common Mistakes
I look forward to see you.
I look forward to seeing you.
I get on my sister.
I get on with my sister.
We run out milk.
We run out of milk.
I look forward the party.
I look forward to the party.
He ran of out money.
He ran out of money.
I can't put with up him.
I can't put up with him.
Do you get on with?
Do you get on with them?
I put the noise up with.
I put up with the noise.
She is looking forward to go.
She is looking forward to going.
I made up my mistake for.
I made up for my mistake.
The criticism he came in for it was harsh.
The criticism he came in for was harsh.
Sentence Patterns
I am really looking forward to ___.
We have unfortunately run out of ___.
It's difficult to put up with ___.
She managed to get away with ___.
Real World Usage
I look forward to meeting you next Tuesday.
I'm sorry, we've run out of that item in your size.
Can't believe he got away with that! 😂
I really look up to the leadership team here.
We need to check up on our gate number.
I'm trying to cut down on processed foods.
The 'To' Test
Never Split!
Stress the Middle
Formal Alternatives
Smart Tips
Always check if it's followed by a verb. If it is, add -ing immediately!
Try to replace the 3-part verb with its Latin-based single-word equivalent.
Remember the 'Glue Rule': The three words are glued together. Nothing can come between them.
Link the final preposition to the object. 'Run out of' + 'ink' sounds like 'run-out-of-ink'.
Pronunciation
Stress the Particle
In three-part phrasal verbs, the primary stress usually falls on the first particle (the adverb), not the verb or the second preposition.
Linking
The words are often linked together in speech. 'Run out of' sounds like 'run-out-ov'.
Falling intonation on the object
I can't put up with the ↘️NOISE.
Conveys frustration or a final statement.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
V-P-P: Verb, Particle, Preposition. Three is a crowd, so they stay together and never split up!
Visual Association
Imagine a three-link heavy iron chain. The first link (the verb) can change shape (conjugate), but the three links are welded together and can never be separated by an object.
Rhyme
One, two, three—keep them close to me. Don't put the object in between, or you'll make a messy scene!
Story
A thief tried to 'get away with' a diamond. He 'ran out of' gas and had to 'face up to' the police. He couldn't 'put up with' jail, so he promised to 'make up for' his crime.
Word Web
Challenge
Write 5 sentences about your day using: get on with, run out of, catch up on, look forward to, and put up with.
Cultural Notes
British speakers use 'get on with' while Americans prefer 'get along with'. Both are 3-part phrasal verbs.
Using 'I look forward to hearing from you' is the standard polite closing for business emails globally.
Australians often use 'put up with' in a self-deprecating or humorous way regarding the harsh environment.
Most phrasal verbs have Germanic roots. The three-part construction evolved as English lost its complex case system and became more 'analytic', using prepositions to show relationships between words.
Conversation Starters
Who is someone you really look up to?
What are you looking forward to this month?
Is there anything at work you find hard to put up with?
Have you ever come up against a major obstacle in your life?
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
I'm really looking forward ___ ___ my vacation next week.
Select the correct word order.
Find and fix the mistake:
He ran out money yesterday.
I have a good relationship with my brother.
You can put a pronoun (like 'it') between 'put' and 'up' in 'put up with'.
A: Why are you so late? B: Sorry, I ___ ___ ___ gas on the way here.
Identify the 3-part verb.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercisesI'm really looking forward ___ ___ my vacation next week.
Select the correct word order.
Find and fix the mistake:
He ran out money yesterday.
I have a good relationship with my brother.
You can put a pronoun (like 'it') between 'put' and 'up' in 'put up with'.
A: Why are you so late? B: Sorry, I ___ ___ ___ gas on the way here.
Identify the 3-part verb.
Match 'Make up for'.
Score: /8
Practice Bank
12 exercisesWe need to ___ a solution for this problem quickly.
He got with away stealing candy.
Which sentence is correct?
Translate into English: 'Ella no puede soportar el ruido de la construcción.'
Arrange these words into a sentence:
Match the sentence beginnings with their appropriate endings.
After a long flight, I need to ___ on sleep.
She really gets her brother on with.
Identify the correct sentence:
Translate into English: 'Tengo que ponerme al día con las noticias.'
Form a sentence from the following words:
Match the phrasal verb to the situation it describes.
Score: /12
FAQ (8)
No. Unlike some two-part phrasal verbs, three-part ones are always inseparable. The object must follow the final preposition.
It is always `look forward to seeing`. In this case, 'to' is a preposition, and prepositions are followed by the -ing form (gerund).
They are generally neutral to informal. In very formal academic writing, they are often replaced by single-word verbs like `tolerate` or `admire`.
`Get on` usually means to board a bus or train. `Get on with` means to have a good relationship with someone.
Yes. The first word (the verb) conjugates for all tenses. For example: `I run out of`, `I ran out of`, `I am running out of`.
No. Three-part phrasal verbs are transitive, meaning they require an object to complete their meaning.
English is an analytic language that uses combinations of words to create specific meanings. They allow for a more nuanced and idiomatic way of speaking.
The best way is to learn them as a single 'chunk' of language rather than three separate words. Practice them in full sentences.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
Single synthetic verbs (e.g., tolerar, admirar)
English uses multiple words for one concept; Spanish uses one.
Verbe + préposition (e.g., s'entendre avec)
French lacks the adverbial particle (the 'up' or 'out').
Trennbare Verben + Präposition
German word order moves the particle to the end of the sentence.
Compound verbs (fukugo doshi)
Japanese combines verbs with verbs, not verbs with prepositions.
Verb + Harf Jarr
Arabic lacks the idiomatic 'particle' middle-man.
Resultative Verb Compounds (RVC)
Chinese structures are based on result/possibility, not prepositions.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
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