B1 Prepositions 13 min read Hard

English Phrasal Verbs: A Beginner's Guide

Master phrasal verbs to unlock natural, everyday English and sound like a local.
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Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds

Phrasal verbs combine a verb with a particle (like 'up' or 'out') to create a brand new meaning.

  • The meaning is often idiomatic: 'give up' doesn't mean 'give' something upwards.
  • Separable verbs allow objects in the middle: 'Turn the light off' or 'Turn off the light'.
  • Pronouns MUST go in the middle: 'Turn it off', never 'Turn off it'.
Verb 🏃 + Particle ⬆️ = New Meaning ✨

Overview

English has many special word groups. They use a verb and a small word. Often, the meaning is a surprise.

Use these words to sound natural. They help you speak better. People say 'put off' instead of 'delay.'

How This Grammar Works

These words work together as one. 'Look' means to see. 'Look up' means to find information.
The small word changes the meaning. This is common in English.
The word 'take' means to get something. But other words change it completely.
'Take off' means to remove shoes. It also means a plane flies. The small word is part of the meaning.
The small word changes the verb. Some need a thing after. Others do not.

Formation Pattern

1
There are three main types. Some have one extra word. Some have two. This changes how you use them.
2
Group one: Verb and one extra word.
3
You can put things in the middle. Always put 'it' or 'them' in the middle.
4
Separable Example: turn on (turn the light on, turn it on)
5
Intransitive Example: get up (I get up early every day) – no object, so never separated.
6
How to use these word groups.
7
| Rule | Example with names | Example with 'it' |
8
| :------------------ | :--------------------------- | :-------------------------- |
9
| Word + thing + word | pick up the book | pick it up |
10
| Word + word + thing | pick up the book | Bad: pick up it |
11
Group two: Words that stay together.
12
Do not split these words. The thing always comes last.
13
Example: look after (look after your children, Never: look your children after)
14
The small word belongs to the verb. It stays near the thing.
15
Group three: Verbs with two extra words.
16
These words stay together. Put the thing at the end.
17
Example: look forward to (I look forward to meeting you)
18
get along with (They get along with their neighbours)
19
These word groups are special. They have a new meaning.

When To Use It

These words make you sound natural. Use them with friends. You will hear them every day.
  • Casual Conversation: Let's hang out this weekend. (instead of Let's socialize).
  • Personal and Business Emails: I'll look into that issue for you. (instead of I will investigate). We need to follow up on the client's request.
  • Social Media and Texting: Did you check out that new movie? I need to figure out what to do.
  • Everyday Situations: Could you turn on the light? I need to pick up some groceries.
They are short and easy. Use 'come up with' for 'think of.' They make your English better.
They help your sentences flow well.

When Not To Use It

Do not use these in school papers. Do not use them for work. Use formal words instead.
Consider these comparisons:
  • Instead of The committee put off the decision, a formal report would state The committee postponed the decision.
  • Rather than Researchers brought up a new theory, an academic paper would use Researchers proposed a new theory or Researchers introduced a new theory.
  • In place of We need to find out the results, a scientific publication would prefer We need to ascertain the results.
Big words are better for formal writing. Use one word for reports. If you are unsure, use one word.

Common Mistakes

Students often make mistakes with these words. They are difficult. Learn them to speak well.
  1. 1Literal Interpretation of Idiomatic Meanings: The most common mistake is attempting to deduce the meaning of a phrasal verb from its individual words. For example, run into does not literally mean to physically collide with; it typically means to meet someone unexpectedly. Learners often translate look up as to gaze upwards rather than to search for information. Always learn phrasal verbs as single, indivisible semantic units.
  2. 2Incorrect Separability:
  • Separating Inseparable Verbs: An inseparable phrasal verb (Verb + Preposition or three-part phrasal verb) cannot have an object placed between its components. An error would be saying I looked the children after instead of I looked after the children.
  • Incorrect Pronoun Placement: For separable phrasal verbs, a direct object pronoun always goes between the verb and the particle. A common error is I turned on it instead of the correct I turned it on. This rule is absolute for pronouns.
  1. 1Over-formalisation or Over-informalisation: Using phrasal verbs in highly formal academic contexts where a single, more formal verb is expected, or conversely, always using formal verbs in casual conversation, which can sound stilted. Understanding context and register is key.
  2. 2Misidentifying Particles: Confusing an adverb particle with a preposition introducing a prepositional phrase. This leads to errors in understanding the verb's meaning or its separability (see "Contrast With Similar Patterns").
  3. 3Assuming Transitivity: Not all phrasal verbs are transitive; some are intransitive (wake up, break down). Attempting to use an object with an intransitive phrasal verb is an error (e.g., The car broke down the engine is incorrect; The car broke down is correct).
  4. 4Ignoring Collocations: Phrasal verbs often have specific nouns or types of objects they co-occur with. Using an inappropriate object can sound unnatural (come up with a decision is less natural than make a decision; come up with an idea is natural).

Common Collocations

Learn words together. Do not learn one word alone. For example, say 'pick up the phone'. This helps you remember. You will speak faster.
This list shows common words to use together. They are very useful for you.
| Word | Use these words | What it means |
| :---------------- | :---------------------------------------- | :------------------------------------------- |
| get along with | get along with your colleagues/family | have a good relationship with someone |
| run out of | run out of milk/money/time/patience | deplete the supply of something |
| put up with | put up with noise/bad behaviour/traffic | tolerate, endure something unpleasant |
| come up with | come up with an idea/solution/plan | produce, suggest an idea or plan |
| take after | take after your mother/father/sibling | resemble a parent or older relative |
| look forward to | look forward to the weekend/meeting you | anticipate with pleasure |
| break down | car/machine breaks down, break down barriers | stop functioning, dismantle/overcome barriers |
| point out | point out a mistake | show something |
Find words that go together. Write them down. You will learn fast. You will sound natural.

Contrast With Similar Patterns

Some words look the same. But they are different. One has a new meaning. One shows where or when.
  1. 1Phrasal Verb (Verb + Particle):
  • The particle (adverb or preposition) is an integral part of the verb.
  • It forms a new, often idiomatic meaning that cannot be understood by combining the individual words.
  • The particle is essential to the verb's identity and is not typically removable without changing the verb's core meaning.
  • Example: She turned down the job offer. (turn down = to reject. down here does not imply a physical direction.)
  • Example: The detective looked into the mystery. (look into = to investigate. into does not indicate physical entry.)
  1. 1Verb + Prepositional Phrase:
  • The verb retains its original, literal meaning.
  • The preposition introduces a prepositional phrase (Preposition + Noun/Pronoun) that functions as an adverbial or adjectival modifier, providing additional information about location, direction, time, manner, etc.
  • The preposition is governing the noun or pronoun that follows it, not forming a new lexical unit with the verb.
  • Example: She turned down the narrow street. (turn = to change direction. down the narrow street tells you where she turned.)
  • Example: The child looked into the dark room. (look = to direct one's eyes. into the dark room tells you where the child looked.)
Does the small word change the meaning? Sometimes it makes a new word. Sometimes it only shows a place. This is important.
The ability to discern this difference is a hallmark of B1 comprehension.

Quick FAQ

  • Are all phrasal verbs idiomatic? No. While many are, some phrasal verbs retain a more literal or transparent meaning, such as sit down or stand up. These are generally easier to understand as their particles still convey a directional sense that aligns with the verb's action. However, it is the highly idiomatic ones like give up (to surrender) or break down (to experience an emotional collapse) that often pose the greatest challenge.
  • How can I tell if a phrasal verb is separable or inseparable? Unfortunately, there is no universal rule that applies to all phrasal verbs. Separability must largely be learned through exposure and practice. However, a key indicator for separable phrasal verbs (Verb + Adverb) is that if the object is a pronoun, it always goes between the verb and the particle (turn it off, never turn off it). Inseparable phrasal verbs (Verb + Preposition and three-part phrasal verbs) never allow an object to separate the verb and particle.
  • Can phrasal verbs have multiple meanings? Absolutely. Polysemy (having multiple meanings) is very common among phrasal verbs, which adds to their complexity. For instance, take off can mean to remove clothing, for an aircraft to depart, or to become suddenly successful. The precise meaning is almost always determined by the surrounding context within the sentence or conversation. Developing a sensitivity to context is therefore essential for interpreting phrasal verbs correctly.
  • What is the most effective way to learn phrasal verbs? Rote memorization of lists is generally ineffective. The most impactful strategy is to learn phrasal verbs in context. Engage with authentic English materials such as books, films, podcasts, and articles, and pay close attention to how native speakers use them. When you encounter a new phrasal verb, record it with a full example sentence that illustrates its meaning and, if applicable, its separability. Actively attempting to incorporate them into your own speaking and writing also reinforces learning.
  • Are there certain verbs that form more phrasal verbs than others? Yes. Verbs that are common and fundamental to daily actions often combine with a wide array of particles to form numerous phrasal verbs. Key examples include get, put, take, make, go, come, look, and set. Focusing on the phrasal verbs formed with these high-frequency verbs can provide a strong foundation for B1 learners, as they cover a vast range of common expressions.
  • How do phrasal verbs fit into the broader English grammatical system? Phrasal verbs demonstrate the flexibility and dynamic nature of English, particularly its Germanic heritage where compounding is common. They function as lexical units, essentially new verbs, within sentences. They adhere to standard verb conjugations (e.g., put up can become put up, puts up, putting up, put up). Understanding their role is not just about vocabulary; it's about grasping how English builds meaning through word combination.

Conjugating Phrasal Verbs (Example: 'Pick up')

Tense Subject Verb Form Particle Object
Present Simple
I
pick
up
the phone
Present Continuous
She
is picking
up
the phone
Past Simple
They
picked
up
the phone
Present Perfect
We
have picked
up
the phone
Future (will)
He
will pick
up
the phone
Negative (Past)
I
did not pick
up
the phone
Question (Present)
Do
you pick
up
the phone?
With Pronoun
I
pick
it
up

Meanings

A phrasal verb is a combination of a standard verb and an adverb or preposition (a particle) that functions as a single semantic unit with a meaning distinct from its individual parts.

1

Literal Movement

The particle indicates a literal direction or physical action.

“She stood up when the teacher entered.”

“Please put the book down on the table.”

2

Idiomatic/Figurative

The combination creates a completely new meaning that cannot be guessed from the parts.

“I give up; I can't solve this puzzle.”

“We ran out of milk this morning.”

3

Aspectual/Completion

The particle indicates that an action is finished or done thoroughly.

“Drink up! We have to leave soon.”

“Eat up your vegetables.”

Reference Table

Reference table for English Phrasal Verbs: A Beginner's Guide
Type Structure Example
Intransitive
Verb + Particle
The car broke down.
Transitive (Separable)
Verb + Object + Particle
Turn the light off.
Transitive (Separable)
Verb + Particle + Object
Turn off the light.
Transitive (Pronoun)
Verb + Pronoun + Particle
Turn it off. (Required)
Transitive (Inseparable)
Verb + Particle + Object
I'm looking for my cat.
Three-word
Verb + Particle + Particle + Object
I look up to her.
Negative
Auxiliary + not + Verb + Particle
Don't give up.
Question
Auxiliary + Subject + Verb + Particle
Did you find out?

Formality Spectrum

Formal
The committee decided to cancel the meeting.

The committee decided to cancel the meeting. (Professional/Social)

Neutral
They decided to call off the meeting.

They decided to call off the meeting. (Professional/Social)

Informal
They called the meeting off.

They called the meeting off. (Professional/Social)

Slang
They axed the meet.

They axed the meet. (Professional/Social)

The Many Meanings of 'PICK'

PICK

Up

  • Collect someone Pick up the kids
  • Learn naturally Pick up a language

Out

  • Choose Pick out a dress

On

  • Bully Don't pick on him

Separable vs. Inseparable

Separable (Turn off)
Turn off the TV Correct
Turn the TV off Correct
Turn it off Correct
Inseparable (Look for)
Look for the keys Correct
Look the keys for WRONG
Look for them Correct

Where does the object go?

1

Is the object a pronoun (it/them)?

YES
Put it in the MIDDLE.
NO
Is the verb separable?
2

Is the verb separable?

YES
Middle OR End is fine.
NO
Put it at the END.

Common Particles & Meanings

✅

UP (Completion)

  • • Eat up
  • • Clean up
  • • Use up
🛫

OFF (Departure)

  • • Take off
  • • Set off
  • • See off
🔄

ON (Continuance)

  • • Go on
  • • Carry on
  • • Keep on
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Examples by Level

1

Please sit down.

2

I get up at 7 AM.

3

Turn off the light.

4

Come in, please.

1

Can you pick up the kids?

2

I need to fill out this form.

3

She is looking for her keys.

4

Don't give up!

1

We ran out of milk.

2

I get along with my boss.

3

He turned the job down.

4

I'll look into the problem.

1

The deal fell through at the last minute.

2

I can't make out what he's saying.

3

She really takes after her mother.

4

We need to cut down on sugar.

1

The evidence doesn't bear out his theory.

2

I was completely taken in by his lies.

3

He managed to gloss over the mistakes.

4

The meeting was called off.

1

He's always harking back to the 'good old days'.

2

The effects of the drug began to wear off.

3

I had to knuckle down to finish the report.

4

She eked out a living as a street performer.

Easily Confused

English Phrasal Verbs: A Beginner's Guide vs Phrasal Verbs vs. Prepositional Verbs

Learners confuse 'look for' (phrasal) with 'look at' (prepositional).

English Phrasal Verbs: A Beginner's Guide vs Separable vs. Inseparable

Not knowing if you can put the object in the middle.

English Phrasal Verbs: A Beginner's Guide vs Transitive vs. Intransitive

Trying to add an object to a verb that doesn't take one.

Common Mistakes

✗

I get up at 7 yesterday.

✓

I got up at 7 yesterday.

You must conjugate the verb (get -> got).
✗

Sit you down.

✓

Sit down.

Don't put the subject between the verb and particle in a command.
✗

Turn off it.

✓

Turn it off.

Pronouns must go in the middle of separable verbs.
✗

I look my keys for.

✓

I am looking for my keys.

Inseparable verbs cannot be split.
✗

He is looking his brother after.

✓

He is looking after his brother.

'Look after' is inseparable.
✗

I ran out milk.

✓

I ran out of milk.

Three-word phrasal verbs need both particles.
✗

I will pick up you.

✓

I will pick you up.

Pronoun 'you' must be in the middle.
✗

The plane took off the ground.

✓

The plane took off.

'Take off' (for planes) is intransitive; it doesn't take an object.
✗

I look forward to meet you.

✓

I look forward to meeting you.

After 'to' in phrasal verbs, use the -ing form if it's a verb.
✗

He brought up it.

✓

He brought it up.

Even in complex sentences, the pronoun stays in the middle.
✗

He glossed the errors over.

✓

He glossed over the errors.

'Gloss over' is generally inseparable in this sense.

Sentence Patterns

I need to ___ my ___.

Don't forget to ___ it ___.

I'm really looking forward to ___.

He ___ the meeting because he was sick.

Real World Usage

Texting constant

I'll hit you up later.

Job Interviews occasional

I'm looking for a role where I can grow.

Airport/Travel very common

What time do we check in?

Social Media constant

Check out my new video!

Ordering Food common

Do you want to eat in or take out?

Tech Support very common

Try turning it off and on again.

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💡

Learn in Context

Never learn phrasal verbs as a list of words. Learn them in sentences so you see if they are separable or not.
⚠️

The Pronoun Rule

If you use 'it', 'me', 'you', 'him', 'her', 'us', or 'them', put it in the middle of separable verbs. 'Pick up it' sounds very wrong to native ears.
🎯

Particle Logic

Learn the 'vibe' of particles. 'Up' often means completion (clean up), 'Off' often means departure (set off), and 'Back' means returning (call back).
💬

Don't be too formal

If you say 'I shall extinguish the illumination' instead of 'I'll turn off the light', people will think you are a robot!

Smart Tips

Always put the pronoun in the middle. It's the safest bet for separable verbs.

I threw away it. → I threw it away.

Replace 'continue', 'cancel', and 'search' with 'go on', 'call off', and 'look for'.

Please continue your story. → Please go on with your story.

Check if it means 'completely'. Often, 'up' just adds emphasis to finishing something.

Eat your food. → Eat up your food.

Use 'look forward to' + -ing. It's the perfect professional closing.

I hope to see you soon. → I look forward to seeing you soon.

Pronunciation

turn OFF (not TURN off)

Stress the Particle

In phrasal verbs, the stress usually falls on the particle, not the verb.

Pick up -> /pɪkʌp/

Linking

If the verb ends in a consonant and the particle starts with a vowel, they link together.

Rising on Particle

Did you wake UP? ↗️

Standard question intonation focusing on the action.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

P.V.P: Pronouns Visit the Phrasal-middle! (Always put it/them in the middle of separable verbs).

Visual Association

Imagine a phrasal verb as a sandwich. The Verb and Particle are the bread. If the object is a small 'pronoun' olive, it must go inside the sandwich. If it's a big 'noun' steak, it can go inside or on the side.

Rhyme

If it's a pronoun like 'it' or 'them', / Put it in the middle, not at the end!

Story

I woke up and got up. I turned on the light and put on my clothes. I ran out of coffee, so I went out to the store. I ran into a friend and we caught up.

Word Web

ParticleSeparableInseparableTransitiveIntransitiveIdiomaticRegister

Challenge

Look around your room. Find 5 things you can do using phrasal verbs (e.g., 'turn on the lamp', 'pick up a pen') and say them out loud using pronouns ('turn it on', 'pick it up').

Cultural Notes

BrE often uses 'fill in' a form, while American English uses 'fill out'.

AmE uses 'figure out' very frequently for solving problems, whereas BrE might use 'work out'.

Aussies often use 'reckon' combined with particles in unique ways, though standard phrasal verbs remain the same.

Phrasal verbs are a core feature of Germanic languages (like Old English, German, and Dutch).

Conversation Starters

“

What time do you usually get up on weekends?

“

Have you ever turned down a job offer?

“

Who do you look up to the most in your life?

“

What is something you've recently found out?

Journal Prompts

Write about your morning routine using at least 5 phrasal verbs.
Describe a time a plan fell through. What happened?
Discuss the pros and cons of growing up in a big city.
Write a letter to your younger self giving advice. Use 'look back' and 'give up'.

Common Mistakes

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

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Test Yourself

Choose the correct sentence. Multiple Choice

Which one is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Please turn it off.
Pronouns must go in the middle of separable phrasal verbs.
Fill in the missing particle.

I'm looking ___ my glasses. Have you seen them?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: for
'Look for' means to search.
Fix the mistake in the sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

Yesterday, I find out the truth.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: found out
The verb 'find' must be in the past tense 'found'.
Replace the formal verb with a phrasal verb. Sentence Transformation

We had to cancel the match.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: call off
'Call off' is the phrasal verb equivalent of 'cancel'.
Match the phrasal verb to its meaning. Match Pairs

Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Stop trying
'Give up' means to quit or stop attempting something.
Complete the dialogue. Dialogue Completion

A: Can you hear that noise? B: No, can you turn the radio ___?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: up
'Turn up' means to increase the volume.
Is this verb separable or inseparable? Grammar Sorting

Look after (someone)

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Inseparable
You cannot say 'Look my cat after'.
Put the words in the correct order. Sentence Building

up / the / pick / kids / I / will

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: I will pick up the kids
Subject + Will + Verb + Particle + Object.

Score: /8

Practice Exercises

8 exercises
Choose the correct sentence. Multiple Choice

Which one is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Please turn it off.
Pronouns must go in the middle of separable phrasal verbs.
Fill in the missing particle.

I'm looking ___ my glasses. Have you seen them?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: for
'Look for' means to search.
Fix the mistake in the sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

Yesterday, I find out the truth.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: found out
The verb 'find' must be in the past tense 'found'.
Replace the formal verb with a phrasal verb. Sentence Transformation

We had to cancel the match.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: call off
'Call off' is the phrasal verb equivalent of 'cancel'.
Match the phrasal verb to its meaning. Match Pairs

Give up

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Stop trying
'Give up' means to quit or stop attempting something.
Complete the dialogue. Dialogue Completion

A: Can you hear that noise? B: No, can you turn the radio ___?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: up
'Turn up' means to increase the volume.
Is this verb separable or inseparable? Grammar Sorting

Look after (someone)

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Inseparable
You cannot say 'Look my cat after'.
Put the words in the correct order. Sentence Building

up / the / pick / kids / I / will

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: I will pick up the kids
Subject + Will + Verb + Particle + Object.

Score: /8

Practice Bank

13 exercises
Complete the sentence with the correct particle. Fill in the Blank

Don't forget to `put ___` your coat before you go out.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: on
Choose the particle that best completes the phrasal verb. Fill in the Blank

I need to `look ___` my little brother while my parents are away.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: after
Identify and correct the phrasal verb mistake. Error Correction

Could you `run through` the instructions me one more time?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Could you `run me through` the instructions one more time?
Select the sentence where the phrasal verb is used correctly. Multiple Choice

Which sentence is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: I woke up late this morning.
Which sentence correctly uses the phrasal verb `call off` (to cancel)? Multiple Choice

Choose the correct sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Both 'They had to `call off` the game due to rain.' and 'They had to `call the game off` due to rain.' are correct.
Type the correct English sentence. Translation

Translate into English: 'No dejes que el problema te desanime.'

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ["Don't let the problem get you down.","Do not let the problem get you down."]
Put the words in order to form a correct sentence. Sentence Reorder

Arrange these words into a sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: He gave up his dream.
Put the words in order to make a grammatically correct sentence. Sentence Reorder

Arrange these words into a sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Turn out the lights before you leave.
Match each phrasal verb part to complete its common meaning. Match Pairs

Match the verb with its particle to form a common phrasal verb:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: matched
Match the phrasal verbs with their definitions. Match Pairs

Match the phrasal verb to its correct meaning:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: matched
Correct the sentence containing a common phrasal verb mistake. Error Correction

I can't `put up with` her anymore.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: I can't `put up with` her anymore.
Choose the best particle to complete the phrasal verb, meaning 'to postpone'. Fill in the Blank

Let's `put ___` the meeting until next week.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: off
Translate the sentence into English using a phrasal verb. Translation

Translate into English: 'Necesito deshacerme de estos viejos documentos.'

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ["I need to get rid of these old documents.","I must get rid of these old documents."]

Score: /13

FAQ (8)

There is no simple rule. You must learn them individually. However, most phrasal verbs with 'up', 'off', and 'out' are separable.

It's better to use one-word equivalents (e.g., 'postpone' instead of 'put off') in formal essays, but they are fine in business emails.

'Look for' means to search for something lost. 'Look at' means to direct your eyes toward something.

It's an idiom! The meaning of phrasal verbs is often figurative and doesn't relate to the physical words.

Yes! Examples include 'get along with', 'look forward to', and 'run out of'. They are always inseparable.

Usually, you stress the particle: 'He grew UP in London.'

It can change the meaning entirely. 'Take off' (leave) is very different from 'Take in' (understand).

Yes, 'go on' is the more natural, spoken way to say 'continue'.

Scaffolded Practice

1

1

2

2

3

3

4

4

Mastery Progress

Needs Practice

Improving

Strong

Mastered

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In Other Languages

Spanish low

Verbos con preposición

Spanish verbs are usually one word; English phrasal verbs are two or three.

French low

Verbes à particules (rare)

French uses prefixes or different verbs entirely to express direction.

German high

Trennbare Verben

In German, the particle goes to the very end of the clause, whereas in English, it stays near the verb.

Japanese moderate

複合動詞 (Fukugō-dōshi)

Japanese uses Verb+Verb; English uses Verb+Particle.

Arabic moderate

Verbs with fixed prepositions

Arabic prepositions are fixed and never separate from the object.

Chinese moderate

Resultative Verb Complements

Chinese complements are more about result/direction than idiomatic shifts.

Learning Path

Prerequisites

Next
Phrasal Verbs: The Secret Code (Meanings)

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Rapunzel and Pascal's Best Adventures | Disney Princess 03:36

Rapunzel and Pascal's Best Adventures | Disney Princess
get back into routine with me 🌱 6am morning routine, work day in my life, and workout with me! 24:21

get back into routine with me 🌱 6am morning routine, work day in my life, and workout with me!

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