Phrasal Verbs For beginners

Learn about phrasal verbs, like 'wake up' and 'give up'. Simple explanations, clear examples, and practice exercises to help you understand.

"Phrasal Verbs" in English Grammar

What Are Phrasal Verbs?

'Phrasal verbs' are verbs that are formed by combining a main verb with one or more particles, typically an adverb or preposition. Look at the examples:

Example

Take out the trash, please!

We should figure out the truth.

I will save up more money this month.

Forming Phrasal Verbs

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Phrasal verbs are formed by adding a preposition or adverb to the main verb. Here are the examples:

figure out

make up

pick up

run away

put down

pay back

Third Person Singular Verb

The third-person singular '-s' is added to the verb part of the phrasal verb, not the particle. For example, you say picks up, not pick ups and saves up, not save ups. Check these examples out:

Example

She takes off her shoes.

He talks about his teacher.

Quiz:


1.

Which of these sentences uses a phrasal verb correctly?

A

She take up tennis every weekend.

B

He picks up his child after school.

C

They run aways quickly when scared.

D

I will save ups more money next year.

2.
shoes
.
behind
the
off
her
door
she
takes
3.

Match the sentence beginnings with the correct ending by choosing the appropriate phrasal verb.

We need to figure
She picks
They want to save
He takes
up her younger brother after school.
up money for a vacation.
off his shoes before entering.
out the cause of the problem.
4.

Choose the correct particle to complete the sentences.

He will pay

the loan next week.

They ran

from the house in fear.

She always picks

her kids from school.

We need to figure

the truth soon.

back
away
down
up
out
5.

Which sentence correctly uses a phrasal verb with the third-person singular form?

A

He pick up the keys every morning.

B

She picks up the keys every morning.

C

They picks up the keys every morning.

D

She pick ups the keys every morning.

Comments

(2)
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Teknik Telekomunikasi
Jan 2024
Are there certain phrasal verbs that are more commonly used in spoken English versus formal written English?
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Langeek
Jan 2024
Certainly! Phrasal verbs are more commonly used in spoken English for their informality and expressiveness. Some examples include "break up," "catch up," "hang out," "turn up," and "get along." In formal written English, their usage might be less frequent, with preference for more precise or formal alternatives.
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