What Are Phrasal Verbs?
Phrasal verbs are combinations of a verb and one or two particles (prepositions or adverbs). These particles change the meaning of the original verb, creating a new, often idiomatic expression.
Examples:
- give up: (stop trying) "Don't give up on your dreams!"
- look into: (investigate) "The police are looking into the incident."
- run out of: (use up) "We've run out of milk."
- put up with: (tolerate) "I can't put up with his rude behavior."
- get along with: (have a good relationship) "I get along with my coworkers."
Why Phrasal Verbs Are Difficult for English Learners
- Unpredictable Meanings: The meanings of phrasal verbs often don't make sense if you just look at the individual words. For example, "run into" (meet by chance) has nothing to do with the usual meaning of "run."
- Multiple Meanings: Many phrasal verbs have multiple meanings depending on the context. For example, "pick up" can mean "lift," "collect," "learn," or "improve."
- Verb + Many Particles: A single verb can combine with many different particles, each creating a new meaning. For example, "look" can be followed by "up," "down," "into," "for," "after," and many others.
- Separable or Inseparable: Some phrasal verbs are separable, meaning the object can go between the verb and particle ("pick up the book" or "pick the book up"). Others are inseparable, meaning the verb and particle must stay together ("look after the children").
- Informal Language: Phrasal verbs are often used in informal speech and writing, so learners who primarily study formal English may not encounter them as frequently.
Tips for Learning Phrasal Verbs
- Learn in Context: Don't just memorize lists of phrasal verbs. Instead, learn them in context through reading, listening, and conversation.
- Focus on Common Phrasal Verbs: There are hundreds of phrasal verbs, so focus on the most common ones first. These are the ones you'll encounter most often in real-life situations.
- Use a Dictionary: A good dictionary will provide definitions and examples of how to use phrasal verbs in context.
- Practice: Use phrasal verbs in your own speaking and writing to solidify your understanding.
- Don't Be Afraid to Make Mistakes: Phrasal verbs can be tricky, so don't get discouraged if you make mistakes. The more you practice, the better you'll become at using them correctly.