Phrasals

Phrasals, short for phrasal verbs, are combinations of a verb with one or more particles—usually adverbs or prepositions—whose overall meaning often differs from the base verb. They are a central feature of English and are used across dialects. Because their meanings can be idiomatic, phrasal verbs can be challenging for learners to predict from the individual words.

Most phrasal verbs are either separable or inseparable. Separable phrasal verbs allow an object to appear between the verb and the particle (turn the light off; turn off the light). When the object is a pronoun, the pronoun typically sits between the verb and particle (turn it off). Inseparable phrasal verbs keep the particle attached (look after the children; run into someone). Some phrasals are intransitive and take no direct object (go on, break down). Many have multiple meanings depending on context, such as look up (to search for information; to improve) or put up with (to tolerate).

Usage and notes: Phrasal verbs are especially common in spoken English and informal writing, with some regional variation between American and British usage. In formal writing, a single-word verb or a more formal alternative may be preferred in some contexts. Learners typically acquire phrasal verbs through exposure and practice, focusing on high-frequency forms, their senses, and how their meaning shifts across different contexts.