Phrasal Verbs: Extended
CONTENT
Phrasal verbs are group of words that combine a verb with an adverb or a preposition and create a new verbal phrase. As such, the meaning of a phrasal verb is unrelated to the meaning of separate words that create it, so we think of phrasal verbs as of entirely new, independent words.
Phrasal verbs act the same as other verbs and can function as the main verb in a sentence, and we can conjugate into every type of verb form.
Apart from separable and inseparable phrasal verbs, there are also phrasal verbs with two particles.
Example
Explanation
We've ran out of eggs, so I cannot make an omelette for breakfast.
The phrasal verb to run out of consists of the verb run and two particles: out and of, and means to "use something completely so that nothing is left."
Phrasal Verbs with Two Particles
Rule 1: Phrasal verbs with two particles are also inseparable, meaning that they cannot be split up. A direct object, even if it's a pronoun, always comes after the phrasal verb with two particles.
Example
Explanation
It's time to declutter and get rid of the stuff you no longer use.
Get rid of is a phrasal verb with two particles, so its direct object stuff comes after it.
Here are some of the most commonly used phrasal verbs with two particles in English:
| Phrasal Verb | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| come down with | become sick | She came down with a flu yesterday. |
| come up | develop or think of a plan or an idea | We need to come up with a new strategy for this client. |
| get around to | do something eventually | He refused to talk to his brother, but he'll get around to it. |
| get away with | avoid or escape punishment | Have you seen How to Get Away with a Murderer? |
| get along with | have a good relationship with | She used to never get along with her classmates. |
| get down to | begin or start | Since it's already 7pm, let's get down to cooking dinner. |
| get out of | avoid responsibility | He always gets out of any troubles. |
| keep up with | move or progress at the same rate as something or someone else | It's difficult to keep up with current trends. |
| let go of | release or free | It's time to let go of negative thoughts. |
| look forward to | to wait for something with excitement | He is looking forward to watching a new Batman movie. |
| look up to | admire or idolize someone | I looked up to my sister when I was younger. |
| make up for | compensate for | We will make up for being late next time. |
| put up with | tolerate something difficult or annoying | I cannot put up with your pessimistic attitude. |
| stand up for | defend | He always stands up for his little sister. |
Quiz
1/4
Complete the sentence. Several of my colleagues came down with ___ this week.
0
correct answers.