Phrasal verbs (introduction)
A2 ElementaryPhrasal verbs combine a base verb with a particle to create a new meaning. These common expressions are essential for natural-sounding English in everyday situations.
Overview
A phrasal verb is a multi-word verb consisting of a base verb (like go or sit) and a particle (like in, off, or down). The combination creates a specific meaning that is often different from the original verb alone.
- Literal meanings: Some are easy to understand, like sit down.
- Idiomatic meanings: Some have new meanings, like give up (to stop trying).
Form
Verb + Particle (Preposition or Adverb)
The particle always follows the verb. When you conjugate the phrasal verb, only the verb part changes to show the tense.
Examples
Common mistakes
She goes outed last night.
She went out last night.
Always change the verb for the past tense, not the particle.
He is geting up now.
He is getting up now.
Follow standard spelling rules for the base verb when adding -ing.
Practice
Complete the sentence: The plane takes ___ at 9:00 PM.
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off
Answer:off
Why:'Take off' is the specific phrasal verb used for an airplane leaving the ground.
What is the past tense of 'stand up'?
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stood up
Answer:stood up
Why:Only the base verb 'stand' changes to its irregular past form 'stood'; the particle 'up' remains the same.
Choose the correct particle: Please turn ___ the light so I can sleep.
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off
Answer:off
Why:'Turn off' means to stop a device or light from working.