Separable and Inseparable Phrasal verbs

Phrasal verbs

As you you know a phrasal verb is a verb combined with a preposition or adverb or both that means something different it from each of the words that make up the verb.

There are two types of phrasal verbs. A separable phrasal verb can be broken up by other words while inseparable phrasal verbs cannot be separated by other words.

Separable phrasal verbs

Separable phrasal verbs: You can insert other words into the middle of a separable phrasal verb. Consider the following example, using the pressure verb take back: 

1. I need to (take back) the shirt lent you.

2. Where’s that shirt I lent you? I need to (take it back)

3. This is very important information. Please (write it down).

4. Dr. Lama is an excellent professor. Her students write down everything she says.

5. Karen hasn’t got any paper, but she needs to write the number down.

6. Be careful with the puppy! You can pick her up, but she gets scared very easily.

7. Gerald could you pick up Cynthia after her ballet lesson?

8. Ron is driving to the airport. He is going to pick his daughter up 8 pm. He is excited to finally see her again!

Inseparable phrasal verbs

Inseparable phrasal verbs can be transitive (they can take a direct object), but you can’t insert that direct object into the middle of the phrasal verb. In other words, they can’t be separated Thus their name. Consider the following examples: 

1. If you focus your education solely on one area, you’ll have nothing to (fall back on) if you change your mind.

2. Each child should have at least one older child to (look up to).

3. I always (run into) Molly at the mall.

4. Everyone must get on the plane and fast and their seat belts before we can (take off).

5. (Get off ) that motorcycle if you don’t have a helmet! It’s dangerous to write without one.

6. I had to run to (get on) the train, but I made it!

Other examples

Run into

Carry on

Count on

Fall off

Get into

Break into

Take off

Try off

End up

Phrasal verbs that are always separated

There are a few phrasal verbs that take an object where that object must go between the verb and the particle and Not after the particle.

For example:

1. Talk ( someone) into doing something

2. Talk ( someone) out of doing something

3. Give (something) away

4. I’ve been trying to talk my kids into watching other things.

More examples:

Keep ( something) on

Start ( something ) over

Give ( something ) back