Syntax

Phrasal verbs

Phrasal verbs are verbs consisting of two or more parts:

main verb	+	particle(s)
put	+	off
go	+	back on

The particle is either an adverb or a preposition.

The meaning of the phrasal verb is often idiomatic.

• They put off the concert because of the rain. (put off = postponed)
• He went back on his word - he didn't sign the contract. (went back on = reneged)

Like all verbs, phrasal verbs can be intransitive (they don't take an object) or transitive (they do take an object).

• The boomerang didn't come back. (intransitive)
• She picked up her children from the school. (transitive)

Some phrasal verbs can be both intransitive and transitive, depending on their meaning.

• The plane took off on time. (intransitive)
• She took off her coat and sat down. (transitive)

Transitive phrasal verbs consisting of verb + adverb particle are usually separable - that is, the object can come between the verb and the particle.

• She took her coat off.
• She took off her coat.

If the object is a pronoun, the verb and particle are always separated.

• She took it off.
  NOT: She took off it.

Phrasal verbs consisting of verb + preposition particle are never separable.

• She is looking after the children.
  NOT: She is looking the children after.

Typical preposition particles are after, with, by, on, to, for, at, into and against.

Prepositions always have objects, so prepositional phrasal verbs are always transitive.

Three-part phrasal verbs consist of verb + adverb particle + preposition particle.

• I don't get on with my boss.
• You shouldn't talk down to your students.

As with prepositional phrasal verbs, three-part phrasal verbs are always transitive.