How are Phrasal Verbs Formed?

In its simplest form, a phrasal verb is a combination of a verb and one or more particles, usually prepositions or adverbs. When these words come together, they create a unique meaning that may not be clear from the individual words themselves. They are common in all forms of English, so learning how to use them correctly is important and helps make your English sound more natural and fluent.

A phrasal verb is formed by:

A verb + a particle (adverb or preposition)

• Go through – to search in / to suffer / to use up
• E.g. – Go through your bag and see if you can find my book.

Some phrasal verbs consist of a verb + two particles (an adverb and a preposition)

• Fit in with – when things exist or happen in a way that’s convenient.
• E.g. – I’ll check to see if the appointment fits in with my schedule.

Don’t be worried if you come across a phrasal verb – with practice you will start to see them everywhere! Now that you know what a phrasal verb is, let’s go ahead and try some exercises!

• Come across – to find something or meet someone unexpectedly.
• E.g. – Don’t be worried if you come across a phrasal verb.
• Go ahead – to start to do something.
• E.g. – Let’s go ahead and try some exercises!

Phrasal verbs covered in these exercises:

1. Pick up – To go somewhere in order to get someone / something.
2. Look after – To take care of someone or something.
3. Take off –  To remove.
4. Come up with – To think of or produce.
5. Look forward to – To wait for with pleasure.
6. Carry out – To accomplish a task.
7. Brush up on – To improve on or review old skills.
8. Deal with – To take action, such as solving a problem or managing a situation.
9. Take up – To begin doing a hobby or activity.
10. Sort out – To separate / organise things.