Learn English with English, baby!

Join for FREE!

Social_nav_masthead_logged_in
Phrasal Verbs and other multi-word verbs

Phrasal Verbs and other multi-word verbs

Date: Jul 21 2007

Topic: Vocabulary

Author: alkhader

Lesson

Phrasal verbs are part of a large group of verbs called "multi-word verbs". Phrasal verbs and other multi-word verbs are an important part of the English language. Multi-word verbs, including phrasal verbs, are very common, especially in spoken English. A multi-word verb is a verb like "pick up", "turn on" or "get on with". For convenience, many people refer to all multi-word verbs as phrasal verbs. These verbs consist of a basic verb + another word or words. The other word(s) can be prepositions and/or adverbs. The two or three words that make up multi-word verbs form a short "phrase"—which is why these verbs are often all called "phrasal verbs".

The important thing to remember is that a multi-word verb is still a verb. "Get" is a verb. "Get up", is also a verb, a different verb. "Get" and "get up" are two different verbs. They do not have the same meaning. So you should treat each multi-word verb as a separate verb, and learn it like any other verb. Look at these examples. You can see that there are three types of multi-word verb:

single-word verblookdirect your eyes in a certain directionYou must look before you leap.
multi-word verbsprepositional verbslook aftertake care ofWho is looking after the baby?
phrasal verbslook upsearch for and find information in a reference bookYou can look up my number in the telephone directory.
phrasal-prepositional verbslook forward toanticipate with pleasureI look forward to meeting you.

Likes (2):

See all >

Share this lesson:

  • Share on Facebook
  • Share on Bebo
  • Share on Myspace
  • Share on Twitter
  • Email this to a friend
  • Share on Sina

Post Ebaby! lessons on your blog:

Ebaby! Cast