Phrasal Verbs: Separable and Inseparable

Living in the Digital Age

5

Focus on Grammar 4Part V, Unit 12By Ruth Luman, Gabriele Steiner, and BJ WellsCopyright © 2006. Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.

Cell Phone Help LineCell Phone Help Line

This is my first cell phone. I’m trying to figure it out. I looked over the directions, but I’m still confused. When I make a phone call, all the buttons on the phone light up, and I don’t know what to do. Help!

Every time I want to call up someone on this cell phone, the phone cuts me off. I just heard a strange sound. I’m afraid this phone is going to blow up! Please help me out!

Transitive Phrasal Verbs 1Transitive Phrasal Verbs 1

Most transitive phrasal verbs are separable. This means that noun objects can go after the particle or between the verb and the particle.

noun object

He can’t figure the instructions out.

noun object

He can’t figure out the instructions.

Be Careful!Be Careful!

If the direct object is a pronoun, it must go between the verb and the particle.

I turned offturned off it.

I turnedturned it offoff.

He charged upcharged up the battery in the handheld computer.

He chargedcharged the battery in the handheld computer upup.

Usage NoteUsage Note

When the noun object is part of a long phrase, we usually do not separate the phrasal verb.

Practice 1Practice 1Form three sentences about technology for each separable phrasal verb.

put together = assemble

close down = close by force

switch on = start a machine

pick out = select, identity

set up = prepare for use

turn off = stop a machine

look up = try to find

1. 2. 3.

4. 5. 6.

Example:

It’s difficult to put together a new device. It’s difficult to put a new device together. It’s difficult to put itit together.

Transitive Phrasal Verbs 2Transitive Phrasal Verbs 2

Some transitive phrasal verbs are inseparable. This means that both noun and pronoun objects always go after the particle. You cannot separate the verb from its particle.

Sam ranran his boss intointo.

He ran him intointo.

Sam ran intoran into him.

Sam ran intoran into his boss.

Transitive Phrasal Verbs 3Transitive Phrasal Verbs 3

A small group of transitive phrasal verbs must be separated.

I have to do overdo over the report.

I have to dodo the report overover.

Practice 2Practice 2

Don’t carry on a cell phone conversation during a wedding.

Example:

Use the separable and inseparable phrasal verbs to discuss good manners when using a computer or cell phone.

carry on = continue

1. start over = start again

talk into = persuade

get out of = benefit from

go after = pursue

count on = depend on

4.

2. 5.

3. 6.

Inseparable verb

Transitive Phrasal Verbs 4Transitive Phrasal Verbs 4

Some transitive phrasal verbs are used in combination with certain prepositions. A phrasal verb + preposition combination (also called a three-word verb) is usually inseparable.

I think I should drop out of this class.

I can’t keep up with new technology.

Practice 3Practice 3

Is it difficult for you to keep up with new technology? Why or why not?

1. Have you ever dropped out of a class?

2. Have you come up with any good ideas this week? What were they?

3. Who do you usually team up with in class activities?

4. If someone makes a decision that you disagree with, do you still go along with the decision?

5. When do you get out of your classes?

6. When was the last time you followed through with something? What was it?

Example:

Ask and answer the questions with a partner using three-word verbs in your answers.

It’s difficult to keep up with new technology because I haven’t learned to use the old technology yet.

It’s difficult to keep up with new technology because I haven’t learned to use the old technology yet.

Intransitive Phrasal VerbsIntransitive Phrasal Verbs

Some phrasal verbs are intransitive. This means that they do not take an object.

Dad, hang up and call the fire department!

Son, hold on. I’m busy talking on the phone right now.

Practice 4Practice 4

Last week the photocopy machine ran out of toner.

close down = stop operating

play around = have fun

call back = return a call

empty out = empty completely

blow up = explode

sign up = register

1. 4.

2. 5.

3. 6.

Example: run out = not have enough

Use the intransitive phrasal verbs to describe your experiences with different forms of technology.

ReferencesReferences

Copyright © 2006 Pearson Education and its licensors. All rights reserved.