Phrasal verb grammar: separability and particles
Separable vs inseparable, the pronoun rule (turn it off), three-part verbs (look forward to) and particle meanings
I can place objects and pronouns correctly in all four phrasal verb classes.
Look at these examples. Can you spot the grammar pattern?
Fill in the form, hand it in by Friday, and don't put it off again.
Fill in the form, hand it in by Friday, and don't put it off again.
We're looking forward to catching up with you — we'll put up with the long drive.
We're looking forward to catching up with you — we'll put up with the long drive.
Pay attention to the highlighted parts. What do they have in common?
Four grammar classes of phrasal verbs:
| Class | Rule | Example |
|---|---|---|
| separable | pronoun MUST split | turn off the light / turn it off (*turn off it) |
| inseparable | never split | look after the kids / look after them |
| three-part | fixed order | look forward to it, put up with noise |
| intransitive | no object | The plane took off. |
Particle semantics help guessing: up = completely (eat up, use up), out = thoroughly/visible (figure out), on = continue (carry on).
- *turn off it → turn it off
- *I look forward to see you → to seeing you (to = preposition)
- Inseparables split: *look the kids after → look after the kids
Common Error Patterns
Pronoun after separable particle
turn it off, pick her up, write it down
to-infinitive after three-part to
look forward to / be used to + -ing
Fill in the form, hand it in by Friday, and don't put it off again.
Fill in the form, hand it in by Friday, and don't put it off again.
Three separable verbs with the pronoun inside.
We're looking forward to catching up with you — we'll put up with the long drive.
We're looking forward to catching up with you — we'll put up with the long drive.
Two three-part verbs in one warm message.
Practice in course
Apply this grammar in C1 course exercises