GRAMMAR & STRUCTURE
Phrasal Verbs

Definition

A phrasal verb is a verb followed by one or two prepositions.

Example

My mother often looks after the children while I'm at work.

Explanation

Phrasal verbs:

• always follow the pattern verb + preposition (+ preposition).
• usually have an idiomatic meaning (the meaning of the phrasal verb is not connected to the individual meanings of the verb or preposition).
• use "not" before the verb in negative sentences.
• can be separable or inseparable.
• have the object between the verb and the preposition if they are separable.
• have the object after the verb and the preposition if they are inseparable.
• are also called two-word verbs or three-word verbs.

Related Sections

Separable and Inseparable Phrasal Verbs
Verbs