Grammar: Phrasal Verbs
B1 Lesson 3: Common Action Phrasal Verbs
Why It Matters: The Pronoun Rule
A phrasal verb is a verb plus a particle (like *up* or *on*) that creates a new meaning. Some can be separated, but there is one very important rule to learn for pronouns.
❌ Incorrect
Please turn off it.
✅ Correct
Please turn it off.
The Grammar Rules 📖
Common Action Phrasal Verbs
Here are some common phrasal verbs related to everyday actions.
| Phrasal Verb | Meaning & Example |
|---|---|
| look for | To try to find something. "I'm looking for my keys." |
| look after | To take care of someone. "I have to look after my younger brother." |
| pick up | To lift something; to collect someone. "Please pick up your clothes." |
| turn on / off | To start or stop a machine or light. "Don't forget to turn off the lights." |
| fill in / out | To complete a form. "You must fill in this form." |
| find out | To discover information. "I need to find out what time the bus leaves." |
Rule: Separable vs. Inseparable
Separable verbs allow an object to go in the middle. (e.g., pick up, turn on, fill in)
- You can say: "Please turn off the light."
- You can also say: "Please turn the light off."
- Important Rule: If the object is a pronoun (it, them), it MUST go in the middle: "Please turn it off."
Inseparable verbs must always stay together. (e.g., look for, look after, find out)
- Correct: "I will look after your cat."
- Incorrect: "I will look your cat after."
Practice Your Grammar 🎯
Exercise 1: Complete the Sentences
- I can't find my phone. Can you help me _______ it?
→ Answer: look for - My neighbour is on holiday, so I have to _______ her plants.
→ Answer: look after - I need to _______ when the Phare circus starts.
→ Answer: find out - Your pen is on the floor. You should _______. (pick up it / pick it up)
→ Answer: pick it up
Exercise 2: Fill in the Gaps
Complete the sentences with a phrasal verb from the list: look for, look after, pick up, turn off, fill in.
- Before you go to sleep, you should always _______ all the lights. (turn off)
- To get a library card, you must _______ this application form. (fill in)
- Your clothes are on the floor. Please _______ them _______. (pick / up)
Your Grammar Mission ⭐
Write About Your Life
Write three sentences about your own life using three different phrasal verbs from this lesson.
Example: "I am looking for a new restaurant to try in Battambang."
Key Vocabulary
- Phrasal Verb A phrase with a verb and a particle (e.g., up, on) that creates a new meaning.
- Separable / Inseparable If a phrasal verb is separable, the object can go in the middle.
- Application Form An official document you write on to apply for a job, visa, etc.