Lesson 2: Separable vs. Inseparable Phrasal Verbs
A B2 Grammar Review
You have learned about phrasal verbs, but this is one of the most common areas for mistakes, even for advanced students! This B2-level review will solidify your understanding of when to separate a phrasal verb and when you absolutely cannot. Mastering this rule is essential for accuracy.
Key Vocabulary
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Rule
An instruction that says how something must be done.
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Separable
Able to be moved apart. The object can go in the middle.
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Pronoun
A word that replaces a noun (e.g., it, them, him, her).
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Inseparable
Not able to be moved apart. The verb and particle must stay together.
Part 1: Separable Phrasal Verbs (The Flexible Friends)
A separable phrasal verb can have the object come after the particle OR between the verb and the particle.
Example verb: to turn down (to refuse an offer)
- He turned down the job offer. (Correct)
- He turned the job offer down. (Also Correct)
The Golden Rule for Pronouns: When the object is a pronoun (it, them, him, her), it MUST go in the middle.
- He received the offer, but he turned it down. (Correct)
He received the offer, but he turned down it.(Incorrect!)
Common examples: turn on/off, pick up, put down, give back, figure out, throw away.
Part 2: Inseparable Phrasal Verbs (The "Stuck Together" Friends)
An inseparable phrasal verb cannot be separated by an object. The verb and particle always stay together.
Example verb: to look for (to search for)
- I am looking for my keys. (Correct)
I am looking my keys for.(Incorrect!)- I am looking for them. (Correct - the pronoun also comes after).
Common examples: look for, look after, run into, get on/off, agree with, listen to.
Usage Note: How Do I Know Which is Which?
Unfortunately, there is no simple grammar rule to know if a phrasal verb is separable or inseparable. The dictionary is your best friend.
- A good learner's dictionary will show the options. It might show "turn something on" or "turn on something" to tell you it's separable.
- For an inseparable verb, it will only show "look for something".
Strategy: When you learn a new phrasal verb, write an example with a noun and an example with a pronoun in your notebook to practice the rule.
In Conversation
Bora is trying to solve a problem and Srey helps.
Bora: Srey, I need to figure out this problem. Can you help me figure it out?
Srey: Sure, what's wrong?
Bora: I'm looking for my ticket for the concert tonight. I can't find it anywhere.
Srey: Did you look for it in your bag?
Bora: I did. Ah! Here it is! I need to call my friend back to tell him I found it.
Srey: Okay, you should call him back now before he worries. And remember to turn off your phone during the concert.
Bora: I will definitely turn it off.
Check Your Understanding
- Which sentence is grammatically correct?
- a) Please fill out it.
- b) Please fill it out.
Answer: b) Please fill it out. ('fill out' is separable, so the pronoun 'it' must go in the middle).
- Which sentence is grammatically correct?
- a) I will look after them.
- b) I will look them after.
Answer: a) I will look after them. ('look after' is inseparable, so the pronoun 'them' must go at the end).
- The phrasal verb 'to get on' (a bus) is ______.
- a) Separable
- b) Inseparable
Answer: b) Inseparable (You cannot "get the bus on").
Your Mission
- Correct the Sentences: Find the mistake in each sentence and rewrite it correctly: 1. She took off it. 2. He is looking his glasses for.
- My Examples: Write one correct sentence with a separable phrasal verb and a pronoun (e.g., 'put it down'). Write one correct sentence with an inseparable phrasal verb and a pronoun (e.g., 'wait for him').
- Speak: Your mission is to use one separable and one inseparable phrasal verb in a conversation. Pay close attention to the object position!