Vocabulary: Phrasal Verbs (Introduction) (B1) - Lesson 1: Common Separable Phrasal Verbs

Lesson 1: Common Separable Phrasal Verbs

Phrasal Verbs (Introduction) (B1)

Welcome to the world of phrasal verbs! A phrasal verb is a verb combined with a small word (a particle) that creates a new meaning. Today, we'll learn about separable phrasal verbs, which means you can put the object in the middle of the phrase!

Word Bank

• Phrasal Verb (noun) | កិរិយាសព្ទផ្សំ
  A verb combined with a particle (like on, off, away) to create a new meaning.
• Separable (adjective) | ដែលអាចបំបែកបាន
  Able to be moved apart. The object can go in the middle of the verb and the particle.
• turn on (phrasal verb) | បើក
  To start a machine or light.
  Example: "Please turn on the light."
• turn off (phrasal verb) | បិទ
  To stop a machine or light.
  Example: "Don't forget to turn off the TV."
• pick up (phrasal verb) | រើស
  To lift something from a surface.
  Example: "Can you pick up your book?"
• put away (phrasal verb) | ទុកដាក់
  To put something in its correct place.
  Example: "Please put away your clothes."
• throw away (phrasal verb) | បោះចោល
  To put something in the trash because you don't want it.
  Example: "You should throw away that old newspaper."
• figure out (phrasal verb) | ដោះស្រាយ / គិតចេញ
  To understand or solve something.
  Example: "I need to figure out this math problem."

Usage Note: The "Separable" Rule

For these verbs, the object can go after the phrase OR in the middle.

• You can say: "Please turn on the light."
• You can also say: "Please turn the light on."
• Important Pronoun Rule: If the object is a pronoun (like 'it' or 'them'), it must go in the middle.
  Correct: "Please turn it on."
  Incorrect: "Please turn on it."

In Conversation

Bora and Srey are cleaning their apartment.

Bora: This place is a mess! Let's clean up.

Srey: I agree. First, can you turn on the fan? It's hot in here.

Bora: Sure. I'll turn it on. What should I do next?

Srey: Please pick up those books from the floor and put them away on the shelf.

Bora: Okay. What about this old magazine? Should I throw it away?

Srey: Yes, please. I can't figure out where to start! After we finish, we can turn off the fan and go get coffee.

Check Your Understanding

1. Which sentence is correct?
   • a) Please pick up it.
   • b) Please pick it up.
   • c) Both are correct.
   Answer: b) Please pick it up.

2. What is the opposite of "turn on"?
   • a) Turn away
   • b) Turn off
   • c) Turn around
   Answer: b) Turn off

3. You don't want your old shoes anymore. What should you do?
   • a) Put them away.
   • b) Figure them out.
   • c) Throw them away.
   Answer: c) Throw them away.

Your Mission

1. My Room: Write three sentences about your room using phrasal verbs from this lesson. (e.g., "I need to put away my books.")
2. Practice Pronouns: Rewrite these sentences using pronouns: 1. "Pick up the pen." 2. "Turn off the lights."
3. Speak: Your mission is to use a separable phrasal verb today. For example, say to a friend, "Can you turn on the air-con?"