Lesson 2: Common Inseparable Phrasal Verbs
Verbs and Particles That Always Stay Together
In our last lesson, you learned about separable phrasal verbs, where the object can go in the middle. Now, we will learn about their opposite: inseparable1 phrasal verbs. With these verbs, the verb and the particle are best friends—they always stay together! This lesson will teach you some of the most common ones.
What are Inseparable Phrasal Verbs?
An inseparable phrasal verb means the verb and the particle always stay together. You cannot put the object between them, even if the object is a pronoun like 'it' or 'him'.
The structure is always: Verb + Particle + Object.
| Phrasal Verb | Meaning | Example Sentence (Correct Structure) |
|---|---|---|
| to look after2 | to take care of someone or something | My sister helps me look after my children. |
| to look for3 | to try to find something you have lost | I am looking for my keys. |
| to run into4 | to meet someone by chance, unexpectedly | I might run into my teacher at the market. |
| to get on / off5 | to enter or leave a large vehicle (bus, train, plane) | We need to get on the bus now. / Please tell me when to get off the bus. |
| to agree with | to have the same opinion as someone | I agree with you. |
Usage Note: No Separation Allowed!
This is the most important rule for this lesson: the verb and particle are never separated by the object.
- Correct: I am looking for my keys.
- Incorrect:
I am looking my keys for. - Correct: I am looking for them.
- Incorrect:
I am looking them for.
In Conversation
Maria and Srey are talking about their plans for the afternoon.
Maria: Srey, what are you doing this afternoon?
Srey: I have to look after my nephew. My sister is working late today.
Maria: That's kind of you. What are you looking for in your bag?
Srey: I am looking for my phone. I can't find it anywhere!
Maria: I hope you find it. Tomorrow, I have to go to Phnom Penh. I need to get on the bus at 8 AM.
Srey: I hope you have a good trip! I might run into you at the bus station. I need to drop off a package.
Maria: Great! Well, I have to go. I completely agree with you that we should meet for coffee next week.
quiz Check Your Understanding
1. An "inseparable" phrasal verb means the verb and particle...
- a) can be separated.
- b) must be separated.
- c) must stay together.
Click to see the answer
Answer: c) must stay together.
2. Which sentence is grammatically correct?
- a) I look my sister after.
- b) I look after her.
- c) I look her after.
Click to see the answer
Answer: b) I look after her. (The object, even a pronoun, comes after an inseparable phrasal verb).
3. You need to enter a bus. You need to ______ the bus.
- a) get on
- b) get off
- c) look for
Click to see the answer
Answer: a) get on
edit Your Mission
- My Sentences: Write three sentences about your life using three different inseparable phrasal verbs from the lesson. (e.g., "I always look after my younger sister." "I am waiting for a package.")
- Correct the Mistake: Find the mistake in this sentence and rewrite it correctly: "My mother looks my brother after."
- Speak: Your mission is to use two inseparable phrasal verbs in a conversation today. (e.g., "I need to look for a new pen." or "I agree with you.")
book Lesson Glossary
- Inseparable (adjective) - Khmer: មិនអាចបំបែកបាន - Not able to be separated or moved apart. ↩
- to look after (phrasal verb) - Khmer: មើលថែ - To take care of someone or something. ↩
- to look for (phrasal verb) - Khmer: រកមើល - To try to find something you have lost. ↩
- to run into (phrasal verb) - Khmer: ជួបដោយចៃដន្យ - To meet someone unexpectedly. ↩
- to get on / off (phrasal verb) - Khmer: ឡើង / ចុះ - To enter or leave a large vehicle like a bus, train, or plane. ↩