Phrasal Verbs

Phrasal verbs are extremely popular in English, particularly in extra informal circumstances. They are built up of a verb and a particle or, sometimes, two particles. The particle usually alters the sense of the verb.

• I call Sem to see how he was. (call = to phone)
• They've called off the conference. (call off = to cancel)

There are two main kinds of phrasal verb in phases of word form: separable and inseparable. 

Separable

With separable phrasal verbs, the verb and particle can be individually or collectively.

• They've called the conference off.

OR

• They've called off the conference.

Still, separable phrasal verbs need to be separated if we use a pronoun. 

• The conference? They've called it off.

Here are some common separable phrasal verbs:

• I didn't want to make the bring up at the conference.

(bring up = begin speaking on a distinct subject)

• Please can you fill this information in?

(fill in = write information in a form or document)

Non-separable

Some phrasal verbs cannot be separated. 

• Who looks after the child when you're at the office?

Also, when there is a pronoun, the verb and particle rest collectively.

• Who looks after her when you're at the office?

Here are some common non-separable phrasal verbs:

• I came across your messages while I was using your phone.

(come across = to find something by chance)

With two particles

Phrasal verbs with two particles are also inseparable. Even if we use a pronoun, we place it next to the particles.

• Who came up with that solution?

(come up with = think of a solution)

• Let's get rid of those old journals to make more space.

(get rid of = remove or convert free of something that we don't need)