Learn English Grammar Lesson 17: Learn English Phrasal Verbs (Introduction)
In this video lesson we are going to look at introduction to phrasal verbs (two-part verbs/ multi-word verbs/ particle verbs). Level: intermediate to advanced. The presentation has been created for upper level students, who most likely have already studied this topic to some degree. This first lesson on phrasal verbs then serves more as an opportunity to review, rethink, and expand students’ knowledge. I explain what phrasal verbs are and when we use them. Attention to structure will be given in Lesson 18.
Also, you can look at Effortless English Rule 1: Learn English Phrases. Learning with phrase 2-3 times faster than learning individual words.
What is a phrasal verb?
A phrasal verb = verb + particle (up, out, on, off, away…). The meaning is often different from the verb alone: give vs. give up (stop trying).
| Phrasal verb | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| give up | stop trying | Don’t give up! |
| look after | take care of | Can you look after my cat? |
| find out | discover | I found out the truth. |
| turn on / off | start / stop a machine | Turn off the lights. |
| run out of | have no more | We’ve run out of milk. |
| put off | postpone | Let’s put off the meeting. |
Separable or not?
- Separable: turn off the TV / turn the TV off / turn it off (pronoun must go in the middle).
- Inseparable: look after the kids (not
look the kids after).
Tip
Learn phrasal verbs in full sentences from listening, not from long lists. Next: Lesson 18 – phrasal verb structure.
