PHRASAL VERBS

A Phrasal Verb is a verb formed from two (sometimes three) parts; a verb and an adverb or
preposition. Most are formed from a small number of common verbs (such as get, go,
come, put and set) and a small number of adverbs and prepositions (such as away, out, off,
up and in)

Phrasal verbs sometimes have meanings that can easily be guessed (such as sit down or
look for). But in most cases their meanings are quite different from the meaning of the verb
they are formed from: for example hold up can mean 'to cause a delay' or 'to try to rob
someone' and has no obvious connection with the idea of 'holding' something.

What is different about phrasal verbs?

In one sense, you can say that phrasal verbs are just more words and should be treated as
such. However, there are problems also with the grammar. Different phrasal verbs have
different grammar. Here is the grammar of phrasal verbs:

There are five types of phrasal verb. These are:

1. Intransitive (with no object):

You're driving too fast - you ought to slow down.

2. Transitive verbs whose object can come in two positions - after the verb or after
the particle:

I think I'll put my jacket on OR I think I'll put on my jacket.

If the object is a pronoun, however, it must come between the verb and the particle:

I think I'll put it on (NOT I think I'll put on it).

3. Transitive verbs whose object must come between the verb and the particle:

Its high-quality designs sets the company apart from its rivals. 

4. Transitive verbs whose object must come after the particle:

The baby takes after his mother.

Why do you put up with the way he treats you?

 5. Verbs with two objects - one after the verb, the other after the particle:

They put their success down to good planning.

From the Macmillan English Dictionary - Language Awareness section**