PHRASAL VERBS WITH A VERB +AN ADVERB + A PREPOSITION

There are several commonly used phrasal verbs which consist of a verb followed by an adverb and followed by a preposition.

Example: I went along with the idea.

NOTE: In this example, the phrasal verb went along with consists of the verb to go followed by the adverb along and followed by the preposition with which has the the object idea.

The following are the examples of some phrasal verbs which consist of a verb + adverb + preposition with the meaning on the right column.

Phrasal Verb

Meaning

Add up to Back down from Back out of Boil down to Bow out of Brush up on Carry on with Catch up to Clean up after Come down to Come down with Come out in Come up against Come up with Creep up on Cry out for Cut back on Do away with Face up to Fall back on Fit in with Fool around with Get away with Get down to Get in on Give up on Go along with Go back on Go through with Grow out of Hold out for Keep up with Lead up to Live up to Log on to Look down on Look forward to Look out for Look up to Make up for Pull out of Push on with Put up with Read up on Rub off on Run up against Send away for Stick up for Stock up on Talk down to Walk away with Watch out for Wriggle out of Zero in on

Amount to Withdraw, avoid Not fulfill Can be reduced to Withdraw Refresh knowledge of Continue with Overtake Tidy for Can be reduced to Become ill with Develop Meet an obstacle Produce Approach undetected Urgently require Reduce Abolish Accept and deal with Turn to for help Be suited to Not be serious, have as a hobby Not be punished Begin dealing seriously with Manage to participate in Stop trying Agree, not resist Break a promise Fulfill, carry out Become too big for Not compromise Be on the same level as Be a preparation for Maintain a standard Contact a computer Regard as inferior Anticipate Watch for Admire Compensate for Leave (of vehicles) Go ahead, continue Endure, tolerate Read about Acquire from someone Meet Order by mail Defend, support Lay in supplies Speak patronizingly Win easily Beware of Avoid Focus on

ç There are a few phrasal verbs consisting of a verb followed by an adverb and a preposition where the verb may have an object. In the followning example, the objects are underlined.

Example: We played them off against each other.

NOTE: In this example, the verb played of the phrasal verb to play off against has the object them, while the preposition against has the object each other.

The following are some examples of phrasal vebs consisting of a verb followed by an adverb and a preposition where the verb may have an object.

Phrasal Verb	Meaning
Get over with Let in on Play off against Play down to Put up to Take out on Take up on Talk out of	Undergo, finish Allow to share Encourage to fight Attribute to Arge to do wrong Vent bad feelings on Accdept an offer Dissuade from

PHRASAL VERBS WITH A VERB + AN ADVERB OR A PREPOSITION

Some phrasal verbs consist of an intransitive vberb followed by a word which may function either as an adverb or preposition.

Example:

- We passed by.

- We passed by the library.

NOTE: In the first example, the word by of the phrasal verb passed by functions as an adverb. In the second example, the word by of the phrasal verb passed by functionsw as a preposition which has the object library.

The following are the examples of phrasal verbs which contain words that may function either as adverbs or prepostions with the meaning is on the right column.

Phrasal Verb	Meaning
Break through Do without Glance off Go without Hang around Join in Lounge around Mill around Pass by Rally round Sail through Scrape through Turn off	Appear Survive without Hit and bounce off Not have Stay near Become involved in Relax in (of a crow) move randomly Pass Gather to give support Succeed easily Barely succeed Leave a road

ç There are a few phrasal verbs consisting of a ver followed by a word which may function either as an adverb or a preposition, where the verb may have an object. In the following examples the objects are underlined.

Example:

- We passed the candies around.

- We passed the candies around the class.

NOTE: In each of these examples, the verb passed of the phrasal verb to pass around has the object candies. In the first example, the word around function as an adverb, while in the second example, the word around function as a preposition with the object class.

The following are examples of phrasal verbs consisting of a verb followed by a word which may function either as an adverb or as a preposition, where the verb may have an object.

Phrasal Verb	Meaning
Cross off Pass around Show around Tide over Warn off	Put a line through Distribute Conduct on a tour Provide for temporarily Warn to leave

DISTINGUISHING PHRASAL VERB

It has been seen that the position of pronoun objects, adverbs of manner and stress in spoken English varies according to whether a verb is followed by a preposition or by and adverb.

These differences are summarized in the following table. The verbs to sit and to turn are used as examples. The verb to sit is followed by on used as a preposition, whereas the verb to turn is followed by on used as an adverb.

Verb + Preposition	Verb + adverb
Object pronoun is placed after the preposition. Ex: I sat on it. Adverb of manner may be placed between verb and preposition. Ex: I sat quietly on it.	Object pronoun is placed before the adverb. Ex: I turned it on. Adverb of manner may not be placed between verb and adverb. Ex: I quietly turned it on.
Verb is stressed: This is what I sat on.	Adverb is stressed: This is what I sat on.

Because of the summarized above, it is important to be able to distinguish between a verb followed by a preposition, and a verb followed by an adverb.

1) Adverb phrases of location compared with phrasal verbs followed by objects

In many cases, it is necessary to distinguish between an ordinary verb followed by an adverb phrase of location, and a phrasal verb followed by an object.

Example:

- I turned up the street.

- I turned up the volume.

NOTE:

ç In the first example, the verb turned is followed by the adverb phrase of location up the street. In the second example, the phrasal verb turned up is followed by the object volume. In this example, the phrasal verb turned up has the meaning increased.

ç In the first example, street is the object of the preposition up. If the object is changed to a pronoun, the pronoun must follow the preposition.

Example:

- I turned up the street.

- I turned up it.

ç In the second example, volume is the object of the phrasal verb turned up. If the object is changed to a pronoun, the pronoun must precede the adverb up.

Example:

- I turned up the volume.

- I turned it up.

ç In the first example, if the verb is modified by an adverb of manner, the adverb of manner may precede the adverb phrase of location.

Example:

- I turned up the street.

- I turned quickly up the street.

ç In the second example, if the verb is modified by an adverb of manner, the adverb of manner may not be placed between the two parts of the phrasal verb.

Example:

- I turned up the volume.

- I quickly turned up the volume.

2) Words used as prepositions or adverbs

It is also necessary to be able to distinguish between a phrasal verb consisting of a verb followed by a preposition, and a phrasal verb consisting of a transitive verb followed by an adverb. In many cases, it is possible to make the distinction by means of the preposition or adverb following the verb.

ç The following words are used in phrasal verbs as preposition, but are not usually used in phrasal verbs as adverbs following transitive verbs.

After, at, by, from, of, toward, without, against, before, for, into, to, with…

ç In contrast, the following words are used in phrasal verbs as adverbs following transitive verbs, but are not usually used in phrasal verbs as prepositions.

Along, away, behind, forward, together, aside, back, down, out, up…

ç The following words present more difficulty, since they can be used in phrasal verbs both as prepositions and adverbs following transitive verbs.

Across, in, on, upon, through, around, round, off, over…

NOTE: Thus, it is advisable to study which phrasal verbs use these words as prepositions, and which phrasal verbs use these words as adverbs. The following tables give examples of phrasal verbs containing each of these words. The left-hand column gives phrasal verbs consisting of verbs followed by prepositions, while the right-hand column gives phrasal verbs consisting of transitive verbs followed by adverbs.

Words used as prepositions or adverbs

Verb + Preposition	Transitive Verb + Adverb
Come across Cut across Run across Stumble across	Get across ( an idea) Put across (an idea)
Hang around Lounge around Mill around Pass around Rally round Show around	Bring round
Confide in Deal in Join in	Break in Breathe in Call in Fill in Hand in Phase in Rope in Take in Trade in
Glance off Deep off Warn off	Call off Fend off Give off Lay off Pair off Pension off Polish off Pull off Put off Reel off Sell off Shrug off Turn off Write off
Bank on Border on Build on Call on Come upon Count on Dawn on Decide on Dwell on Enlarge on Expand on Frown on Grow on Hinge on Live on Pick on Prey on Reckon on Survive on Thrust upon Touch on Verge on	Cheer on Hand on Try on Turn on
Get over Go over Run over Watch over	Take over Talk over Think over Paper over Smooth over
Break through get through go through leaf through look through sail through scrape through see through sit through wade through	Pull through

PHRASAL VERBS WITH A VERB + AN ADVERB

Many phrasal verbs consist of a verb followed by an adverb. Some of these phrasal verbs are intransitive and some are transitive.

I. Intransitive verbs followed by adverbs

Here are some intransitive phrasal verbs which consist of a verb followed by an adverb and each phrasal verb has its meaning.

Intransitive Phrasal Verb

Meaning

blow over boil away boil over bounce back buckle down catch on cloud over die down double up drop in fade away fall off get away get by give in go on grow up keep on level off log on log off move in move out nod off pass out pitch in play along pull in pull out set off settle down settle in show up stay up step down step in take off touch down tune in watch out wear off

pass disappear by boiling overflow by boiling recover work seriously be widely accepted become overcast become less bend over visit become less become less escape barely succeed admit defeat continue became an adult persist in stop rising contact a computer break contact with a computer system take possession of living quarters give up possession of living go to sleep faint help pretend to agree arrive (of vehicles) leave (of vehicles) leave become peaceful become used to arrive not go to bed resign intervene leave the ground land (of places) find a station on the radio beware gradually disappear

NOTE: The intransitive phrasal verb to show up is formed by the verb to show followed by the adverb up. In the following example, the phrasal verb does not have an object.

Example: At ten o’ clock, her brother showed up.

II. Transitive verbs followed by adverbs

Here are some transitive phrasal verbs which consist of a verb followed by an adverb and each phrasal verb has its meaning.

Transitive Phrasal Verb

Meaning

back up bail out break in breathe in breathe out bring back bring around bring up butter up call in call off call up cheer on chop down clean up fend off ferret out figure out fill in fill out fill up give back give off hand down hand in hand on hand over hang up hold back iron out knock out lap up lay off leave behind leave out let down live down look up make up pass up pension off phase in phase out pick up pin down play down point out polish off pull down pull off put away put back put off reel off rope in rub out rule out scale down sell off set back shout down shrug off single out size up sort out sound out stammer out sum up summon up take in take out take over talk over tear up think over think up track down trade in try on try out turn away turn back turn off turn on water down wear out write down write off write up

support rescue make something new fit for use inhale exhale return persuade raise flatter ask to assist cancel telephone cheer, encourage fell tidy repel find with difficult solve, understand complete complete make full return send out give to someone younger give to person in authority give to another person transfer break a telephone connection restrain, delay remove make unconscious accept eagerly put out of work leave, not bring omit disappoint live so that past faults are forgotten find (information) invent not take advantage dismiss with a pension introduce gradually cease gradually collect get a commitment de-emphasize draw attention to finish demolish succeed put in proper place return to original location postpone recite a long list persuade to help erase remove from consideration reduce dispose of by selling delay stop from speaking by shouting dismiss as unimportant select from others assess organize talk with to learn the opinion of stammer summarize gather absorb invite to a restaurant assume control discuss destroy by tearing consider invent search for and find give as part payment test clothes by putting them on test by using refuse admission reverse direction deactivate by using a switch activate by using a switch dilute gradually destroy by wearing or using make a note cancel, regard as compose in writing

NOTE: The transitive phrasal verb to sort out is formed from the verb to sort followed by the adverb out.

Example: We sorted out the papers.

1) The position of an object of the verb

In the case of transitive phrasal verbs consisting of a verb followed by an adverb, if the object of the verb is a nun, the object can usually either follow or precede the adverb. In the following examples, the verb objects are underlined.

Example:

- I called off the meeting.

- I called the meeting off.

NOTE: In the first example the object meeting follows the adverb off, while in the second example the object meeting precedes the adverb off.

ç However, in the case of a few phrasal verbs, a noun object must usually follow the adverb.

Example: We attempted to smooth over is the disagreement.

NOTE: In this example, the phrasal verb to smooth over is followed by the noun object disagreement. In this case, the object disagreement cannot be placed before the adverb over.

The following are examples of transitive phrasal verbs where a noun object must usually follow the adverb. Each phrasal verb is accompanied by its meaning and an example

The following are examples of transitive phrasal verbs where a noun object must usually follow the adverb. Each phrasal verb is accompanied by its meaning and an example of its use. The objects of the verbs are underlined.

Verbs followed by adverb followed by noun object

Phrasal Verb	Meaning
drum up paper over smooth over	raise repair superficially improve

Example:

- She has drummed up support for the plan.

- They attempted to paper over their differences.

- We tried to smooth over the station.

ç In the case of transitive phrasal verbs consisting of a verb followed by an adverb, if the object of the verb is a pronoun, the object must usually precede the adverb. In the following examples, the pronoun objects are underlined.

Example:

- I called it off.

- We attempted to smooth it over.

NOTE: In these examples, the object pronoun it precedes the adverbs off and over.

ç Most transitive phrasal verbs may be used in the passive voice.

Example:

- The meeting was called off by me.

- The disagreement was smooth over.

NOTE: In these examples, the phrasal verbs to call off and to smooth over are used in the passive voice.

2) The position of an adverb of manner modifying the verb

In the case of a phrasal verb consisting of a verb followed by an adverb, the verb and the adverb usually may not be separated by an adverb of manner. In the following example, the adverb of manner is underline.

Example: I hurriedly called off the meeting.

NOTE: In this example, the adverb of manner hurriedly precedes the phrasal verb called off. The adverb hurriedly may also be placed at the beginning or the end of the sentence, but may not be placed between the verb called and the adverb off.

3) Stress in spoken English

When a phrasal verb consisting of a verb followed by an adverb occurs at the end of a clause, it is usually the adverb which is stressed in spoken English. In the following examples, the words which are tressed are printed in bold type.

Example:

- How did that come about?

- Please drop in whenever you have time.

NOTE: In the first example, the verb come followed by the adverb about occurs at the end of a clause, and the adverb about is stressed. In the second example, the verb drop followed by the adverb in occurs at the end of a clause, and the adverb in is stressed.

4) Ergative verbs

It should be noted that there are a few phrasal verbs consisting of a verb followed by an adverb, which have the same meaning whether they are used transitively or intransitively.

Example:

- The engineer slowed down the train.

- The train slowed down.

NOTE: In the first example, the phrasal verb to slow down is used transitively, with the object train. In the second example, the phrasal verb to slow down is used intransitively, without naming the originator of the action. In these two examples, it can be seen that the object of the transitive verb is the subject of the intransitive verb. However, the general meaning of the two sentences is the same. Verbs which can be used in this way may be referred to as ergative verbs.

Ergative phrasal verbs

The following are examples of expressions which can function as ergative phrasal verbs and each ergative phrasal has its meaning.

Phrasal Verb	Meaning
Blare out Blow up Break up Burn down Calm down Dry out Get across Liven up Pull through Rol up Shut down Wake up Wash out Wear away Wear out	Make a loud sound Destroy by an explosion Break into pieces Detroy by fire Become calm Become dry Transmit Become lively Recover from, survive Wrap into a cylinder Close, stop working Stop sleeping Remove by washing Gradually remove Gradually destroy by using

Phrasal verbs with a verb + preposition

Some phrasal verbs consist of a verb followed by a proposition. However, in the case of a phrasal verb, the verb followed by the preposition forms an expression with an idiomatic meaning. For example, the phrasal verb to come across is an idiomatic expression with the meaning to find. Similarly, the phrasal verb to frown on is an idiomatic expression with the meaning to disapprove of.

Example:

- We came across an old diary while we were cleaning out the attic.

- The workers frown on the practice of smoking in the office.

NOTE: It should be noted that some phrasal verbs consisting of a verb followed by a preposition can be used in the passive voice.

Example:

- The practice of smoking in the office was frowned on by the workers.

- The children were looked after by their aunt.

ç The following are some examples of phrasal verbs which consist of a verb followed by a preposition and each phrasal verb has its meaning.

Phrasal Verb

Meaning

abide by account for ask for bank on bear with border on break into build on burst into call for call on come across come upon confide in count on cut across dawn on deal in deal with decide on dispense with dispose of dwell on enlarge on enter into expand on frown on get at get into get over get through go against go over go through go with grow on guard against hinge on inquire into keep to laugh at launch into leaf through live on look after look into look through part with pick on prey on provide for reason with reckon on rise above run across run into run over see through send for settle for side with sit through stand by stand for stick to stumble across survive on take after tamper with touch on verge on wade through watch over

adhere to explain request depend on be patient with be near, be next to enter by force develop from suddenly enter demand ask, order find accidentally discover share a secret depend on use a short route realize stock, sell handle successfully settle on proceed without get rid of emphasize say more about begin, commence say more about disapprove of reach become involved with recover from survive, finish oppose review examine in detail look good with become more attractive to take precautions depend on investigate adhere to mock, make fun of start turn the pages survive using take care of investigate examine quickly give up reluctantly be unkind to hunt and eat; disturb prepare for try to persuade calculate be superior to find accidentally meet accidentally injured by a vehicle not be deceived by ask to be sent reluctantly accept support in a dispute sit and endure support represent adhere to find accidentally survive using resemble an ancestor interfere with mention approach slowly peruse guard

1) The position of an object of the preposition

The object of preposition usually follows the preposition, whether the object is a noun or a pronoun. In the following examples, the objects are underlined.

Example:

- We have launched into a new project. or

- We have launched into a new it.

NOTE: In these examples, the noun project and the pronoun it are the objects of the preposition into of the phrasal verb to launch into. Both the noun object and pronoun object follow the preposition.

2) The position of an adverb of manner modifying the verb

If a verb is followed by a preposition, an adverb of manner may be placed between the verb and the preposition. In the following examples, the adverbs of manner are underlined.

Example:

- They reasoned patiently with the little girl.

- I leafed quickly through the book.

NOTE: In the first example, the adverb of manner patiently is placed between the verb reasoned and the preposition with of the phrasal verb to reason with. In the second example, the adverb of manner quickly is placed between the verb leafed and the preposition through of the phrasal verb to leaf through.

3) Stress in spoken English

When a verb followed by a preposition occurs at the end of a clause, it is usually the verb which is stressed in spoken English. In the following examples, the words which are stressed are printed in bold type.

Example:

- No one likes to be laughed at.

- I need someone to confide in.

NOTE: In the first example, the verb laughed followed by the preposition at occurs at the end of a clause and the verb laughed is stressed. In the second example, the verb confide followed by the preposition in occurs at the end of a clause, and the verb confide is stressed.

ç It should be noted that, when used in a phrasal verb at the end of a clause, the prepositions after, into, and over are often pronounced with somewhat greater emphasis than the verb. In this case, both the verb and the preposition are stressed.

Example:

- The twins are easy to look after.

- The building would be difficult to break into.

- You’ll never guess whom I ran into.

- I heard that someone was run over.

ç The prepositions above, across, and through are also occasionally emphasized in this way.

Example: The research papers were difficult to wade through.

4) Expressions in which the verb has an object

In the case of some phrasal verbs consisting of a verb followed by a preposition, the verb and the prepositions may each have an object. In the following examples, the objects are underlined.

Example:

- I can make nothing of the situation.

- We talked my sister into agreeing.

NOTE: In the first example, the verb make of the phrasal verb to make of has the object nothing, and the preposition of has the object situation. In the second example, the verb talked of the phrasal verb to talk into has the object sister, and the preposition into has the object agreeing.

ç The following examples of the phrasal verbs consisting of a verb followed by a preposition, where the verb may have an object and each phrasal verb has its meaning.

Phrasal Verb	Meaning
drag into draw into drum into frighten into hold against lay before let into make of read into set against set on talk into trust upon write into	involve unwillingly involve gradually teach by repetition control by fear blame for present to allow to share understand find other meanings make antagonistic order to attack persuade force upon add to in writing

OVERALL SPECIAL VERBS

A phrasal verb is an idiom which consists of a verb followed by a preposition, an adverb or an adverb with a preposition.

Example:

- I ran into an old friend. (verb + preposition)

- We put off washing the dishes. (verb + adverb)

- They all look up to him. (verb + adverb + preposition)

NOTE: Many phrasal verbs are used more often in informal English. In most cases, the ideas expressed by such phrasal verbs may also be expressed by other phrases which are more likely to be used in formal English.

For instance in the table below, the phrasal verbs used in the preceding examples are listed in the left-hand column and other phrases with the same meanings are listed in the right-hand column.

Informal	Formal
to ran into to put off to look up to	to meet unexpectedly to postpone to admire

It should be noted that the use of many phrasal verbs varies among the different dialects of English. For example, in order to express the idea of contacting someone by means of the telephone, the expression to ring someone up is frequently used in British English; whereas the expression to call someone is frequently used in American English.

Because of the differences in dialect, the forms of the verbs and the meaning given may vary from one dictionary to another. In addition, some phrasal verbs have more than one meaning. The meanings provided in this chapter are samples of meanings which are used in North American English only.

MOOD

Verbs can be used to express differences in the intention or mood of the speaker or writer. There are three moods in English: the indicative, imperative, and subjunctive moods. Each one has a specific function.

1) The indicative mood is used when the speaker or writer wishes to make a statement or ask a question.

Example:

- Are you leaving tonight?

- The train is running ten minutes late.

2) The imperative mood is used for commands, requests, or direction.

Example:

- Call Fredericks and cancel that shipment.

- Please return the book when you are finished.

- Turn right at eh corner, then go left.

3) The subjunctive mood uses a different form of the past and present to express matters of urgency, formality, possibility, or speculation.

Example:

ç Urgency: I demanded that she see me immediately. (The indicative mood would use the form sees or can see—for example, I want to know if she can see me immediately.)

ç Formality: He recommended that the zoning law be adopted. (The subjunctive mood uses be adopted rather than the indicative mood is adopted—for example, the vote is 44 to 3, the law is adopted.)

ç Possibility: If I were to sign the invoice, we could not refuse any defective parts. (The phrase If I were to sign expresses a future possibility. It has no reference to the past, even though were is a past tense verb form. Compare this sentence to Because I signed the invoice, we could not refuse any defective parts. In this sentence, the indicative mood describes an action that took place in the past.)

ç Speculation: If he were king, he would decree that football be played every afternoon. (The subjunctive mood expresses something that is not true, a statement contrary to fact. The indicative mood, on the other hand, simply states a fact—for example, If he was ready, why didn’t he come?)

IRREGULAR VERBS

Irregular verbs follow no fixed rules for forming the various past, present, and future tenses. You simply have to memorize them or consult your dictionary. Some of the most commonly used irregular verbs are listed below.

Base Form	Past Simple	Past Participle
be beat become bend break buy cast choose come cut do draw drink drive eat fight find fly get give go grow have hide hit hold hurt keep know leave make meet put read ride ring run say see sell send sing sit sleep speak spend stand steal swim take teach tell think throw understand wear win write	was beat became bent broke bought cast chose came cut did drew drank drove ate fought found flew got gave went grew had hid hit held hurt kept knew left made met put read rode rang ran said saw sold sent sang sat slept spoke spent stood stole swam took taught told thank threw understood wore won wrote	been beaten become bent broken bought cast chosen come cut done drawn drunk driven eaten fought found flown gotten given gone grown had hidden hit held hurt kept known left made met put read ridden rung ran said seen sold sent sung sat slept spoken spent stood stolen swum taken taught told thought thrown understood worn won written