Hello children, As we know there are 4 Types of phrasal verbs – Separable and Inseparable, Transitive and Intransitive. Today we’ll study and understand what Separable and Inseparable Phrasal Verbs are.
What are Separable Phrasal Verbs?
A Separable phrasal verb is a dynamic verb that allows an object to be placed between the verb and its particles. Some flexible phrasal verbs allow an object to be placed between the verb and a particle, or behind an entire phrasal object.
When we use them with objects, this means that we have a choice, we can use something between the verb and a preposition, or we can use it in the end, just as we do with inseparable verbs
- My children write down everything I say.
- My children write everything I say down.
What are Inseparable Phrasal Verbs?
Inseparable Phrasal verb is an action that does not allow an object to be placed between the verb and a particle. This means that when we want to use an object, it must always follow a complete phrasal verb.
- Get off from the car if you don’t have a license to drive! It’s dangerous to drive without license.
- It was hard for him to get off the boat, because he was feeling a little sick when they reached the dock!
Examples of Separable and Inseparable Phrasal Verbs
| Separable | Inseparable |
| When are you going to ask Ileana out? (ask someone to go on a date) | We need to check out of the room by 1:30. (leave a hotel room) |
| I am in need to drop a package off at the post office. (leave something somewhere) | Do you really get along with your parents well? (have a good relationship with) |
| I need you to fill this application before taking your appointment. (complete spaces on a form) | She is just starting to get over the flu. (recover) |
| You should put your dresses away after you fold them. (put in the correct place) | She passed away after a long battle with cancer. (die) |
| It is hot in here. I need to take my worm shirt off. (remove) | I have decided to take up skydiving. (start a new activity) |
| Let’s think this is over before making a decision. (consider) | Please don’t throw up in here. (vomit) |
| Please turn the lights off when you leave. (switch off) | Can you look after my dog while I am away? (care for) |
More Phrasal Verbs with Meanings:
| Phrasal Verb | Separable or Inseparable | Meaning |
| Ask out | Separable | To ask someone to go out |
| Bring about, bring on | Separable | To make something happen |
| Bring up | Separable | To raise children |
| To raise a topic | ||
| Call back | Separable | Return a call |
| Call in | Separable | Ask someone into an official place or office |
| Call off | Separable | Cancel |
| Call on | Inseparable | To do something |
| To visit | ||
| Call up | Separable | Call someone on the telephone |
| Catch up | Inseparable | To become equal or reach the same level |
| Check in, check into | Inseparable | Register at a hotel or travel counter |
| Check out | Inseparable | Leave a hotel |
| Check out of | Inseparable | Leave a hotel |
| Cheer up | Separable | Make someone happy |
| Clean up | Separable | Tidy, clean |
| Come across | Inseparable | To find |
| Cross out | Separable | Eliminate |
| Cut out | Separable | Remove something |
| Drop by | Inseparable | Visit unexpectedly |
| Drop in | Inseparable | Visit unexpectedly |
| Drop off | Separable | Leave something somewhere |
| Drop out | Inseparable | Stop attending a class |
| Figure out | Separable | Understand |
| Fill out | Separable | Complete a form |
| Fill in | Separable | Complete spaces on a form |
| Get along with | Inseparable | Have a good relationship with |
Keep exploring EnglishBix to learn the other two types – transitive and intransitive phrasal verbs to understand the difference between the two.