Types of Phrasal Verb

 There are four main types of phrasal verbs:

1. Separable Phrasal Verbs which have an object

For example: pick up (Meaning = collect)

I’ll pick up Tom from the airport.

Tom is the object.

With this type of phrasal verbs there are two possible structures.

The object follows the phrasal verb.

I’ll pick up Tom from the airport.

OR

The phrasal verb is separated and the object is put in the middle.

I’ll pick Tom up at the airport.

Note: If we use a pronoun instead of naming the object, we can only put the pronoun in the middle. It cannot follow the phrasal verb..

I’ll pick him up at the airport. CORRECT

I’ll pick up him at the airport. INCORRECT

2. Inseparable Phrasal Verbs with an object

 For example: look after

I’ll look after the children.

These verbs cannot be separated. The object always follows the phrasal verb.

We can also use a pronoun with these verbs.

I’ll look after them.

3. Phrasal Verbs without an object

For example: Break down

My car broke down yesterday.

There is no object with this type of phrasal verb and so we cannot separate them.

4. Phrasal Verbs with two particles

These phrasal verbs are always inseparable.

For example> Look forward to

I’m looking forward to meeting John.

We can also use a pronoun with these verbs.

I’m looking forward to meeting him.

Top Tip

If you are unsure if about the type of phrasal verb you can check in a dictionary. Many online dictionaries do not give this information so it’s better to use a paper dictionary.

There are also some websites which can give you this information.

http://www.usingenglish.com/reference/phrasal-verbs