Separable and Inseparable Phrasal Verbs

Phrasal verbs are combinations of a verb with another word, usually a preposition or an adverb, that together form a new meaning. Some phrasal verbs are separable, allowing you to place other words between the verb and the particle when changing tense. Others are inseparable, meaning the parts cannot be split. Knowing the difference between separable and inseparable phrasal verbs is essential for effective communication. Let’s dive into how to use them properly in both writing and speech with examples.

What Is a Phrasal Verb?

A phrasal verb is a verb joined with one or more particles, often prepositions or adverbs, that work together as a single expression with a distinct meaning. These verbs are commonly used in daily language and can carry different meanings based on the context. Examples include “turn off,” “pick up,” and “look forward to.” Phrasal verbs generally fall into two main categories.

Separable Phrasal Verbs

Separable phrasal verbs are a type where the verb and its particle (usually a preposition or adverb) can be split by the verb’s object. This means you can insert the object between the verb and the particle, or you can leave them together. For example:

A mix of a verb + a particle (like a preposition or adverb).

Example: turn off, put on.

The object can go between the verb and the particle, or after them both.

Examples:

✅ She turned off the lights. / She turned the lights off.
- Verb: turned, Particle: off, Object: the lights.
✅ He put on his shoes. / He put his shoes on.
- Verb: put, Particle: on, Object: his shoes.

Remember:

Both ways of arranging these sentences are correct and mean the same thing.

Inseparable Phrasal Verbs

Inseparable phrasal verbs are those in which the verb and particle (usually a preposition or adverb) must remain together, with the object always following the particle. This means you cannot insert anything between the verb and the particle. These verbs often carry idiomatic meanings that aren’t immediately clear from the individual words.

A combination of a verb + a particle (like a preposition or adverb).

The object always comes after the particle.
Example: look after.

You cannot put the object between the verb and the particle.

Examples

✅ She looks after her little brother.
- Verb: looks, Particle: after, Object: her little brother.
❌ You cannot say: She looks her little brother after.

Remember:

These phrasal verbs often have special meanings not obvious from the words themselves.

Separable vs Inseparable Phrasal Verbs

Here are the key differences between Separable and Inseparable Phrasal Verbs:

Aspect	Separable	Inseparable
Structure	Verb + Preposition/Adverb	Verb + Preposition/Adverb
Separation	Noun/Pronoun can go between verb and particle	Verb and particle cannot be split by a noun or pronoun
Particle Position	Can come before or after the noun/pronoun	Must come after the verb
Example	“Turn on” – “Turn the lights on.”	“Look after” – “Look after the children.”
Usage Flexibility	Offers flexibility in sentence structure	Order remains fixed for clarity and consistency
Pronoun Placement	Pronouns are often put between the verb and particle	Pronouns can’t separate the verb and particle
Order Change	Order can be switched for emphasis or style	The order stays the same in all situations
Meaning Clarity	Sometimes the meaning is clear from the words alone	Often the meaning isn’t obvious just from the words
Common Examples	“Take off,” “Put away,” “Turn on.”	“Look after,” “Put up with,” “Get over.”
Usage Context	Used a lot in casual and everyday talk	Used in both formal and informal settings
Communication Clarity	Offers flexibility but may be unclear if used wrong	Ensures clear communication with a fixed structure