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How to use Phrasal verbs

Phrasal verbs are a type of verb that consist of a base verb and one or more particles. These particles can change the meaning of the verb in a variety of ways. In this blog post, we will explore what phrasal verbs are, how to use them, and some common examples to help you master this tricky aspect of the English language.

To start, it’s important to understand that phrasal verbs are not the same as regular verbs. Regular verbs are single words, such as “run,” “walk,” and “talk.” Phrasal verbs, on the other hand, are made up of a base verb and one or more particles, such as “run away,” “walk out,” and “talk over.”

The particles in phrasal verbs can change the meaning of the base verb in a number of ways. For example, “run away” means to flee or escape, while “run” on its own means to move quickly on foot. Similarly, “walk out” means to leave suddenly and in protest, while “walk” on its own means to move on foot.

To use them correctly, it’s important to pay attention to the context in which they are used. In some cases, the meaning of the verb is clear from the context, while in other cases, it may be more difficult to determine.

It’s also important to note that some of these verbs are separable, meaning that the particles can be placed between the subject and the base verb. For example, “I’ll run it by my boss” is correct, while “I’ll by run it my boss” is not. Others are inseparable, meaning that the particles cannot be separated from the base verb.

Here are some common examples:

• “Put off” means to postpone or delay something. Example: “I put off the meeting until next week.”
• “Look up” means to search for information. Example: “I looked up the word in the dictionary.”
• “Break down” means to stop working or to fall apart. Example: “My car broke down on the way to work.”
• “Get over” means to recover from an illness or emotional problem. Example: “It took me a long time to get over my breakup.”

In conclusion, phrasal verbs are a tricky aspect of the English language, but by understanding what they are, how to use them, and studying some common examples, you can master them and improve your English skills.

Practice makes perfect, so start incorporating phrasal verbs into your daily conversations and writing and soon you will be using them like a native speaker.