Getting Into It
Phrasal Verb Basics
Phrasal verbs are generally two or three words verb phrases composed of a verb and one or more particles - these 'particles' are often prepositions. Phrasal verbs are especially challenging to English learners because they may be literal in meaning:
I picked up the pen.
or they may be figurative in meaning:
They brought up their children in London.
Here is a short list some common phrasal verbs:
pick up
go out
set off
put down
come up with
drop in on
get into
drive off
get ready for
bring about
Example:
The airlines keep up with the data.
I looked into asking the wait person about the murder.
They put the decorations up in the hotel meeting space.
Phrasal Verbs Followed by the 'ing'
One problem in English that can cause a lot of confusion is whether a verb following another verb takes the 'ing' form or takes the infinitive.
For example:
I hope to do something.
I enjoy doing something.
Phrasal verbs generally end in a preposition. Prepositions always take the 'ing' form of the verb. For this reason, any verb combined with a phrasal verb takes the 'ing' form of the verb.
Example:
I looked into asking the wait person about the murder.
I looked into buying some meats for the deli departments.
Three Word Phrasal Verbs
Here is a list of some of the most important three word phrasal verbs:
catch up on
come up with
go along with
cut down on
keep up with
come down with
check up on
get along with
get on with
look forward to
send off for
Example:
We look forward to installing the disabled access entrance.
We ran out of self-discipline and had to be disciplined.