Phrasal Verbs

SGPP Writing Center

Phrasal verbs are verbs comprised of two parts: a verb and a particle. The particle is also called
a helper. The particle is usually a preposition, but it can be an adverb or a combination of both.
Phrasal verbs are difficult for non-native English writers because dictionaries do not always list them.
Individual phrasal verbs can also have multiple meanings. In contrast, native writers are comfortable
with their use but tend to overuse them. Phrasal verbs and richness and color to our writing, but sometimes their meaning can be imprecise. Identifying them can also be challenging. At times, the helper
is separated from the verb. This makes the helper look like just another preposition. The bad news is
there are no great tricks to mastering phrasal verbs. Knowing how they work, however, will help you
better understand prepositions and add clarity to your writing.

First, the key to understanding a phrasal verb is to understand whether a verb is phrasal or not. A verb
is phrasal if the helper changes the meaning of the action.
I dropped the rock off the cliff. (Not phrasal)
In this case, the verb (to drop) is not altered by the preposition (off); rather, the preposition (off) describes the location of the rock.
I will drop off Conrad when the movie is over. (Phrasal)
Here, the preposition (off) does not describe the location of Conrad; rather, the preposition (off) alters the verb (to drop). You did not drop Conrad (to cause him to fall);
rather, you are bringing him to a location.
Secondly, be aware that phrasal verbs can be separable and inseparable. If the verb and the helper
can have a word/words (the object) placed between them, the phrasal verb is separable.
I will drop Conrad off when the movie is over. (Phrasal and separable)
We can put the object of the sentence (Conrad) between the verb (drop) and the helper
(off), and the sentence makes sense.
Thirdly, some phrasal verbs can be both separable and inseparable.
The depth of the water dropped off just inches from the shore. (Phrasal/Inseparable)
The depth of the water dropped just inches off from the shore. This sentence makes no
sense with the helper moved; therefore, the phrasal verb is inseparable. In this instance, the phrasal verb in its inseparable form has a different meaning. To drop off, in
this example, means to decline suddenly.
Fourthly, phrasal verbs are less common in formal writing.
The experiment was set up to test the hypothesis.
While this is true, set up could mean a number of things. Does set up refer to the design, organization, or the actions of putting the pieces into place? Most people would assume that set
up in this instance refers to design. So just write,
The experiment was designed to test the hypothesis.

On the web: www.smumn.edu/tcwrite Email: tcwrite@smumn.edu Phone: 612-728-5154

Phrasal V erbs continued

So know that you know what they are, avoid phrasal verbs when possible. To do this, your two best friends
will be the thesaurus and dictionary. Dictionary.com and Thesaurus.com include listings for phrasal verbs.
Using them will expand your vocabulary and make your writing more precise and formal. While there are
more than 3000 phrasal verbs, here is a list of those that are common and a list of those that are common but
should be avoided. Keep in mind that even those that are common can be avoided and at times should be. Included in this list are spaces for you to customize this guide.
Common phrasal verbs in formal writing
account for (I)

add up to (I)

back away (I)

break down (S)

bring about (I)

bring forth (S)

call off (S)

come forward (I)

count on (I)

cut down (I)

do away with (I)

draw up (S)

end up (I)

fall apart (I)

fill in (S)/out (S)

figure out (S)

free up (S)

go over (I)

grow out of (I)

go over (S)

look for (I)/over

(S)

look into (I)

play down (S)

sort out (S)

stand out (I)

Common phrasal verbs to avoid in formal writing

Phrasal Verb

Likely Replacements

Phrasal Verb

Likely Replacements

back up (S)

support, buttress

bring up (S)

come upon (I)

discover

come up with (I)

copy down (S)

record

dig up (S)

fall apart (I)

disintegrate, collapsed

find out (S)

get across (I or S)

(I) clearly stated, (S) convey

maintain, sustain

get at (I)

advance, discuss, propose, raise

suggest, create, contrive, produce
detect, discover, expose, uncover
ascertain, identify,
observe
access, imply

determine, identify, discern

contemplate, deliberate,
consider

set up (S)

keep up (S)
pick out (S)
think over (S)

leave out (S)

write down (S)

exclude, dismiss, discard

arrange, construct,
establish
record

On the web: www.smumn.edu/tcwrite Email: tcwrite@smumn.edu Phone: 612-728-5154