3 types of multi-word verbs

Multi-word verbs are verbs which consist of a verb and 1 or 2 particles or prepositions (over, out, off, in, up, away, down, etc.). There are 3 types of multi-word verbs. We have phrasal verbs, as well as prepositional verbs and phrasal-prepositional verbs. From time to time, the name “phrasal verb” or “particle verb” is used to refer to all 3 types.

Phrasal verbs

Phrasal verbs have 2 parts: a main verb and an adverb particle. Among the most common adverb particles which are used to form phrasal verbs we should mention around, away, at, on, down, in, off, over, out, round, up. Phrasal verbs are characterized by the meanings which are difficult for us to guess from their individual parts. Phrasal verbs are quite often, but not always, less formal than a single word which has the same meaning.

Prepositional verbs

Prepositional verbs have 2 parts. They are a verb and a preposition. The parts are inseparable. Linguists say that prepositional verbs always have an object and it comes immediately after the preposition. The object can be a noun phrase, sometimes it can be a pronoun or the -ing form of a verb. Some prepositional verbs take a direct object besides the verb followed by the prepositional phrase.

Phrasal-prepositional verbs

Phrasal-prepositional verbs have 3 parts: a verb, a particle and a preposition. The speaker cannot separate the particle from the preposition. Many of these verbs are often used in informal contexts, and their meaning is still difficult to guess from their individual parts.

Phrasal verbs and their meanings:

to put on – to place a garment, piece of jewelry, etc. on part of one's body

to break down – to cease to continue; to collapse (of a relationship, agreement, or process)

to go on – to continue or to persevere

to bring up – to raise a matter for discussion or consideration

to pay back – to repay a loan to someone

to blow up – to make something explode

to break in – to enter a place illegally and with the use of force

to call back - to phone someone again

to call off – to cancel an event that has been previously planned

to come up with – to produce a solution, idea, plan, or excuse, especially when pressured or challenged

to look into – to investigate something

to look forward – to await something eagerly

to look after – to take care of someone or something

to hang out – to spend a lot of time in a place or with someone

to hang on – to wait for a short time

to hang up – to end a phone conversation by cutting the connection

to break out – to escape from a place, situation or way of life

to break down – to lose self-control

to bring back – to reintroduce something

to bring over - to take someone or something from one place to the place where someone else is, especially their home

to cut out – to remove something by separating it from something larger with a sharp implement

to cut up – to cut something into several pieces with a knife or scissors

to cut down – to reduce the size, amount, or quantity of something

to come across – to meet or find someone or something by chance

to come apart – to break into parts or pieces