Separable Phrasal Verbs

Verbs you can split apart

Sections
Introduction

1. Definition & Core Meaning

Separable phrasal verbs allow the object to come either after the particle OR between the main verb and particle.

What is it?
Verbs you can split apart

2. Use Cases

VerbMeaningExample
Call offTo cancel somethingThey had to call off the meeting.
Pick upTo collect someone or somethingI will pick you up at 5 PM.
Turn onTo activate power/startPlease turn the lights on.
Turn offTo deactivate power/stopDon't forget to turn off the TV.
Fill outTo complete a formFill out this application form.
Give upTo quit a habitHe wants to give smoking up.
Look upTo search for informationLook the word up in the dictionary.
Put onTo wear clothes/accessoriesPut your coat on, it's cold.
Take offTo remove clothesTake your shoes off at the door.
Throw awayTo dispose of in trashDon't throw that box away.
Turn downTo decrease volume or refusePlease turn the music down.
Turn upTo increase volumeCan you turn the volume up?
Wake upTo stop sleepingWake the children up for school.
Write downTo record in writingWrite down the address.
Clean upTo tidy a messWe need to clean this mess up.
Figure outTo solve/understandI can't figure the problem out.
Hand inTo submit workHand your homework in by Friday.
Hand outTo distributeThe teacher handed the papers out.
Let downTo disappointDon't let me down.
Make upTo invent a story/lieHe made the whole story up.
Pay backTo repay moneyI will pay you back tomorrow.
Put awayTo return to storagePut your toys away.
Set upTo arrange/organizeWe set a meeting up for Tuesday.
Take downTo remove from a high place/writeTake the picture down.
Try onTo test clothesTry this shirt on before buying.

3. When to Use It (Time Expressions/Signals)

[!NOTE]
If the object is a pronoun (it, them, me), it MUST go between verb and particle.

4. How to Use It (Rules)

  • Object can go between verb and particle.
  • If object is a pronoun (it/them/me), it MUST separate.
  • Separable verbs are transitive (need an object).