What are Separable and Inseparable Phrasal Verbs?
Phrasal verbs consist of a verb + particle (usually a preposition or adverb). A key feature of phrasal verbs in English is whether they can be separated by a direct object.
Understanding this difference is crucial for correct sentence structure:
* Separable: The object can come between the verb and the particle.
* Inseparable: The verb and particle are locked together and must never be separated.
Separable Phrasal Verbs Structure and Formula
With separable phrasal verbs, the object can be placed in two different positions in the sentence without changing the meaning.
1. Noun Objects
Formula:
S + V + O (Noun) + Particle OR S + V + Particle + O (Noun)
- S: Subject
- V: Verb
- O: Object
Examples:
* Can you turn down the music?
* Can you turn the music down?
Both sentences are 100% correct and mean exactly the same thing.
2. The Pronoun Rule (Crucial Syntax)
This is the most important rule for separable phrasal verbs: If the object is a pronoun (me, you, him, her, it, us, them), it MUST go between the verb and the particle.
Formula:
S + V + Pronoun + Particle
| ✓ Correct | ✗ Incorrect | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Please pick me up at 8 PM. | Please pick up me at 8 PM. | 'Me' is a pronoun, so it must go in the middle. |
| She put it on quickly. | She put on it quickly. | 'It' is a pronoun, so it must go in the middle. |
| Turn it off before you leave. | Turn off it before you leave. | 'It' must go in the middle. |
Common Separable Phrasal Verbs list:
call back, fill in, give back, pick up, put on, take off, turn on/off, try on, figure out, talk over
Inseparable Phrasal Verbs Structure and Formula
With inseparable phrasal verbs, the verb and particle always stay together as a single unit. The object must come after the entire phrase, regardless of whether it's a noun or a pronoun.
Formula:
S + V + Particle + O (Noun / Pronoun)
Examples:
* I'm looking for my keys. (Noun object)
* I'm looking for them. (Pronoun object - STILL stays after the particle)
| ✓ Correct | ✗ Incorrect | Why |
|---|---|---|
| I am looking after the children. | I am looking the children after. | 'Look after' is inseparable. |
| She gets on with her colleagues. | She gets on her colleagues with. | Multi-part phrasal verbs are almost always inseparable. |
Common Inseparable Phrasal Verbs list:
look after, look for, get on with, run out of, wait for, come across, count on, deal with
How to Tell the Difference Between Separable and Inseparable Phrasal Verbs?
Unfortunately, there are no simple logical rules to identify if a phrasal verb is separable or inseparable just by looking at it.
The best way to know is to check a good dictionary when you learn the word. Most dictionaries will tell you the syntax using "sb" (somebody) and "sth" (something):
- look for sth/sb: The object comes after. This means it is inseparable.
- pick sb/sth up: The object goes in the middle. This means it is separable.
Best Tips for Using Separable and Inseparable Phrasal Verbs
- Memorize the Pronoun Action: Say "turn it on", "take it off", "pick it up" over and over. Getting used to the sound of the pronoun in the middle is faster than analyzing grammar rules while speaking.
- Three-Part Phrasal Verbs: As a general rule, if a phrasal verb has three parts (Verb + Adverb + Preposition), it is inseparable. (e.g., look forward to, put up with, run out of).
- Avoid Separation with Long Objects: Even if a verb is separable, if the noun phrase is very long, native speakers prefer to keep the verb and particle together. (Correct: Please turn off the incredibly loud and annoying alarm clock.)
Common Mistakes with Phrasal Verbs Sentences
| ✗ Incorrect | ✓ Correct | Why |
|---|---|---|
| I will call back you later. | I will call you back later. | When the object is a pronoun, it must go between the verb and particle for separable phrasal verbs. |
| She is looking after her bag. | She is looking for her bag. | Look after = take care of. Look for = search. Both are inseparable. |
| He asked out her. | He asked her out. | Ask out is separable; a pronoun must go in the middle. |
Summary & Cheatsheet for Phrasal Verbs Separability
| Type | Rule | Sentence Example |
|---|---|---|
| Separable (Noun) | Object can go in the middle or at the end. | Take your shoes off. / Take off your shoes. |
| Separable (Pronoun) | Pronoun object MUST go in the middle. | Take them off. |
| Inseparable | Verb and particle MUST stay together always. | I'm looking for my shoes. / I'm looking for them. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a separable phrasal verb be separated by more than just an object?
Usually, no. You should only place the direct object (the noun or pronoun) between the verb and the particle. Placing extra words like adverbs of time or manner in the middle makes the sentence sound very confusing.
Do all phrasal verbs take an object?
No. Some phrasal verbs are intransitive, meaning they don't take an object at all (e.g., The car broke down, She grew up in Paris). Intransitive phrasal verbs are never separated because there is no object to separate them with!
Are there phrasal verbs that MUST be separated?
Yes. A few rare phrasal verbs require the object to be in the middle, even if it's a noun. For example, "keep [something/someone] apart" or "get [something] across".