1. Phrasal Verbs: Separable and Inseparable5
Phrasal Verbs: Separable and Inseparable
Living in the Digital Age
Focus on Grammar 4
Part V, Unit 12
By Ruth Luman, Gabriele Steiner, and BJ Wells
Copyright © Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.

2. Cell Phone Help Line
This is my first cell phone. I’m trying to figure it out. I looked over the directions, but I’m still confused. When I make a phone call, all the buttons on the phone light up, and I don’t know what to do. Help!
Every time I want to call up someone on this cell phone, the phone cuts me off. I just heard a strange sound. I’m afraid this phone is going to blow up! Please help me out!

3. Transitive Phrasal Verbs 1
Most transitive phrasal verbs are separable. This means that noun objects can go after the particle or between the verb and the particle.
He can’t figure out the instructions.
noun object
He can’t figure the instructions out.
noun object

4. Be Careful! I turned off it. I turned it off.
If the direct object is a pronoun, it must go between the verb and the particle.
I turned off it.
I turned it off.

5. Usage Note He charged the battery in the handheld computer up.
When the noun object is part of a long phrase, we usually do not separate the phrasal verb.
He charged the battery in the handheld computer up.
He charged up the battery in the handheld computer.

6. Practice 1 Example: It’s difficult to put together a new device.
Form three sentences about technology for each separable phrasal verb.
Practice 1
put together = assemble
Example:
It’s difficult to put together a new device.
It’s difficult to put a new device together.
It’s difficult to put it together.
close down = close by force
switch on = start a machine
pick out = select, identity
set up = prepare for use
turn off = stop a machine
look up = try to find 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

7. Transitive Phrasal Verbs 2
Some transitive phrasal verbs are inseparable. This means that both noun and pronoun objects always go after the particle. You cannot separate the verb from its particle.
Sam ran his boss into.
Sam ran into his boss.
He ran him into.
Sam ran into him.

8. Transitive Phrasal Verbs 3
A small group of transitive phrasal verbs must be separated.
I have to do over the report.
I have to do the report over.

9. Use the separable and inseparable phrasal verbs to discuss good manners when using a computer or cell phone.
Practice 2
Example:
Don’t carry on a cell phone conversation during a wedding. 1.
start over = start again
talk into = persuade
get out of = benefit from
go after = pursue
count on = depend on 4. 2. 5. 3. 6.
carry on = continue
Inseparable verb

10. Transitive Phrasal Verbs 4
Some transitive phrasal verbs are used in combination with certain prepositions. A phrasal verb + preposition combination (also called a three-word verb) is usually inseparable.
I think I should drop out of this class.
I can’t keep up with new technology.

11. Ask and answer the questions with a partner using three-word verbs in your answers.
Practice 3
Example:
Is it difficult for you to keep up with new technology? Why or why not?
Have you ever dropped out of a class?
Have you come up with any good ideas this week? What were they?
Who do you usually team up with in class activities?
If someone makes a decision that you disagree with, do you still go along with the decision?
When do you get out of your classes?
When was the last time you followed through with something? What was it?
It’s difficult to keep up with new technology because I haven’t learned to use the old technology yet.

12. Intransitive Phrasal Verbs
Some phrasal verbs are intransitive. This means that they do not take an object.
Son, hold on. I’m busy talking on the phone right now.
Dad, hang up and call the fire department!

13. Practice 4 Example: run out = not have enough
Use the intransitive phrasal verbs to describe your experiences with different forms of technology.
Practice 4
Example:
run out = not have enough
Last week the photocopy machine ran out of toner.
close down = stop operating
play around = have fun
call back = return a call
empty out = empty completely
blow up = explode
sign up = register 1. 4. 2. 5. 3. 6.

14. References
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