A phrasal verb is a combination of a verb and one or more particles (prepositions or adverbs) that together form a single lexical unit with a distinct meaning. The combination of the verb and the particle(s) creates a new idiomatic expression that often differs in meaning from the individual words. Phrasal verbs are commonly used in English and can significantly impact the meaning and tone of a sentence.

For example, in the phrasal verb “turn up,” the verb “turn” combines with the particle “up” to create a new expression meaning “to arrive or appear unexpectedly.” The meaning of “turn up” cannot be determined by simply looking at the individual meanings of the words “turn” and “up” separately.

Phrasal verbs can be separable or inseparable. In inseparable phrasal verbs, the particle can be placed either before or after the object in a sentence. For example, in the phrasal verb “take off,” you can say “He took off his coat” or “He took his coat off.” In inseparable phrasal verbs, the particle always remains attached to the verb. For example, in the phrasal verb “look after,” you say “She looks after her younger brother” and not “She looks her younger brother after.”

Learning and understanding phrasal verbs is essential for English language learners, as they are widely used in both formal and informal contexts. It is important to familiarize oneself with the meanings and usage of common phrasal verbs to effectively communicate and comprehend English sentences.