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Verb
What is a phrasal verb?
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2 Replies
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A phrasal verb is a combination of a verb and one or more particles, which can be prepositions or adverbs. The meaning of the phrasal verb often differs from the meanings of the individual words when they are used alone. For example:
- “Give up” means to quit or stop trying, not just to physically give something up.
- “Turn on” means to activate something, not just to rotate something.
Phrasal verbs are common in everyday English and can sometimes be tricky because their meanings are often idiomatic or non-literal.
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A phrasal verb is a combination of a verb and one or more particles (prepositions or adverbs) that together create a meaning different from the original verb alone. The meaning of a phrasal verb can often be idiomatic, meaning it might not be directly inferred from the individual words.
Examples of Phrasal Verbs:
Give up: To stop trying or to quit.
She decided to give up smoking.
Look after: To take care of someone or something.
Can you look after my dog while I’m away?
Run into: To meet someone unexpectedly.
I ran into an old friend at the store.
Take off: To remove something or for an airplane to leave the ground.
Please take off your shoes before entering.
Importance in Language:
Phrasal verbs are common in everyday English and can add nuance and variety to speech and writing. Understanding them is essential for fluency and comprehension.