1. Separable and non-separable phrasal verbs

Some phrasal verbs can be both : separable and non-separable.    

  • Separable:  A phrasal verb is said to be separable when a noun or pronoun object can come between the verb and the particle that make up the phrasal verb.
  • Non-separable : When a phrasal verb is described as non-separable, it means the particle cannot be separated from the verb; that is, a noun or pronoun object cannot come between the verb and the particle. The object can only come after the verb and the particle of the phrasal verb.

The following examples show words that make up a phrasal verb can be used both ways: separately and non-separately.

Examples:

  • Separable : The rescuers called  the search off  because of the worsening weather.

    (The noun  search  is between verb  called  and the particle  off .  Call off  = stop doing something)

  • Separable : Dad turned  the television on .

    ( Turn on  = switch on something so that it starts working.)

  • Non-separable : Someone tried to break into the warehouse during the night. .

    (The two words of the phrasal verb cannot be separated. Noun object  warehouse  comes after the particle  into .)

  • Non-separable : She looks after  her aging mother.

    ( Look after  = take care of)