B2 · Lesson 34 · 25 min
Phrasal verbs and object position
In this lesson
- I can place noun and pronoun objects with common separable phrasal verbs.
- I can recognise inseparable patterns in the meanings taught here.
Grammar in context
Mara switched the projector on, but the picture was blurred. She turned it off and called the technician. While waiting, she looked after the visitors and went through the instructions with them.
Why is it between turned and off? Can the object move inside look after when it means care for?
Move a noun object when the verb permits it
Some verb–particle combinations are separable in a particular meaning. With turn on meaning start a device, a noun object can usually go between the verb and particle or after the particle: turn the lamp on; turn on the lamp. Longer objects often read more easily after the particle. Learn whether a particular meaning permits separation rather than applying one rule to every multi-word verb.
- Please put the meeting off until Friday.
- Please put off the meeting until Friday.
Put an object pronoun inside a separable pattern
With ordinary unstressed object pronouns such as it, them, him or her, a separable transitive phrasal verb normally puts the pronoun between the verb and particle. Say pick it up, not pick up it. The same rule applies in questions and negatives. Keep the tense on the main verb; the particle does not change. A multi-word verb without an object has no object-position choice.
- Could you turn it down?
- They did not throw them away.
Recognise inseparable combinations and meanings
In patterns such as look after someone meaning care for them, the object follows the whole expression. Both noun and pronoun objects stay after after: look after the children; look after them. Look into a problem meaning investigate and run into someone meaning meet unexpectedly are also inseparable in these uses. A familiar verb can have different meanings and constructions, so use the full context when checking its pattern.
- The manager will look into the complaint.
- I ran into an old classmate at the station.
Common mistakes
Compare the incorrect and corrected forms.
Avoid
Please switch off it.
Use
Please switch it off.
The pronoun object goes between the verb and particle in this separable pattern.
Avoid
She looked the children after.
Use
She looked after the children.
Look after meaning care for is inseparable.
Put it into practice
Try the exercises, write your own examples and check your understanding.