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Phrasal verb

A complex verb consisting of a simple verb and an adverb particle.

Examples are: make up, take off, turn on, do up, fill up, run over, take in and put away.

The particle in a phrasal verb is always stressed. Note that it is possible to move the particle of a phrasal verb to the end of the sentence.

  • They called the teacher up. (OR They called up the teacher.)

A phrasal verb differs from a prepositional verb. The preposition in a prepositional verb cannot be moved to the end. Examples are: fall off, call on.

  • They called on the teacher. (BUT NOT They called the teacher on.)
  • He fell off the bridge. (BUT NOT He fell the bridge off.)

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