What is the difference between separable and inseparable phrasal verbs?

Phrasal Verbs Questions Medium



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What is the difference between separable and inseparable phrasal verbs?

Separable and inseparable phrasal verbs differ in terms of whether the verb and the particle can be separated or not.

In separable phrasal verbs, the verb and the particle can be separated by placing the object between them. For example, in the phrasal verb "turn off," the verb "turn" and the particle "off" can be separated by the object. So, we can say "turn the lights off" or "turn off the lights."

On the other hand, inseparable phrasal verbs cannot be separated, and the verb and the particle always stay together. For example, in the phrasal verb "look after," the verb "look" and the particle "after" cannot be separated. So, we always say "look after" and not "look the children after."

It is important to note that the separability of phrasal verbs can vary depending on the context and the specific phrasal verb being used. Some phrasal verbs can be both separable and inseparable, depending on the meaning and usage.