Multi-word verbs (NI2)

We have studied phrasal verbs but I'd rather include them into the group of multi-word verbs. Here you have an explanation and some reference pages for further information and some practice.

Multi-word verbs are made from a verb plus another word or words. There are some differences among the three types of multi-word verbs, that is, phrasal verbs, prepositional verbs and phrasal-prepositional verbs.

PHRASAL VERBS

Phrasal verbs are made of: VERB + ADVERB and they usually have a different meaning from the original verb; e.g. we use give up to indicate we don't do something any more. Phrasal verbs can be:

• intransitive (no direct object): you can’t separate the particle from the verb; e.g. look for the keys, look for them.

• transitive (with direct object): we can usually separate the direct object; e.g. turn on the light, turn the light on or turn it on. Notice the position of the pronoun is always between the verb and the particle.

PREPOSITIONAL VERBS

A prepositional verb is made of VERB + PREPOSITION, with a slight difference of meaning; e.g. look at the window; look at it. As you can see in the example, these verbs are always followed by an object but you cannot separate the preposition from the verb.

PHRASAL-PREPOSITIONAL VERBS

Phrasal-prepositional verbs are made of VERB +ADVERB + PREPOSITION. The characteristic is that they are followed by an object but the particlescannot be separated; e.g. I can’t put up with football, I can’t put up with it.

To practise with multiword verbs you can go to these pages:

• Dictionary of phrasal verbs: http://www.usingenglish.com/reference/phrasal-verbs/ Here you have a page for phrasals and you can also do exercises. Look through the page to find them.

• A list to find phrasal verbs: http://www.eslcafe.com/pv/

• Another list of phrasal verbs with definition and examples: http://www.learn-english-today.com/phrasal-verbs/phrasal-verb-list.htm . Then you can go to the exercises here: http://www.learn-english-today.com/wordgames/quizzes-printable/ph-verbs1.htm

• Definition and exercises: http://www.englishclub.com/grammar/verbs-phrasal-verbs.htm

• More practice here: http://www.ego4u.com/en/cram-up/grammar/phrasal-verbs

• Index of phrasal organized by verb or by particle: http://www.eflnet.com/pverbs/index.php

• Another page for practice here: http://a4esl.org/q/h/idioms.html

I hope this post will be useful for you. See you in class!