Some phrasal verbs can be separated, we can put the object after the verb, and some cannot. Today we’re looking at 10 phrasal verbs that you can separate and put the object in the middle.
Inseparable: to stand for (represent) – What does BBC stand for?
Separable: to take up (start doing) – I’ve recently taken photography up.
Both: to run into (meet by accident/crash)
I ran into a work colleague. (inseparable)
I ran my car into a wall (separable)
If the object is a pronoun, the particle (preposition) usually goes after it. – I want to take photography up – I want to take it up. XI want to take up itX – NO!
1. To back (someone) up = to support
2. To do (something) up = to decorate, improve (also ‘ to fix up’)
3. To calm (someone) down = calmarse
4. To pick (someone) up = take them in the car (also, ‘drop them off’)
5. To give (something) back = to return (also, to take back)
6. To try (something on) = to wear something to see if it fits
7. To cheer (someone) up = make them happier
8. To put (something) off = postpone (also, to ‘call off’ = to cancel)
9. To turn (something) on/off = (also, to switch off/on)
10.To bring (something) up = to start talking about something
1. To back (someone) up = to support
If I ask for a raise at work, will you back me up?/If we enter for a podcasting award, would the listeners back us up?
2. To do (something) up = to decorate, improve (also ‘ to fix up’) – Reza needs to do his flat up.
3. To calm (someone) down = calmarse If someone’s shouting and being aggressive, what’s the best way to calm them down?
4. To pick (someone) up = take them in the car (also, ‘drop them off’)
When you go to Belfast, does someone pick you up at the airport? – I got picked up and dropped off last week.
5. To give (something) back = to return (also, to take back) When was the last time you took something back to a shop? Have you ever lent anything to anyone who hasn’t given it back?
6. To try (something on) = to wear something to see if it fits
I get depressed sometimes when I try trousers on. That’s why I’m on a diet.
7. To cheer (someone) up = make them happier – What cheers you up? What do you do to cheer yourself up if you’re feeling a bit down?
8. To put (something) off = postpone (also, to ‘call off’ = to cancel)
Have you had to put anything of recently?
9. To turn (something) on/off = (also, to switch off/on) Did your parents used to shout at you to switch off the lights? I don’t always turn off my PC before I go to bed.
10. To bring (something) up = to start talking about something – I hate to bring this up, but when are you going to give me back that 20 euros I lent you?
To back (someone) up
To do (something) up
To calm (someone) down
To pick (someone) up
To give (something) back
To try (something on)
To cheer (someone) up
To put (something) off
To turn (something) on/off
To bring (something) up
…and now it’s your turn to practise your English. Can you use any of these phrasal verbs in an email or a voice message?
When was the last time you put something off or backed someone up?
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On next week’s episode: Social Class
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