Phrasal Verbs

Overview

Phrasal verbs are a fundamental component of English language proficiency and appear consistently in the WB TET Language II paper. A phrasal verb combines a main verb with one or more particles (prepositions or adverbs) to create a meaning that is often different from the original verb. For example, "give up" means something entirely different from "give."

For the WB TET examination, you must recognise common phrasal verbs in reading comprehension passages, understand their contextual meanings, and sometimes fill in the correct particle. Questions typically test whether you can distinguish between similar phrasal verbs (look after vs look into vs look for) and whether you understand idiomatic usage in everyday English.

Mastering phrasal verbs improves both comprehension skills and grammatical accuracy. Since English functions as a second language for most candidates, this topic bridges the gap between textbook grammar and natural, communicative English.

Key Concepts

• **Definition**: A phrasal verb = verb + particle (adverb/preposition). The particle changes or intensifies the meaning of the base verb.

• **Separable vs Inseparable**: Some phrasal verbs can be separated by an object (Turn the light off / Turn off the light), while others cannot be separated (Look after the children — never "Look the children after").

• **Transitive vs Intransitive**: Transitive phrasal verbs require an object (She put off the meeting), while intransitive ones do not (The plane took off).