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).

• **Literal vs Idiomatic Meaning**: Some phrasal verbs retain literal meaning (sit down, stand up), while others are completely idiomatic (break down = stop functioning or collapse emotionally).

• **Multiple Meanings**: A single phrasal verb can have several meanings depending on context. "Make up" can mean invent (a story), reconcile (after a fight), or apply cosmetics.

• **Particles Matter**: Changing the particle changes the meaning entirely. Compare: look for (search), look after (care for), look into (investigate), look up (search in a reference).

• **Three-word Phrasal Verbs**: Some phrasal verbs have two particles — look forward to, put up with, get along with, come up with.

Formulas / Key Facts

### Essential Phrasal Verbs for WB TET

| Phrasal Verb | Meaning | Example | |--------------|---------|---------| | break down | stop working; collapse | The car broke down on the highway. | | bring up | raise (children); mention | She was brought up in Kolkata. | | call off | cancel | They called off the match due to rain. | | carry on | continue | Please carry on with your work. | | come across | find by chance | I came across an old photograph. | | give up | stop trying; quit | Never give up your dreams. | | look after | take care of | Who looks after the elderly at home? | | look for | search | She is looking for her lost book. | | look into | investigate | The police will look into the matter. | | make out | understand; see clearly | I cannot make out his handwriting. | | put off | postpone | The exam has been put off by a week. | | put up with | tolerate | I cannot put up with this noise. | | run out of | exhaust supply | We have run out of milk. | | take after | resemble (family) | The boy takes after his father. | | turn down | reject; reduce volume | She turned down the job offer. | | turn up | arrive; increase volume | He turned up late for the meeting. | | work out | exercise; solve | I work out every morning. | | set up | establish | They set up a new school in the village. | | go through | experience; examine | She went through a difficult time. | | look forward to | anticipate with pleasure | I look forward to meeting you. |