Separable Phrasal Verbs
You can insert other words into the middle of a
separable phrasal verb. Consider
the following example, using the phrasal verb take back:
Ø I need to take back the shirt I lent you.
Ø Where’s that shirt I lent you? I need to take it back.
Inseparable Phrasal Verbs
Inseparable phrasal verbs can be transitive (i.e.,
they can take a direct object), but you can’t insert that direct object into
the middle of the phrasal verb. In other words, they can’t be separated, thus
their name. Consider the following examples:
Ø If you focus your education solely on one area,
you’ll have nothing to fall
back on if you change your mind.
Ø Each child should have at least one older child
to look up to.
Ø
What does
i.e. stand for?
It stands for id
est, or that is.
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