For the sake of simplicity, the distinction between phrasal and prepositional verbs is not taken into account by some grammarians. However, this distinction is crucial, since it helps us to know where to put the object of the verb.
A phrasal verb can be defined as a verb followed by an adverb; a prepositional verb, by a preposition. Notice that a preposition takes a noun, pronoun or gerund, but an adverb does not. The following examples will help you to illustrate this:
She took her coat off. (phrasal verb)
She took off her coat.
She took it off.
He gets up early in the morning. (phrasal verb)
I’m looking for my hat. (prepositional verb)
I’m looking for it.
The combination ‘a verb + an adverb + a preposition’ is a phrasal-prepositional verb:
I will have to work very hard to catch up with the rest of the class.
She ran off with the money.
He got away from prison last night.
Say whether the combinations in the sentences below (which are given in bold type) are phrasal verbs, prepositional verbs or phrasal-prepositonal verbs.
a She went out of the building.
b Switch the light on/Switch on the light/Switch it on.
c They are looking into the matter carefully.
d She can’t put up with his bad manners.
e The policeman ran after the juvenile delinquent, but he couldn’t catch him.
f Pick it up at once.
g The thieves ran away with their loot.
h She was heading away from her home town when she realised that she had forgotten something there.
i She was heading towards the beach when I saw her.
j Put that cigarette out, please/Put out that cigarette, please/Put it out, please.
k Can we put off the meeting till tomorrow?/Can we put the meeting off till tomorrow?/Can we put it off?
l Ice turns into water when it is heated.
m How are you getting along with your wife now?
n I’ll call you back later.
o Sit down, please.
p Their car broke down.
q When you are exhausted, it is very difficult to get down to work.
r Please write it down.
s We must draw up a plan/We must draw a plan up/We must draw it up.
t Put those toys away immediately/Put away those toys immediately/Put them away.
u Now, turn over the page/Turn the page over/Turn it over.
v We’d better send for the doctor, as he’s very ill.
w Her parents are always telling her to look for a boy and settle down.
x I’m looking forward to my summer holidays.
y She couldn’t get through to you last night, as the line was engaged all the time.
z I waited for her all afternoon, but she didn’t turn up.
