Definition / Explanation
Multi-word verbs are verbs combined with one or more short words such as particles or prepositions. They include phrasal verbs, prepositional verbs, and phrasal-prepositional verbs. The type matters because word order and object position are not always the same. Some verbs allow the object to move, but some do not. Learners often understand the meaning but make mistakes with structure, especially with pronouns. At B2, it is important to connect meaning, type, and grammar pattern.
Key Rules
- Phrasal verbs use a verb + particle: turn off, pick up.
- Prepositional verbs use a verb + preposition: look at, depend on.
- Phrasal-prepositional verbs use three parts: look forward to, put up with.
- Some phrasal verbs are separable: turn the light off / turn it off.
- Prepositional verbs and phrasal-prepositional verbs are usually inseparable.
Examples
- Please look up the word.
- Please look the word up.
- I looked at the screen.
- We look forward to meeting you.
- She put up with the noise.
Common Mistakes
- ❌ Please look up it. -> ✅ Please look it up.
- ❌ I looked the screen at. -> ✅ I looked at the screen.
- ❌ We look forward to meet you. -> ✅ We look forward to meeting you.