- Most phrasal verbs consist of two words, some of three.
- Verb and particle. The particle(s) can be prepositions and/or adverbs.
- break down is a phrasal verb. take a photo is a delexical verb structure. rely on is a prepositional verb.
- Phrasal verbs are used in all registers and varieties of English.
- Many phrasal verbs are polysemous, i.e. they have more than one meaning.
- The meanings of some phrasal verbs are quite transparent, i.e. you can guess their meaning from knowing the meanings of the verb and the particle, or the function of the particle. Many phrasal verbs, including polysemous ones, mean something quite different from their components. The subjects and objects of phrasal can be help make the meaning of polysemous phrasal verbs clear. For example, compare (a) a car breaking down (b) someone breaking down in tears (c) enzymes break down food (d) scientist breaks down data into categories.
- The best way depends. Studying phrasal verbs in topics is useful for elementary students when they learn them simply as vocabulary. Studying phrasal verbs by verbs shows how a verb is modified by particles but it can be quite random, which prevents systematic study. Studying phrasal verbs by their particles is preferred in the Versatile Phrasal Verbs books because it helps learners develop a systematic understanding of them which can facilitate predicting meaning and it is a system in the language that can be learnt. However, the system is complex.
Dialogue 1
- True. The student had encountered phrasal verbs before.
- The teacher encourages students to notice features of language when they are reading and listening. A student who is observant learns from what they notice.
- A verb and a particle: preposition or adverb.
- Prepositions have objects; adverbs do not.
- The teacher compliments the student’s observation skills and engages in a supportive and friendly tone throughout. This suggests a positive and encouraging relationship where the teacher recognizes and builds on the student’s strengths.
Dialogue 2
1. True. The teacher suggests the student should switch off or leave the phone at home.
2. False. Some phrasal verbs with adverbs require an object, while others do not.
3. You can "run into" problems, issues, or difficulties.
4. The student is going to test the theory that phrasal verbs with prepositions have more transparent meanings than those with adverbs.
5. The student feels positive about it and says, "I think I'm going to like this course."
2. False. Some phrasal verbs with adverbs require an object, while others do not.
3. You can "run into" problems, issues, or difficulties.
4. The student is going to test the theory that phrasal verbs with prepositions have more transparent meanings than those with adverbs.
5. The student feels positive about it and says, "I think I'm going to like this course."
