An Introduction to Phrasal Verbs | Learn English | EasyTeaching

Summary

This video script delves into the intricacies of phrasal verbs, a staple in spoken and informal English. It explains that phrasal verbs consist of a verb followed by a preposition or adverb, with the object's position being flexible unless a pronoun is used, which must come between the verb and the modifier. The script highlights the dual nature of these verbs, which can be literal or figurative, emphasizing the need for memorization due to their often idiomatic meanings. Examples like 'stand up', 'sit down', 'make up', and 'look up' illustrate their use, with the latter also demonstrating the literal and figurative senses. The script encourages viewers to practice and provides a resource for beginners, aiming to demystify phrasal verbs for English learners.

Takeaways

• 📚 Phrasal verbs are very common in spoken and informal English, indicating action.
• 📝 They consist of two parts: a verb and a preposition or adverb.
• 🔤 In phrasal verbs like 'stand up' and 'sit down', the adverb or preposition follows the verb.
• 🔄 Sometimes the preposition or adverb is placed after the object, e.g., 'Put your books away'.
• 🔀 The order of the object and preposition or adverb can usually be changed unless using a pronoun.
• 📖 When using a pronoun as the object, it must go between the verb and the preposition or adverb, e.g., 'Put them away'.
• 🔍 Some phrasal verbs are literal, meaning their parts directly relate to their meaning, e.g., 'stand up'.
• 🧠 Many phrasal verbs are figurative, meaning their overall meaning differs from the base verb, e.g., 'make up' means to reconcile.
• 📘 Context clues in a sentence can help deduce the meaning of unfamiliar phrasal verbs.
• 📹 For practice, start with resources like the '9 phrasal verbs for beginners' video on EasyTeaching.net.

Q & A

What are phrasal verbs commonly used in?

Phrasal verbs are commonly used in spoken and informal English.

What are the two components of a phrasal verb?

A phrasal verb is made up of a verb and a preposition or adverb.

Can the order of the object and the preposition or adverb in a phrasal verb be changed?

The order can usually be changed unless a pronoun is used as the object.

What is the rule when using a pronoun as the object of a phrasal verb?

When using a pronoun as the object, it must go between the verb and the preposition or adverb.

What does the phrasal verb 'stand up' mean?

The phrasal verb 'stand up' is a literal action, meaning to rise from a seated or lying position to a standing position.

What is the literal meaning of 'put away'?

The literal meaning of 'put away' is to place something in its proper location or storage.

Why do some phrasal verbs need to be memorized individually?

Some phrasal verbs need to be memorized individually because their meaning can be completely different from the base verb and are often figurative.

What is an example of a phrasal verb with a non-literal meaning?

The phrasal verb 'make up' is an example of a non-literal meaning, as it refers to forgiving each other, not building or forming something.

How can the phrasal verb 'look up' be used literally?

The phrasal verb 'look up' can be used literally to mean directing one's gaze upwards, such as looking at the sky.

What is another meaning of the phrasal verb 'look up'?

Another meaning of 'look up' is to search for information in a book or database.

What advice is given for understanding unfamiliar phrasal verbs?

When encountering an unfamiliar phrasal verb, one should look for clues in the sentence to help determine its meaning.

What resource is suggested for practicing phrasal verbs?

The script suggests starting with a '9 phrasal verbs for beginners' video for practice.

Where can one find resources for learning phrasal verbs?

Resources for learning phrasal verbs can be found on EasyTeaching.net.