What is a phrasal verb?

Question

Erotides from Brazil asked, “What is a phrasal verb?”

Answer

Phrasal verbs are two-word (occasionally three-word) verbs made from a 

simple one-word verb and an adverb or a preposition. The meaning of a 

phrasal verb is quite different from the meaning of the simple verb by itself, 

which is what makes them a little challenging. Here are some examples:

Pick and pick on 

pick (simple verb)        to choose (someone or something) from a group
pick on (phrasal verb)  to laugh at or make fun of (someone) in an unkind way

Sentences with pick and pick on:

• She was picked to replace the retiring director.
• He picked the blue tie to wear to the interview.
• Kids used to pick on me for wearing old worn-out clothes.
• He used to get picked on by the other kids at the bus stop.

Give and give in

give (simple verb)         to cause someone to receive (something) as a present, or to put (something) into someone’s hand
give in (phrasal verb)   to stop trying to fight or resist something, or to agree to something that you have been opposing

Sentences with give and give in:

• He signed the letter and gave it to me.
• She gave him a camera for Christmas.
• The strike has been going on for weeks, and neither side seems willing to give in.

Phrasal verbs are more appropriate in casual communication than in formal contexts. If you are writing a formal document or an academic essay, try to avoid using phrasal verbs and find more formal alternatives. For example, instead of pick on, use the synonym tease.