How common phrasal verbs are formed

The most common phrasal verbs are formed from the shortest and simplest verbs in the language e g be break bring come do fall find get give go help let make put send stand take tear throw turn, which combine with words that often indicate position or direction, such as along down in off on out over under up Not only can a single verb li ke put combine with a large number of prepositions or particles to form new verbs {put off put out put up with, etc) but even a single combination can have different meanings Put out your cigarettes (= extinguish) / felt quite put out (= annoyed) We put out a request for volunteers (= issued) They re putting the programme out tomorrow (= broadcasting) This stuff will put you out in no time (= make you unconscious) Martha s put out her hip again (= dislocated)

8.24 Some problems in the use of verb + preposition/particle

Apart from the obvious problem that the use of phrasal verbs is extremely common and a standard feature of good idiomatic English, interference with the learner's own language may arise from

1 Verbs which may be followed by an infinitive in the learner's language, but which in English can be followed by a preposition or particle + object, but never by an infinitive e g dream of insist on succeed in think of [> 8.27] Your father insists on coming with us [> 16.51, 16.54]

2 Verbs which are followed by to as a preposition, not as an infinitive There are relatively few of these [> 16.56] / look forward to seeing you soon

3 Verbs which are followed by different prepositions from the ones used in the learner's language e g believe in consist of depend on laugh at live on rely on smell of taste of Everybody laughed at my proposal to ban smoking on trains

4 Verbs which take a preposition in English, but may not need one in the learner's language eg ask for listen to look at look for wait for You should ask for the bill

8 Prepositions adverb particles and phrasal verbs

5 Verbs which may be followed by a preposition in the learner's language, but not normally in English e g approach discuss enter lack marry obey remember resemble We all turned and looked at Mildred when she entered the room