MULTI-WORD VERBS

What are multi-word verbs (phrasal verbs)?

In English, we have something called multi-word verbs (also commonly called phrasal verbs). These are very common in everyday modern English.

A multi-word verb is made by combining:

• A verb + a preposition → e.g. rely on

• A verb + an adverb → e.g. give away

• A verb + adverb + preposition → e.g. put down to

The most important thing to know:

Their meaning is often idiomatic. This means you cannot guess the meaning just by adding up the meanings of the separate words.

Example:

• “Fred ran up some heavy debts.” → Here, run up means accumulate (he got into a lot of debt). It has nothing to do with running quickly or going upward.

Compare that to the normal use: “Fred ran up a mountain.” → Here it really means physical running + direction.

Another useful feature:

Multi-word verbs can often be replaced by one single verb.

Examples:

• run up = accumulate

• give away = reveal

• put down to = attribute to

How they are different from compound verbs:

Unlike compound verbs (like kickstart), the parts of a multi-word verb can often be separated:

• The doctor relied on her team. → The doctor relied on her team. → This is the team on whom the doctor relied.

• Sue gave away the secret. → Sue gave the secret away.

• I put this mistake down to lack of experience. (You can move “this mistake” to different positions.)

Why are they important?

Multi-word verbs are a very productive part of English — especially with little words like up. Look at how many different meanings up can create when combined with different verbs:

• listen up = pay attention

• put up = provide a bed for someone

• put up = build (e.g. put up a shed)

• take up = start learning something (take up archery)

• take up = use time or space (The walk took up the whole day)

• talk up = praise something

• speak up = speak louder

• speak up for = defend or support someone/something

Final tip for learners:

Because the meaning is often idiomatic (not logical), some multi-word verbs can be quite tricky to understand at first. You usually need to learn them as whole units, just like new vocabulary.