Separable phrasal verbs split when the object is a pronoun, as in please turn it off, while inseparable phrasal verbs never split, whether the object is a noun or a pronoun, as in I’m looking for my keys. Fixed phrases like look forward to are also always inseparable.
Grammar Rule
Separable phrasal verbs split when the object is a pronoun; inseparable phrasal verbs never split, whether the object is a noun or a pronoun.
Phrasal Verbs Expansion: Rules and Examples
| Type | Rule | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Separable | pronoun always goes between verb and particle | She turned off the light. Please turn it off. |
| Inseparable | never split, noun or pronoun | I’m looking for my keys. He gets on well with his colleagues. |
| Inseparable (fixed phrase) | never split | I’m looking forward to the weekend. |
Remember: separable verbs + pronoun go between; inseparable verbs never split, noun or pronoun.
Practice Test
Instructions
Answer each question in the test below placing the pronoun correctly with separable and inseparable phrasal verbs. You will get a new random set of questions every time you retake the test, plus a downloadable results summary with your name and score at the end.
Phrasal Verbs – Expansion
No necesitas registrarte para empezar. Al finalizar verás tu calificación de inmediato, y si quieres podrás agregar tu nombre para personalizar y descargar tu resultado.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens with a separable phrasal verb when the object is a pronoun?
The pronoun goes between the verb and the particle, as in please turn it off, not turn off it.
Can an inseparable phrasal verb be split by a pronoun?
No, inseparable phrasal verbs never split, as in I’m looking for my keys becomes I’m looking for them, not I’m looking them for.
Is look forward to separable or inseparable?
It is inseparable, as in I’m looking forward to the weekend.
How can you tell if a phrasal verb is separable or inseparable?
There is no single rule; it depends on the specific phrasal verb, so it is best to learn each one along with whether it can be split.