Three-part phrasal verbs like put up with, get away with, and look down on are always inseparable, meaning the object always comes after the full phrase, as in I can’t put up with this noise. These fixed combinations must be learned as complete units with their meaning.
Grammar Rule
Three-part phrasal verbs are always inseparable; the object always comes after the full phrase.
Three-Part Phrasal Verbs: Rules and Examples
| Phrasal verb | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| put up with | tolerate | I can’t put up with this noise. |
| get away with | escape punishment | He got away with the mistake. |
| look down on / look up to | feel superior / admire | She looks down on people who lie. I look up to my grandfather. |
| come up with | invent an idea | They came up with a great idea. |
Remember: three-part phrasal verbs are always inseparable; the object always comes after the full phrase.
Practice Test
Instructions
Answer each question in the test below using the correct three-part phrasal verb for each meaning. 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 – Three-Part
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can three-part phrasal verbs be separated?
No, they are always inseparable; the object always comes after the full phrase, as in I can’t put up with this noise.
What does put up with mean?
It means to tolerate something, as in I can’t put up with this noise.
What does get away with mean?
It means to escape punishment for something, as in he got away with the mistake.
What is the difference between look down on and look up to?
Look down on means to feel superior to someone, while look up to means to admire someone.