A prepositional verb can never be separated from its object, even with pronouns, as in look at it, never look it at. A separable phrasal verb allows the object either after the particle or between verb and particle, but with a pronoun object it must go between them, as in turn it off, never turn off it.
Grammar Rule
A prepositional verb (verb + true preposition) can never be separated from its object, even with pronouns. A separable phrasal verb (verb + particle) allows the object either after the particle or between verb and particle, but with a pronoun object it must go between them. Some phrasal verbs are inseparable, like prepositional verbs.
Prepositional Verbs vs Phrasal Verbs: Rules and Examples
| Type | Pronoun placement | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Prepositional verb | never separated, even with pronouns | Look at it (never look it at). |
| Separable phrasal verb | pronoun must go between verb and particle | Turn it off (never turn off it). |
Remember: True prepositions never separate from their object, even with pronouns; separable phrasal verbs, by contrast, must split when the object is a pronoun.
Practice Test
Instructions
Answer each question in the test below distinguishing prepositional verbs from phrasal verbs correctly. 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.
C2-28 Prepositional Verbs vs. Phrasal Verbs
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can a prepositional verb be separated from its object?
No, never, even with pronouns, as in look at it, not look it at.
Where does the pronoun go with a separable phrasal verb?
Between verb and particle, as in turn it off, not turn off it.
Are all phrasal verbs separable?
No, some phrasal verbs are inseparable, like prepositional verbs.
What is the key difference between the two types?
Word order rules, especially once a pronoun enters the picture.