Separable Phrasal Verbs

Some phrasal verbs can be separated with an object, for example 'switch on the light' can also be 'switch the light on'.

Not all phrasal verbs can be separated, so it's a matter of memorising which ones can and which ones can't.

Here's a little exercise to help you along. Complete the sentences by choosing the correct option. Remember to put the verb in the correct tense.

Lesson by Seb @ EC Cape Town English School

Link: The position of Phrasal Verbs
Link: 10 Common Phrasal Verbs

• 1. In South Korea, people ____ when they enter a home.
  
  take their shoes off
  took their shoes off
  taking shoes off
  
  
• 2. My friend is arriving from Spain, I'm going to ____ the city.
  
  show her to
  show her off
  show her around
  
  
• 3. I was offered a low-paying job, so I ____.
  
  turned it off
  turned it down
  turn it in
  
  
• 4. Quiet! My father is asleep, don't ____.
  
  wake him up
  wakes him up
  wake it up
  
  
• 5. She was lying! She ____.
  
  make them out
  made it up
  made it off
  
  
• 6. My shop wasn't doing very well at all, I had to ____ unfortunately.
  
  close it down
  stop it down
  cancel it off
  
  
• 7. Hey, your son took my daughter's toy! Tell him to ____ to her!
  
  sell it back
  take it to
  give it back
  
  
• 8. Whenever I go clothes shopping I always need to ____ first to see if they fit me correctly.
  
  try the clothes on
  see the clothes to
  buy the clothes at