3. Non-separable Transitive Phrasal Verb

 

 

 

The verb and particle that make up a non-separable transitive phrasal verb are always placed next to each other with the verb preceding the particle. The object comes after the particle.

 

Examples: 

  • They called off the match due to bad weather. 

    (Noun object match comes after the particle off. Call off = stop a planned event or activity from taking place)

  • They called on her for some legal advice.

    (The phrasal verb called on cannot be separated. Not: They called her on for some legal advice. Pronoun object her comes after the particle on. Call on = pay a brief visit)

  • We came across some old photos of granny in her school days. 

    (Come across = find something by chance)

  • He will look after my dog while I am away. 

    (Look after = take care of) 

  • They looked through the drawer but couldn't find it.

    (Look through = examine briefly and carefully in order to discover something)

  • He pointed out the accused to the police. 

    (Point out = direct attention to someone [or something] by pointing)

  • I ran across the grandmother of my ex-girlfriend.  

    (Run across = meet [someone] unexpectedly) 

  • Jack ran into Jill while he was on his way home.

    (Run into = meet by chance)

  • She tried on a few pairs of shoes but they didn't fit her large feet. 

    (Try on = put on something to see if it fits and how it looks)

  • He had to turn down the job that was offered to him. 

    (Look after = take care of)