English learners often struggle with phrasal verbs, especially when it comes to knowing how to use them correctly in sentences. One of the trickiest aspects involves understanding whether a phrasal verb is separable or inseparable. Inseparable phrasal verbs are unique because the verb and the ptopic (such as a preposition or adverb) must stay together. You cannot place an object between them. This topic offers a comprehensive list of inseparable phrasal verbs, explains their structure, and gives usage examples to help you improve your fluency and confidence in English communication.
Understanding Inseparable Phrasal Verbs
To use inseparable phrasal verbs properly, you must first understand what makes them different from separable ones. In a separable phrasal verb, the object can come between the verb and the ptopic. However, with inseparable phrasal verbs, the object must always come after the full phrase. Attempting to split an inseparable phrasal verb will result in incorrect grammar.
Common Characteristics of Inseparable Phrasal Verbs
- The preposition or adverb is essential to the verb’s meaning.
- The object cannot be inserted between the verb and the ptopic.
- Changing the position of the object can make the sentence ungrammatical.
- They are often idiomatic, meaning their overall meaning might not be obvious from the individual words.
List of Common Inseparable Phrasal Verbs
Here is a list of commonly used inseparable phrasal verbs along with their meanings and example sentences:
1. Run into
Meaning: To meet someone unexpectedly
Example: I ran into my old teacher at the grocery store.
2. Look after
Meaning: To take care of someone or something
Example: Can you look after the kids while I’m away?
3. Come across
Meaning: To find something by chance
Example: She came across a rare coin in her grandfather’s attic.
4. Get over
Meaning: To recover from an illness or disappointment
Example: It took him weeks to get over the flu.
5. Go through
Meaning: To experience something difficult or unpleasant
Example: She went through a lot after losing her job.
6. Call on
Meaning: To visit someone or to ask someone to speak
Example: The teacher called on him to answer the question.
7. Take after
Meaning: To resemble a family member
Example: She takes after her mother in both looks and personality.
8. Run out of
Meaning: To use all of something so that none is left
Example: We ran out of milk this morning.
9. Deal with
Meaning: To handle or manage a situation or person
Example: The manager is dealing with customer complaints right now.
10. Come up with
Meaning: To think of a solution or idea
Example: She came up with a brilliant plan to solve the issue.
Why Learn Inseparable Phrasal Verbs?
Inseparable phrasal verbs are widely used in both spoken and written English. Mastering them will make your communication sound more natural and idiomatic. Many of these phrasal verbs carry meanings that are not literal, so they often replace more formal or longer expressions. Learning them can help you:
- Improve comprehension when reading or listening to English
- Express complex ideas with fewer words
- Sound more fluent and natural in conversation
Tips for Using Inseparable Phrasal Verbs
1. Don’t Split the Verb and Ptopic
Always remember that with inseparable phrasal verbs, the object must come after the complete phrase. For example, it is correct to say, She looked after the baby, but not She looked the baby after.
2. Learn Them in Context
Memorizing phrasal verbs is easier when you learn them in sentences. Seeing them used in realistic situations helps you understand their meaning and usage.
3. Practice Regularly
Use flashcards, practice exercises, or conversations to reinforce your understanding of inseparable phrasal verbs. Repetition helps lock them into memory.
4. Group by Meaning
Group similar verbs together. For instance, phrasal verbs related to emotions, travel, or work can be categorized to make learning easier.
Additional Examples of Inseparable Phrasal Verbs
- Look into: The police are looking into the case.
- Get on with: He needs to get on with his homework.
- Go against: His decision goes against the rules.
- Stick to: Please stick to the topic during the discussion.
- Come down with: She came down with the flu last night.
How to Recognize Inseparable Phrasal Verbs
Sometimes it can be hard to know if a phrasal verb is inseparable. The best way to learn is by exposure and practice. If a verb sounds awkward or incorrect when the object is inserted in the middle, it’s likely inseparable. Dictionaries often indicate whether a phrasal verb is separable or not, so checking reliable references can help you build your understanding.
Inseparable phrasal verbs are a vital part of everyday English and mastering them will greatly enhance your language skills. While they may seem difficult at first, with consistent practice and exposure, they will become easier to recognize and use. This list of inseparable phrasal verbs is a great starting point for anyone who wants to sound more fluent and understand native English better. Keep using them in context, pay attention to their fixed structure, and you’ll find yourself growing more comfortable and confident with each conversation.