What are Inseparable Phrasal Verbs?
Inseparable phrasal verbs are two-word verbs where the particle can never be separated from the verb — no object can come between them. The particle always stays attached to the verb, whether the object is a noun or pronoun.
Inseparable phrasal verbs keep the particle directly attached to the verb — the object always comes after the particle ('get over it', never 'get it over'). Common examples include get over, look after, run into, and put up with.
- •look after the baby
- •look after it
- •(never look the baby after)
- •Particle ALWAYS stays with verb
- •turn on the light
- •turn the light on
- •(both are fine)
- •Object can move around
Step-by-step worked examples
Complete: 'I'll _____ my grandmother.' Use: look after. Show both noun and pronoun.
Noun object: look after my grandmother Pronoun object: look after her (NOT look her after) Pattern: verb-particle + object always
Use 'run into' in two sentences: one with a noun, one with a pronoun.
Noun: We ran into an old friend at the station. Pronoun: We ran into him at the station. (NOT ran him into)
Complete: 'He can't _____ that noise.' Use: put up with. Both forms?
Noun: put up with that noise Pronoun: put up with it (Particle never moves from verb)
Flashcards
Quick quiz
Q1.'She _____ the problem.' Use: look into. Correct form?
Q2.Replace with pronoun: 'put up with rudeness'
Q3.Which is inseparable?
Q4.Complete: 'I _____ her at the supermarket.' Use: come across.
The full card deck, worked steps and AI-tutor support for “What are Inseparable Phrasal Verbs?” are in Notek — study by hand before your exam.
Common mistakes
Separating inseparable verbs: 'look her after'. — Correct: Particle stays with verb: 'look after her'.
Thinking all phrasal verbs work the same way. — Correct: Some are separable, some are inseparable.
Using separable rules for inseparable verbs. — Correct: Inseparable means the particle NEVER moves.
Not recognizing inseparable verbs. — Correct: Learn lists like: look after, get over, run into, put up with, get on with.
FAQ
What is an inseparable phrasal verb?
A phrasal verb where the particle cannot be separated from the verb — the object always comes after both (look after it, not look it after).
How do you identify inseparable phrasal verbs?
Try to put an object between verb and particle. If it sounds wrong or is incorrect, the verb is inseparable.
Examples of inseparable phrasal verbs?
look after, get over, run into, put up with, come across, get on with, look into, carry on, come down with.
Do pronouns and nouns follow the same pattern?
Yes — both come after the particle. 'look after the baby' and 'look after it' both use the same pattern.