What are Separable Phrasal Verbs?
Separable phrasal verbs are combinations of a main verb and an adverb or preposition that can be split by an object. This flexibility is what makes them different from inseparable phrasal verbs. Knowing when to separate them is key to natural English.
Separable phrasal verbs allow the object noun to go between the verb and the particle: 'Put on a shirt' or 'Put a shirt on' are both correct. Pronouns must go between: 'Put it on' (not 'Put on it').
Step-by-step worked examples
I put on my shoes this morning. Rewrite separated: ___
The phrasal verb 'put on' is separable. Object 'my shoes' can go between: 'I put my shoes on this morning.' Both are correct.
Turn on the lights. Replace the noun with 'them': ___
With pronouns, MUST separate. 'Turn on' becomes 'Turn them on' (never 'Turn on them'). Answer: Turn them on.
Pick up your toys. Is this separable? Can we say 'Pick your toys up'?
'Pick up' is a separable phrasal verb. Both 'Pick up your toys' and 'Pick your toys up' are correct. Yes, it's separable.
Flashcards
Quick quiz
Q1.Which is correct: turn on the TV / turn the TV on?
Q2.With a pronoun, 'turn on it' is...
Q3.Which phrasal verb is separable?
Q4.Complete: 'Wake ___ children?' (call, wake) If using 'wake up'...
The full card deck, worked steps and AI-tutor support for “What are Separable Phrasal Verbs?” are in Notek — study by hand before your exam.
Common mistakes
All phrasal verbs are separable. — Correct: Some phrasal verbs are inseparable and must stay together with no object in between.
You can say 'turn on it' if it's a separable verb. — Correct: Pronouns must always go between the verb and particle: 'turn it on' (never 'turn on it').
Separable phrasal verbs change meaning if separated. — Correct: Separable phrasal verbs keep the same meaning whether separated or not.
'Put on' and 'put it on' mean different things. — Correct: They mean the same thing; separation is just a word-order choice.
FAQ
What is a separable phrasal verb?
A phrasal verb where the object can be placed between the main verb and the particle without changing meaning. Example: 'put on a coat' or 'put a coat on.'
How do I know if a phrasal verb is separable?
Try placing a noun object between the verb and particle. If it sounds natural, it's likely separable. With pronouns, separable verbs force the pronoun between.
What's the rule for pronouns with separable phrasal verbs?
Pronouns MUST go between the verb and particle: 'turn it off' (not 'turn off it'). This is a strict rule.
Can I use the non-separated form with separable phrasal verbs?
Yes. Both forms are correct: 'put on your coat' and 'put your coat on' mean the same thing.