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.

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

Lesson by Seb @ EC Cape Town English School

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