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16.9 phrasal verbs A simplified definition of a phrasal verb is a verb that is made up of one or more prepositions. Phrasal verbs tend not to be used in manuscripts as they are considered quite informal and more appropriate in the spoken language. Also, the same verb may have many different meanings, which could be confusing for the reader. However, some phrasal verbs are used in
academia both in manuscripts, reports and emails e.g.
back up, break down, bring up, carryout, cut down, draw up, ease off, fall through, fill in, give off, go through, iron out, kickoff, look forward to, phaseout, point out, run into, setup, wear out . Unfortunately there are different categories of phrasal verbs and by just looking at the verb it is impossible to know which category they belong to. Below are just two useful guidelines relating to the position of the direct object. Some verbs require the pronoun to be inserted before the preposition.
2. Other verbs require the pronoun to be inserted after the preposition.
3. With some verbs you can put the direct object after the preposition or before. Separating the two parts so the verb (i.e. putting the object before the preposition) is more informal. If you are not sure, the easiest solution is to keep
the parts of the verb together, and avoid using pronouns and simply repeat the subject. Alternatively and where possible, use an alternative verb e.g.
carry out (perform), cut down (reduce, go through (examine). AFTER VERB BETWEEN VERB AND PREPOSITION NO 1 Web carried out the
research . Web carried it out in two stages.
Web carried out it in two stages.
1 Smith
pointed this out in his seminal paper. Smith
pointed out this in his seminal paper.
2 Web came across your
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