What is Phrasal Verbs ? 

A phrasal verb, such as "pick up," "turn on," or "get on with," is composed of a core verb paired with one or more additional words. The combination of two or three words that constitute a phrasal verb creates a concise "phrase," hence the term "phrasal verbs." However, it's essential to note that a phrasal verb retains its identity as a verb.

"Look" is a verb. "Look up" is likewise a verb, but it's a distinct verb with its own unique meaning and grammatical usage. It's important to approach each phrasal verb as an individual verb and learn it just like any other verb. Consider these examples; you'll observe that a single-word verb can give rise to three different types of phrasal verbs.

look ( Verb )  : 

Definition : direct your eyes in a certain direction

Example : You must look before you leap.

Phrasal verbs : 

1. verb + adverb 

look up 

Definition : search for and find information in a reference book

Example : You can look up the word in a dictionary.

2. verb + preposition 

look after 

Definition : take care of

Example : Who is looking after the baby?

3. Verb + adverb + preposition 

look forward to

Definition : anticipate with pleasure

Example : I look forward to meeting you.

Phrasal Verb: VERB + ADVERB

The structure of this type of phrasal verb is:

verb + adverb

These phrasal verbs can be:

1. transitive (direct object)
2. intransitive (no direct object)

Example : 

Transitive : 

put off ( postpone ) 

We will have to put off the meeting. 

Intrasitive :

get up ( rise from bed ) 

Example : I don't like to get up.

Separable:

Many dictionaries offer insights into whether a phrasal verb is separable. If a dictionary includes "look (something) up," it signifies that the phrasal verb "look up" allows for separation, permitting you to say both "look something up" and "look up something." As a useful practice while learning new phrasal verbs, consider noting "sthg/sby" accordingly in your vocabulary book, as demonstrated by the following examples:

1. get up
2. break down
3. break sthg off
4. turn sthg/sby down

This notation clearly conveys whether the verb can take a direct object and the placement of that object.

Inseparable:

Some dictionaries also guide you in determining whether a phrasal verb is inseparable. When a dictionary omits any indication of separation, you should understand that the phrasal verb cannot be separated. For instance, "look after" is typically treated as inseparable. Here's an illustration of how this works:

1. She looks after her younger brother.
2. She does not "look her younger brother after."

In this case, it's important to recognize that the phrasal verb "look after" remains undivided, and the direct object cannot be placed in between the components of the verb.

Phrasal Verb: VERB + ADVERB + PREPOSITION

This category of phrasal verb is also referred to as a "phrasal-prepositional verb." The structure of a phrasal-prepositional verb follows this pattern:

verb + adverb + preposition

Let's go through some exaples for Phrsal  Prepositional verb :

1. get on with

Definition : have a friendly relationship with

Example : He doesn't get on with his wife.

2. put up with

Definition : tolerate

Example : I won't put up with your attitude.

Because phrasal-prepositional verbs conclude with a preposition, there is invariably a direct object involved. Similar to prepositional verbs, phrasal-prepositional verbs cannot be separated. Observe these examples:

1. We ran out of gas.
2. We ran out of it.
3. We ran gas out of. (Incorrect)
4. We ran out gas of. (Incorrect)