TOEFL Phrasal Verbs: Intransitive

A. Intransitive Verbs with Particles

  • Intransitive verbs do not require an object to complete their meanings.
  • A particle does not commence a phrase, but changes the meaning of the verb in an idiomatic way.
  • The phrasal verbs in this section are inseparable, meaning that the verb is always connected to its particle.
  • The phrasal verbs in this section have an intransitive grammatical function, meaning that they do not require an object.

Example: To come up

Meaning: To occur.

Correct: Many different ideas often come up in our brainstorming sessions.

Incorrect: Many different ideas come often up in our brainstorming sessions.

To die down

To calm down

To come up

To look on

To come about

To stand out

B. Transitive Verbs with Particles

  • Transitive verbs require an object to complete their meanings.
  • A particle does not commence a phrase, but changes the meaning of the verb in an idiomatic way.
  • The phrasal verbs in this section are inseparable, meaning that the verb is always connected to its particle.
  • The phrasal verbs in this section have an intransitive grammatical function, meaning that they do not require an object.

Example: To break in

Meaning: To force oneself into a situation

Correct: I really don’t appreciate it when my mother breaks in when I am in the middle of a conversation with my friend.

Incorrect: I really don’t appreciate my mother breaks my conversation in with my friend all the time.

To break down

To settle down

To open up

To show up

To cover up

To hold on

To catch on

To carry on

To get ahead

To get around

To break in