Definition of Phrasal verb

1. Noun. An English verb followed by one or more particles where the combination behaves as a syntactic and semantic unit. "`turn out' is a phrasal verb in the question `how many turned out to vote?'"

Generic synonyms: Verb

Definition of Phrasal verb

1. Noun. (grammar) A phrase, consisting of a verb and either or both of a preposition or adverb, that has idiomatic meaning. ¹

¹ Source: wiktionary.com

Lexicographical Neighbors of Phrasal Verb

phragmocone
phragmocones
phragmoplast
phragmoplasts
phragmosiphon
phragmosis
phragmosome
phragmotic
phrantic
phrantick
phrasal
phrasal idiom
phrasal preposition
phrasal prepositions
phrasal typology
phrasal verb
phrasal verbs
phrasally
phrase
phrase-book
phrase book
phrase books
phrase structure
phrasebook
phrasebooks
phrased
phraseless
phrasemaker
phrasemakers
phrasemaking

Literary usage of Phrasal verb

Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:

1. The Elements of English Grammar by George Philip Krapp (1908)
"Should do is an anomalous phrasal verb, transitive, active voice, present or future tense, first person, singular number, in-' dicative mood. ..."

2. Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of English Usage by Inc. Merriam-Webster (1994)
"... an adjective and the phrasal verb jew down are usually considered offensive. The former should be replaced by Jewish, and the latter avoided altogether. ..."

3. The philology of the English tongue by John Earle (1880)
"Modern English has made a new phrasal verb, and one that yet waits for a name. In this new verb the pronoun IT, referring to no noun, acts as an objective ..."

4. English Composition for Grammar Schools by Frederick Henry Sykes (1908)
"The phrase in (b) has the same assertive value as the simple verb in (a). It is a verb phrase or phrasal verb. Groups of words—phrases or clauses—may, ..."

5. Studies in the Language of Pecock by Fredrik Schmidt (1900)
"The phrasal verb speke of often occurs in the passive voice without the preposition, eg 'these (sc. textis) whiche schulen be spoken' 477; 'the now spoken ..."

6. Studies in the Language of Pecock by Fredrik Schmidt (1900)
"The phrasal verb speke of often occurs in the passive voice without the preposition, eg 'these (sc. textis) whiche schulen be spoken' 477; 'the now spoken ..."

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