Phrasal Verbs Worksheet

Before you practice using this worksheet, be sure to review the article on English phrasal verbs and the list of common phrasal verbs on our website. You should also review our article on separable and inseparable phrasal verbs.

Exercise A

Choose the correct preposition to complete the phrasal verb in the sentence under each picture.

1.

When Peter's alarm rings, that means he must get _________ and go to work.

a) into
b) over
c) up
d) through

2.

I did not expect to see your brother this week, but I ran _________ him at the mall yesterday.

a) over
b) up
c) under
d) into

3.

Lee did not want to admit that he broke the window, so he made _________ a crazy story about an alien attack! 

a) up
b) down
c) through
d) into

4.

Miriam put _________ her new blue dress before the party.

a) in
b) on
c) through
d) down

5.

Rob thought about his wonderful trip as he got __________ the plane to go home.

a) in
b) up
c) out
d) on

6.

You can look _________ lots of interesting information in history books.

a) into
b) up
c) down
d) under

7.

Gladys did not leave _________ any details when she told me the story.

a) in
b) around
c) through
d) out

8.

Tamara was very happy when she found _________ that the meeting was canceled.

a) out
b) over
c) into
d) around

9.

I was happy to arrive at home, but then I realized I had to put _________ all the groceries!

a) out
b) away
c) under
d) back

10.

It took Nick a long time to set _________ all of the devices for his television.

a) up
d) down
c) through
d) back

Exercise B

The sentences below contain phrasal verbs. Match them with the pictures and sentences so that the two sentences together describe the picture.

a) The babysitter will look after the kids until they get home.
b) He fell for Tabitha as soon as he saw her.
c) You have to put up with some very aggressive dogs.
d) The first thing he did was put down his heavy suitcases.
e) As soon as we arrive, we can all get out of the car and stretch our legs.
f) If anyone calls, please write down the message for me.
g) If she offers him the job, he will not turn it down!
h) I get along especially well with a lady named Ellen.
i) He is disappointed because he ran out of coffee yesterday!
j) I am on my way to pick you up right now!

1.

We are all tired of being in this car! __________

2.

I have a good relationship with most of my co-workers. __________

3.

For Greg, it was love at first sight! ___________

4.

Phil was very tired when he got home from his trip. __________

5.

Jane and Eric are going on a date tonight. __________

6.

This is an excellent company and it is close to his house. __________

7.

Yes, I am already in the car. ___________

8.

I am expecting a phone call, but I need to go out now. ___________

9.

Kip is very sleepy and wants a cup of coffee. ___________

10.

Being a mailman is very difficult! __________

Exercise C

Some phrasal verbs are separable, and others are inseparable. Below each picture, there are two sentences. Decide whether the phrasal verbs are separable or inseparable and choose the correct answers.

1.

Sentence A: Oswald put on his suit and tie to go and see Florence.

Sentence B: Oswald put his suit and tie on to go and see Florence.

a) Only sentence A is correct. "Put on" is an inseparable phrasal verb.

b) Both sentences are correct. "Put on" is a separable phrasal verb.

2.

Sentence A: Derek is very late for work. He will make up some excuse to tell his boss.

Sentence B: Derek is very late for work. He will make some excuse up to tell his boss.

a) Only sentence A is correct. "Make up" is an inseparable phrasal verb.

b) Both sentences are correct. "Make up" is a separable phrasal verb.

3.

Sentence A: Will you look after my dog while I am on vacation?

Sentence B: Will you look my dog after while I am on vacation?

a) Only sentence A is correct. "Look after" is an inseparable phrasal verb.

b) Both sentences are correct. "Look after" is a separable phrasal verb.

4.

Sentence A: Can you please turn down the volume?

Sentence B: Can you please turn the volume down?

a) Only sentence A is correct. "Turn down" is an inseparable phrasal verb.

b) Both sentences are correct. "Turn down" is a separable phrasal verb.

5.

Sentence A: I am not getting into that car! It does not look safe.

Sentence B: I am not getting that car into! It does not look safe.

a) Only sentence A is correct. "Get into" is an inseparable phrasal verb.

b) Both sentences are correct. "Get into" is a separable phrasal verb.

6.

Sentence A: He does not want to put up with their bad behavior any longer.

Sentence B: He does not want to put their bad behavior up with any longer.

a) Only sentence A is correct. "Put up with" is an inseparable phrasal verb.

b) Both sentences are correct. "Put up with" is a separable phrasal verb.

7.

Sentence A: Natalie is writing down her activities on a to-do a list.

Sentence B: Natalie is writing her activities down on a to-do list.

a) Only sentence A is correct. "Write down" is an inseparable phrasal verb.

b) Both sentences are correct. "Write down" is a separable phrasal verb.

8.

Sentence A: Steve wants to buy more things, but he ran out of money.

Sentence B: Steve wants to buy more things, but he ran money out of.

a) Only sentence A is correct. "Run out of" is an inseparable phrasal verb.

b) Both sentences are correct. "Run out of" is a separable phrasal verb.

9.

Sentence A: Guess what! I ran into Mrs. Ellison at the library today.

Sentence B: Guess what! I ran Mrs. Ellison into at the library today.

a) Only sentence A is correct. "Run into" is an inseparable phrasal verb.

b) Both sentences are correct. "Run into" is a separable phrasal verb.

10.

Sentence A: Harold will pick up his best friend at the bus station.

Sentence B: Harold will pick his best friend up at the bus station.

a) Only sentence A is correct. "Pick up" is an inseparable phrasal verb.

b) Both sentences are correct. "Pick up" is a separable phrasal verb.