Phrasal
adjective
Referring to an expression consisting of a verb and a preposition or adverb.
In English, 'wake up' is a phrasal verb.
Often appears as...
- phrasal verb
- phrasal noun
Usage tips
Academic
adjective
Relating to phrases, as opposed to individual words.
Phrasal structure is important in grammar.
Often appears as...
- phrasal structure
- phrasal analysis
Usage tips
Academic
adjective
Referring to an expression consisting of a verb and a preposition or adverb.
In English, 'wake up' is a phrasal verb.
Often appears as...
- phrasal verb
- phrasal noun
Usage tips
Academic
adjective
Relating to phrases, as opposed to individual words.
Phrasal structure is important in grammar.
Often appears as...
- phrasal structure
- phrasal analysis
Usage tips
Academic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Verb and Particle
Understand that 'phrasal' involves a verb with an added preposition or adverb changing its meaning.
The phrase 'turn down' means to reject, which is different from just 'turn'.
Pro Tip 2/3Context Sensitive
'Phrasal' expressions can change meaning depending on the sentence context.
'Make up' can mean to reconcile or to invent a story, based on context.
Pro Tip 3/3Multiple Meanings
Some 'phrasal' verbs have several meanings, making them tricky to use correctly.
'Take off' can mean to remove clothing, or a plane starting to fly.
Compare with
accentuatecolloquialconversationalexpressiveidiomaticformalwearspeakverbal
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