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A phrase is a combination of two or more words. A phrase which contains "a verb + a preposition/adverb", and forms a meaning which is different when the words are read separately, is called a phrasal verb.
Example:
1. Break is a verb. It means to separate into pieces.
When prepositions (in, with, down) are added to it, the meaning changes.
Verb + | Preposition = | Phrasal Verb | Meaning |
| Break | in | Break in | Forcibly enter. |
| Break | with | Break with | Quarrel with. |
| Break | down | Break down | Stop functioning. |
2. Turn is a verb. It means to move around a fixed point.
When prepositions (in, up, down) are added to it, the meaning changes.
Verb + | Preposition = | Phrasal Verb | Meaning |
| Turn | in | Turn in | Take someone to police, hand over. |
| Turn | up | Turn up | Arrive unexpectedly. |
| Turn | down | Turn down | Reject or refuse. |
Phrasal verbs from the lesson "Kathmandu":
Phrasal Verbs | Sentence | Meaning |
| Breaks out | A fight breaks out between two monkeys. | To begin something undesirable (such as war or fighting) suddenly. |
| Breaks off | Sometimes he breaks off playing to talk to the fruit seller. | To abruptly stop talking. |
| Tear away | I find it difficult to tear myself away from the square. | Leave despite a strong desire to stay |
| Drawn into | Yet to hear any flute is to be drawn into the commonality of all mankind | To involve somebody or make somebody take part in something, although they may not want to take part at first |
| Go on | It too needs to pause and breathe before it can go on. | To continue or persevere. |
| Wash down | All this I wash down with Coca Cola | To accompany or follow food with a drink |
| Shout out | He does not shout out his wares. | To say something in a loud voice so that it can be clearly heard |
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