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Grammar - Level 3

Two Word Verbs

In English we have some verbs that are formed by putting to two words together. The first word is always the verb. The second word is a noun, an adjective, an adverb or a preposition.
Together, these two word verbs have a particular meaning, but separately the words have a different meaning.

To take a trip 		  (verb + noun)
To make good 		  (verb + adjective)
To go away 		  (verb + preposition)
To get up 		  (verb + preposition)


Some of the two word verbs have their equivalence as a one word verb, depending on the context of the situation.

To get on  		 =   to board a plane, train, ship, etc.
To get over  		 =   to recuperate

The two word verbs are divided into two categories:
Separable and non-separable (transitive or intransitive).

We separate the transitive two word verbs just by putting an object pronoun in between the verb and the preposition, especially when we transform the two word verbs in commands,
but for this the subject must be understood.

Take out the garbage. 		 Object after the verb.
Take the garbage out. 		 Object separating the verb and the preposition.
Take it out. 		 Object pronoun “it” separating the verb and the preposition.

Object Pronouns

  • Me
  • You
  • Him
  • Her
  • It
  • Us
  • You
  • Them

The intransitive two-word verbs are those that are used to talk about actions, habits, or things that we do. We can separate some of them and others we cannot.

  • She gets on the bus at this corner every morning. 
  • I always get lost when I’m in this neighborhood. 
  • Think of     me while I’m gone. 

Notice that in the above examples, we CAN NOT SAY:

  • She gets the bus on at this corner every morning.
  • I always get in this neighborhood lost when I’m here.
  • Think while I’m gone of me.

Sometimes you are going to find some two word verbs with the words “one’s” and “someone”.

  • To change one’s mind.
  • To give someone a break.

  • We have to replace “one’s” with the possessive adjective.
  • (my, your his, her, its, our, your, their).
  • We have to replace “someone” with the object pronouns
  • (me, you, him, her, it, us, you, them).

  • To change one’s mind.
  • My brother changed his mind and now he doesn’t want to go to the concert.
  • My girlfriend changed her mind and now she wants to leave me. 
  • The president changed his mind and he doesn’t want to raise taxes. 
  • Don’t change your mind! 
  • To give someone a break.
  • Give me a break! 
  • Give your parents a break! Don’t make too much noise.