Non-separable Transitive Phrasal Verb

The verb and particle that make up a non-separable transitive phrasal verb are always placed next to each other with the verb preceding the particle. The object comes after the particle.

Examples:

  • They called off the match due to bad weather.

    (Noun object match comes after the particle off . Call off = stop a planned event or activity from taking place)

  • They called on her for some legal advice.

    (The phrasal verb called on cannot be separated. Not : They called her on for some legal advice. Pronoun object her comes after the particle on . Call on = pay a brief visit)

  • We came across some old photos of granny in her school days.

    ( Come across = find something by chance)

  • He will look after my dog while I am away.

    ( Look after = take care of)

  • They looked through the drawer but couldn't find it.

    ( Look through = examine briefly and carefully in order to discover something)

  • He pointed out the accused to the police.

    ( Point out = direct attention to someone [or something] by pointing)

  • I ran across the grandmother of my ex-girlfriend.

    ( Run across = meet [someone] unexpectedly)

  • Jack ran into Jill while he was on his way home.

    ( Run into = meet by chance)

  • She tried on a few pairs of shoes but they didn't fit her large feet.

    ( Try on = put on something to see if it fits and how it looks)

  • He had to turn down the job that was offered to him.

    ( Look after = take care of)