The Sahara of Prepositions
Navigating the Vast Depths of Phrasal Verbs
Level: CEFR B1+
Introduction
Imagine standing at the edge of the Sahara Desert, a vast and seemingly infinite expanse of sand dunes. Learning phrasal verbs can feel much the same—overwhelming, mystifying, and, at times, endless. But just as each grain of sand contributes to the magnificence of the desert, every particle in a phrasal verb plays a determinative role in unlocking its meaning. For students around the world, phrasal verbs are a linguistic mirage—confusing at first but full of richness once understood.
Having taught over 10,000 hours with Lingoda and thousands more with Cambly, Grammar-Master.com, and British Side, I’ve noticed recurring challenges students face when it comes to understanding phrasal verbs. Patterns began to emerge as I taught tens of thousands of students from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds. This post distills what I’ve learned about the role prepositions (or particles) play in shaping the meaning of these complex verbs—and how you, dear reader, can tame this linguistic “desert.”
Why Are Phrasal Verbs So Confusing?
The confusion surrounding phrasal verbs often stems from two main factors:
1.The Multifaceted Nature of Verbs:
Take the verb “get,” for instance. According to the Oxford Dictionary, it has over eight main meanings, each with subcategories. From receiving (“I got a gift”) to understanding (“I get it”) to becoming (“It’s getting late”), “get” is an exercise in versatility. Add a preposition, and the meanings expand even further: “get by” (survive), “get over” (recover), “get away” (escape). The possibilities seem infinite.
2.The Role of Prepositions/Particles:
Prepositions are not mere add-ons; they fundamentally change the verb’s meaning. Consider “look”:
•Look after = care for
•Look into = investigate
•Look up to = admire
The preposition isn’t just a direction—it’s a key to the phrase’s meaning. Understanding this dynamic can demystify what often feels like an arbitrary pairing of words.
The Key to Proficiency in Phrasal Verbs
Through years of teaching, I’ve discovered that the secret to learning phrasal verbs lies in these three steps:
1. Break It Down: Explore the Verb and the Preposition Separately
Before diving into the phrasal verb, take a step back. Look up both the verb and the preposition independently in a reliable dictionary like Oxford. For instance:
•Get: “to receive,” “to move,” “to become”
•Over: “across,” “on top of,” “beyond”
Combining these definitions helps you unlock the logic behind the phrasal verb “get over” (to recover, or to go beyond an obstacle emotionally or physically).
2. Understand Context
Phrasal verbs are highly context-dependent. “Take off,” for example, can mean:
•To remove clothing (“Take off your jacket.”)
•To ascend (“The plane took off.”)
•To succeed suddenly (“Her career took off.”)
By paying attention to context, you’ll begin to grasp the subtle shifts in meaning.
3. Embrace Patterns
After teaching thousands of students, I’ve noticed recurring patterns in how prepositions influence meaning:
•Up often conveys completion or improvement: “clean up,” “cheer up.”
•Out suggests removal or emergence: “figure out,” “stand out.”
•On implies continuation: “carry on,” “keep on.”
Recognizing these trends can simplify the process of deciphering unfamiliar phrasal verbs.
A Fun Challenge for Learners
Here’s an exercise to flex your phrasal verb muscles: Choose a verb you use often (e.g., “get,” “take,” “go”). Make a list of five phrasal verbs that use this verb and research their meanings. Use them in sentences related to your daily life. For example:
•“I’m trying to get through this long list of tasks.”
•“She’s finally getting over her cold.”
•“Let’s get on with our work!”
Final Thoughts: Overcoming the Language Sahara
Phrasal verbs may seem like the Sahara Desert—vast and challenging to traverse—but with curiosity and patience, you can conquer this linguistic expanse. By breaking them down, understanding their context, and recognizing patterns, you’ll turn what once felt like a mirage into a powerful tool for communication.
The next time you encounter a phrasal verb, don’t let it intimidate you. Instead, think of it as a new dune to explore, adding depth to your language and confidence to your skills.
Happy learning! Let’s continue navigating the Sahara of English together.
Haitham