Separable phrasal verbs

Some transitive phrasal verbs (phrasal verbs which require an object) allow an object to be placed either between the verb and particle, or after the entire phrasal verb. These verbs are called Separable phrasal Verbs. With this type of verb, if the object is a pronoun, the pronoun must go in the middle of the phrasal verb (between the verb and particle).

For example:

The terrorists blew up the car.
The terrorists blew the car up.
The terrorists blew it up.

Here is a selection of some of the more common separable phrasal verbs and simplified definitions.

add up - add (mathematics)
back up - cause to move backwards; support; make a digital copy
blow up - cause to explode; destroy by explosives; enlarge a photograph
break down - analyze; list the parts of something separately
bring about - cause something to happen
bring off - accomplish something
bring on - cause something to happen
bring out - publish; emphasize
bring over - bring (something/somebody here)
bring to - revive somebody
bring up - raise; care for a child during childhood
brush out - brush the inside of
burn down - destroy by burning
burn up - consume by fire
buy out - by the other person's share of a business
buy up - buy the whole supply of something
call off - cancel (an event or meeting)
call up - telephone; summon for military service
calm down - become calm
carry on - continue doing something
carry out - fulfill; complete; accomplish; perform (usually orders or instructions)
carry over - carry; financial/numerical – move a value from one period to another
cheer up - cause somebody to become cheerful
chew up - chew thoroughly; to destroy or tear something with the teeth of machinery
chop up - chop into small pieces
clean off - clear the surface of
clean out - clean the inside of
clean up - tidy
clear out - clear the inside of; remove people from a place
clear up - clarify; clear the inside of
close down - shut or close permanently
close up - close temporarily
count in - include somebody in something (usually a list of participants)
count out - exclude something or somebody
count up - calculate; count; add to a total
cross out - eliminate; delete text manually
cut off - interrupt; sever; amputate
cut out - eliminate; delete; stop doing something (as an imperative)
cut down - reduce in quantity
draw up - write; compose (a formal document)
dress up - put clothes on; adorn; dress for a special occasion
dress down - dress casually
eat up - eat completely
figure out - interpret; understand
fill in - complete; compile (a printed form)
fill out - complete; compile (a printed form)
fill up - fill completely (a container)
find out - discover
fix up - repair; arrange in a suitable manner
get across - cause to be understood
give back - return something
give out - distribute; announce
give up - surrender something
hand down - deliver; pronounce formally; leave as an inheritance
hand over - surrender control of something
hang up - end a phone call; put clothes on a hanger for storage
have on - be dressed in (clothes)
have over - entertain someone informally at your home
hold off - delay; restrain
hold up - delay; rob; threaten with a weapon
keep up - continue; maintain the same pace
leave out - omit somebody or something
let down - disappoint somebody
let out - release from confinement; make larger (in sewing)
light up - light; illuminate thoroughly
live down - live in such a way as to cause something to be forgotten
pass out - distribute
pass up - not take advantage of (as an opportunity)
pass on - transmit
pay back - repay
pay off - discharge a debt completely; give someone his final pay
pick up - collect somebody from a place; lift with hands or fingers
play down - minimize the importance of something
play up - emphasize the importance of something
point out - indicate something
pull down - pull in a downward direction; demolish something
put off - postpone an event or meeting
put on - dress in
put up - provide overnight accommodation for somebody
ring up - call somebody on the telephone
rule out - eliminate something from consideration
run down - trace; disparage somebody; hit with a vehicle
run off - reproduce something mechanically (often in printed media or manufacturing)
save up - accumulate money
see through - continue with a task until completion (often in spite of difficulties)
see off - accompany someone to the beginning of a trip
send back - send to a place where formerly located
send over - send something or somebody to the place where someone else is
set up - arrange something; cause the police to incorrectly believe somebody is guilty of a crime
show off - exhibit ostentatiously
shut off - cause to cease functioning
slow up - cause to move more slowly
spell out - state something in detail or simple terms
stand up - fail to keep an appointment with somebody (usually romantic appointments)
sweep out - sweep the inside of
take back - return; retract a statement
take down - remove from a high position; write from dictation
take in - understood; fool; deceive; make smaller (in sewing)
take over - take; assume command of something
tear down - destroy something
tear up - tear into small pieces
tell off - scold; reprimand
think over - consider something
think through - consider something from beginning to end
think up - create; invent
throw away - discard
tie up - tie securely or tight
tire out - cause somebody to be exhausted
touch up - repair something (usually a minor repair)
try on - put on a garment to see if it is the correct size and appearance
try out - test something
turn down - refuse an offer; lower the volume of something (TV, radio, music)
turn out - produce; extinguish (a light)
wear out - use until no longer usable; become tired through an activity
wind up - finish, tighten a spring (of a watch), make a person angry (sometimes as a joke)
wipe out - decimate (usually a form of life – people, animals)
work out - solve a puzzle
write down - record something in writing
write up - compose; prepare (a formal document)

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