Phrasal Verbs: Separable vs Inseparable
Separable vs inseparable phrasal verbs is the B1 grammar-of-phrasal-verbs worksheet. The rules: most transitive phrasal verbs are separable (object can go between verb and particle: turn the light off / turn off the light; with pronouns, MUST separate: turn it off, never turn off it). Some transitive phrasal verbs are inseparable (object always after particle: look after the children, never look the children after). Intransitive phrasal verbs have no object at all (sit down, stand up, give in).
This worksheet builds B1 control of phrasal-verb separability rules.
Worksheet preview
What’s inside:
- A rules reference with separable, inseparable, and intransitive categories
- Sorting task: classify phrasal verbs by type
- Multiple-choice items on correct word order
- Sentence-rewriting drill: relocate pronouns correctly
- Full Answer Key plus Teacher Notes
Common challenges: Pronoun rule at B1 — pronouns MUST separate with separable verbs (turn it off, never turn off it). Inseparable verbs: look after, take after, come across, get over — object always goes after the full particle. Recognising which is which: no rule predicts it; pairs must be learned.
For: Adult and teenage learners (14+) at CEFR B1, in intermediate classes, 1:1 lessons, or self-study. Maps onto Cambridge B1 Preliminary (PET) and B2 First (FCE) Reading-Use of English. Part of the Learning, Change & Mixed Practice collection — the natural next step is Phrasal Verbs: Learning and Education.
