Phrasal Verbs

Unit 17
Adverbs and Phrasal Verbs
Adverbs are words that modify verbs. Many adverbs end with -ly, for example, quickly,
slowly, suddenly, foolishly; but other adverbs, such as always, sometimes, and never, do not.
The placement of adverbs in sentences with phrasal verbs depends on whether the verb is
intransitive or transitive, and if transitive, whether it is separable or inseparable. In general,
adverbs are placed like ordinary one-word verbs with the exception of inseparable phrasal
verbs, which also allow for the placement of adverbs between the verb and the particle. All
possible placements of adverbs in sentences containing the various types of phrasal verbs are
shown with Xs:
Intransitive phrasal verbs
X subject X verb particle X.
Immediately he came over.
He immediately came over.
He came over immediately.
Separable phrasal verbs
X subject X verb particle object X.
X subject X verb object particle X.
Angrily she ripped up the paper.
Angrily she ripped the paper up.
She angrily ripped up the paper.
She angrily ripped the paper up.
She ripped up the paper angrily.
She ripped the paper up angrily.
Inseparable phrasal verbs
X subject X verb X particle object X.
Slowly we headed into town.
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We slowly headed into town.
We headed slowly into town.
We headed into town slowly.
Placing adverbs within three-word phrasal verbs is sometimes possible, but it can be
problematic. Sometimes an adverb between the verb and first particle sounds acceptable and
other times it does not. Sometimes an adverb placed between the two particles sounds
acceptable, and other times it will not. This is more a matter of style than of what is correct
or incorrect, so unless you are sure it sounds OK, it is better not to place adverbs within
three-word verbs.