Phrasal Verbs

Unit 26
Phrasal Verbs and the Adverb Back
The adverb back is sometimes used with phrasal verbs to mean again. The following
sentences have the same meaning:
We got together again.
We got back together.
Back is always placed directly before the particle. When back is used with separable phrasal
verbs, the object must separate the verb and particle, and back must be placed between the
object and the particle:
I put the engine back together.
I put back together the engine.
Do not confuse the adverb back, which modifies phrasal verbs, with the particle back that is
part of some phrasal verbs (and has the same meaning of again).
Infinitive: get together
PRESENT TENSE
-ING FORM
PAST TENSE
PAST PARTICIPLE
get together & gets
together
getting together
got together
gotten/got together
1. get together (with) p.v. When two people get together, they meet and spend time
together. When you get together with someone, you meet and spend time with that
person. When a man and woman resume a relationship after separating, they get back
together.
If you’re not busy tomorrow night, would you like to get together?
We’re going to get together with Bill and Nancy tomorrow.
Judy and Sam had separated, but now they’ve gotten back together.
get-together n. An informal gathering is a get-together.
I’m having a little get-together tonight. Would you like to come?
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2. get . . . together p.v. When you get things together, you collect them so they are in the
same place.
You should get all your tools together so you will have them when you need them.
Linda got all her tax records together to show to her accountant.
3. get . . . together p.v. [informal] When you get yourself together, or get it together, you
gain control of your emotions after you have become upset or emotional.
Bob was very upset before the party, but he got it together before the guests
came.
Hey, get yourself together! Everyone is watching you.