-Separable phrasal verbs

-Modals of speculation

Separable phrasal verbs

Cell Phone Help Line

This is my first cell phone. I’m trying to figure it out. I looked over the directions, but I’m still confused. When I make a phone call, all the buttons on the phone light up, and I don’t know what to do. Help!

Every time I want to call up someone on this cell phone, the phone cuts me off. I just heard a strange sound. I’m afraid this phone is going to blow up! Please help me out!

Separeble Phrasal Verbs 1

Most transitive phrasal verbs are separable. This means that noun objects can go after the particle or between the verb and the particle.

noun object

He can’t figure the instructions out.

noun object

He can’t figure out the instructions.

Be Careful!

If the direct object is a pronoun, it must go between the verb and the particle.

I turned off it.

I turned it off.

He charged up the battery in the handheld computer.

He charged the battery in the handheld computer up.

Usage Note

When the noun object is part of a long phrase, we usually do not separate the phrasal verb.

Practice 1

Form three sentences about technology for each separable phrasal verb.

put together= assemble

close down =

close by forceswitch on= start a machine

pick out =

select, identity

set up =

prepare for use

turn off =

stop a machine

look up =

try to find

1. 2. 3.

4. 5. 6.

Example:

It’s difficult to put together a new device.

It’s difficult to put a new device together.

It’s difficult to put it together.

Transitive Phrasal Verbs 2

Some transitive phrasal verbs are inseparable. This means that both noun and pronoun objects always go after the particle. You cannot separate the verb from its particle.

Sam ran his boss into.

He ran him into.

Sam ran into him.

Sam ran into his boss.

Separable Phrasal Verbs 3

A small group of transitive phrasal verbs must be separated.

I have to do over the report.

I have to do the report over.

Practice 2Don’t carry on a cell phone conversation during a wedding.

Example:

Use the separable and inseparable phrasal verbs to discuss good manners when using a computer or cell phone.

carry on =

continue

1.start over =

start again

talk into= persuade

get out of= benefit from

go after =

pursue

count on =

depend on

4.

2. 5.

3. 6.

Inseparable verb

Intransitive Phrasal Verbs

Some phrasal verbs are intransitive. This means that they do not take an object.

Dad, hang up and call the fire department!

Son, hold on. I’m busy talking on the phone right now.

Practice 3Last week the photocopy machine ran out of toner.

close down =

stop operating

play around= have fun

call back =

return a call

empty out = empty completely

blow up =

explode

sign up= register

1. 4.

2. 5.

3. 6.

Example: run out = not have enough

Use the intransitive phrasal verbs to describe your experiences with different forms of technology.

To make guesses about thepresent or the future

Modals of speculation

MUST

MUST NOT

MAY

MIGHT

COULD

CAN’T

+ INFINITIVE

To make guesses about the present or the future

We use it to express that something is certain or highly probable.

If A is bigger than B, and B is bigger than C…

… then A must be bigger than CMary keeps crying- She must have a

problem.

Must

He must be tired.

She must be angry.

We use it that something is certain doesn’t happen or is not true.

She must not go out. (= I am sure she doesn’t go out much.)

That must not be Jerry. He is supposed to have red hair.

He must not be very happy, if he always has a frown.

Must not

We use it to express that something is certainly not the case or highly improbable.

It can’t be the postman at the door. It’s only seven o’clock.

She can’t have a ten-year-old daughter ! She’s only twenty four !

Can’t

He can’t be poor.

We use them when there’s a possibility of it happening.

I may go to Edinburgh tomorrow. (perhaps a 50% chance)

Peter might come with me. (Perhaps a 30% chance. It’s possible but not very likely to happen)

May and Might

To make guesses about actions in progress now

Modals of speculation

MUST

MUST NOT

MAY

MIGHT

COULD

CAN’T

+ BE + ING

ACTIONS IN PROGRESS NOW

Do you know where Ben is ?

I don’t know, he may be listening to music in his room.

Have you seen the newspapers ? I think James picked it up. He may be readingit.

Actions in progress now

They must be gossiping.

He must be sleeping.

Complete the correct sentences. Click on the correct word.1. Jack ……… be at home. His jacket is still here.

a. might c. could2. I ………. still have your book, but I’m not certain.

b. must c. can’t3. This …….be the right answer. The others are definitely wrong.

a. can’t c. could4. That ……..be Maria. I am sure she’s got blond hair, not dark.

a. may b. might 5. I’m not sure but the painting ……… be a original.

b. must c. can’t6. She’s been working hard so she …… be tired.

a. may b. can’t

Practice

a. might

b. can’t

b. must

c. can’t

a.could

c. must