I 'd like to know more about phrasal verb

by trinh hong phong
(viet nam)

Could you tell me how to distinguish a phrasal verb and a verb in a sentence that contains a preposition?
eg: I get up early in the morning
I get the book for my wife
What is difference between up and for in the above sentences.

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Hi Trinh Hong Phong,

When it comes to phrasal verbs it can be a bit difficult but try remember a phrasal verb is a verb plus a preposition or adverb which creates a meaning different from the original verb.

So look at each sentence. The second one does not change it’s meaning. It is simple getting a book for someone. In that case for is telling the reader who the book was obtained for.

In the first sentence, however, get up is telling us about what you do early in the morning. You leave your bed or "get up" early.

I hope that helps. -Diana

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