Type 2 verbs: word order

When there is a noun object, the particle can go

- before the object she gave away all her possessions

- or after the object She gave all her possessions away Even though we may put an object after e g away as in the first example above, away is a particle, not a preposition A particle is more closely related to the verb and does not 'govern' the object as a preposition does [> 8 4] It is mobile to the extent that it can be used before or after the object

If the object is a pronoun, it always comes before the particle She gave them away She let me/him/her/it/us/them out

In some cases, the particle comes only after the object [> App 32] We can allow the children out till 9

Three sub-groups can be identified

Non-phrasal verbs with obvious meanings ('free association')

Verbs in this group can be used with their literal meanings [> 8.25] You d better pull in that fishing line You d better pull that fishing line in

8.28.4 Particles that strengthen or extend the effect of the verb
e g call out eat up stick on write down The verbs in this group
retain their literal meanings [> App 32] In some cases, the particle
can be omitted altogether

Write their names or it can have a strengthening effect on the verb Write down their names /Write their names down

In other cases, the particle can extend the meaning of a verb Give out these leaflets (i e distribute)

Verb + preposition/particle

The difference between 'literal (non-idiomatic) meanings' and 'extended meanings' is often hard to draw

Type 2 verbs with idiomatic meanings

This is a very large category [> App 33] in which the verb + particle have little or no relation to their literal meanings for example, make up can mean 'invent', as in make up a story, take off can mean 'imitate', as in take off the Prime Minister Verb combinations, therefore, can have many different meanings, depending on the particles used Here are just a few examples of the combinations possible with bring

bring up the children (= train/educate)

bring off a deal (= complete successfully)

bring on an attack of asthma (= cause)

bring somebody round to our point of view (= persuade)

bring someone round (= revive)

bring down the house (= receive enthusiastic applause)

There is also a large category of fixed expressions with nouns These remain invariable at all times e g make up your mind (where mind cannot be replaced by another word), push the boat out (= take risks), etc Such expressions are too numerous to list and can only be found in good dictionaries [but > App 34]

8.29 Type 3: Verb + particle (intransitive)