Common Phrasal Verb Mistakes: Using Prepositions Incorrectly

Phrasal verbs are combinations of verbs and prepositions that create new meanings. Using the wrong preposition can significantly change the meaning of a phrasal verb. Here are some common mistakes:

Using the Wrong Preposition

• Incorrect: I’m looking forward for seeing you.
• Correct: I’m looking forward to seeing you.
• Incorrect: He gave up smoking.
• Correct: He gave up smoking.

Using Prepositions Redundantly

• Incorrect: I’m going to check up on the project.
• Correct: I’m going to check the project.

Practice Exercises:

1. I’m looking forward (to/for) seeing you.
2. He gave (up/out) smoking.
3. I’m going to (check up on/check) the project.
4. She came (up with/up to) a new idea.
5. I’m going to (run out of/run out) milk.
6. He looked (up/down) the word in the dictionary.
7. I’m going to (put off/put out) the fire.
8. She came (up with/up to) a new idea.
9. I’m going to (run out of/run out) milk.
10. He looked (up/down) the word in the dictionary.

Answers:

1. to
2. up
3. check
4. up with
5. run out of
6. up
7. put out
8. up with
9. run out of
10. up

Phrasal Verb Practice

Identify the correct preposition in each phrasal verb.

1. I’m looking forward (to/for) seeing you.
2. He gave (up/out) smoking.
3. I’m going to (check up on/check) the project.
4. She came (up with/up to) a new idea.
5. I’m going to (run out of/run out) milk.
6. He looked (up/down) the word in the dictionary.
7. I’m going to (put off/put out) the fire.
8. She came (up with/up to) a new idea.
9. I’m going to (run out of/run out) milk.
10. He looked (up/down) the word in the dictionary.

Answers:

1. to
2. up
3. check
4. up with
5. run out of
6. up
7. put out
8. up with
9. run out of
10. up