The Origin of Phrasal Verbs

Where do Phrasal Verbs come from?

Have you ever wondered why English has so many verbs combined with small words like "up," "down," or "out"? These combinations, called phrasal verbs, can be tricky for Spanish speakers learning English. Let's explore where phrasal verbs originated and why they're so important in English today.

The Roots of English

English began as a Germanic language, brought to Britain around 1,500 years ago by people from northern Europe. This early English, called Old English or Anglo-Saxon, was quite different from the English we speak today.

Old English had something in common with modern German - it liked to combine words and use prefixes. But it didn't have many phrasal verbs yet.

The Big Change

Around the year 1066, a major event changed English forever. The Normans from France conquered England and brought their language with them. For about 300 years, the upper classes spoke French while common people continued to speak English.

During this time, English borrowed many words from French. These French words were often more formal, while the original Germanic words stayed in everyday use.

How Phrasal Verbs Originated

As English evolved from Old English to Middle English (1100-1500), something interesting happened. The language began to lose many of its prefixes and grammatical endings.

At the same time, speakers started using small words (particles) after verbs to show direction or to change the verb's meaning. These particles came from the original Germanic part of English.

For example:

·         Instead of saying "upstand" (with a prefix), people started saying "stand up"

·         Instead of "outgo," they said "go out"

Growth of Phrasal Verbs

By the time of Shakespeare (around 1600), phrasal verbs were becoming very common. Writers and speakers liked them because they could create new meanings easily by combining different verbs and particles.

Some examples from this period:

·         "give up" (surrender)

·         "put off" (delay)

·         "take on" (accept)

A Challenge for Spanish Speakers

For Spanish speakers, phrasal verbs can be difficult because:

·         Spanish typically uses single verbs where English uses phrasal verbs

·         The meaning of phrasal verbs often can't be guessed from the individual words

·         Some phrasal verbs can be separated: "Turn the light off" or "Turn off the light"

Embracing Phrasal Verbs

While phrasal verbs might seem challenging at first, they're an essential part of natural English. They reflect the unique history of English as a language that combines Germanic and Romance (Latin-based) elements.

When you use phrasal verbs correctly, your English sounds more natural and fluent. So don't give up on learning them!

¡Hasta pronto! (See you soon!)

---

Want to learn more Phrasal Verbs?

Take our Beginner Phrasal Verb Course!

Phrasal verbs are one of the trickiest—and most important—parts of learning English, especially for Spanish speakers. In this beginner-friendly course from The Spanglish Speaker, we break down 60 of the most commonly used phrasal verbs into clear, easy-to-understand lessons designed just for you.

 You’ll learn:

• What phrasal verbs are and why they matter

• How to recognize and use common phrasal verbs correctly

• The difference between separable and inseparable phrasal verbs

• Everyday examples that will boost your confidence and fluency

Whether you’re just getting started or looking to strengthen your foundation, this course is here to help you speak more naturally and confidently in English. ¡Vamos allá! Let’s learn together—one phrasal verb at a time.

If you are a beginner plus English student or are at these levels then this course is for you!

·         CEFR level A2 (high beginner)

·         TOEFL iBT: ~30-40

·         IELTS:  ~3.5-4.0

Learn More