5 exercises — the critical grammar rule that trips up even advanced English speakers: when can you split a phrasal verb, and where does the pronoun go?
The key rule at a glance
Separable + noun: "set up the env" ✓ or "set the env up" ✓ — both fine
Separable + pronoun: "set it up" ✓ — pronoun MUST go in the middle
Inseparable + noun: "look into the bug" ✓ — object always follows
Inseparable + pronoun: "look into it" ✓ — same rule, no splitting
0 / 10 completed
1 / 10
The phrasal verb "set up" is separable. A developer says: "Can you set up the local environment?" Which sentence is grammatically INCORRECT?
With separable phrasal verbs, the object (noun or noun phrase) can go either after the particle OR between the verb and the particle: "set up the environment" ✅ and "set the environment up" ✅ — both are correct. However, when the object is a pronoun (it, them, him, her), it must go between the verb and the particle: "set it up" ✅ but "set up it" ❌. This is a fixed rule with no exceptions for separable phrasal verbs. More IT examples: "back up the database" ✅ / "back the database up" ✅ / "back it up" ✅ / "back up it" ❌. The pronoun rule catches many non-native speakers off guard because it feels unnatural — but it is standard English grammar.
2 / 10
"Look into" is an inseparable phrasal verb. Which sentence is grammatically INCORRECT?
Inseparable phrasal verbs cannot be split — the object must always come after both the verb and the particle as a unit. With "look into": ✅ "look into the bug" / ✅ "look into it" / ❌ "look the bug into" / ❌ "look it into." This is the key difference from separable phrasal verbs. Other common inseparable IT phrasal verbs: come across ("I came across a useful library"), run into ("we ran into an issue"), look forward to, deal with, carry out (in some usages). Unfortunately, there is no single rule to tell separable from inseparable just by looking at the verb — you need to learn them individually or check a dictionary. A good habit: when you learn a new phrasal verb, also check whether it is separable or inseparable.
3 / 10
"Turn off" is a separable phrasal verb. Which pair of sentences is BOTH correct?
With a separable phrasal verb and a noun or noun phrase as the object, both positions are grammatically correct: "Turn off the server" (object after the particle) ✅ and "Turn the server off" (object between verb and particle) ✅. However, "Turn off it" ❌ is wrong — once the object is a pronoun, it must go in the middle: "Turn it off" ✅. This same pattern applies to dozens of IT phrasal verbs: "switch off", "power down", "shut down", "log out", "check in", "roll back". Practise: "restart the service" → you can also say "restart it" (single word) or think of it as "start it [back] up" → "start it up" ✅.
4 / 10
A developer messages a teammate: "I saved the config file — can you check ___ before we deploy? I think the timeout values need updating." Which option correctly uses a pronoun with the separable phrasal verb "check over"?
"Check over" is a separable phrasal verb meaning to review something carefully. With a pronoun object, the pronoun must go between the verb and the particle: "check it over" ✅ — NOT "check over it" ❌. With a noun phrase both positions work: "check over the config" ✅ and "check the config over" ✅. However, "check over it" fails the pronoun rule — it is a common mistake even among advanced learners. This is why option A looks natural but is technically wrong with a pronoun. Additional examples: "hand it over" ✅ (not "hand over it"), "pass it on" ✅ (not "pass on it"), "bring it up" ✅ (not "bring up it").
5 / 10
At the end of a sprint retrospective, the facilitator says: "Thanks everyone — let's call ___ here. The action items are in Confluence." Which option correctly completes the sentence using "call it a day" (a fixed expression meaning "end/finish for now")?
"Call it a day" is a fixed idiomatic expression (not strictly a phrasal verb, but it follows the same object-placement pattern). "It" here is a dummy pronoun — the expression is always: call → it → a day. You cannot rearrange it: ❌ "call a day" / ❌ "call a day it." In tech team contexts: "Let's call it a day — great sprint!" / "I think we can call it a day on this feature for now." This exercise also illustrates a broader principle: many common English expressions with verbs and particles are fixed — their word order is locked. Learning them as complete phrases (not word by word) is the most reliable strategy. Other fixed expressions you'll hear in IT: "touch base" (check in briefly), "move the needle" (make meaningful progress), "get the ball rolling" (start something).
6 / 10
Code Review Comment: 'The build failed after you ran docker compose down.' What does this phrase indicate about the phrasal verb?
Separable phrasal verbs allow the object to go between the verb and the preposition. Here, 'down' is an object of the verb 'run'. The incorrect option suggests a literal interpretation that doesn't align with common usage. The phrase is perfectly acceptable and describes a typical action.
7 / 10
Slack Message: 'Hey @john_doe, I'm looking into the performance issues with the API endpoint. Any initial thoughts?' Which sentence demonstrates a correct use of this phrasal verb?
'Look into' is an *inseparable* phrasal verb. This means 'into' must go directly after 'look'. The other options incorrectly split the phrase, creating a grammatically incorrect sentence. Mastering inseparable phrasal verbs prevents common errors in technical communication.
8 / 10
PR Description: 'We've set up a new staging environment for testing the latest features.' Which of these sentences correctly uses the phrasal verb in this context?
'Set up' is a *separable* phrasal verb. The object 'a new staging environment' goes between the verb and the preposition. Options 1 and 2 incorrectly split the phrase, while option 4 uses an unnecessary 'a'. This distinction is crucial for precise technical writing.
9 / 10
Standup Update: 'I've finished debugging the authentication module. Can you run through the code with me?' What does this sentence mean?
'Run through' is a *separable* phrasal verb. Here, 'through' acts as the object of the verb 'run'. The user is requesting a walkthrough and explanation of the code—a common practice in development teams when debugging. It's vital to understand that the object can be placed between the verb and preposition.
10 / 10
Slack Message: 'The database migration failed. I need to figure out what went wrong.' What is the best way to complete this sentence?
'Figure out' is a *separable* phrasal verb. The object 'what went wrong' goes between the verb and the preposition. Option 2 uses the correct tense for describing a completed action in the past. Incorrectly splitting this phrasal verb is a frequent error among non-native speakers.
What will I practise in "Separable vs. Inseparable Phrasal Verbs"?
This module focuses on Phrasal Verbs — real workplace phrasing you'll use on the job. It contains 10 scenario-based multiple-choice questions with instant feedback.
Is this exercise free to use?
Yes. Every exercise on CoderSlingo, including this one, is free to use with no account or sign-up required.
How many questions does this exercise have?
This module includes 10 questions. Each one gives an immediate right/wrong result plus a full explanation of the correct phrasing.
What happens if I answer a question incorrectly?
You'll see the correct answer highlighted straight away, along with a plain-English explanation of why it's right and why the other options don't fit — mistakes are part of the learning here.
Can I retry the exercise if I want a better score?
Yes — use the 'Try again' button on the results screen to reset your score and go through the questions again. There's no limit on attempts.
Who is this Phrasal Verbs exercise for?
It's aimed at IT professionals with working English who want to sound more natural and precise around phrasal verbs — useful whether you're preparing for real conversations at work or just building confidence with the vocabulary.
Do I need an account to track my progress?
No account is needed. Your progress through the exercise is tracked locally in your browser for the current session, and you can replay the module at any time.
How is this different from reading a blog article?
This exercise is an interactive drill that tests and reinforces specific phrasing through multiple-choice questions with instant feedback, while blog articles explain concepts and vocabulary in prose. The two work well together.
Where can I find more Phrasal Verbs exercises?
See the Phrasal Verbs hub for more modules like this one, or browse the full Exercises page for other IT-English topics.
Can I complete this exercise on my phone?
Yes — every exercise on CoderSlingo is fully responsive and works on phones and tablets, so you can practise anywhere.