Ever wonder why native English speakers say “figure it out” instead of “determine the cause”?
It’s because phrasal verbs are how people actually speak, especially in the world of software development.
But here’s the tricky part: they’re not just slang; they follow very real grammar rules.
Let’s take a closer look 👇
🔍 Grammatically Speaking…
A phrasal verb = verb + one or more particles (prepositions or adverbs).
These combinations change the meaning of the original verb, often completely.
✅ “Look into” = investigate
✅ “Bring up” = introduce a topic
✅ “Roll back” = revert a change
The problem? You can’t always guess the meaning from the words alone.
(“Look into a bug” ≠ actually staring into your code with a magnifying glass 🧐)
💡 Pro tip:
Phrasal verbs are separable or inseparable.
That means you can sometimes place the object between the verb and the particle.
🧪 Correct:
“We’ll figure the problem out.” (separable)
🧪 Incorrect:
“We’ll look the issue into.” (inseparable)
📘 Want to practise this?
I’ve just created a free resource that breaks down the most common phrasal verbs in tech, with examples, formal synonyms, and grammar-focused exercises.
🎯 Perfect for B2-level developers and team leads.
📥 [Download it here] (or comment “PDF” and I’ll send it to you)
🎞️ Want to watch a video on this [Click here] for the YouTube Video
Because let’s be honest, knowing how to “carry it out” sounds a lot more natural than trying to “execute it with precision” in every sentence.