There are many verbs in English that can be followed by prepositions and/or adverbs (also known

as adverb(ial) particles). Different authors give them different names: phrasal verbs; prepositional
verbs; two-word verbs; multi-word verbs. We will refer to them as phrasal verbs.
Firstly, how do we know if the word(s) after the verb is/are (a) preposition(s) or (an) adverb(s)?
Swan (Practical English Usage, Oxford University Press, 1997) provides a clear answer:
"Words like down, in and up are not always prepositions. Compare:
I ran down the road.
Please sit down.
He's in his office.
You can go in.
Something's climbing up my leg.
She's not up yet.
In the expressions down the road, in his office and up my leg, the words down, in and up are
prepositions: they have objects (the road, his office and my leg).
In sit down, go in and She's not up, the words down, in and up have no objects. They are adverbs,
not prepositions."
p. 14
Secondly, is this difference important? There are two answers here: on the one hand, they are not
important if you understand the meaning of the phrasal verbs, and can use it confidently. On the
other hand, however, understanding the information above can help you to decide the position of
the preposition or adverb, especially when the phrasal verb is new to you, or you are trying to use
it in a new or unfamiliar situation.
Again, Swan (idem) explains the positions of prepositions and adverbs.
"Prepositions and (adverb) particles do not always go in the same place in clauses with objects.
Prepositions normally go before objects.
He fell off the bridge (NOT He fell the bridge off.)
Particles can go before or after noun objects.
She switched off the light.
She switched the light off.
But particles can only go after pronoun objects.
She switched it off. (NOT She switched off it.)"
p. 612
This general information might help you to understand phrasal verbs a bit better. Unfortunately,
though, there is no quick and easy way to learn them. It is a question of practice makes perfect. See
the links below for more information and hours of practice.

Phrasal Verb Practice -Assorted Verbs

1. The concert was ___ because of the rain.
 a. called off
b. blacked out
c. turned off
Answer a
2. How did he ___ their bad behavior.
a. come to
b. account for
c. jot down
Answer b
3. He must be about 90. He is really ___.
a. getting on
b. bringing up
c. bringing forward
Answer a
4. In the end everything ___ OK.
a. turned out
b. wore out
c. climb up
Answer a
5. Can you ___ all right or should I get a ladder?
a. fall through
b. climb down
c. barge in
Answer b
6. I am sorry that I am late. I got ___ in traffic.
a. lifted off
b. held down
c. caught up
Answer c
7. I was so angry that I ___ in protest.
a. gave up
b. walked out
c. ran over
Answer b
8. The man was ___ of jail early for good behavior.
a. let out
b. bent down
c. sent down
Answer a
9. Even though he was tired, he ___ going.
a. kept on
b. brought out
c. fell over
Answer a
10.After the accident a lot of people ___.
a. turned out
b. set out
c. crowded around
Answer c