We have just updated the Phrasal Verb section of the site and it now automatically creates quizzes based on the definitions of the verbs. One of the types of quizzes uses the particles and, therefore, generates a list. We have over 1,400 phasal verbs, which is a fairly representative sample, and it is clear that a small number of particles dominate: up, out, on, off, in and down account for about 65% of the total. Here's the full particle list:
Up |
260 |
Through |
28 |
Out |
204 |
By |
21 |
On |
136 |
Of |
20 |
Off |
135 |
About |
20 |
In |
111 |
At |
15 |
Down |
100 |
Apart |
7 |
For |
57 |
Across |
6 |
To |
47 |
After |
6 |
Over |
45 |
Against |
6 |
Into |
44 |
From |
6 |
With |
40 |
Onto |
6 |
Back |
39 |
Upon |
6 |
Away |
38 |
As |
5 |
Around |
33 |
Round |
5 |
NB Where the phrasal verb takes two particles (look forward to), only the last one is included.
What's the diference with preposition and particle?
How can differentiate preposition and particle when it locates between a verb and a noun?