Beginners
Phrasal verb:
A 'phrasal verb' is usually constructed from a verb and preposition (for example 'break down' for when a machine stops working). These are often more colloquial than the single verb (for example 'run away' for 'flee'). The phrasal verb can have a different meaning to the verb it is based on (for example to 'turn in' means to go to sleep) but usually it has a related meaning to the original verb (for example to 'lock up' meanng 'imprison'). Because they are informal and colloquial, there are no rules about which prepositions are used with particular verbs so the only way to learn is to practice.