Here's a breakdown:
1. Phrasal Verbs:
* These are combinations of a verb and a preposition (or sometimes an adverb) that have a unique meaning different from the individual words.
* Examples:
* look up (to search for information)
* get along (to have a good relationship)
* give up (to stop trying)
* put off (to delay)
2. Verb Phrases:
* These are combinations of a verb and a preposition (or adverb) that add detail or nuance to the verb's meaning.
* Examples:
* look at (to direct your eyes towards something)
* talk to (to have a conversation with someone)
* wait for (to anticipate something)
* think about (to consider something)
Important Notes:
* Prepositions don't always follow verbs: They can also occur before nouns (e.g., "the book *on* the table"), after adjectives (e.g., "excited *about* the trip"), or after other prepositions (e.g., "from *under* the bed").
* Not all verbs combine with prepositions: Many verbs function independently.
* Prepositions can create different meanings depending on the verb they combine with: For example, "look at" and "look for" have distinct meanings.
In short: While prepositions often appear after verbs, it's more accurate to say that they combine with verbs to create phrases with specific meanings.