Phrasal Verbs: A Problem of Understanding for ESL/EFL Learners

Abstract

This research is concerned with the issue of understanding English phrasal verbs. The principal aim here to determine how phrasal verbs can pose some problems for students in understanding and using them properly. It also discusses the meaning of phrasal verbs in general and how we use them in sentences. Furthermore, the study attempts to shed light on types of phrasal verbs providing an explanation of functional-pragmatic equivalents to such challenging items of the English language. Moreover, this research consists of four distinct parts; the first part looks at English phrasal verbs in general, and the second literature review of English phrasal verbs and third part uses and types of phrasal verbs finally fourth part questionnaire and solution of problem that faced students in fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth semesters. Understanding English phrasal verb represents a real problem to English foreign learners. This study aims to investigate difficulties that confronting English foreign learners' in understanding English phrasal verbs and find effective methods which can help to overcome these difficulties. To achieve these objectives, the study used the descriptive analytical method. A diagnostic test and a questionnaire were used as tools for data collection.