turn it on (phrasal verb + object)
turn it on (phrasal verb + object) means “Where the object goes with phrasal verbs: turn on the light / turn the light on / turn it on”. With many phrasal verbs, a noun object can go after the pair or split it: turn on the light = turn the light on. Formation: V + noun + particle / V + particle + noun · pronoun goes in the middle
Where the object goes with phrasal verbs: turn on the light / turn the light on / turn it on
A2Formation
V + noun + particle / V + particle + noun · pronoun goes in the middle
Explanation
With many phrasal verbs, a noun object can go after the pair or split it: turn on the light = turn the light on. But a pronoun MUST go in the middle: turn it on — turn on it ✗. Same with put on, take off, pick up, put away: pick it up, take them off.
Examples
Note
Not every phrasal verb splits — listen for common patterns and learn each verb with its objects: turn it on, put it away, take them off.
FAQ
turn it on (phrasal verb + object) — what does it mean and how is it used?
Where the object goes with phrasal verbs: turn on the light / turn the light on / turn it on. With many phrasal verbs, a noun object can go after the pair or split it: turn on the light = turn the light on. But a pronoun MUST go in the middle: turn it on — turn on it ✗. Same with put on, take off, pick up, put away: pick it up, take them off.
turn it on (phrasal verb + object) — how do you form it?
V + noun + particle / V + particle + noun · pronoun goes in the middle
turn it on (phrasal verb + object) — any usage notes?
Not every phrasal verb splits — listen for common patterns and learn each verb with its objects: turn it on, put it away, take them off.