phrasal verbs: word order

Question

From a grammar book I've learned that with phrasal verbs there are two possible word orders (except using a pronoun for the object):

1. I need to fill out this form. / Turn off the TV!
2. I need to fill this form out. / Turn the TV off!

But I am wondering if these two possibilites are really completely equal in meaning and feeling. Are they?

Furthermore, there are phrasal verbs with objects introduced by prepositions like "to come up with sth". Are the two possibilities still valid for them?

1. She came up with a good idea.
2. She came with a good idea up.

The last one doesn't sound right to me. Am I wrong?

Answer 1

In regards to why the last sentence is wrong:

Let's compare two examples that use the word "up":

• He picked the pencil up (OK)
• He picked up the pencil (OK)
• He came up with an idea (OK)
• He came with an idea up (INCORRECT)

The verb "to come up" seems similar to the verb "to pick up". However, "to come up" does not take a direct object--that's why you must say "to come up with". You cannot say "he came up an idea". "come up" is always followed with a prepositional phrase starting with "with".

It is true that phrasal verbs can have their preposition separated out, but this is only true when the verb is taking a direct object. It does not apply to verbs which introduce prepositional phrases. As another example, you can say "I will come over to your house" but not "I will come to your house over".

Answer 2

Turn off the TV and turn the TV off both are acceptable. Same case with 'take off your shoes' and take your shoes off'.

She came up with good idea is OK, but the second sentence 'she came with good idea up' sounds weird. How to judge is difficult to say but it is a kind sense we develop with reading and listening.