Phrasal verbs: the problem of misunderstanding or knowledge systematization

Introduction. The author highlights analyticism in Modern English verb building system which is of no less typological relevance than in word changing verb paradigms. Since verbal lexemes such as ‘ get down’, ‘take off’ are taught in terms of phrasal verbs, they remain a cornerstone for Russian learners of English. Typological peculiarities of such linguistic units allow the researcher to interpret them in the terms of analytical verb-adverb lexemes featuring their functional load in the sphere of naming actions together with their spacial characteristics. Material and Methods. The methods employed in the current research are based on functional-systemic and cognitive analysis. That makes it possible for the author to introduce verb-adverb lexemes as a system with a cognitive code. Results. Based on the results achieved the author argues in favour of a limited number of models of verb-adverb lexemes, productivity of which depends on the adverb - an obligatory constituent of the lexeme: V+Up, V+Down, V+In, V+Out etc. Each model possesses its own basic abstract meaning, conditioned by the direct spacial meaning of an adverb. The author also points out semantic shifts each model undergoes that generate the model’s polysemy. Conclusion. The author emphasizes the importance of such systematization of the knowledge each model is coined to express, which is helpful in both teaching English and studying it.