What does the phrasal verb “operate on” mean?

What are the definitions of “operate on”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. Perform surgery.

  She was OPERATED ON for eight hours.

What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “operate on”?

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb operate on is to perform surgery on someone or something. It is used when a doctor or surgeon conducts a medical procedure to treat a patient.

What are the different verb forms of “operate on”?

Root Verb	operate on
Third Person Singular Present	operates on
Present Participle	operating on
Simple Past	operated on
Past Participle	operated on

Example

The surgeon will operate on the patient tomorrow.

Example

Dr. Smith operates on patients with heart problems.

Example

The medical team is operating on the injured man.

Example

The doctor operated on her broken arm last week.

Example

He has been operated on for his knee injury.

What kind of phrasal verb is “operate on”?

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a transitive and intransitive verb?
- A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.)
- An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)

Transitive verb

“operate on” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.

Example

The surgeon operated on the patient.

Example

She was operated on for eight hours.

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb?
- A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle.
- An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.

Inseparable

“operate on” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.

Example

The surgeon operated on the patient.

Example

She was operated on for eight hours.

What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “operate on”?

Operate on someone/something

To perform surgery on a person or an animal.

Example

The veterinarian operated on the injured dog to remove the foreign object.

Operate on a principle

To function or work based on a specific principle or rule.

Example

The machine operates on the principle of hydraulic pressure.

Operate on a system

To work within or manage a specific system.

Example

The company operates on a complex supply chain system.

Good things to know

Does “operate on” have an informal or formal tone?

Operate on is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It is commonly used in medical settings and can be found in professional documents, medical reports, and everyday conversations.

What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “operate on”?

Synonyms

• perform surgery
• conduct a procedure
• carry out an operation

Antonyms

• heal naturally
• avoid surgery
• treat conservatively