The main difference is that phrasal verbs can be separable whereas prepositional verbs never can. Example: I look up words in the dictionary. I look words up in the dictionary. But: I am listening to music. NOT I am listening music to. Also, prepositional verbs are much closer in meaning the the verb than phrasal verbs tend to be. For example: She was brought up by her aunt. - bring up = to be raise or taken care of as a child He gave up smoking - give up= to quit In contrast: I laughed at the joke. I looked at the photos. And finally, prepositional verbs require an object. Someone is knocking on the door. (You can not leave out ''the door') The dog is barking at the postman ( You can not leave out 'the post man') But: She passed away (no object needed) The dog ran away. When did you get up? (Keep in mind though, while not all phrasal verbs take an object, some do. Example: They cut down trees or She turned down the job offer). I hope this helps. :)