Phrasal verbs are an integral part of the English language, and mastering them is crucial for achieving a high score on the IELTS exam. These versatile expressions, combining a verb with a preposition or adverb, add nuance and depth to your communication.
This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding and using phrasal verbs effectively, focusing on their structure, types, and application in the IELTS context. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced learner, this resource will equip you with the knowledge and practice needed to confidently incorporate phrasal verbs into your speaking and writing.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- What are Phrasal Verbs?
- Structural Breakdown
- Types of Phrasal Verbs
- Examples of Phrasal Verbs
- Usage Rules
- Common Mistakes
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
What are Phrasal Verbs?
A phrasal verb is a combination of a verb and one or two particles (prepositions or adverbs) that together function as a single verb. The meaning of a phrasal verb is often different from the individual meanings of the verb and the particle. They are commonly used in spoken and informal English, making them essential for understanding native speakers and expressing yourself naturally.
For instance, consider the phrasal verb “look up.” The verb “look” means to direct your eyes in a certain direction. However, “look up” means to search for information in a reference book or online. This illustrates how the particle significantly alters the verb’s meaning.
Phrasal verbs can be classified based on their transitivity (whether they take an object) and separability (whether the verb and particle can be separated by the object). Understanding these classifications is important for using phrasal verbs correctly in sentences.
Structural Breakdown
The structure of a phrasal verb consists of a verb and one or two particles. The verb is always the first element, while the particle(s) follow the verb. The particle can be either a preposition (e.g., on, in, at, to, with) or an adverb (e.g., up, down, away, out). Some phrasal verbs even have two particles (e.g., look forward to).
Here’s a breakdown of the possible structures:
- Verb + Adverb: turn around
- Verb + Preposition: look after
- Verb + Adverb + Preposition: look forward to
The position of the object in a sentence with a phrasal verb depends on whether the verb is separable or inseparable. Separable phrasal verbs allow the object to be placed between the verb and the particle, while inseparable phrasal verbs require the object to follow the particle.
Understanding the separability of a phrasal verb is crucial for correct sentence construction. For example:
- Separable: turn the light on OR turn on the light
- Inseparable: look after the children (NOT look the children after)
Types of Phrasal Verbs
Phrasal verbs can be categorized based on their transitivity and separability. Transitivity refers to whether the phrasal verb takes an object, while separability refers to whether the object can be placed between the verb and the particle.
Transitive vs. Intransitive Phrasal Verbs
Transitive phrasal verbs require a direct object to complete their meaning. Intransitive phrasal verbs do not take an object.
Examples:
- Transitive: take off (something) – He took off his coat.
- Intransitive: take off (to depart) – The plane took off on time.
Separable vs. Inseparable Phrasal Verbs
Separable phrasal verbs allow the object to be placed between the verb and the particle, especially when the object is a pronoun. Inseparable phrasal verbs require the object to follow the particle.
Examples:
- Separable: pick up (someone/something) – Pick the book up. OR Pick it up.
- Inseparable: look after (someone/something) – Look after the children. (NOT Look the children after.)
Phrasal Verbs with Two Particles
Some phrasal verbs consist of a verb and two particles, typically an adverb and a preposition. These phrasal verbs are always inseparable.
Examples:
- look forward to (something) – I look forward to the meeting.
- put up with (someone/something) – I can’t put up with his behavior.
Examples of Phrasal Verbs
Understanding phrasal verbs requires seeing them in context. The following tables provide examples of common phrasal verbs, categorized by their meaning and usage.
Each table includes a definition and example sentences to illustrate how the phrasal verb is used.
Phrasal Verbs Related to Starting and Stopping
This table shows phrasal verbs that are related to beginning or ceasing an action or state.
| Phrasal Verb | Definition | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Start off | To begin something. | The meeting will start off with a presentation. |
| Set out | To begin a journey or task. | They set out on their adventure early in the morning. |
| Kick off | To start something, often informally. | Let’s kick off the project with a brainstorming session. |
| Call off | To cancel something. | They had to call off the game due to the rain. |
| Break off | To end a relationship or discussion. | She decided to break off the engagement. |
| Give up | To stop trying to do something. | Don’t give up on your dreams. |
| Cut off | To stop providing something. | The electricity was cut off because they didn’t pay the bill. |
| Close down | To stop operating (a business). | The factory had to close down due to financial problems. |
| Wind down | To relax after a period of excitement or anxiety. | After a long day at work, I like to wind down with a good book. |
| Shut down | To cease operations. | The computer will shut down automatically. |
| Finish up | To complete something. | Let’s finish up this report before we leave. |
| End up | To eventually reach a state or place. | They ended up staying at the hotel for an extra night. |
| Cease fire | To stop shooting. | The two countries agreed to cease fire after the last battle. |
| Lay off | To end employment. | The company had to lay off some workers due to the recession. |
| Phase out | To gradually stop using something. | The government plans to phase out fossil fuels over the next decade. |
| Drop off | To decline or decrease. | The demand for the product began to drop off in winter. |
| Taper off | To gradually decrease or reduce. | The medication’s dosage will taper off over the next two weeks. |
| Trail off | To gradually fade away or become weaker. | His voice began to trail off as he got tired. |
| Die out | To become extinct or disappear completely. | Some species of animals are in danger of dying out. |
| Run out | To have none left. | We ran out of milk this morning. |
| Break down | To stop working. | The car broke down on the highway. |
| Cut out | To stop working suddenly. | The engine suddenly cut out in the middle of the road. |
Phrasal Verbs Related to Relationships
This table showcases phrasal verbs that describe the formation, maintenance, or termination of relationships.
| Phrasal Verb | Definition | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Get along (with) | To have a good relationship with someone. | I get along well with my neighbors. |
| Fall out (with) | To have an argument and stop being friends. | They fell out over a misunderstanding. |
| Make up (with) | To become friends again after an argument. | They made up after a few days of not speaking. |
| Look up to | To admire and respect someone. | I’ve always looked up to my older brother. |
| Look down on | To think that you are better than someone. | It’s not right to look down on people who are less fortunate. |
| Go out (with) | To have a romantic relationship with someone. | They’ve been going out for several months. |
| Break up (with) | To end a romantic relationship. | They decided to break up because they wanted different things. |
| Get over | To recover from a relationship or a difficult experience. | It took her a long time to get over the breakup. |
| Take to | To start liking someone or something. | I took to my new teacher immediately. |
| Warm up (to) | To start to like someone or something more. | She slowly warmed up to the idea of moving to a new city. |
| Hit it off | To quickly become good friends with someone. | We hit it off as soon as we met. |
| Stick up for | To defend or support someone. | He always sticks up for his friends. |
| Stand by | To support someone, especially during a difficult time. | Her friends stood by her when she lost her job. |
| Fall for | To fall in love with someone. | He fell for her the moment he saw her. |
| Lead on | To deceive someone into believing something, especially regarding love. | She accused him of leading her on. |
| String along | To deceive someone by pretending to have feelings for them. | He’s just stringing her along; he doesn’t really love her. |
| Mess around (with) | To have a casual or non-serious relationship with someone. | She’s been messing around with him, but it’s not serious. |
| Settle down | To start living a stable and quiet life, usually with a partner. | They decided to settle down and start a family. |
| Grow apart | To gradually become less close or intimate. | Over the years, they grew apart and eventually divorced. |
| Patch things up | To resolve a disagreement or reconcile after a conflict. | They managed to patch things up after their argument. |
| Turn against | To become hostile or opposed to someone. | His own supporters turned against him after the scandal. |
| Keep in touch | To maintain contact with someone. | We keep in touch through social media. |
Phrasal Verbs Related to Work and Study
This table lists phrasal verbs commonly used in professional and academic contexts.
| Phrasal Verb | Definition | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Work out | To find a solution or calculate something. | We need to work out a better strategy. |
| Carry out | To perform a task or experiment. | The scientists carried out a series of experiments. |
| Hand in | To submit work. | Remember to hand in your assignments by Friday. |
| Look into | To investigate something. | The company will look into the complaint. |
| Take on | To accept a responsibility or task. | I can’t take on any more projects right now. |
| Turn down | To reject an offer or application. | He decided to turn down the job offer. |
| Put off | To postpone something. | Don’t put off your studies until the last minute. |
| Catch up (with) | To reach the same level as others. | I need to catch up with the latest research. |
| Get through | To complete something successfully. | She managed to get through the exam with flying colors. |
| Brush up (on) | To improve your knowledge of something. | I need to brush up on my Spanish before traveling to Spain. |
| Figure out | To understand or solve something. | I couldn’t figure out how to assemble the furniture. |
| Go over | To review or examine something. | Let’s go over the report one more time. |
| Fill out | To complete a form. | Please fill out this application form. |
| Look over | To examine something quickly. | Can you look over my essay before I submit it? |
| Take up | To start a new hobby or activity. | I decided to take up painting in my free time. |
| Turn in | To submit something. | She turned in her resignation letter yesterday. |
| Stand out | To be noticeable or different. | His qualifications made him stand out from the other candidates. |
| Get ahead | To make progress or be successful. | He’s determined to get ahead in his career. |
| Fall behind | To fail to keep up with others. | I fell behind in my studies when I was sick. |
| Drop out | To quit a course or program. | He decided to drop out of college. |
| Bring up | To introduce a topic or raise a question. | She brought up the issue of salary during the meeting. |
| Call for | To require or demand something. | The situation called for immediate action. |
Phrasal Verbs Related to Daily Life
This table covers phrasal verbs commonly used to describe everyday activities and situations.
| Phrasal Verb | Definition | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Wake up | To stop sleeping. | I usually wake up at 7 a.m. |
| Get up | To get out of bed. | I get up as soon as I wake up. |
| Eat out | To eat at a restaurant. | We often eat out on weekends. |
| Clean up | To tidy a place. | I need to clean up my room. |
| Get dressed | To put on clothes. | I get dressed after taking a shower. |
| Turn on | To start a machine or device. | Please turn on the lights. |
| Turn off | To stop a machine or device. | Don’t forget to turn off the stove. |
| Look for | To try to find something. | I’m looking for my keys. |
| Take off | To remove clothing. | I take off my shoes when I get home. |
| Put on | To wear clothing. | I put on my coat before going outside. |
| Drop by | To visit someone informally. | Feel free to drop by anytime. |
| Hang out | To spend time relaxing. | We often hang out at the park. |
| Show up | To arrive or appear. | He didn’t show up for the meeting. |
| Get in | To enter a car or building. | I got in the car and drove home. |
| Get out | To exit a car or building. | I got out of the car at the station. |
| Run into | To meet someone unexpectedly. | I ran into an old friend at the store. |
| Take out | To remove something. | I need to take out the trash. |
| Put away | To return something to its proper place. | Please put away your toys. |
| Try on | To put on clothing to see if it fits. | I want to try on this dress. |
| Pass away | To die (euphemism). | Her grandfather passed away peacefully in his sleep. |
| Come across | To find something unexpectedly. | I came across some old photos while cleaning. |
| Look after | To take care of someone or something. | Can you look after my plants while I’m away? |
Usage Rules
Using phrasal verbs correctly involves understanding their transitivity, separability, and appropriate context. Here are some key rules to follow:
- Transitivity: Use transitive phrasal verbs with an object and intransitive phrasal verbs without an object.
- Separability: If a phrasal verb is separable, the object can be placed between the verb and the particle, especially when the object is a pronoun. If it is inseparable, the object must follow the particle.
- Context: Choose phrasal verbs that are appropriate for the situation. Phrasal verbs are generally more common in informal contexts.
- Word Order: With separable phrasal verbs and pronoun objects, the pronoun MUST go between the verb and the particle (e.g., Pick it up, NOT Pick up it).
- Two-Particle Phrasal Verbs: Phrasal verbs with two particles are always inseparable.
It’s also important to be aware of the formal and informal alternatives to phrasal verbs. In formal writing, it may be more appropriate to use a single-word verb instead of a phrasal verb.
For example:
- Informal: find out
- Formal: discover
Common Mistakes
Learners often make mistakes with phrasal verbs due to their idiomatic nature and the complexities of transitivity and separability. Here are some common errors and how to avoid them:
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| I look after it my sister. | I look after my sister. | “Look after” is inseparable, so the object must follow the particle. |
| Turn on it. | Turn it on. | With separable phrasal verbs and pronoun objects, the pronoun must go between the verb and the particle. |
| I put off to do my homework. | I put off doing my homework. | After “put off,” use the gerund form of the verb (doing). |
| He get up early every day. | He gets up early every day. | Remember to conjugate the verb correctly (third-person singular: gets). |
| She look forwards to the party. | She looks forward to the party. | Remember to conjugate the verb correctly (third-person singular: looks). Also, “look forward to” is the correct form. |
| They called the meeting off because rain. | They called the meeting off because of the rain. | Use “because of” when followed by a noun phrase. |
| I am agree with you. | I agree with you. | “Agree” is a verb itself and does not need an auxiliary verb like “am” in this context. |
| We must deal the problem. | We must deal with the problem. | The phrasal verb is “deal with,” not just “deal.” |
| She takes care of it him. | She takes care of him. | “Take care of” is inseparable, so the object must follow the particle. |
| I am looking forward to see you. | I am looking forward to seeing you. | After “look forward to,” use the gerund form of the verb (seeing). |
Practice Exercises
Test your understanding of phrasal verbs with these exercises. Fill in the blanks with the correct phrasal verb from the options provided.
Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks
Choose the correct phrasal verb from the list below to complete each sentence.
Phrasal Verb Options: look after, get over, turn down, give up, carry out, look up to, put off, break up, get along, take after
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. I ________ my father; we have the same eyes. | take after |
| 2. She had to ________ the job offer because it didn’t pay enough. | turn down |
| 3. It took him a long time to ________ the flu. | get over |
| 4. I ________ my grandparents when they are sick. | look after |
| 5. They decided to ________ because they wanted different things. | break up |
| 6. Don’t ________; you’re almost there! | give up |
| 7. The scientists will ________ a series of experiments. | carry out |
| 8. I ________ my brother very well; we never argue. | get along |
| 9. I ________ my older sister; she’s a great role model. | look up to |
| 10. Don’t ________ until the last minute; start studying now. | put off |
Exercise 2: Separable vs. Inseparable
Rewrite the following sentences, placing the object in the correct position. If the sentence is already correct, write “Correct.”
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. Please turn off the light. | Correct |
| 2. Please turn it off. | Correct |
| 3. I look after her my sister. | I look after my sister. |
| 4. Pick up it. | Pick it up. |
| 5. She takes after him her father. | She takes after her father. |
| 6. He put away quickly the books. | He put the books away quickly. |
| 7. Turn the music down. | Correct |
| 8. Look up the word. | Correct |
| 9. I am looking forward to it the event. | I am looking forward to the event. |
| 10. Throw away it. | Throw it away. |
Exercise 3: Choose the Correct Meaning
Choose the correct meaning of the phrasal verb in each sentence.
| Question | Options | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| 1. The plane took off on time. | (a) removed clothing (b) departed (c) started a hobby | (b) departed |
| 2. I ran into an old friend at the store. | (a) avoided (b) planned to meet (c) met unexpectedly | (c) met unexpectedly |
| 3. She turned down the job offer. | (a) accepted (b) rejected (c) postponed | (b) rejected |
| 4. They made up after the argument. | (a) ended the relationship (b) became friends again (c) continued arguing | (b) became friends again |
| 5. We need to work out a better solution. | (a) exercise (b) calculate (c) give up | (b) calculate |
| 6. He’s going through a difficult time. | (a) avoiding (b) experiencing (c) ignoring | (b) experiencing |
| 7. The company is laying off workers. | (a) hiring (b) firing (c) training | (b) firing |
| 8. I’m looking forward to the vacation. | (a) dreading (b) anticipating with pleasure (c) ignoring | (b) anticipating with pleasure |
| 9. The fire broke out in the kitchen. | (a) was extinguished (b) started suddenly (c) was prevented | (b) started suddenly |
| 10. She’s trying to cut down on sugar. | (a) increase (b) eliminate (c) reduce | (c) reduce |
Advanced Topics
For advanced learners, understanding the nuances of phrasal verb usage can further enhance their fluency. This includes recognizing the subtle differences in meaning between similar phrasal verbs and using them creatively in different contexts.
One advanced topic is understanding the figurative use of phrasal verbs. Many phrasal verbs have both literal and figurative meanings. For example:
- Literal: The plane took off. (departed)
- Figurative: Her career took off. (became successful)
Another advanced topic is using phrasal verbs in idiomatic expressions. Some phrasal verbs are part of common idioms that add color and expressiveness to your language.
For example:
- to be snowed under (to be overwhelmed with work)
- to be on the same wavelength (to understand each other)
Finally, pay attention to the register of phrasal verbs. While they are common in spoken English, they may not always be appropriate for formal writing. In such cases, consider using a more formal synonym.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the difference between a phrasal verb and a prepositional verb?
A phrasal verb consists of a verb and a particle (adverb or preposition) that together have a meaning different from the original verb. A prepositional verb consists of a verb and a preposition where the preposition retains its original meaning and links the verb to its object. For example, “look at” is a prepositional verb because “at” indicates direction, while “look up” (meaning to search) is a phrasal verb because “up” doesn’t retain its usual meaning.
- How can I best learn phrasal verbs?
The best way to learn phrasal verbs is through context and repetition. Read widely, listen to native speakers, and pay attention to how phrasal verbs are used. Create flashcards, use online resources, and practice using phrasal verbs in your own speaking and writing. Don’t try to memorize them all at once; focus on learning a few
few at a time and gradually expanding your knowledge. - Are phrasal verbs important for the IELTS exam?
Yes, phrasal verbs are crucial for the IELTS exam. They appear in listening and reading materials, and using them correctly in your speaking and writing can significantly improve your score. Demonstrating a good understanding of phrasal verbs shows a strong command of the English language.
- How do I know if a phrasal verb is separable or inseparable?
Unfortunately, there is no easy rule to determine whether a phrasal verb is separable or inseparable. The best approach is to learn each phrasal verb individually and note whether it is separable or inseparable. Use online resources and practice exercises to reinforce your understanding.
- Can I use phrasal verbs in formal writing?
While phrasal verbs are more common in informal contexts, they can be used in formal writing if they are appropriate for the tone and audience. However, in very formal situations, it may be better to use a single-word verb instead. Consider the context and choose the most appropriate language.
Conclusion
Mastering phrasal verbs is essential for achieving a high score on the IELTS exam and for communicating effectively in English. By understanding their structure, types, and usage rules, you can confidently incorporate phrasal verbs into your speaking and writing.
Practice regularly, pay attention to context, and be aware of common mistakes to improve your fluency and accuracy. With dedication and effort, you can unlock the power of phrasal verbs and enhance your overall English language skills.