Phrasal Verbs for IELTS

Phrasal Verbs for IELTS: A Comprehensive Guide

Phrasal verbs are an essential part of English vocabulary, especially for IELTS test-takers. They consist of a verb combined with a preposition or adverb, creating a meaning different from the original verb. Mastering phrasal verbs can significantly improve your speaking, writing, and comprehension skills in the IELTS exam.

Why Are Phrasal Verbs Important for IELTS?

Phrasal verbs are frequently used in both spoken and written English. In the IELTS exam, using them correctly can help you:

Enhance your lexical resource score by demonstrating a wide range of vocabulary.
Sound more natural in speaking as native speakers commonly use phrasal verbs.
Improve reading and listening comprehension as they often appear in passages and conversations.

Common Phrasal Verbs for IELTS

1. Bring Up

Meaning: To mention a topic or raise a child.

She brought up an interesting point during the meeting.
He was brought up by his grandparents.
Don’t bring up that issue again; it’s too sensitive.

2. Call Off

Meaning: To cancel something.

The concert was called off due to bad weather.
They had to call off the meeting because the manager was sick.
We should call off the picnic if it rains tomorrow.

3. Carry Out

Meaning: To perform or complete a task.

The scientists carried out several experiments.
The police carried out a thorough investigation.
She carried out her duties efficiently.

4. Come Across

Meaning: To find or meet by chance.

I came across an old friend at the mall.
She came across some interesting facts while researching.
He comes across as very confident in interviews.

5. Cut Down

Meaning: To reduce the amount of something.

He’s trying to cut down on sugar.
The company had to cut down its expenses.
We need to cut down the number of plastic bags we use.

6. Figure Out

Meaning: To understand or solve something.

It took me hours to figure out the math problem.
Can you figure out how this machine works?
She finally figured out why he was upset.

7. Get Along

Meaning: To have a good relationship with someone.

My sister and I get along very well.
Do you get along with your coworkers?
They didn’t get along at first, but now they’re good friends.

8. Give Up

Meaning: To stop doing something or quit.

He gave up smoking last year.
Don’t give up on your dreams!
She gave up her seat to an elderly passenger.

9. Look Into

Meaning: To investigate or examine something.

The government will look into the matter.
Can you look into the issue with the printer?
They promised to look into my complaint.

10. Put Off

Meaning: To postpone or delay something.

We had to put off the trip because of the storm.
Don’t put off your homework until the last minute.
She keeps putting off going to the dentist.

Exercises to Practice Phrasal Verbs

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks

Choose the correct phrasal verb to complete the sentences.

She decided to _____ (give up / bring up) her job and travel the world.
Can you _____ (look into / call off) the problem with the internet connection?
They had to _____ (put off / carry out) the wedding because of the pandemic.
He _____ (came across / figured out) an old photo while cleaning his room.
We need to _____ (cut down / get along) on our electricity usage.

Exercise 2: Rewrite the Sentences

Replace the underlined words with a suitable phrasal verb.

She mentioned her concerns during the discussion. (bring up)
The team completed the project on time. (carry out)
He stopped playing football after his injury. (give up)
They postponed the meeting to next week. (put off)
I found this book at a second-hand store. (come across)

Exercise 3: Create Your Own Sentences

Write five sentences using any of the phrasal verbs listed above.

Phrasal Verb	Meaning
Bring up	To mention or raise a child
Call off	To cancel
Carry out	To perform a task
Come across	To find by chance
Cut down	To reduce

Practicing these phrasal verbs regularly will help you use them confidently in your IELTS exam. Good luck!