You've probably heard that using a wide range of vocabulary is crucial for a high IELTS band score. While this is absolutely true, simply knowing many words isn't enough. The way you use them – their naturalness, precision, and context – makes all the difference. One area where many IELTS test-takers struggle to strike the right balance is with phrasal verbs.
Often, candidates either avoid phrasal verbs entirely, fearing misuse, or they try to force them into every sentence, making their English sound unnatural and even awkward. This can negatively impact your Lexical Resource score in both Speaking and Writing, and even affect your Fluency and Coherence.
But what if you could confidently incorporate phrasal verbs, sounding more natural and sophisticated, without overdoing it? This guide from IELTSplus Editorial will show you exactly how to master phrasal verbs for IELTS, helping you to impress examiners and elevate your band score.
What Are Phrasal Verbs and Why Do They Matter?
A phrasal verb is a combination of a verb and a preposition, an adverb, or both, which creates a new meaning distinct from the original verb. For example, "look" means to see, but "look up" can mean to search for information or to admire someone. These seemingly simple combinations often have idiomatic meanings that can be tricky to pick up.
Why are they so important for IELTS?
- Naturalness: Native English speakers use phrasal verbs constantly in everyday conversation. Incorporating them naturally makes your English sound more authentic and less academic or 'textbook'.
- Lexical Variety: They offer an excellent way to diversify your vocabulary and express ideas in different ways, which is a key criterion for higher band scores.
- Idiomatic Language: For a Band 7 or higher in Speaking, examiners look for evidence of idiomatic language. Well-used phrasal verbs are a powerful way to demonstrate this.
However, a word of caution: not all phrasal verbs are appropriate for every context, especially in formal academic writing. The key is knowing when and how to use them effectively.
Using Phrasal Verbs Naturally in IELTS
Avoid Overuse and Inappropriate Contexts
Many candidates make the mistake of trying to cram as many phrasal verbs as possible into their responses, thinking it will automatically boost their score. This can often backfire.
- Tip: Focus on clarity and natural flow. If a simpler, more direct verb works better and sounds more natural in a given context, use it. Don't force a phrasal verb where it doesn't fit.
- Example: In an academic essay, replacing "consider" with "think about" might make your writing less formal and precise.
Differentiate Formal vs. Informal
This is perhaps the most crucial distinction to bear in mind. Many phrasal verbs are considered informal and are best suited for spoken English or informal writing (like a General Training letter to a friend).
- Rule of thumb:
- Speaking & General Training Writing Task 1 (Informal): Feel free to use a wider range of phrasal verbs to sound natural and conversational.
- Academic Writing Task 2 & Academic Writing Task 1: Use phrasal verbs very sparingly and only when they are widely accepted in academic discourse (e.g., "carry out," "point out," "bring about"). When in doubt, opt for a single, formal verb.
Learn in Context, Not Isolation
Memorizing long lists of phrasal verbs with their definitions is often inefficient. To use them naturally, you need to understand their context.
- Tip: Always learn phrasal verbs as part of a sentence or thematic group. Pay close attention to the collocations they appear with and the situations in which they are used.
- Example: Instead of just learning "look up," learn phrases like "look up a word in the dictionary," "look up information online," or "look up to someone" (meaning to admire them). Notice how the meaning changes with the context and object.
Common IELTS Phrasal Verbs to Learn
Here's a selection of useful phrasal verbs that you can integrate into your IELTS Speaking and, carefully, into your Writing. Remember to practice them in full sentences.
| Phrasal Verb | Meaning (Simplified) | IELTS Context / Example Sentence (Speaking/Writing) |
|---|---|---|
| bring about | Cause, lead to | "Technological advancements often bring about significant societal changes." (Writing – formal) |
| carry out | Perform, conduct | "It's essential for governments to carry out thorough research before implementing new policies." (Writing – formal) |
| come up with | Invent, suggest | "Many students struggle to come up with original ideas for their essays." (Speaking/Writing – moderately formal) |
| find out | Discover, learn | "I usually find out about current events by reading online news articles." (Speaking – informal) |
| give up | Stop trying, quit | "Despite challenges, it's important not to give up on your goals." (Speaking – informal) |
| look into | Investigate | "The local council promised to look into the complaints about public transport." (Writing/Speaking – moderately formal) |
| point out | Indicate, highlight | "The speaker pointed out the main reasons for climate change." (Speaking/Writing – formal) |
| put off | Postpone | "Many people tend to put off difficult tasks until the last minute." (Speaking – informal) |
| take up | Start a hobby/activity | "I've recently taken up photography as a way to relax and unwind." (Speaking – informal) |
| turn down | Refuse (an offer/request) | "Unfortunately, my application for the scholarship was turned down due to fierce competition." (Speaking – informal) |
Integrating Phrasal Verbs into Your Study Routine
Active Learning Strategies
- Read Widely: Pay close attention to how native speakers use phrasal verbs in authentic materials like news articles, blogs, and even fiction. Keep a dedicated notebook to jot down new ones with their contexts.
- Listen Actively: While listening to podcasts, documentaries, or English-language interviews, make a conscious effort to identify phrasal verbs and understand their meaning based on the surrounding conversation.
- Practice Speaking: Deliberately challenge yourself to incorporate 1-2 new, appropriate phrasal verbs into your daily English conversations or IELTS practice sessions. Record yourself to review your usage.
- Write and Review: After completing practice essays or letters, go back and critically assess if you could have naturally used any phrasal verbs to improve your expression without compromising formality or clarity.
- Flashcards/Spaced Repetition: When using flashcards or apps like Anki, always include a full example sentence for each phrasal verb, not just the definition.
Self-Correction and Feedback
- Seek expert advice: Ask an experienced IELTS tutor or native English speaker to review your spoken and written work specifically for phrasal verb usage. They can help you identify unnatural or incorrect applications.
- Record and listen: Often, you can hear when something sounds off. Record your speaking practice and play it back, paying attention to the flow and naturalness of your phrasal verb use.
- Compare with authentic examples: Use online corpora (databases of real-world language) or reliable dictionaries with example sentences to check if your usage aligns with how native speakers use the phrasal verb.
Practical Examples: IELTS Speaking & Writing
Let's look at how strategic use of phrasal verbs can make a difference.
Speaking Part 2 Example
Prompt: Describe a time you learned something new.
Less Effective: "Last year, I decided to begin learning to cook. It was difficult at first, but I didn't stop trying." More Effective: "Last year, I decided to take up cooking as a hobby. It was quite challenging to pick up at first, but I was determined not to give up."
- Why it's better: "Take up," "pick up," and "give up" sound much more natural and demonstrate a broader lexical range, suitable for the conversational tone of the Speaking test.
Writing Task 2 Example (Academic)
Prompt: Some people believe that governments should invest more in public transport, while others argue that private car ownership offers greater flexibility. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Less Effective: "Governments should think about improving public transport because it causes less pollution." More Effective (Carefully chosen): "Governments should look into ways of improving public transport, as this could bring about a significant reduction in urban pollution."
- Why it's better: "Look into" and "bring about" are examples of phrasal verbs that are generally accepted in formal academic writing. They add a touch of sophistication without being overly informal, enhancing the lexical resource score.
Conclusion
Mastering phrasal verbs doesn't mean memorizing hundreds and forcing them into every sentence. It means understanding their nuances, knowing when and how to use them appropriately, and integrating them naturally into your English. By following these strategies, you'll not only enhance your lexical resource but also sound more fluent, confident, and articulate – paving your way to a higher IELTS band score. Start practicing today, and watch your English truly take off!