Phrasal verbs are an essential part of English, bringing a conversational tone and often adding nuance to written language. For exam takers preparing for IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE, these phrases can be incredibly useful for enhancing their vocabulary. However, it’s important to know when and how to use them in academic settings, where a more formal tone is often required.
This article will cover 10 powerful phrasal verbs that can enhance your writing, while also explaining the contexts in which they are best used—or avoided.
1. Bring About
Meaning: To cause something to happen.
Use in IELTS Writing: “Bring about” is useful in essays, especially when discussing change or effects. For instance, “Technological advancements have brought about significant changes in communication.”
When to Avoid: In very formal essays, use “cause” or “result in” instead. For example, “Technological advancements have resulted in significant changes in communication.”
2. Carry Out
Meaning: To execute or perform.
Use in IELTS Writing: This is great for discussing research or tasks in both Task 1 and Task 2. For example, “Researchers carried out extensive studies on the effects of air pollution.”
When to Avoid: If writing a formal, scientific analysis, consider “conducted” instead: “Researchers conducted extensive studies…”
3. Look Into
Meaning: To investigate or examine.
Use in IELTS Writing: In essays, “look into” works well for suggesting areas for further research. For example, “Governments should look into alternative energy sources to combat climate change.”
When to Avoid: For academic reports, consider using “investigate” or “examine.” For instance, “Governments should investigate alternative energy sources…”
4. Set Up
Meaning: To establish or start something.
Use in IELTS Writing: This is effective in Task 2 essays, especially when discussing the establishment of policies or systems. For example, “Governments have set up programs to support small businesses.”
When to Avoid: In very formal settings, use “establish” instead: “Governments have established programs to support small businesses.”
5. Bring Up
Meaning: To mention or introduce a topic.
Use in IELTS Writing: “Bring up” can be helpful in less formal sections, especially in writing about discussions or debates. For example, “The topic of climate change was brought up during the summit.”
When to Avoid: In formal essays, “mention” or “raise” is more appropriate. For example, “The topic of climate change was raised during the summit.”
6. Carry On
Meaning: To continue with something.
Use in IELTS Writing: Useful for discussing ongoing trends or actions. For example, “Countries should carry on with environmental conservation efforts.”
When to Avoid: In formal writing, “continue” is preferred. For example, “Countries should continue with environmental conservation efforts.”
7. Point Out
Meaning: To indicate or highlight something.
Use in IELTS Writing: Ideal for discussing facts or observations. For example, “Experts point out that urbanization contributes to pollution.”
When to Avoid: In formal contexts, “indicate” or “highlight” is often better. For instance, “Experts indicate that urbanization contributes to pollution.”
8. Give Up
Meaning: To quit or stop doing something.
Use in IELTS Writing: “Give up” can be useful when discussing habits or social issues. For example, “Many people have given up smoking due to health concerns.”
When to Avoid: For formal essays, “abandon” or “cease” can be used instead. For instance, “Many people have ceased smoking due to health concerns.”
9. Break Down
Meaning: To divide or analyze something in detail.
Use in IELTS Writing: This can be useful in Task 1 reports. For example, “The data can be broken down into three main categories.”
When to Avoid: In formal analysis, use “divide” or “analyze.” For example, “The data can be divided into three main categories.”
10. Take On
Meaning: To accept a responsibility or challenge.
Use in IELTS Writing: This is helpful for discussing responsibilities in social or business contexts. For example, “Many companies have taken on the responsibility of reducing their carbon footprint.”
When to Avoid: In formal writing, “accept” or “assume” is preferable. For example, “Many companies have assumed the responsibility…”
Tips for Using Phrasal Verbs in IELTS Writing
Phrasal verbs are best used sparingly in formal essays, where precision and formality are valued. In IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE, examiners look for a balance: they want to see varied vocabulary but in the correct context. Reserve phrasal verbs for instances where they genuinely add to the clarity or impact of your point. Otherwise, replace them with single-word verbs to maintain a formal tone.
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