If you’re preparing to take the IELTS test soon, you might have come across Phrasal Verbs. Native speakers use phrasal verbs all the time in the conversation. Phrasal verbs open up a whole new world of possibilities for non-native speakers but they are tricky to use when speaking English. Phrasal words are inherently idiomatic and cannot be easily understood by the individual words that make up the phrase. Read this blog to learn everything about English phrasal verbs and get the IELTS score you need!
What are English Phrasal Words?
Phrasal words combine a verb with a preposition or adverb or both. The combined word functions as a verb whose meaning is different from the combined meanings of the individual words.
A verb is an action word. It describes something that is happening. A preposition is a word that describes the relationship between two words. An adverb is a word that describes a verb. Phrasal verbs change the verb’s meaning based on the preposition or adverb that follows them.
Example: Get over. It means to recover from, find a solution; or end something
Mike is taking counseling to get over his alcohol addiction.
Below we have listed some more examples:
Types of Phrasal Verbs
1. Separable Phrasal Verbs: You can insert other words in the middle of a separable phrasal verb. Consider the following example:
>Take back is a separable phrasal verb
>Where’s my book? I need to take it back.
2. Inseparable Phrasal Verbs: You can’t insert a direct object into the middle of the phrasal verb. Consider the following example:
>Look up to is an inseparable phrasal verb
>I’ve always looked up to my older brother
10 Common Phrasal Verbs and Their Meanings
If you want to learn how to fluently use “English Phrasal Words”, simply dive into and investigate some of the most common ones. Here we are sharing 10 common phrasal verbs, their meanings, and examples. You can write them down on a piece of paper and try to create your own sentences with each phrasal verb. Let’s dive in:
- To get along – to be friendly with one another.
Example: Michael gets along with Winston.
2. To give up – to accept defeat.
Example: I felt like giving up first but realized I should fight with it.
3. To let down – to disappoint somebody.
Example: Sally let down some of her fans and followers.
4. To look after – to take care of someone or something.
Example: Chloe looked after her best friend when she was sick.
5. To put on – to add something to your person or an object.
Example: Shawn put on his coat and went out.
6. To run out of – to drain the supply of something.
Example: I have run out of my traveling expenses.
7. To take out – to move something outside.
Example: Please take out the garbage before you leave.
8. To get away with – to escape punishment.
Example: You shouldn’t let her get away with cheating.
9. Come across – to meet or find by chance.
Example: I came across my high school uniform while cleaning my room.
10. Turn up – when something is found unexpectedly.
Example: Do you know how many people turned up at the music festival last night?
4 Tips to Quickly Learn How to Use Phrasal Verbs
- Never group the phrasal verbs by a particular verb. For instance, the verb “Get” can be used with prepositions like up, over, away with, and more. But when you try to create phrasal verbs using “Get” with the above prepositions, they will all look the same but have completely different meanings. And that’s confusing! So follow the next tip to learn phrasal verbs easily.
- Group phrasal verbs by subject. Create a phrasal verb list for adding something, finding something suddenly, expressing emotions, and more. Grouping phrasal verbs by topic makes them more relatable and easy to learn.
- Learn the context behind each phrasal verb by watching videos, listening to songs, or using them in real-life conversations.
- Create a story using phrasal verbs. Write down your experiences and you’ll see how easy it is to form connections between words. You will remember the meanings of phrasal words when you use them in a story.
Conclusion
Phrasal verbs may seem intimidating at first – but with practice and our helpful tips – you’ll learn to use them fluently. Start learning the meaning and context of each phrasal verb and use them in your daily conversation. This will help you drastically improve your English speaking and comprehension skills.
Once you’re ready to take the speaking test, check for available IELTS test dates in London, Mississauga, Kingston, or Brampton. At IELTS AOLCC, we arrange the speaking test on the same day as the listening, reading, and writing tests. If you want to adjust your IELTS speaking test date or time, send your request to ielts@aolccollege.ca immediately after receiving your confirmation.