Introduction

Phrasal verbs are fun, exciting and a wonderful opportunity to show your natural spoken English to the
IELTS Speaking examiner.
In this article I am going to show you what phrasal verbs are, how exciting they are, why they are
important in IELTS Speaking and 15 of my ‘favourite’ ones that will impress your IELTS examiner!
What you will learn
Introduction
What are Phrasal Verbs?
Phrasal Verbs can be Idiomatic
Different Types of Phrasal Verbs
Pronunciation Tips
Phrasal Verbs in
Why Phrasal Verbs are Important
What are Phrasal Verbs?
Basically, a phrasal verb is when you have
Verb + preposition
For example,
Walk out of the room
Walk away from the cookie jar
Speak up, I can’t hear you
Prepositions give you the place, time or direction of the action and can include:

 aboard
 about
 above
 across
 after
 against
 along
 amid
 among
 anti
 around
 as
 at
 away
 before
 behind
 below
 beneath culvert duct
 beside
 besides
 between
 beyond
 but
 by
 concerning
 considering
 despite
 down
 during
 except
 excepting
 excluding
 following

 for
 from
 in
 inside
 into
 like
 minus
 near
 of
 off
 on
 onto
 opposite
 out
 outside
 over
 past
 per
  plus
 regarding
 round
 save
 since
 than
 through
 to
 toward
 towards
 under
 underneath
 unlike
 until
 up
 upon
 versus
 via
 with
 within
 without

In some grammar books you will see a phrasal verb described as

Verb + adverb particle
For example,
Walk out of the meeting
Switch off the light
Basically the adverb particles are the same as prepositions (in, on, under, out, to…), but serve a slightly
different function. Adverb particle tells you how you do the action.
In reality it doesn’t much matter what you call them, so long as you can understand the meaning and
use them in your conversation.
Also note, sometimes a phrasal verb may have one preposition (or particle) but sometimes has two.
I need to cut down the tree (one preposition) = chop the tree so it falls down
I need to cut down on my smoking (two prepositions) = reduce how much I smoke
Phrasal Verbs can be Idiomatic
Phrasal verbs are challenging fun because they are often idiomatic!
So the meaning of the phrase is not the same as the individual words. For example,
Put off the meeting = postpone the meeting
Speak down to someone = to speak to someone like they are stupid, immature.
Now you might be thinking,
Keith, does that mean I can only use them in speaking?
Not at all, many are also used in writing.
However, how do you know which are used in writing and which are used in speaking?
Simple, by learning them in context!
So, if you see a word written, you know it can be used in writing, if you hear it spoken, you know it can
be used in speaking.

Different Types of Phrasal Verbs

Phrasal verbs are complicated really interesting because of the word order!
Some are separable, meaning you if the verb has an object, that object (or thing) can go between the
verb and preposition. It may also go after the preposition. For example,
To look up = to find the meaning of a word in a dictionary
I look a word up
I look up a word
If you choose to use ‘it’, instead of the object, you must put it between the verb and preposition.
I look it up
Some phrasal verbs are inseparable (like you and your dog, cat, partner; you don’t like being apart!).
So, you must always put the object at the end, after the preposition. For example,
Take after = resemble or look like a parent
I take after my father
I take after him
How do you know if a phrasal verb is separable or inseparable?
I’m afraid there are no rules.
English is so frustrating much fun!
You have to learn them by heart,
One by one
How lovely!
Pronunciation Tips
Phrasal verbs are tricky so exciting because they give you the chance to show off your control of
pronunciation.
Notice, most phrasal verbs will be linked because many verbs end in a consonant sound and many
prepositions start with a vowel sound. For instance,
Sit-up
Speak up
Notice how the linking works with different forms and tenses:
I like to lookup new words
He looks up words
She looked it up
Phrasal Verbs in IELTS Speaking Part 1
Topic: Work and Study
1. Knuckle down = to start focusing on your work/study. (Inseparable)
I work as a teacher and we’ve got exams coming soon, so we all need to knuckle down.
I study law, and I have exams soon, so I need to knuckle down.
Part 1 question: Can you ____?
2.To get (a) round to = to do something you have intended to do, but not had time. (Inseparable)
Can you cook?
I would love learn how to cook, but I just haven’t got round to it. I’ve been too busy.
Can you paint?
I like painting, but I cannot do it very well. I’ve just never got round to taking classes.
Hobbies
3.to while away = to spend time in a relaxed way. (Separable.)
I love to while away the afternoon watching movies
I love to while the evening away reading a good book
4.To brush up on = to improve a skill you haven’t practice for some time. (Inseparable)
I love playing the guitar, but I need to brush up on it because I haven’t played for several months.

IELTS Speaking Part 2

Describe a thing
5.To stumble upon = to find something by chance. (Inseparable)
I’d like to tell you about a great book that I stumbled upon recently
I’d like to tell you about a great _____ (film, restaurant, photo, painting…) that I stumbled upon recently
Describe a time when
6.To bump into = to meet someone by chance / accident. (Inseparable)
Recently I bumped into an old friend and ______
7.To turn out = to happen in a certain way. (Inseparable)
It was a difficult time, but in the end everything turned out just fine.
In the end, it all turned out well.
IELTS Speaking Part 3
How will ____ change in the future?

8. To bank on = to expect and hope something will happen. (Inseparable)

I am banking on the COVID situation getting better next year.
Many governments are banking on the economy improving in the future
9. To be in for = to be about to have or experience. (Inseparable)
We are in for a few surprises next year.
Many real shops are in for a hard time next year, as more people choose to shop online.
10. To pan out = to result or develop in a certain way. (Inseparable)
I think things will get better, but we will have to see how things pan out
I think our goal of getting everyone vaccinated this year, isn’t going to pan out
11. To run up against = to face problems or difficult situations. (Inseparable)
I think we are going to run up against a lot of problems
We are going to run up against more crime in the future
What do you think of…?
12. To mull over = to think about something carefully. (Separable)
I’ve been mulling over this a lot recently and I think…
I was mulling this over recently and I think…
13. Figure out = to find the solution. (Separable)
It’s complicated and I don’t think it’s easy to figure out a solution
This is a tricky problem and it will take time to figure a good solution out
Do you agree that the government should_____?
14. Get on with = to start, or continue, doing something. (Inseparable)
The government talks about reducing the crime rate, but they just need to get on with it.
15. To buckle down = to start working hard. (Inseparable)
It’s time the government buckled down and found a solution
Why Phrasal Verbs are Important
Some phrasal verbs are only used in speaking and they are an extremely common feature of natural,
native speaker like spoken English.
For example, you may write
‘I like to spend time with my friends’
But when speaking, it is more natural to say,
‘I like to hang out with my friends’
What’s more many of them are idiomatic, and the successful use of less common idiomatic vocabulary is
a key feature of in the IELTS Speaking Test.
So, you need to build up a base of basic ones, and if possible, some less common ones.
This will not only help you stand out in IELTS, but you need them to understand native speakers and to
be able to interact naturally with them.
Which phrasal verb are going to learn and start using next? Let us know in the comments below.
Together we can learn from each other and grow as a community

What are Phrasal Verbs?

Phrasal verbs are two-word or three-word phrases consisting of a verb plus an adverb particle.
In spoken English we use lots of phrasal verbs. Sometimes the meaning is clear, but more often than not,
the meaning is idiomatic and difficult to guess just by looking at the words.
A phrasal verb can have two parts:
Verb + Adverb Particle
For example,
Put off = to postpone
Pass away = to die
Make out = to identify something that is to clear
Sometimes, a phrasal verb can have three parts:
Verb + adverb particle + preposition
For example,
Look up to = to admire
Why Use Phrasal Verbs in IELTS Speaking?
There are two main reasons. Firstly, phrasal verbs make you sound much more natural, which is
important in IELTS Speaking.
What’s more, a lot of them are idiomatic and using less common idiomatic vocabulary is a key criteria
for IELTS Speaking.
Let me talk in more detail about sounding natural.
How to Sound Natural in IELTS Speaking?
Many students find it difficult to sound natural when they speak English. This may be because they have
learnt English from outdated course books.
The key to success in IELTS Speaking is using natural conversational English.
You don’t always need to use long complicated words, like this;
I am full of adoring admiration for my teacher.
That’s just not natural. In fact, and not everybody knows this, the most natural spoken English often
uses simple words, like this;

Table of Contents
What are Phrasal Verbs?
Why Use Phrasal Verbs in IELTS Speaking?
How to Sound Natural in IELTS Speaking?
Phrasal Verb #1 CROP UP
Phrasal Verb #2 NAIL DOWN
Phrasal Verb #3 IRON OUT
Phrasal Verb #4 PACK IN
Phrasal Verb #5 ACHE FOR
Phrasal Verb #6 DRAG ON
Phrasal Verb #7 DO AWAY WITH
Phrasal Verb #8 SET ME BACK
Phrasal Verb #9 SLIP UP
Phrasal Verb #10 FLICK THROUGH
How to learn phrasal verbs for IELTS Speaking
I look up to my teacher

Phrasal Verb #1 CROP UP

To crop up – appear unexpectedly / suddenly (=to pop up)
I have to work late today, something cropped up (at work)
We can use this with the following:
Problems
Shops
Opportunities
Restaurants
Here are some examples,
(Present Continuous)
In my hometown Chinese restaurants are cropping up everywhere
(Present Perfect)
In my hometown Chinese restaurants have been cropping up everywhere
Phrasal Verb #2 NAIL DOWN
To nail down – identify clearly
We can use this with the following:
An answer
A date
A time
A reason
If the IELTS examiner asks you:
Why do you think….?
You could say,
Well it’s hard to nail down the reason, but maybe it’s because….
Another phrasal verb you can use in this context is
To single out – choose one from a group for special treatment
Again, if the IELTS examiner asks you:
Why do you think….?
You could answer…
I would single out one main reason, and that is….
Two for the price of one
Phrasal Verb #3 IRON OUT
To iron out = get rid of = be free of = no longer exist
We can use this with the following:
Problems
Difficulties
Misunderstandings
In IELTS Speaking Part 3 we often have to talk about problems and solutions. – A common question
might be;
How can we solve this problem?
A good answer can be;
The best way to iron out this problem is to….
Phrasal Verb #4 PACK IN
To pack in = to stop doing something
We can use this with the following:
Jobs
Courses
Hobbies
Here are some examples,
I went to the gym for 3 months but then I packed it in. I didn’t have enough time to go.
I want to pack in my job. It’s not very rewarding and badly paid.
I took up painting, but then packed it in, because I didn’t enjoy it.
IELTS Phrasal verbs
Phrasal Verb #5 ACHE FOR
Ache for = desire strongly, long for.
We can use this with the following:
Holiday
Home
A beer
A night out with friends
Here are some examples,
(Present simple)
I’m aching for a holiday
(Present continuous)
I’ve been aching for a holiday
Phrasal Verb #6 DRAG ON
To drag on = last longer than necessary
The meaning might be clearer if we look at the noun.
A drag (n) which means ‘boring’
(Present Perfect)
The pandemic has dragged on for such a long time.
(Present Perfect Continuous)
The pandemic has been dragging on for such a long time.
It can be useful in IELTS Speaking Part 2, especially when describing situations that are boring.
The conversation dragged on for so long
The party dragged on for so long
The lesson dragged on for so long
The meeting dragged on for so long
IELTS verb drag on
Phrasal Verb #7 DO AWAY WITH
Do away with something = to remove, stop, abolish
We can use this with the following:
Laws
Rules
Taxes
Restrictions
Obligation
It can be useful IELTS Speaking Part 3 if the examiner asks the following;
What do you think about….?
Some possible answers for different contexts could be;
I wish we could do away with masks (COVID)
The government should do away with this law (NEW LAW)
We should do away with exams (EDUCATION SYSTEM)
IELTS Speaking TIP:
In spoken English, we often repeat ideas, phrases, in a slightly different way. So, you can do the same
here. You can use a phrasal verb in one phrase, and then use the meaning in the second phrase. See this
in the example below;
I think we should do away with exams, the government should abolish them.
Phrasal Verb #8 SET ME BACK
It set me back = it cost a lot of money
We usually use this phrasal verb when we want to say something was expensive, or too expensive. So it
has a slightly negative connotation.
It set me back 5 dollars
It set me back a lot money
It set me back a fortune
It set me back a fair penny
IELTS phrasal verb set me back
Phrasal Verb #9 SLIP UP
To slip up = make a mistake
The meaning is clearer if we look at the original verb: to slip which means ‘to fall’ because the ground is
smooth, icy or has a banana peel on it!
We can use this with the following:
Work
Relationships
Government
Here are some examples,
The government has slipped up with their new policy on travel restrictions
I slipped up at work yesterday, I made a huge mistake, I lost my managers presentation
I slipped up yesterday, I forgot my wife’s birthday
Phrasal Verb #10 FLICK THROUGH
To flick through = to look through quickly
We can use this with the following:
A book
A magazine
A newspaper
A photo album
Given that we now also read many things in a digital format, the more modern version of this phrasal
verb is,
To swipe through = to look through quickly
This can be useful in IELTS Speaking Part 2, for example when we have to describe an article; a piece of
news; a photo
For example,
I was flicking/swiping through the newspaper the other day and saw an article about healthy eating.
How to learn phrasal verbs for IELTS Speaking
I think rather than learning a list of lots of phrasal verbs, it’s better to learn them in a given context.
The key is to make sure you understand the meaning and then try using them.
Ideally, try and get feedback from a teacher, tutor or a native speaker, who can let you know if you are
using it correctly.
That’s it, have fun with phrasal verbs and start speaking more natural spoken English.
If you liked this lesson, leave me a comment below and let me know which phrasal verb you are
practicing today. Give me an example sentence.

What are Phrasal Verbs?

Basically, a phrasal verb is when you have
Verb + preposition
For example,
walk out of the room
walk away from the cookie jar
speak up, I can’t hear you
Prepositions give you the place, time or direction of the action and can include:
in
on
under
over
out
to
from
away
In some grammar books you will see a phrasal verb described as
Verb + adverb particle
For example,
walk out of the meeting
switch off the light
Basically the adverb particles are the same as prepositions (in, on, under, out, to…), but serve a slightly
different function. Adverb particle tells you how you do the action.

In reality it doesn’t much matter what you call them, so long as you can understand the meaning and
use them in your conversation.
Also note, sometimes a phrasal verb may have one preposition (or particle) but sometimes has two.
I need to cut down the tree (one preposition)
= chop the tree so it falls down
I need to cut down on my smoking (two prepositions)
= reduce how much I smoke
Phrasal Verbs can be Idiomatic
Phrasal verbs are challenging fun because they are often idiomatic!
So the meaning of the phrase is not the same as the individual words. For example,
Put off the meeting = postpone the meeting
Speak down to someone = to speak to someone like they are stupid, immature.
Now you might be thinking,
Keith, does that mean I can only use them in speaking?

Not at all, many are also used in writing.

However, how do you know which are used in writing and which are used in speaking?
Simple, by learning them in context!
So, if you see a word written, you know it can be used in writing, if you hear it spoken, you know it can
be used in speaking.
Different Types of Phrasal Verbs
Phrasal verbs are complicated really interesting because of the word order!
Some are separable, meaning you if the verb has an object, that object (or thing) can go between the
verb and preposition. It may also go after the preposition. For example,
To look up = to find the meaning of a word in a dictionary
I look a word up
I look up a word
If you choose to use ‘it’, instead of the object, you must put it between the verb and preposition.
I look it up
Some phrasal verbs are inseparable (like you and your dog, cat, partner; you don’t like being apart!).
So, you must always put the object at the end, after the preposition. For example,
Take after = resemble or look like a parent
I take after my father
I take after him
How do you know if a phrasal verb is separable or inseparable?
I’m afraid there are no rules.
English is so frustrating much fun!
You have to learn them by heart,
One by one
How lovely!
Pronunciation Tips
Phrasal verbs are tricky so exciting because they give you the chance to show off your control of
pronunciation.

Notice, most phrasal verbs will be linked because many verbs end in a consonant sound and many
prepositions start with a vowel sound. For instance,
Sit-up
Speak up
Notice how the linking works with different forms and tenses:
I like to lookup new words
He looks up words
She looked it up
Phrasal Verbs in IELTS Speaking Part 1
Topic: Work and Study
1.Knuckle down = to start focusing on your work/study. (Inseparable)
I work as a teacher and we’ve got exams coming soon, so we all need to knuckle down.
I study law, and I have exams soon, so I need to knuckle down.
Part 1 question: Can you ____?
2.To get (a) round to = to do something you have intended to do, but not had time. (Inseparable)
Can you cook?
I would love learn how to cook, but I just haven’t got round to it. I’ve been too busy.
Can you paint?
I like painting, but I cannot do it very well. I’ve just never got round to taking classes.
Hobbies
3.to while away = to spend time in a relaxed way. (Separable.)
I love to while away the afternoon watching movies
I love to while the evening away reading a good book
4.To brush up on = to improve a skill you haven’t practice for some time. (Inseparable)
I love playing the guitar, but I need to brush up on it because I haven’t played for several months.

IELTS Speaking Part 2

Describe a thing
5.To stumble upon = to find something by chance. (Inseparable)
I’d like to tell you about a great book that I stumbled upon recently
I’d like to tell you about a great _____ (film, restaurant, photo, painting…) that I stumbled upon recently
Describe a time when
6.To bump into = to meet someone by chance / accident. (Inseparable)
Recently I bumped into an old friend and ______
7.To turn out = to happen in a certain way. (Inseparable)
It was a difficult time, but in the end everything turned out just fine.
In the end, it all turned out well.
IELTS Speaking Part 3
How will ____ change in the future?
8. To bank on = to expect and hope something will happen. (Inseparable)
I am banking on the COVID situation getting better next year.
Many governments are banking on the economy improving in the future
9. To be in for = to be about to have or experience. (Inseparable)
We are in for a few surprises next year.
Many real shops are in for a hard time next year, as more people choose to shop online.
10. To pan out = to result or develop in a certain way. (Inseparable)
I think things will get better, but we will have to see how things pan out
I think our goal of getting everyone vaccinated this year, isn’t going to pan out
11. To run up against = to face problems or difficult situations. (Inseparable)
I think we are going to run up against a lot of problems
We are going to run up against more crime in the future
What do you think of…?
12.To mull over = to think about something carefully . (Separable)
I’ve been mulling over this a lot recently and I think…
I was mulling this over recently and I think…

13. Figure out = to find the solution. (Separable)

It’s complicated and I don’t think it’s easy to figure out a solution
This is a tricky problem and it will take time to figure a good solution out
Do you agree that the government should_____?
14. Get on with = to start, or continue, doing something. (Inseparable)
The government talks about reducing the crime rate, but they just need to get on with it.
15.To buckle down = to start working hard. (Inseparable)
It’s time the government buckled down and found a solution
Why Phrasal Verbs are Important
Some phrasal verbs are only used in speaking and they are an extremely common feature of natural,
native speaker like spoken English.
For example, you may write
‘I like to spend time with my friends’
But when speaking, it is more natural to say,
‘I like to hang out with my friends