Remembering
phrasal verbs with images or stories
A good way to help you
remember a phrasal verb is to imagine an image or story that illustrates it.
For example, the phrasal verb step down means to leave an important job or
position. To help you remember this, you could imagine a company boss standing
above all the workers on a stepladder, and then stepping down onto the floor
and walking away.
Identifying
phrasal verbs in context
Look out for phrasal
verbs when you are:
reading a book or
article
watching a film or TV
programme
looking at a website.
Pay attention to how the
phrasal verb is used and in what kind of situation. Make a note about this to
help you remember the right context in which to use the phrasal verb.
Learning
phrasal verbs as single units of meaning
While phrasal verbs are
combinations of two or three words, it is helpful when you are learning them to
think about them as single units of meaning.
Bring
(someone) up
Definition: to look after a child until it is an
adult. (Note: this is often used in the Passive Voice.)
Why
this is a useful phrasal verb: You will probably be asked about your
childhood and where you are from.
Example: I was brought up in a very
large family: I have four brothers and sisters.
Get along
with
Definition: to have a good relationship
with someone.
Why
this is a useful phrasal verb: You can use this phrasal verb to speak about
the relationships you have with family, friends, roommates, classmates, etc.
Example: I get along very well with my
roommates here in San Francisco, so my stay here has been very enjoyable.
Grow up
Definition: to become an adult.
Why
this is a useful phrasal verb: You can apply this phrasal verb when talking
about your childhood and early years.
Example: I grew up in a small town but
for the last five years I’ve lived in Zurich.
Look
forward to
Definition: to be excited about something
in the future.
Why
this is a useful phrasal verb: This is a common phrasal verb to talk about
exciting future plans.
Example: I am nervous about the
Cambridge Exam, but I am also looking forward to using all of the things I’ve
practiced and learned.
Take up
Definition: to begin a hobby or activity.
Why
this is a useful phrasal verb: In Part 1, you are often asked about your
hobbies.
Example: In my free time, I really enjoy
photography. I took it up when I was traveling through Southeast Asia and I’ve
enjoyed it ever since.
Give up
Definition: to quit doing something.
Why
this is a useful phrasal verb: You might be asked to talk about your
childhood or past; ‘give up” is often used to discuss activities you don’t
do anymore.
Example: Well, in my free time I usually
enjoy skiing, but I gave that up when I moved here since I am not so close to
the mountains anymore.
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End up
Definition: to finally be in a place or
situation.
Why
this is a useful phrasal verb: You have to speculate a lot when looking at
these photos, so this phrasal verb is a great one to use when guessing how the
person came to be in the situation in the photo (or what will happen to them
after).
Example: The family in this photo looks
very unhappy at her office job; perhaps she dreamed of a life working at
something other than a desk job and she’s sad that she ended up in such a dull
environment.
Make out
Definition: to be able to see something
that’s not quite clear.
Why
this is a useful phrasal verb: You might not be able to see the full details
of the photo; this is a great phrasal verb to describe what you think you see.
Example: I can’t quite make it out but I
think that the group is holding a trophy, so perhaps they’ve won a competition
or game . . .
Make
(something) up
Definition: to invent a story.
Why
this is a useful phrasal verb: You are asked to speculate about the people
in the photos and their lives, so this is a useful expression!
Example: I
would guess that this person is very happy: she has her two beautiful children
and a lovely house . . . perhaps she’s a stay-at-home-mom and is appreciative
that she can spend time with her children . . . I’m making this all up, of
course, but it’s what I would guess.
Bring
(something) up
Definition: to start a conversation about
something.
Why
this is a useful phrasal verb: This is a great phrasal verb to use when
responding to a comment that your partner made (or a question that the
interlocutor brought up). It shows interaction with what another person has
said, which is something they look for in this section of the exam.
Example: You brought up ______; I
agree that . . .
Come up
with
Definition: to suggest or think of an idea
or plan.
Why
this is a useful phrasal verb: “Come up with” allows you to present an idea
or respond to a question or statement.
Example:
What other ideas can we come up with?
Cut
(someone) off
Definition: to interrupt someone.
Why
this is a useful phrasal verb: If you accidentally cut your partner off when
he or she is speaking, this is an excellent phrasal verb to use.
Example: Sorry, I didn’t mean to cut you
off: what were you saying?
Using Phrasal Verbs Correctly in Advanced and Academic Writing.
Follow up
Definition: a further action connected to
something that happened before.
Why
this is a useful phrasal verb: Following up on something your partner said
is a great way to return to something you discussed previously (and add further
commentary).
Example: Just to follow up on what you
said earlier, I think . . .
Get back to
Definition: to return to something.
Why
this is a useful phrasal verb: “Get back to” is useful when trying to return
to a conversation you had previously: it’s very helpful when the conversation
seems to have gotten off track and you’d like to refocus.
Example: Getting back to what we were
saying earlier about . . .
Go ahead
Definition: to start to do something.
Why
this is a useful phrasal verb: You know that awkward moment when you and
your partner both hesitate and each wants to speak? Use go ahead to give your
partner the green light!
Example: You can go ahead and start if
you’d like . . .
Warm up to
Definition: to begin liking something.
Why this is
a useful phrasal verb: When you’re not certain about an idea, but then decide
this is a good idea, you can use this phrasal verb.
Example: I’m warming up to the idea that
. . .
Work
something out
Definition: to agree to something after a
discussion.
Why
this is a useful phrasal verb: You and your partner must agree to something in
Part 3: use this phrasal verb to announce to the interlocutor that you’ve come
to an agreement.
Example: I think we’ve worked it out. We have agreed that . . .
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