Using Phrasal Verbs Effectively in Writing
A Practical Guide for Advanced Learners of English
Introduction: Why Phrasal Verbs Cause Difficulty
Phrasal verbs, verbs formed by combining a main verb with one or more particles, are a persistent challenge for non-native speakers of English. Forms such as pick up, put out, hold off, or look down are extremely common in everyday speech, yet their meanings are often idiomatic and unpredictable.
This raises an important question for advanced learners: what role do phrasal verbs play in academic writing, and how should they be used appropriately?
Many textbooks and academic English courses advise learners to avoid phrasal verbs entirely. While caution is justified, complete avoidance is neither realistic nor necessary. Phrasal verbs do appear in academic texts, although they are used selectively and differ significantly from those found in spoken or informal English.
Step 1: Understand Why Phrasal Verbs Are Limited in Academic Writing
Academic writing prioritises:
lack of ambiguity
Many phrasal verbs carry multiple meanings or strong idiomatic associations, which can make interpretation difficult. For this reason, academic texts tend to favour phrasal verbs that are:
less idiomatic
These forms allow writers to maintain clarity while still using natural English constructions.
Step 2: Recognise Genre Differences in Phrasal Verb Usage
Phrasal verbs are not used equally across all types of writing.
They are:
extremely common in spoken English, TV subtitles, films, blogs, webpages, and fiction
far less frequent in academic writing
This difference reflects the fundamentally non-colloquial nature of academic discourse. Informal phrasal verbs such as belt out, pig out, or harp on are inappropriate in academic contexts and are typically replaced by single-word verbs.
Examples of common academic replacements:
Understanding this genre distinction is essential for appropriate usage.
Step 3: Know Which Phrasal Verbs Are Commonly Accepted in Academic Writing
Although limited in number, certain phrasal verbs are well established in academic discourse. These verbs are generally neutral in tone and frequently preferred over their single-verb alternatives.
Below are ten phrasal verbs commonly found in academic texts, with typical usage examples:
The authors pointed out that solid evidence was lacking.
All procedures were carried out according to the guidance.
A number of initiatives have been going on to tackle the problem.
Total exports made up 54% of GDP.
A strategy was set up to train the software for automated analysis.
The legislation will take on an important role in shaping policies.
This turned out to be due to errors in the distribution data.
There were successful attempts to bring about societal change.
Countries pledged to give up chemical weapons.
A review was conducted to find out factors affecting disease outcomes.
These constructions are widely accepted because they are clear, conventional, and non-informal.
Step 4: Identify Phrasal Verbs That Should Be Avoided
Phrasal verbs should generally be avoided when:
they are informal or conversational
a precise single-word verb is standard in the discipline
For example, in medical or scientific writing:
work out is avoided
exercise or calculate is used instead
Discipline-specific conventions should always take priority.
Step 5: Be Aware of Disciplinary Differences
Phrasal verb usage also varies across academic fields.
Most frequent phrasal verbs by discipline:
Point out
Carry out
Go on
Point out
Take on
Set up
Set up
Make up
Make up
Turn out
Turn out
Go on
Take up
Pick up
Carry out
Take on
End up
Find out
Open up
Come up
This variation reflects differences in argumentation style, methodology, and discourse conventions.
Step 6: Develop a Controlled Strategy for Using Phrasal Verbs
To use phrasal verbs effectively in academic writing, follow this procedure:
Check register
Confirm that the phrasal verb is not informal by consulting a reliable academic dictionary.
Compare alternatives
Evaluate whether a single-word verb would be clearer or more conventional in your discipline.
When reading academic papers, actively identify phrasal verbs and examine how and why they are used.
This analytical approach leads to accurate, confident usage rather than avoidance or overuse.
In conclusion, phrasal verbs occupy a limited but legitimate place in academic writing. While they are far less frequent than in spoken or informal genres, certain phrasal verbs are both conventional and appropriate in scholarly texts.
Effective academic writing requires discernment rather than prohibition. By understanding register, discipline-specific norms, and lexical alternatives, advanced learners can use phrasal verbs accurately, confidently, and appropriately.
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