Use These 35 Advanced Phrasal Verbs to Score Band 8+ in IELTS.

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Use These 35 Advanced Phrasal Verbs to Score Band 8+ in IELTS.

Mastering Phrasal Verbs for IELTS Speaking

Introduction to Phrasal Verbs and Their Role in IELTS Speaking

One of the most distinctive aspects of spoken English is the use of phrasal verbs. These combinations of verbs and particles (prepositions or adverbs) are deeply embedded in the fabric of everyday conversation. For learners preparing for the IELTS Speaking test, understanding and using phrasal verbs accurately and fluently can have a significant impact on your score, particularly under the “Lexical Resource” criterion.

Lexical resource measures how well a candidate uses a wide range of vocabulary to communicate clearly and precisely. This includes not only the use of advanced vocabulary, but also the variety, flexibility, and appropriateness of language in different contexts. Phrasal verbs play a key role here, especially because they are idiomatic, varied, and highly natural.

Understanding What Phrasal Verbs Are

What Makes a Phrasal Verb?

A phrasal verb is formed when a main verb combines with one or two particles. The resulting expression usually has a meaning different from the original verb. This is what makes phrasal verbs tricky but also rich and expressive.

There are generally three types of phrasal verbs:

Transitive separable (e.g. turn off the light / turn the light off)
Transitive inseparable (e.g. look after someone)
Intransitive (e.g. wake up)

Here’s how they differ:

She turned off the lights.
She looked after her grandmother.
He woke up late.

Understanding these patterns is important for correct grammatical usage, which is also assessed in the IELTS Speaking test.

Why Phrasal Verbs Are Essential for IELTS Speaking

Demonstrating a Wide Lexical Range

Using phrasal verbs demonstrates that you have moved beyond basic vocabulary. Instead of always saying cancel, you might say call off. Instead of stop trying, you might use give up. These substitutions are not just stylistic—they show your ability to choose expressions suited to informal or conversational contexts, which is exactly what the IELTS Speaking test reflects.

Increasing Fluency and Naturalness

Fluency in IELTS does not mean speaking quickly—it means speaking smoothly and naturally. Phrasal verbs are a cornerstone of natural spoken English. Native speakers rely on them heavily in everyday speech. When you use them appropriately, your English sounds more relaxed and less forced.

For example:

Instead of saying He became ill, you might say He came down with something.
Instead of We spent time together, you can say We hung out.

This kind of vocabulary choice reflects native-like competence.

Supporting Idiomatic Use

A significant number of phrasal verbs are idiomatic. That means their meanings are not immediately obvious from the individual words. For instance, fall apart does not literally mean to disassemble physically—it can refer to emotional or relational breakdowns. Using such idiomatic expressions effectively is one way to move into higher band scores (7 and above) under the Lexical Resource criterion.

When to Use and When to Avoid Phrasal Verbs

Best Contexts for Use

Phrasal verbs are best used in conversational and semi-formal contexts. IELTS Speaking is one of the best places to use them, especially when talking about:

Daily routines
Past experiences
Personal preferences
Relationships
Future plans
Opinions

If the question is, “Do you get along with your colleagues?”, responding with, “Yes, I get along very well with most of them,” is more natural and appropriate than saying, “Yes, I have good interpersonal relationships with my colleagues.”

When Not to Use Phrasal Verbs

Avoid using phrasal verbs in Academic Writing. These tasks require a more formal tone. In writing, it’s better to say “reduce consumption” rather than “cut down on”, or “postpone the event” rather than “put off the event”. Informal language can lower your score in the Writing section, but it helps in Speaking.

Categories of Phrasal Verbs for IELTS Topics

Below are some commonly tested IELTS Speaking themes, along with related advanced phrasal verbs and example sentences.

Health and Fitness

cut down on – to reduce intake
I had to cut down on junk food to lose weight.

come down with – to fall ill
She came down with the flu just before her exams.

work out – to exercise
I try to work out at least three times a week.

These can be used when the examiner asks you about your health habits or daily routine.

Education and Learning

brush up on – to revise or improve skills
I’m brushing up on my Spanish before the trip.

drop out – to leave school or a course early
He dropped out of university in his second year.

catch up on – to do something you’ve missed
I need to catch up on my reading before the exam.

These phrasal verbs are useful in questions like “What kind of student were you?” or “Tell me about a course you enjoyed.”

Travel and Holidays

check in – to register at a hotel or airport
We checked in online to save time at the airport.

check out – to leave accommodation
We checked out early because we had a morning flight.

set off – to begin a journey
We set off at dawn to avoid traffic.

IELTS Speaking Part 2 may ask you to describe a trip, making these expressions especially relevant.

Emotions and Mood

cheer up – to become happier
I was feeling down, but his message cheered me up.

bring down – to make someone sad
Rainy days always bring me down.

calm down – to become less angry or excited
I needed a few minutes to calm down after the argument.

These are useful for expressing feelings or discussing stressful situations.

Relationships

get along / get on with – to have a good relationship
I get along really well with my siblings.

grow apart – to lose connection over time
We grew apart after high school.

look up to – to admire
I’ve always looked up to my father.

These are common in questions about family or friends.

How to Start Using Phrasal Verbs Effectively

Learn in Context

Instead of memorizing lists, learn phrasal verbs through stories, conversations, and real-life examples. For example, don’t just remember that “give up” means to quit. Try to internalize the phrase with a scenario:

I started a strict diet last month, but I gave up after a week because it was too hard.

This makes it easier to recall in your own answers.

Practice Out Loud

To become comfortable using these verbs, you must speak them. Choose 5–10 new phrasal verbs and create example sentences. Say them aloud. You could even record yourself and listen to how natural you sound. Practice with a speaking partner or teacher if possible.

Connect with IELTS Topics

Align your phrasal verb learning with common IELTS topics. Make vocabulary banks of phrasal verbs under themes like health, education, travel, and work. This will help you remember them when a related question arises.

For example:

Topic: Work

set up – He set up his own business last year.
run out of – We ran out of office supplies.
take over – She took over the project after the manager left.

Avoid Overuse and Misuse

Using too many phrasal verbs in one answer can sound forced. Choose them selectively and use them where they naturally fit. Also, be sure of the meaning. Misusing a phrasal verb can negatively affect your score.

For instance, saying “I looked down on my teacher” instead of “I looked up to my teacher” conveys the opposite of what you probably mean. Always double-check new phrasal verbs with a reliable dictionary.

Using Phrasal Verbs in IELTS Speaking

Overview of the IELTS Speaking Test

The IELTS Speaking test is divided into three parts:

Part 1: Introduction and general questions (4–5 minutes)
Part 2: Long turn (1–2 minutes speaking on a given topic)
Part 3: Discussion (4–5 minutes on abstract or deeper issues)

Each part offers unique opportunities to demonstrate a range of vocabulary. Phrasal verbs are especially effective in Part 1 and Part 2, where the tone is more conversational. In Part 3, they can still be used, but you should balance them with more precise or formal vocabulary, depending on the topic.

How to Use Phrasal Verbs in Speaking Part 1

Part 1 is the warm-up stage of the test. You’ll be asked simple, familiar questions about your life, habits, and experiences. This is an excellent chance to use phrasal verbs naturally in your answers.

Topics Commonly Covered

Hobbies and leisure
Work or studies
Daily routine
Travel and holidays
Friends and family

Sample Questions and Answers with Phrasal Verbs

Q: What do you like to do in your free time?
A: I usually hang out with my friends or catch up on a TV series I’m watching. If the weather’s nice, I might go out for a walk or just chill at home.

Q: Do you enjoy your work?
A: I do, actually. It was tough at first, but I’ve started to get the hang of it. I also get along really well with my colleagues, which makes a big difference.

Q: How do you usually spend your weekends?
A: I try to wind down after a busy week. Sometimes I tidy up my apartment or cook something special. Other times I just sleep in and while the day away watching films.

Tips for Success in Part 1

Keep your tone casual and friendly.
Use phrasal verbs that reflect everyday habits and emotions.
Combine them with simple explanations if needed (e.g., I hang out with my friends, which means we just relax together and talk.)
Avoid sounding too rehearsed. Mix phrasal verbs with other vocabulary for variety.

Using Phrasal Verbs in Speaking Part 2

Part 2 is your long turn, where you speak for 1–2 minutes about a personal topic. The key is storytelling, and phrasal verbs help bring life to stories.

Structure of a Good Part 2 Answer

Introduction
Main details
Feelings and outcomes
Conclusion or reflection

Phrasal verbs can be used in each section to show a range of expression.

Sample Cue Card:

Describe a memorable journey you went on.

Sample Answer with Phrasal Verbs:

Last year, I went on a road trip with two of my closest friends. We had been planning it for months, and finally, everything just fell into place. We set off early in the morning and drove up north, hoping to reach a small mountain village by nightfall.

On the way, we stumbled upon a charming little town that wasn’t even on our map. We decided to stop there for lunch, and it turned out to be one of the highlights of our trip.

Unfortunately, halfway through the journey, our car broke down. At first, we panicked, but then we calmed down and figured things out. Luckily, a local mechanic helped us out, and we managed to get back on the road after a couple of hours.

Despite the setback, we didn’t give up. We reached our destination late in the evening and checked into a cozy guesthouse. That trip really brought us closer together. I’ll never forget it.

Phrasal Verbs Used:

set off
stumble upon
break down
calm down
help out
get back on
give up
check into
bring (us) together

Tips for Part 2

Tell a story with clear events: beginning, middle, and end.
Use phrasal verbs to describe actions, reactions, and emotions.
Make your speech sound spontaneous and natural.
Practice timing your answers to fit the 1–2 minute requirement.

Using Phrasal Verbs in Speaking Part 3

Part 3 is a discussion with the examiner. The topics are broader and more abstract. You’ll need to express opinions, compare ideas, speculate, and justify your answers. While phrasal verbs can still be used, overusing them can make your responses sound too informal. Balance is key.

Example Topics

Education and learning
Technology and communication
Society and culture
Environment and global issues

Sample Questions and Answers

Q: Do you think people should always follow their dreams?
A: I believe they should, but only if they’ve thought things through. It’s important not to give up easily, but at the same time, people need to be realistic. Sometimes things don’t pan out the way we expect, and we have to adapt.

Q: Why do people often drop out of university these days?
A: There could be many reasons. Some students find it hard to keep up with the workload. Others may run out of money or lose interest in their subject. I think universities should support students more to help them stay on track.

Q: How can technology help improve communication?
A: Technology allows us to reach out to people instantly. Even if someone lives halfway around the world, we can catch up through video calls or social media. It’s really changed the way we connect with others.

Recommended Use in Part 3

Use phrasal verbs when explaining personal opinions or general experiences.
Combine with more formal phrases when analyzing ideas (e.g., “This issue has come up a lot recently, particularly in urban areas.”)
Avoid slang or overly casual expressions.
Prioritize clarity and depth of response.

Natural Patterns for Using Phrasal Verbs

To sound more fluent, it’s helpful to use phrasal verbs within certain sentence structures. Here are some patterns that work well in speaking:

Expressing Habits

I usually wind down with some music after work.
On weekends, I like to catch up on sleep.

Talking About Past Experiences

We ran into some old friends at the park.
I almost gave up, but I decided to keep going.

Describing Problems and Solutions

The car broke down, but we managed to fix it.
We didn’t know what to do, but eventually we figured it out.

Sharing Emotions or Relationships

We grew apart over the years.
My teacher really brought out the best in me.

Making Comparisons or Speculating

Things didn’t pan out the way I thought.
If I had held on, I might have succeeded.

Practicing these patterns helps ensure your phrasal verb usage sounds natural and appropriate in a wide range of topics.

Avoiding Common Mistakes

Misusing Phrasal Verbs

Don’t assume a phrasal verb means the same thing as the base verb. For example:

“I look down on my parents.”
This is incorrect unless you actually disrespect them. You likely meant “I look up to my parents.”

Overuse

Using too many phrasal verbs can make your speech sound artificial or informal. A few well-chosen phrases are better than packing your answers with multiple expressions.

Forced Insertion

Don’t try to include a phrasal verb in every sentence. Let them come naturally when they fit the idea you’re expressing.

Using phrasal verbs in IELTS Speaking requires a balance between fluency, accuracy, and appropriateness. In Part 1, you can use them to talk about your routine, hobbies, and preferences. In Part 2, they bring color to personal stories. In Part 3, they can still be effective, but should be paired with more formal vocabulary depending on the topic.

To use phrasal verbs effectively:

Learn them in context
Practice speaking naturally
Use varied expressions across different parts of the test
Avoid forcing or misusing them

In the next part (Part 3), we will explore how to build your own vocabulary bank of phrasal verbs, techniques for memorization, and exercises you can do at home to reinforce learning.

Building and Mastering Phrasal Verb Vocabulary

Why It’s Important to Learn Phrasal Verbs Systematically

Phrasal verbs are often one of the trickiest areas for English learners. Their meanings aren’t always logical, and they can change depending on context or even word order. Without a system, many learners simply memorize long lists and forget them within days.

To use phrasal verbs confidently in the IELTS Speaking test, you need a strategy that includes:

Contextual learning
Categorization by topic
Repeated usage in realistic speech
Active recall and revision

This part will guide you through how to build a strong, personal vocabulary bank of phrasal verbs, and how to make them a natural part of your spoken English.

Step 1: Learn Phrasal Verbs by Theme

Learning in themes helps your brain make connections. IELTS Speaking topics are predictable, so grouping phrasal verbs based on topic is practical and efficient.

Common IELTS Topics and Relevant Phrasal Verbs

Health and Fitness

cut down on: reduce
come down with: become ill
work out: exercise
fight off: resist illness
get over: recover from illness

Relationships

get along with: have a good relationship
fall out with: argue and stop being friends
make up: reconcile after a fight
drift apart: gradually become distant
look up to: admire

Education

brush up on: revise
catch up on: do something missed
drop out: quit school
keep up with: stay at the same level
go over: review information

Travel and Holidays

check in: register at a hotel or airport
set off: begin a journey
get away: take a short holiday
hold up: delay
run out of: have none left

Work and Career

take over: assume control
set up: start a business
get ahead: make progress
burn out: become exhausted
step down: resign

Organize Your Vocabulary Log

Create a table or spreadsheet with these columns:

Phrasal verb
Meaning
Example sentence (your own)
IELTS topic it fits
Notes on grammar (transitive/intransitive, separable/inseparable)

This personal reference tool will grow with your learning and serve as a quick-review source before the test.

Step 2: Use Contextual Learning Instead of Lists

Instead of memorizing definitions, you should see and use phrasal verbs in real sentences and situations. This method helps your brain link meaning with real-world usage.

Create Short Stories

Take 3–5 new phrasal verbs and write a short story using all of them. For example, for the phrasal verbs “drop out”, “brush up on”, and “catch up on”:

When I dropped out of university, I didn’t know what to do. After a few months of doing nothing, I decided to brush up on my writing skills. I also took some online classes to catch up on the things I had missed.

Writing and reading these stories improves memory and fluency.

Use Them in IELTS-Style Answers

Practice answering IELTS Speaking questions with new phrasal verbs.

Example:

Q: Do you think it’s important to keep in touch with old friends?
A: Definitely. Even though we drifted apart over the years, I still try to catch up with them once in a while. It helps to keep the bond strong.

Step 3: Apply Spaced Repetition

One of the most effective ways to memorize and retain vocabulary is through spaced repetition. This technique helps your brain move information from short-term to long-term memory by reviewing material at increasing intervals.

How to Implement Spaced Repetition

Day 1: Learn 5 new phrasal verbs.
Day 2: Review them and write a sentence for each.
Day 3: Try to use them in conversation or speaking practice.
Day 5: Review again using flashcards or a quiz.
Day 7: Test yourself by speaking or writing about a topic that uses those phrasal verbs.

Use tools like physical flashcards or digital apps like Anki or Quizlet, which are designed for spaced repetition systems.

Step 4: Practice with Speaking Activities

Learning vocabulary without practicing speaking is like learning how to swim by reading a book—you won’t develop the fluency you need for IELTS. These practice methods focus on activating your phrasal verb knowledge.

IELTS Practice Partner

Find a speaking partner and use each session to focus on specific phrasal verbs. Choose a topic (like travel or education), and both of you try to use at least 5–7 phrasal verbs in your conversation.

Record your session, and afterward, review your usage:

Were the verbs used correctly?
Did they sound natural?
Were they used too often?

Solo Practice – Mirror Talk

Practice speaking alone in front of a mirror. Choose a cue card topic and try to include relevant phrasal verbs.

Topic: Describe a difficult situation you overcame
Use: give up, figure out, get through, pull through, turn out

Speak for 1–2 minutes and then reflect:

Did I use all the target phrasal verbs?
Did the story sound natural?
Can I improve my grammar or pronunciation?

Step 5: Surround Yourself with Phrasal Verbs

Immersing yourself in English media helps reinforce vocabulary through repeated exposure.

Watch Native Content

TV shows, YouTube channels, and podcasts are excellent sources of real-life phrasal verb usage.

Try these steps:

Watch a short scene or clip.
Write down all the phrasal verbs you hear.
Look up any unfamiliar ones.
Rewatch and repeat the lines using those phrasal verbs.

Read Dialogues or Scripts

Scripts from TV shows or movies can be a goldmine of conversational English. Highlight phrasal verbs, then rephrase the sentences in your own words. This is particularly useful for learning how these verbs function in casual speech.

Step 6: Build Confidence for Exam Day

On the test day, the goal isn’t to impress the examiner with every phrasal verb you know. It’s to speak naturally, clearly, and fluently. If you’ve practiced them in stories and conversations, they’ll come out naturally.

Last-Minute Review Tips

Review your personal phrasal verb log before the test.
Focus on high-frequency phrasal verbs you’re confident using.
Avoid introducing unfamiliar ones unless you’re certain of their meaning and usage.
Practice with at least 3 mock IELTS questions and try to insert phrasal verbs where they make sense.

Recap of Strategies for Building Your Phrasal Verb Knowledge

Group by Topic: Learn phrasal verbs based on IELTS themes.
Learn in Context: Use stories and examples to deepen understanding.
Apply Spaced Repetition: Review regularly to lock in learning.
Practice Speaking: Use speaking exercises to build fluency.
Immerse in English: Watch, listen, and read to absorb usage naturally.
Focus on Quality, Not Quantity: Use what you know well.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Avoiding Common Phrasal Verb Mistakes: Why Accuracy Matters in IELTS Speaking

In the IELTS Speaking test, it’s not enough to just use advanced vocabulary; it must be appropriate, accurate, and natural. One well-placed phrasal verb can boost your score, but using them incorrectly can do the opposite. Examiners are trained to recognize overuse, misuse, and forced insertion of expressions, especially when learners try to show off vocabulary.

Mistake 1: Using the Wrong Meaning

Many phrasal verbs are idiomatic, which means you cannot guess their meaning from the words themselves. Learners often confuse phrasal verbs with similar-sounding ones or misunderstand the meaning entirely.

Examples:

Incorrect: I really look down on my parents.
Intended meaning: admire or respect
Actual meaning: think you’re better than someone
Correct: I really look up to my parents.

Incorrect: I fell out with my exam yesterday.
Problem: “Fall out with” is only used with people, not things.
Correct: I had an argument with my friend; we fell out last week.

Solution:

Double-check usage in a learner’s dictionary.
Learn phrasal verbs through examples, not just definitions.
Create your own example sentences and check them with a tutor or native speaker if possible.

Mistake 2: Using Phrasal Verbs in Formal Contexts

Phrasal verbs are informal by nature. In IELTS Speaking, they’re welcome, but in Writing or overly formal speech, they can sound awkward or incorrect.

Example:

IELTS Writing (Incorrect): Governments should cut down on spending.
Preferred: Governments should reduce spending.

IELTS Speaking (Correct): I’ve been trying to cut down on junk food lately.

Solution:

Use phrasal verbs mainly in Speaking and informal conversation.
Avoid them in IELTS Writing, especially in Task 2 essays.
Learn single-word formal equivalents alongside phrasal verbs.
(e.g. “give up” → “quit”, “come across” → “discover”, “put off” → “postpone”)

Mistake 3: Overusing Phrasal Verbs

When learners try to include as many phrasal verbs as possible, their answers often sound unnatural or rehearsed. Overuse can distract from clarity and flow.

Example:

Unnatural: I set off early, but I ran into traffic. I got through it, but then I ran out of gas, so I had to call up my friend who helped me out. Then I got back on the road and finally showed up at the party and hung out.

Better: I set off early but hit traffic. Luckily, I got through it, though I ran out of gas. My friend helped me, and I eventually made it to the party.

Solution:

Limit usage to 1–2 phrasal verbs per answer unless you’re telling a longer story.
Focus on fluency, not just variety.
Use them only when they fit the situation naturally.

Mistake 4: Wrong Grammar Structure

Phrasal verbs follow certain grammatical rules. Some are separable, some inseparable, and others are intransitive. Using the wrong word order or object placement is a frequent mistake.

Examples:

Incorrect: I turned the light off it.
Correct: I turned it off. / I turned off the light.

Incorrect: I look after him well. → Correct
Incorrect: I look him after. → Incorrect (inseparable)

Incorrect: I gave the homework up. → Awkward
Correct: I gave up the homework. / I gave it up.

Solution:

Learn whether a phrasal verb is separable or not when you study it.
If you use a pronoun (it, him, her), it must come between the verb and the particle in separable phrasal verbs.
Example: “turn off the light” → “turn it off” (not “turn off it”)

Mistake 5: Forced or Rehearsed Use

Memorized sentences that sound unnatural often include phrasal verbs that don’t quite fit. Examiners can tell when you are forcing vocabulary into your response.

Example:

Question: What do you usually do in the evenings?
Forced: I wind down, then I hang out, then I tidy up, and then I chill out.
Natural: In the evenings, I usually just relax. Sometimes I tidy up a bit or watch a show to wind down.

Solution:

Use only the expressions you are comfortable with.
Don’t memorize full answers—practice forming natural responses on the spot.
Think of phrasal verbs as tools, not goals. Use them to help express ideas, not to impress.

Mistake 6: Using Outdated or Uncommon Expressions

Some phrasal verbs are outdated or rarely used in modern conversation. Using them can make your speech sound strange or overly formal.

Examples:

“Put out” (to extinguish a fire) – rarely used outside specific contexts
“Fall to pieces” – too dramatic for general use

Solution:

Focus on commonly used phrasal verbs found in everyday conversation.
Check examples in up-to-date dictionaries or from real media like shows, podcasts, or YouTube.

Refining Your Use of Phrasal Verbs

Once you’re using phrasal verbs correctly, you can begin to fine-tune your delivery and integration into natural speech.

Tip 1: Focus on Tone and Rhythm

Native speakers don’t emphasize phrasal verbs more than other words—they use them naturally and often without thinking. Practice saying full answers aloud to develop rhythm.

Example:
“I usually catch up on reading over the weekend.”

Tip 2: Use Fillers and Connectors with Phrasal Verbs

Natural speech includes pauses and linking phrases.

“Well, I usually wind down with a book.”
“Let me think… oh yeah, we ran into each other at the airport.”

This helps phrasal verbs blend into your answers and sound more natural.

Tip 3: Replace Basic Verbs with Phrasal Ones

Once you’re comfortable, replace simple words with phrasal verbs.

“Stop” → “give up”
“Visit” → “drop by”
“Start” → “kick off”

Example:
Basic: “I stopped eating sugar.”
Improved: “I gave up sugar last year.”

Final Checklist Before the Exam

Before your IELTS Speaking test, review the following:

Can you correctly use 20–30 common phrasal verbs?
Have you practiced them in answers to Part 1, 2, and 3 questions?
Do you know which ones are separable or inseparable?
Can you use them in the right context without forcing them?
Do you sound natural when you say them aloud?

If you can answer yes to most of these, you’re in a strong position to impress the examiner with your vocabulary.

Throughout this four-part series, we’ve explored the full process of mastering phrasal verbs—from understanding what they are and why they matter, to how to learn them, use them, and refine your speaking with them.

Key Takeaways

Phrasal verbs are essential for natural, idiomatic English in IELTS Speaking.
Use them to improve your lexical range, fluency, and spontaneity.
Learn them by topic, in context, and through active use.
Practice regularly through conversation, storytelling, and mock answers.
Avoid common pitfalls: misuse, overuse, wrong grammar, and forced usage.

With consistent practice and attention to detail, phrasal verbs can become one of your strongest assets in the Speaking test.

Final Thoughts

Using phrasal verbs effectively in IELTS Speaking can significantly enhance your fluency and lexical resource. These expressions, which are common in everyday English, help make your speech sound more natural and idiomatic—qualities that IELTS examiners look for when assessing spoken language. However, it’s not just about throwing them into your answers. The key is using them accurately, in the right context, and with the right tone. When used well, phrasal verbs can add variety and depth to your language, especially in Parts 1 and 2 of the test where a conversational tone is encouraged. With consistent practice, a focus on meaning, and attention to structure, you can integrate these expressions naturally into your responses. Ultimately, mastering phrasal verbs is less about memorization and more about familiarity—learning them as part of real communication.