10 Useful Phrasal Verbs for IELTS Speaking

Using phrasal verbs in the Speaking section of the IELTS test can boast your score to 7+.

First, let us learn what makes a phrasal verb.

A phrasal verb is a combination of a verb and another word or two from a different grammatical category such as a preposition, an adverb or in some cases both. Remember, the phrasal verbs take on a completely new meaning which is different from the meaning of individual words.

For example:

End Up

Finally become/do. She wanted to work in advertising but ended up a teacher.

Here are some important phrasal verbs to use in your exam:

1.Care About

Be concerned, worried about something.

I wish more people would care about the economic situation in the third world.

2. Cut Back/Down On

Reduce something, especially something considered a bad habit. My doctor says I have to cut down on smoking.

3. Draw On

Use something as a source for inspiration. I drew on my experience as a teacher when I had my first child.

4. Follow Up

Find out more about something, show interest. I was initially interested in the job but I didn't follow it up in the end.

5.Get Along

Be on friendly terms with someone. He doesn't get along at all with his sister. They are always fighting.

6.Get Down

Depress, make feel miserable. Weather like this always gets me down.

7.Inquire After

Ask about a person's news, health, etc. He stopped me in the street to inquire after my brother.

8.Scrape Through

Just about qualify, pass an exam, etc. She scraped through her chemistry exam with 51%.

9.Start Off

Begin. I want to start off by talking about the history of this building.

10.Take After

Resemble somebody else's character. He takes after his father - both equally miserly.