51 Phrasal Verbs for IELTS Speaking

Reading time: 10 – 15 Minutes

Phrasal verbs can enhance your performance in IELTS speaking by letting you demonstrate a wider range of vocabulary, natural fluency, and command of various English language contexts.

• Soft music helps me calm down.
• I don’t give up trying until I succeed.
• My mom loves searching for discounts online.

The highlighted phrases above are all Phrasal verbs. Also known as multi-word verbs or multi-verb expressions, they are a combination of two or three words that function together as a single verb. They consist of a main verb and one or more words like a preposition or an adverb, which combine to create a new meaning. These verbs are common in informal and conversational English and can be found in both native and non-native speech.

 

Features of Phrasal Verbs

1. Types:
   • Intransitive Phrasal Verbs: These verbs do not require a direct object (e.g., “I woke up early.”).
   • Transitive Separable Phrasal Verbs: These verbs can be separated by their direct objects (e.g., “She turned on the light” or “She turned the light on”).
   • Transitive Inseparable Phrasal Verbs: These verbs cannot be separated by their direct objects (e.g., “I came across a new word” but not “I came a new word across”).
2. Meanings: Phrasal verbs can have multiple meanings depending on the context. For example, “look up” can mean to search for information or to improve (e.g., “Look up the definition of a new word” or “Things are looking up”).

 

Phrasal verbs compared to regular verbs

While you can always use regular verbs to communicate your message, phrasal verbs serve unique purposes to help you increase your score in IELTS speaking:

 

1. They add depth to your language.

Example: We hang out at the café.

You could say ‘spend time together at the café’, but it’s not going to mean that you ‘enjoy being together with a friend or someone close’, like ‘hang out’ does.   

 

2. Your speech becomes more informal.

Example: I need to call my classmate up. I think she’s ill.

‘Call someone up’ is less formal than ‘phone someone’, making your speech more relaxed and casual.

 

3. They allow you to express your emotions more easily.

Example: I’ll play some music. Maybe that will cheer you up.

In this example, ‘cheer up’ shows that the speaker wants to try/do something to make someone happy again.

 

Using phrasal verbs in your answers in the speaking test is a way to show the examiner that you can speak English naturally and easily, to say whatever you have in mind. Remember that examiners are trained to pay attention to and notice advanced language usage, so your hard work will not go unnoticed.  

 

Usage of Phrasal Verbs in IELTS Speaking

In the IELTS Speaking test, using phrasal verbs can demonstrate your fluency and ability to naturally use a range of vocabulary. Incorporate phrasal verbs where appropriate in your responses to showcase your language proficiency. Some examples include:

• “I enjoy hanging out with my friends on weekends.” (spending time)
• “During the debate, he brought up a valid point.” (introduced or mentioned)
• “My favorite English teacher always breaks down complex grammar rules into simple concepts.” (to simplify)

However, be cautious not to force phrasal verbs into your speech, as this can make your language sound unnatural or lead to incorrect usage. Familiarize yourself with common phrasal verbs and practice using them in context to improve your IELTS Speaking performance.

 

51 phrasal verbs for IELTS speaking

I’m sorry. I don’t agree with you. (to have a different opinion)

Let’s not argue about the problem now. I’m too tired. (to exchange opinions)

I asked for black coffee. This is an espresso. (to want something)

After 3 years of being together, they broke up. (to end a relationship)

Thank you for bringing up this important topic. (to start talking about something)

My car broke down on the highway last night. (to stop working)

I think the problem calls for a lot of discussion. (to require or need something)

We need to call off the outdoor barbecue. It’s gonna rain heavily soon. (to cancel an event or plan)

Check out my new dress. What do you think? (to take a look at or analyze something)

Let’s go to a cafe! I’m sure that will cheer you up. (to make someone feel better again)

There’s no need to shout. Chill out. (to relax)

As a mother, I’m always cleaning up the house. (to make a place clean and neat)

Good friends can count on each other. (to depend on someone’s support)

I’m cutting down the amount of chocolate I eat because I’m getting fat. (to reduce using or consuming something)

Just telling someone to calm down doesn’t usually help. (to relax)

Dining out is expensive these days, right? (to eat at a restaurant)

I dozed off in the meeting, and thankfully, no one noticed. (to suddenly fall asleep)

I hate dressing up for parties. It’s so annoying. (to wear your best clothes)

He dropped out of college to become a singer. (to stop going to college or university) 

Eating in is rare nowadays because parents are busy. (to eat at home)

I fell out with my friend over a small problem, but I apologized and we’re good now. (to have a fight and stop talking with someone)

I can’t figure out why he stopped talking to me. (to understand the reasons behind someting)

Our football coach can fire us up before every training session. (to get someone excited)

He flipped out and left the video call. Nobody knows why. (to suddenly get angry)

Can you please let me focus on my work? I have a deadline. (to pay all of your attention to something)

You have been fooling around all day. I thought you had homework to do. (to waste time doing nothing useful)

Ok, don’t freak out, but I crashed the car. Sorry. (to lose control or get angry)

The gas tank is almost empty, so let’s fuel up now. (to put petrol in a car)

We usually get along well. (to have a healthy relationship)

That’s a stupid idea, and I can’t get behind it. (to support an idea or someone)

It’s time you got over it and started a new chapter in your life. (to stop thinking about the past or a problem)

Did you get to take my clothes to the laundry? (to have the time or opportunity to do something)

We get together every Friday night. (to meet and spend time with family and friends)

Don’t give up now. You’re almost at the finish line. (to stop working towards a goal)

I wouldn’t go for that dish. I ate it last time and it was too spicy. (to choose)

The film goes on for almost three hours! (to continue or takes an amount of time to finish)

They were handing out chocolates and candies on Halloween. (to distribute)

I don’t wanna hang out at the mall. It’s too crowded. (to spend time in a place)

If you keep on studying, I’m sure you’ll get excellent marks. (to continue doing something)

You can kiss your health away if you keep eating fast food. (to say goodbye to something good)

Smoking can lead to cancer. It’s supported by science. (to have a certain result)

A good partner is someone you can lean on. (to depend on someone for help and support)

I’m feeling a bit dizzy. I think I’ll lie down here for a minute. (a short rest on a bed or sofa)

Most men in Europe and Africa live for football. (to have strong positive opinions about something)

My father is a strong and successful man. That’s why I look up to him. (to admire or think highly of someone)

I opted for science in high school. (to choose)

The culture here is different. It’s not easy to pal up with people. (to become friends with someone)

Don’t just look at your trash. Pick it up! (to take something off the ground or a surface)

You pointed out the causes, but what about the solutions? (to mention something)

We’ll have to put off the event for now. (to delay or postpone an event or plan)

We have run out of milk. Could you get some, please? (to have nothing of an item)

 

In conclusion

The strategic use of phrasal verbs in IELTS speaking can significantly enhance your language proficiency and communication skills. By incorporating these multi-word expressions in your responses, you demonstrate a deep understanding of the English language. This not only enables you to convey your thoughts more clearly and accurately but also helps you sound more natural and idiomatic. As a result, using phrasal verbs effectively in the IELTS speaking test can greatly improve your chances of achieving a higher band score and reaching your goals. 

 

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