Navigation Bar · Learn English

Advanced Phrasal Verbs

Master essential C1-C2 phrasal verbs used in academic writing, business communication, and everyday fluency. Perfect for IELTS Band 7+ and advanced English proficiency.

Native Audio 5 Essential Verbs IELTS Essential
5
key phrasal verbs
+ 15 example sentences

Advanced Phrasal Verbs · Listen & Learn

Click the orange audio button to hear native pronunciation. Each phrasal verb includes definition, examples, and synonyms.

bring about

/brɪŋ əˈbaʊt/

🔹 Definition: to cause something to happen; to make something occur.

Examples:

  • "The new CEO brought about significant changes in company culture."
  • "Scientific discoveries often bring about technological advancements."
  • "Social movements can bring about political reform."
synonyms: cause, trigger, generate, initiate common usage: bring about change / reform / improvement

carry out

/ˈkæri aʊt/

🔹 Definition: to perform or complete a task, duty, or order; to execute.

Examples:

  • "Scientists carried out a series of experiments to test the hypothesis."
  • "The team carried out the project ahead of schedule."
  • "We need to carry out the instructions precisely."
synonyms: perform, execute, conduct, implement common usage: carry out research / plan / orders

come up with

/kʌm ʌp wɪð/

🔹 Definition: to produce or suggest an idea, solution, or plan; to think of something.

Examples:

  • "She came up with an innovative solution to the problem."
  • "The marketing team came up with a brilliant campaign idea."
  • "We need to come up with a strategy before the meeting."
synonyms: devise, conceive, formulate, invent common usage: come up with ideas / solutions / plans

look down on

/lʊk daʊn ɒn/

🔹 Definition: to consider someone or something as inferior; to have a low opinion of.

Examples:

  • "It's arrogant to look down on people from different backgrounds."
  • "Some academics look down on popular culture as unworthy of study."
  • "Never look down on someone unless you're helping them up."
synonyms: disdain, despise, scorn, belittle common usage: look down on others / certain professions

put off

/pʊt ɒf/

🔹 Definition: to postpone or delay something; to cause someone to feel dislike or discouragement.

Examples:

  • "Don't put off until tomorrow what you can do today."
  • "The meeting was put off until next week due to scheduling conflicts."
  • "His rude behavior put off many potential clients."
synonyms: delay, postpone, defer, discourage common usage: put off a decision / put off until later

Phrasal Verbs Quiz

Test your understanding of C1-C2 phrasal verbs.

💡 Pro Tip: Separable vs Inseparable

"Bring about" and "carry out" are separable: "The reform brought about change" OR "brought change about". "Look down on" is inseparable: always "look down on someone".

⚠️ Common Mistake

Don't confuse "put off" (delay) with "put out" (inconvenience) or "put up with" (tolerate). Context is key for phrasal verbs.

Bonus: Additional C1-C2 Phrasal Verbs

account for

to explain or be the reason for

"How do you account for the discrepancy?"

abide by

to accept and follow rules

"All members must abide by the code of conduct."

stem from

to originate or be caused by

"Many problems stem from poor communication."

🔊 Click any orange audio button to hear phrasal verb pronunciation. MP3 files must be placed inside public/audios/Advanced-Phrasal-Verbs/ as 1.mp3 ... 5.mp3.