Summary of "10 Phrasal Verbs for Academic Writing in English"
Summary of “10 phrasal verbs for academic writing in English”
Main Ideas and Concepts
- The video addresses the common misconception that phrasal verbs are too informal for academic writing, especially in exams like IELTS or TOEFL.
- Adam, the presenter, encourages the use of certain phrasal verbs in academic writing because they are a natural part of English and can enhance essay quality and impress graders if used correctly.
- A phrasal verb consists of a verb plus a preposition or adverb, creating a meaning different from the individual words alone.
- Adam introduces 10 useful phrasal verbs suitable for academic writing, explaining their meanings, usage, and providing examples and nuances.
Detailed Explanation and Methodology
1. Definition of phrasal verbs
- Combination of a verb + preposition/adverb.
- Often have multiple meanings.
- Important to use them correctly to avoid confusion.
2. List of 10 phrasal verbs for academic writing with Meanings and Usage
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Account for Meaning: To consider or include something in your thinking or calculations. Example: “Account for surprises in your budget calculations.” Note: Related to “take into account” or “take into consideration.”
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Carry out Meaning: To do or perform (especially used with “experiments,” “plans,” etc.). Example: “Carry out an experiment” or “carry out your plans.”
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Look into / Find out Meaning: To investigate or get information. Example: Police look into complaints; “find out” is similar but not interchangeable with “look into.”
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Cut down / Cut back on Meaning: Both mean to reduce.
- Cut down = reduce amount/spending.
- Cut back on = do less of something but still continue it. Example: “Cut down expenses” or “cut back on expenses.” Note: “Cutback” can also be a noun referring to reductions, often in staff or budgets.
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Do without Meaning: To manage or survive without something. Example: “Young people cannot do without programming skills for future jobs.”
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Follow through Meaning: To complete a task/project or keep a promise. Example: “Follow through on a project” or “follow through on a promise.”
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Frown upon Meaning: To disapprove of something socially or morally, though it may be legal or allowed. Example: Politicians attacking each other verbally is legal but often frowned upon.
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Resort to Meaning: To use something as a last option, often reluctantly. Example: “Resort to legal action” after other attempts fail.
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Rule out Meaning: To eliminate an option or say something is impossible. Example: “We rule out any opposition to our minimum wage policy.”
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Put off Meaning: To postpone or delay something. Example: “Put off a meeting until next week due to bad weather.”
Additional Advice
- Use these phrasal verbs in formal or neutral contexts in academic essays to improve vocabulary and impress examiners.
- Avoid informal or slang phrasal verbs in academic writing.
- Practice understanding and using these verbs properly through quizzes and exercises.
- For more help on academic writing, visit WriteToTop.com or the related YouTube channel.
Speakers / Sources
- Adam – English teacher and presenter from engVid.com, who explains and teaches the phrasal verbs in the video.
Category
Educational