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

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.”
Carry out Meaning: To do or perform (especially used with “experiments,” “plans,” etc.). Example: “Carry out an experiment” or “carry out your plans.”
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.”
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.
Do without Meaning: To manage or survive without something. Example: “Young people cannot do without programming skills for future jobs.”
Follow through Meaning: To complete a task/project or keep a promise. Example: “Follow through on a project” or “follow through on a promise.”
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.
Resort to Meaning: To use something as a last option, often reluctantly. Example: “Resort to legal action” after other attempts fail.
Rule out Meaning: To eliminate an option or say something is impossible. Example: “We rule out any opposition to our minimum wage policy.”
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.