Post Language Selector The article has been translated into multiple languages:
enENviVIthTH

Search blog

Enrich your vocabulary with the English Phrasal Verbs in Use book

Mastering phrasal verbs (verb combinations) is one of the basic skills you cannot overlook if you want to communicate in English like a native speaker. There are countless English phrasal verbs in use. What is the method for memorizing them effectively? Get your hands on the English Phrasal Verbs In Use book below to learn correctly, learn thoroughly, communicate effectively, and conquer high scores in real English exams!

Enrich your vocabulary with the English Phrasal Verbs in Use book
Enrich your vocabulary with the English Phrasal Verbs in Use book

I. Introduction to the English Phrasal Verbs in Use series

1. General information

English Phrasal Verbs In Use is part of the Vocabulary Series, including books such as English Phrasal Verbs In Use, English Idiom In Use, and English Collocation In Use published by Cambridge University Press. This is the most authoritative and effective learning material for anyone looking to enrich their vocabulary, especially English phrasal verbs, idioms, and collocations:

  • Name: English Phrasal Verbs in Use.
  • Authors: Felicity O’Dell Michael McCarthy.
  • Numbers of version: 2 (English Phrasal Verbs in Use Intermediate – English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced).
  • Publishing company: Cambridge University Press.
  • Year of publishing: 2017.

2. Targeted learners

These two books are intended for intermediate learners - around band 3.5+ IELTS. If you are a beginner or have lost your English foundation, you should NOT own English Phrasal Verbs in Use for the following reasons:

  • In terms of form: The book is written entirely in English and has not been translated into any other languages. Therefore, beginners will find it quite difficult to understand the content fully.
  • In terms of language: The meaning of a Phrasal Verb is often completely different from the that of the verb that makes it up. For example, "keep" in English means "to continue to have something and not give it back or throw it away", but each phrasal verb with the verb "keep" has very different meanings:

Phrasal verb

Meaning

Example

Keep

to continue to have something and not give it back or throw it away

I’ve kept all my siter’s jewellery

Keep away

to avoid going near somebody/something

Keep away from the toads – they’re dangerous!

Keep back

to stay at a distance from somebody/something

The fireman told people next to this building to keep back from the fire

Keep on

to continue

My sister kept on asking me question after question.

Keep out

to not enter a place; to stay outside

The curtains help keep out the drafts.

To absorb and apply the knowledge about phrasal verbs, you need a very solid foundation of basic verbs first. Therefore, Phrasal Verbs In Use is not a suitable material for complete beginners.

To know your level, you can refer to free English proficiency tests.

If you are a true beginner or have lost your English foundation, Destination B1 is perhaps a more suitable book for you.

Introduction to the English Phrasal Verbs in Use series
Introduction to the English Phrasal Verbs in Use series

II. The content of the English Phrasal Verbs in Use series

1. English Phrasal Verbs in Use: Intermediate

The English Phrasal Verbs in Use Intermediate book is suitable for candidates who have an IELTS band of 3.5+ or higher. The author has compiled and provided over 1000 phrasal verbs within this resource. Please refer to the details below to better understand the content covered in the English Phrasal Verbs in Use Intermediate book:

Unit

Content

Detailed information

1–5

Learning about Phrasal verbs

Units 1 to 5 provide basic information about English phrasal verbs, related grammar points, etc. The first step is to study this section first before moving on to the rest.

6–12

Key verbs

Units 6 to 12 provide common verbs used in English to form phrasal verbs.

13-21

Key particles

Units 13 to 21 provide common particles used in English to form phrasal verbs.

22–70

Topic-based phrasal verbs 

Units 22 to 70 provide phrasal verbs divided according to concepts, functions and topics.

 English Phrasal Verbs in Use: Intermediate
 English Phrasal Verbs in Use: Intermediate

2. English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced

Once you have thoroughly learned all the knowledge in English Phrasal Verbs in Use Intermediate, move on to English Phrasal Verbs in Use: Advanced. This resource is suitable for higher-level English users, around band 5.5+ IELTS. The author has compiled and provided 1,000 advanced phrasal verbs to quickly expand your English vocabulary. Refer to the table below for an overview of the content presented:

Unit

Content

Detailed information

1–4

Learning about Phrasal verbs

Units 1 to 4 provide basic information about English phrasal verbs, related grammar points, etc. The first step is to study this section first before moving on to the rest.

5-9

Key verbs

Units 5 to 9 address some issues with using phrasal verbs in English, such as relationships with collocations, idioms, etc. You also need to carefully study aspects of style, metaphor, etc.

10-16

Key particles

Units 10 to 16 provide common particles used in English to form phrasal verbs.

17-60

Topic-based phrasal verbs 

Units 17 to 60 provide phrasal verbs divided according to concepts, functions, and topics.

 

English Phrasal Verbs in Use: Advanced
English Phrasal Verbs in Use: Advanced

III. The pros & cons of the English Phrasal Verbs in Use series

The pros & cons of the English Phrasal Verbs in Use series
The pros & cons of the English Phrasal Verbs in Use series

1. Pros

  • Each English Phrasal Verbs in Use book provides 1,000 common and useful English phrasal verbs, along with the basic verbs and prefixes/suffixes that accompany them.
  • The author clearly and thoroughly analyzes the correct and incorrect ways of arranging verbs and particles.
  • Users of this material will receive detailed guidance on verbs and particles. This helps them quickly and deeply understand the lessons.
  • It provides tips and tricks for using the book effectively, and efficient methods for mastering phrasal verbs to achieve high scores and effective English communication.
  • The English grammar and sentence structures using these phrases will also help learners easily construct their sentences and apply them better in real-world situations.

2. Cons

  • The book is written 100% in English, so it may pose difficulties for some individuals with a lower English proficiency level.

IV. How to learn English Phrasal Verbs in Use Effectively

To effectively use the book and quickly enhance your knowledge of 1000 phrasal verbs, refer to the following practical tips shared by PREP:

  • Learn phrasal verbs by particle: Instead of grouping and learning phrasal verbs by verbs, switch to learning them by the particle in English. Particles often have clear tendencies in meaning, and if you grasp these tendencies, learning phrasal verb combinations becomes extremely easy. For example:
    • The particle "out" often describes the act of "bringing out/going outside.". For example: It started cloudy, but then the sun came out and we all went to the park.
    • The particle "out" often describes the termination or disappearance. For example: The light went out and left us in darkness.
  • Learn phrasal verbs by topic: Similar to English vocabulary, phrasal verbs also have different meanings depending on the context. For example, the phrase "come out" can mean "to be released/publicly disclose one's sexuality/appear," depending on the specific usage. These tips are highly effective in helping you remember and use English phrasal verb combinations.
How to learn English Phrasal Verbs in Use Effectively
How to learn English Phrasal Verbs in Use Effectively

V. Download English Phrasal Verbs in Use in PDF format

Take the opportunity to download the PDF files of the two books, "English Phrasal Verbs in Use Intermediate" and "English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced," to effectively enhance your English vocabulary:

Purchase link

Amazon

Downloading link

Download English Phrasal Verbs in Use Intermediate + Advanced PDF

 

 

 

 

 

VI. Fast-Track Your IELTS Prep

Pressed for time? Our intensive IELTS preparation courses are designed to help you achieve top results in record time, with practical tips and interactive lessons:

Hien Hoang
Hien Hoang
Product Content Admin

Hi I'm Hien, and I am currently serving as an Product Content Administrator at Prep Education. With over five years of experience in independent online IELTS study and exam preparation, I am confident in my ability to support learners in achieving their highest possible scores.

CommentComment

0/300 characters
Loading...
DOWNLOAD PREP ON
PROGRAMS
KEY FEATURES
Prep AI Virtual Writing Room
Prep AI Virtual Speaking Room
Teacher Bee AI
PREP PTE. LTD.

UEN: 202227322W
Address: 114 LAVENDER STREET, #11-83 CT HUB 2, SINGAPORE (338729)

CERTIFIED BY