5 Advanced Phrasal Verbs in English to Improve Your Fluency

As many of my students will know, I believe learning vocabulary is always easier when learned in phrases or "chunks" of language. So, in this article I want to share 5 phrasal verbs which are frequently used in the English language and will improve your fluency!

I won't be using phrases such as "wake up" or "stand up," as I believe most of you reading this will already know them. I want to share some phrasal verbs which will allow you more flexibility with your English.

1. to brush up on something

No, this is not related to cleaning.

To brush up on something means to improve or refresh your knowledge of something

For example,

I need to brush up on my English because I have an exam tomorrow.

2. to cut down on

Think of cutting down a tree. By cutting down a tree are you making it smaller or bigger?

Smaller of course.

To cut down on something means to reduce something

For example,

I've been eating too much recently. I need to cut down on my calories!

3. to figure out

To figure out means to understand something or solve a problem

For example,

I finally figured out the answer to 2 + 2 is 4!

4. to run out of something

No, it isn't related to running.

To run out of something means to have no more of something

For example,

We ran out of bread. We need to buy some more.

5. to look forward to

To look forward to something means to be excited about something

I'm looking forward to my birthday party tomorrow!

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