Vocabulary: Phrasal Verbs (Advanced & Stylistic Use) (C1) - Lesson 1: Mastering a Wider Range of Phrasal Verbs

C1 - Lesson 1: Mastering a Wider Range of Phrasal Verbs

Advanced and Stylistic Usage

As a C1-level learner, you are already comfortable with many common phrasal verbs. The next step is to expand your range to include less common, more stylistic¹ verbs that add nuance² to your communication. Mastering these phrases will make your English sound more articulate³ and native-like, especially in professional and academic contexts.

1. Phrasal Verbs for Discussion & Argument

• to boil down to: To have something as the main or essential reason.
  Ex: "The complex negotiation boils down to one key issue: price."
• to weigh in on: To join a discussion or debate by giving your opinion.
  Ex: "Several leading economists were asked to weigh in on the government's new financial policy."
• to win someone over: To persuade someone to support you or agree with you.
  Ex: "Her presentation was so convincing that she managed to win over the entire board of directors."

2. Phrasal Verbs for Business & Projects

• to phase something in / out: To introduce or remove something gradually, in stages.
  Ex: "The company will slowly phase in the new software and phase out the old system over the next year."
• to iron something out: To resolve small problems or difficulties through discussion.
  Ex: "We need one more meeting to iron out the final details of the contract."
• to fall through: For a plan, deal, or arrangement to fail.
  Ex: "The sale of the property fell through at the last minute because the buyer couldn't get a loan."

3. Phrasal Verbs for Social & Personal Life

• to drift apart: To become gradually less friendly or intimate with someone over time.
  Ex: "After high school, the two friends went to different universities and slowly began to drift apart."
• to fend for oneself: To take care of and provide for yourself without help from others.
  Ex: "When he moved to the city for work, he had to learn how to cook and fend for himself."
• to live up to: To be as good as something is expected to be.
  Ex: "The new riverside restaurant in Kampot really lives up to the excellent reviews."

Discourse in Action: A Professional Email

Notice how these phrasal verbs are used naturally in this semi-formal work email.

Subject: Project Dragonfruit Update

Hi Team,

After reviewing all the feedback, the issue really boils down to a question of budget. Before we proceed, I need everyone to weigh in on the revised proposal.

We have a meeting with the client on Friday to iron out a few remaining details. It is crucial that this deal does not fall through like the last one.

I am confident that our team can live up to the high expectations for this project. My goal is to win over the client completely with our professionalism. We will begin to phase in the new workflow starting next week.

Thanks,

Sophea

quiz Check Your Understanding

1. If a business deal "falls through," it means it...

• a) succeeded.
• b) failed.
• c) was delayed.

Click to see the answer

Answer: b) failed.

2. A politician is trying to persuade voters to support her. She is trying to...

• a) win them over.
• b) phase them out.
• c) fend for them.

Click to see the answer

Answer: a) win them over.

3. "We need to resolve some small problems in the plan." Which phrasal verb is the best replacement for "resolve some small problems"?

• a) live up to the plan.
• b) drift apart from the plan.
• c) iron out the plan.

Click to see the answer

Answer: c) iron out the plan.

edit Your Mission

1. Apply the Verb: Think about a movie or book that received excellent reviews. Did it meet your expectations? Write one sentence using the phrasal verb "to live up to".
2. Business Scenario: Your company is going to stop using plastic packaging over a period of six months. Write one sentence explaining this plan using the phrasal verb "to phase out".
3. Listen for a Phrasal Verb: Listen to an English podcast or watch a TED Talk. Try to identify one phrasal verb used by the speaker. Write it down in the sentence you heard it in. Does it make the speaker sound more natural or articulate?

book Lesson Glossary

1. Stylistic (adjective) - Khmer: ទាក់ទងនឹងរចនាប័ទ្ម (teak-tong nung rɔɔ-chɑ-naa-bot) - Relating to the particular way something is done, created, or performed. ↩
2. Nuance (noun) - Khmer: ន័យ​បង្កប់ (ney bɑng-kɔp) - A subtle difference in or shade of meaning, expression, or sound. ↩
3. Articulate (adjective) - Khmer: ច្បាស់លាស់ (chbas-leah) - Able to express thoughts and feelings easily and clearly. ↩