Advanced Phrasal Verbs for C1–C2 English: 60+ with Examples
Basic phrasal verbs like “give up” and “look for” get you to B2. But if you want to sound truly fluent — the kind of English that earns IELTS Band 8–9 or impresses in a boardroom — you need advanced phrasal verbs that most learners never study.
This list covers 60+ advanced phrasal verbs at C1–C2 level, organized by how you actually use them: in academic discussions, at work, when analyzing problems, and in sophisticated conversation. Every phrasal verb includes a clear meaning and a real-world example.
- Total phrasal verbs: 60+
- Level: C1–C2 (advanced and proficiency)
- Best for: IELTS Band 8–9 prep, academic writing, professional English, fluency polishing
How These Phrasal Verbs Were Selected
We selected these phrasal verbs based on three criteria:
- Corpus frequency at C1–C2 — They appear regularly in academic texts, quality journalism, and professional communication
- IELTS/Cambridge relevance — They are the type of language that examiners reward with high scores
- Single-word replacement value — Each one can replace a simpler expression, demonstrating vocabulary range
The difference between Band 7 and Band 9 in IELTS is not grammar — it is lexical sophistication. Using “account for” instead of “explain” or “stem from” instead of “come from” signals advanced command of English.
Academic and Formal Discussion
Phrasal verbs for essays, presentations, and scholarly debate. These replace basic vocabulary in formal writing.
| Phrasal Verb | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| account for | to explain the reason for; to represent a proportion of | Cultural differences account for most of the variation in the data. |
| boil down to | to be reducible to a single essential point | The entire debate boils down to one question: who pays? |
| draw on | to use knowledge or experience as a resource | The researcher drew on decades of fieldwork to support her theory. |
| elaborate on | to explain in more detail | Could you elaborate on how the algorithm handles edge cases? |
| factor in | to include something as a relevant element | We need to factor in inflation when projecting future costs. |
| flesh out | to add detail and substance to an idea | The proposal is promising, but we need to flesh out the methodology. |
| hinge on | to depend entirely on | The success of the project hinges on securing government approval. |
| point to | to indicate or suggest as evidence | Recent studies point to a strong correlation between sleep and memory. |
| rule out | to eliminate as a possibility | Scientists have ruled out contamination as the cause of the anomaly. |
| stem from | to originate from; to be caused by | The current crisis stems from years of underinvestment in infrastructure. |
| touch on | to mention briefly without going into detail | The report touches on climate change but does not analyze it in depth. |
| weigh up | to consider carefully before deciding | The committee is weighing up the risks and benefits of the new policy. |
IELTS tip: In Writing Task 2, replacing “this is because” with “this stems from” or “this can be accounted for by” immediately upgrades your Lexical Resource score.
Business and Professional English
Phrasal verbs heard in meetings, negotiations, and corporate communication.
| Phrasal Verb | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| buy into | to accept an idea or believe in a concept | The board has finally bought into the digital transformation strategy. |
| call off | to cancel (an event, deal, or plan) | They called off the merger after discovering financial irregularities. |
| carry out | to perform or complete a task | The audit team carried out a thorough investigation of the accounts. |
| come up against | to encounter a problem or obstacle | We came up against strict regulations when expanding into the EU market. |
| draw up | to prepare a formal document (contract, plan) | The lawyers drew up a non-disclosure agreement before the meeting. |
| fall through | to fail to happen as planned | The deal fell through at the last minute due to disagreements on price. |
| iron out | to resolve problems or disagreements | We need another meeting to iron out the remaining details. |
| lay off | to dismiss employees (usually due to economic reasons) | The company laid off 200 workers after the quarterly loss. |
| phase out | to gradually stop using or producing something | The manufacturer is phasing out diesel models by 2028. |
| ramp up | to increase significantly (production, effort, spending) | We are ramping up production to meet holiday demand. |
| sign off on | to give official approval | The CEO signed off on the new marketing budget this morning. |
| take on | to hire; to accept a responsibility or challenge | The firm took on three new associates to handle the increased caseload. |
Emotions, Relationships, and Character
Phrasal verbs for describing feelings, personality, and social dynamics — essential for IELTS Speaking.
| Phrasal Verb | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| bottle up | to suppress emotions instead of expressing them | He bottles up his frustration until it explodes in anger. |
| come across as | to give a particular impression to others | She comes across as confident, but she is actually quite shy. |
| dawn on | to gradually realize something | It suddenly dawned on me that I had been approaching the problem wrong. |
| fall out with | to have a serious disagreement and stop being friendly | She fell out with her business partner over the company’s direction. |
| grow on | to gradually become more liked or appreciated | I did not like the city at first, but it grew on me over time. |
| lash out at | to suddenly attack verbally or physically | He lashed out at the journalist who asked about the scandal. |
| look down on | to consider someone inferior | Some people look down on manual labor, which is unfair. |
| open up | to start to share feelings or personal information | It took months of therapy before he opened up about his childhood. |
| put up with | to tolerate something unpleasant | I do not know how she puts up with the noise from the construction. |
| warm to | to begin to like someone or something | The audience was skeptical at first but warmed to the speaker quickly. |
Problem-Solving and Analysis
Phrasal verbs for critical thinking, investigation, and decision-making.
| Phrasal Verb | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| break down | to divide into smaller parts for analysis | Let us break down the data by region to find the pattern. |
| come up with | to produce an idea or solution | The engineering team came up with an elegant solution to the cooling problem. |
| figure out | to understand after thinking carefully | It took us weeks to figure out why the system kept crashing. |
| get to the bottom of | to discover the true cause of something | We are determined to get to the bottom of these supply chain delays. |
| home in on | to focus attention on a specific aspect | The investigation homed in on the financial records from 2024. |
| narrow down | to reduce the number of options | We have narrowed down the candidates to a shortlist of five. |
| piece together | to gradually assemble information to understand something | Detectives pieced together the sequence of events from CCTV footage. |
| rule out | to exclude from consideration | We can rule out hardware failure — the tests came back clean. |
| think through | to consider all aspects of something carefully before deciding | You need to think through the consequences before making this announcement. |
| zero in on | to direct all attention to one specific thing | The researchers zeroed in on a single gene responsible for the mutation. |
Change and Transformation
Phrasal verbs for describing how things evolve, improve, or decline.
| Phrasal Verb | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| bring about | to cause something to happen | The new regulations brought about significant changes in the industry. |
| catch on | to become popular or widely accepted | Electric scooters caught on much faster than anyone expected. |
| die down | to gradually become less intense | The controversy died down after the company issued a public apology. |
| do away with | to abolish or eliminate entirely | Several countries have done away with plastic bags in supermarkets. |
| pan out | to develop or turn out (often used with “how”) | Nobody knows how the new trade agreement will pan out. |
| peter out | to gradually decrease and come to an end | Initial enthusiasm for the project petered out after the first month. |
| pick up | to increase or improve after a slow period | Sales picked up significantly in the fourth quarter. |
| set in | to begin and seem likely to continue (usually negative) | Fatigue set in during the third hour of the negotiations. |
| take off | to suddenly become successful or popular | The app took off after a celebrity mentioned it in an interview. |
| wind down | to gradually reduce activity before stopping | The government is winding down its emergency support programs. |
Communication and Persuasion
Phrasal verbs for debating, negotiating, and influencing others.
| Phrasal Verb | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| back up | to support a claim with evidence | You need to back up your argument with data, not just opinions. |
| bring up | to introduce a topic into a conversation | She brought up the issue of overtime pay during the meeting. |
| get across | to communicate an idea clearly | The presentation was too technical — he failed to get his message across. |
| gloss over | to avoid discussing something in detail, often intentionally | The report glosses over the environmental damage caused by the project. |
| play down | to make something seem less important than it is | The government tried to play down the severity of the economic crisis. |
| spell out | to explain something very clearly and explicitly | Let me spell out exactly what will happen if we miss this deadline. |
| stand by | to maintain a statement or decision despite criticism | The scientist stood by her findings despite heavy criticism from peers. |
| talk someone into | to persuade someone to do something | She talked me into applying for the position, and I got it. |
| talk someone out of | to persuade someone not to do something | His friends talked him out of quitting his job without a backup plan. |
| water down | to make something weaker or less effective | The original proposal was watered down to satisfy the opposition. |
Advanced Phrasal Verbs to Practice
Click any word to see its definition, pronunciation, and examples. Add words to your Linglify dictionary and review them with spaced repetition.
valid
adjective
Having legal or official force; acceptable.
Examples
- Valid argument supports logical reasoning and conclusion.
- Valid passport allows international travel without problems.
flexible
adjective
Able to change or bend without breaking; adaptable.
Examples
- Flexible working arrangements help employees balance work and family life.
- The flexible plastic tube can bend without breaking or cracking.
transmit
verb
To send or pass on information, signals, or messages.
Examples
- Disease may transmit through contact with surfaces.
- Satellites transmit signals across vast distances effectively.
territory
noun
An area of land with defined borders, often controlled by a country.
Examples
- Animal territory provides food and shelter resources.
- National territory requires protection from foreign invasion.
master
noun
A person who has control or authority over something or someone, often skilled in a particular area.
Examples
- Apprentices learn traditional crafts from experienced master craftsmen.
- The chess master defeated opponents using brilliant strategic moves.
finance
verb
This verb means to provide money for a project or activity, or to manage financial matters.
Examples
- Many students need loans to finance their college education expenses.
- The bank agreed to finance the construction of the new shopping center.
executive
adjective
Relating to people in high positions of management or authority.
Examples
- Executive decisions require careful consideration of multiple factors and consequences.
- The executive branch of government is responsible for implementing laws.
fate
noun
The power or force that is believed to determine what happens in the future.
Examples
- She believes that fate brought them together at the right moment.
- The explorer's fate remained unknown after he disappeared in the jungle.
culmination
noun
The highest point or final stage of a process or event.
Examples
- The graduation ceremony was the culmination of four years of hard study.
- Winning the championship represented the culmination of the team's efforts.
gulp
verb
This verb means to swallow quickly or in large amounts, often with a gulping sound.
Examples
- She had to gulp nervously before giving her presentation to the board.
- The thirsty runner gulped down an entire bottle of cold water.
tribe
noun
A group of people who share a common culture, language, or history.
Examples
- Ancient tribe lived in harmony with nature.
- Indigenous tribe preserves traditional customs and languages.
cherished
adjective
Deeply loved or valued; treasured.
Examples
- His cherished dream of becoming a pilot finally came true.
- The old photograph was her most cherished possession from childhood.
payable
adjective
Able to be paid; due for payment.
Examples
- All dues are payable at the end of the month.
- The invoice is payable within 30 days.
serenity
noun
A state of calm, peacefulness, and mental clarity.
Examples
- She maintained her serenity despite the chaos.
- The serenity of the lake was calming.
classy
adjective
This adjective describes someone or something that is stylish, elegant, or of high quality.
Examples
- Classy restaurant serves gourmet food in elegant dining atmosphere.
- Her classy appearance impressed everyone at formal business meeting.
revolt
verb
To openly oppose or fight against authority, rules, or established order.
Examples
- A revolt broke out in the city center last night.
- The workers decided to revolt against the unfair conditions.
rethink
verb
To reconsider or think about something again, often leading to a new decision or opinion.
Examples
- He decided to rethink his position on the issue.
- We need to rethink our strategy for the project.
gypsy
noun
A member of a traditionally nomadic ethnic group known for their itinerant lifestyle and distinct culture.
Examples
- Traditional gypsy music features violin and passionate vocals.
- Wandering gypsy caravan traveled through European countryside.
buffoon
noun
A person who acts in a silly or foolish way, often to entertain others.
Examples
- Court buffoon entertained royal family with silly performances.
- Don't act like buffoon during important business presentation.
salvage
noun
The act of saving or rescuing something from loss or destruction.
Examples
- Antique dealer specializes in salvage from demolished buildings.
- Divers recovered valuable salvage from sunken merchant ship.
execution
noun
The act of carrying out a plan or law; the process of killing or executing.
Examples
- Perfect execution of the dance routine impressed judges and audience members.
- The execution of the business plan requires careful coordination and timing.
spellbound
adjective
Fascinated or captivated by something.
Examples
- Audience sits spellbound during magical performance tonight.
- Children remain spellbound by storyteller's fascinating tales.
pet
adjective
Relating to a domesticated animal kept for companionship or amusement.
Examples
- Pet project receives extra attention and resources.
- Pet theory explains professor's research focus area.
How to Study Advanced Phrasal Verbs
1. Learn by function, not alphabetically. The categories above reflect how native speakers actually use these verbs. When you learn “stem from,” “account for,” and “hinge on” together, you are building an academic discussion toolkit.
2. Replace basic language in your writing. Take an essay you have already written. Find every “because,” “explains,” and “shows” — now rewrite using “stems from,” “accounts for,” and “points to.” This active substitution is the fastest way to internalize advanced phrasal verbs.
3. Listen for them in podcasts and lectures. Advanced phrasal verbs appear constantly in BBC documentaries, TED talks, and academic podcasts. When you hear one, pause and note the context.
4. Use 3 per day in speaking. Pick 3 phrasal verbs each morning. Challenge yourself to use all 3 in conversations, emails, or social media posts before the day ends.
For a complete vocabulary system, read our guide on how to improve your vocabulary.
Common Mistakes with Advanced Phrasal Verbs
1. Using them incorrectly in formal writing. Some phrasal verbs are too informal for academic essays, even at C1. “Figure out” is fine in speaking but “determine” is better in a thesis. The phrasal verbs in the Academic category above are all formal enough for written English.
2. Wrong particle. “Account for” and “account to” mean different things. Always learn the exact preposition as part of the phrase — do not guess.
3. Overusing them. Replacing every single-word verb with a phrasal verb sounds unnatural. Use them strategically: 3–4 per IELTS essay is ideal. More than that feels forced.
4. Separating inseparable phrasal verbs. “She came up against a problem” is correct. “She came a problem up against” is nonsense. Check whether the verb is separable before rearranging.
What to Do Next
-
Start with the basics. If some phrasal verbs here feel too advanced, start with our 50 most common phrasal verbs organized by base verb, or the full 100 phrasal verbs list organized by topic.
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Practice at your level. Browse our advanced phrasal verbs library for more C1–C2 phrasal verbs with exercises.
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Prepare for IELTS Band 8–9. Use these phrasal verbs in your IELTS Writing and Speaking practice. Our IELTS vocabulary guide covers band-specific strategies.
-
Explore C1 vocabulary beyond phrasal verbs. Check our C1 Advanced word lists for single-word academic and professional vocabulary.
-
Build a daily study habit. Our step-by-step vocabulary system works for phrasal verbs too — follow the same 7-stage process.
FAQ
What makes a phrasal verb “advanced”?
A phrasal verb is advanced (C1–C2) when it expresses a nuanced meaning that simpler words cannot capture precisely. “Account for” is not just a synonym for “explain” — it implies providing a causal explanation for something specific. Advanced phrasal verbs also tend to be less frequent in everyday speech, appearing more in academic, professional, and journalistic contexts.
How many phrasal verbs do I need for IELTS Band 9?
There is no magic number, but using 3–5 advanced phrasal verbs correctly in Writing Task 2 and demonstrating natural use in Speaking demonstrates the “wide range of vocabulary” that Band 8–9 descriptors require. Quality matters more than quantity — using 3 correctly is better than forcing 10 awkwardly.
Can I use phrasal verbs in academic essays?
Yes, but choose carefully. Phrasal verbs like “account for,” “stem from,” “point to,” and “rule out” are perfectly acceptable in academic writing. Avoid informal ones like “figure out” (use “determine”), “come up with” (use “devise”), or “get across” (use “convey”) in formal essays. All phrasal verbs in the Academic section of this article are formal enough for essays.
What is the difference between B2 and C1 phrasal verbs?
B2 phrasal verbs are common in everyday conversation: “give up,” “look after,” “put off,” “take up.” C1 phrasal verbs are more specific and nuanced: “stem from,” “hinge on,” “phase out,” “home in on.” The shift from B2 to C1 is about precision — using the exact right phrasal verb for the context, not just a general one.
How do I remember advanced phrasal verbs?
Learn them in functional groups (academic, business, emotions) rather than random lists. Write example sentences from your own experience. Use spaced repetition — add them to your Linglify dictionary and review daily. Most importantly, use them actively in your own writing and speaking within 24 hours of learning them.
