50 Phrasal Verbs for C1 Advanced

50 Phrasal Verbs You Really Need for C1 Advanced

Hello English learners! If you are preparing for Cambridge English: C1 Advanced (CAE), phrasal verbs are not optional — they are essential. Examiners expect you to use them naturally in writing, speaking, and Use of English, especially when you’re expressing ideas precisely, sounding fluent, and avoiding repetition. In this lesson, you will find 50 high-value phrasal verbs that regularly appear in C1 Advanced essays, reports, reviews, discussions, and interviews — grouped by meaning, not dumped into a boring table.

Let’s get into it.

1. Phrasal Verbs for Ideas, Decisions & Actions

These are perfect for essays, proposals, and discussions.

Carry out – to execute or perform

The researchers carried out a detailed study.

Come up with – to think of an idea or solution

She came up with an innovative approach.

Put off – to postpone

The meeting was put off until next week.

Set up – to establish or organise

They set up a start-up in Berlin.

Go through with – to complete something difficult

He went through with the plan despite the risks.

Wrap up – to finish

Let’s wrap up the discussion.

2. Phrasal Verbs for Problems, Challenges & Consequences

Ideal for discursive essays and critical writing.

Get away with – to avoid punishment

He got away with breaking the rules.

Run out of – to have none left

We ran out of time.

Fall apart – to fail or collapse

The project fell apart due to poor planning.

Break down – to stop working or lose control emotionally

Negotiations broke down.

Face up to – to accept a difficult reality

We must face up to the consequences.

Pull through – to recover from difficulty

She pulled through after a serious illness.

3. Phrasal Verbs for Opinions, Discussion & Evaluation

Excellent for speaking tasks and essays.

Bring up – to mention

He brought up an important issue.

Go over – to review

Let’s go over the main points.

Look into – to investigate

The matter is being looked into.

Figure out – to understand or solve

It took time to figure out the problem.

Make out – to understand (often with difficulty)

I couldn’t make out what he meant.

4. Phrasal Verbs for Control, Change & Responsibility

Very CAE-friendly vocabulary.

Take over – to assume control

She took over as director.

Step up – to increase effort or responsibility

Companies must step up their efforts.

Cut down on – to reduce

People should cut down on sugar.

Do away with – to eliminate

Outdated laws should be done away with.

Put up with – to tolerate

Many workers refuse to put up with poor conditions.

5. Phrasal Verbs for Relationships & Behaviour

Useful for reviews, reports, and speaking.

Get along with – to have a good relationship

She gets along well with colleagues.

Look up to – to admire

Young people look up to role models.

Let down – to disappoint

He didn’t want to let the team down.

Hold back – to restrain

She held back her emotions.

Keep up with – to stay at the same level

It’s hard to keep up with technological change.

6. Phrasal Verbs for Daily Life & Real Situations

These help you sound natural and fluent.

Drop by – to visit briefly

I’ll drop by later.

Turn down – to reject

She turned down the offer.

Call off – to cancel

The event was called off.

Pass up – to decline an opportunity

He passed up a great chance.

Turn up – to appear unexpectedly

He turned up late.

7. Phrasal Verbs for Work, Study & Organisation

Very common in formal writing and Use of English.

Hand in – to submit

She handed in the assignment.

Back up – to support with evidence

The argument was backed up with data.

Check out – to examine or investigate

You should check out the report.

Hold on to – to keep

Hold on to the receipt.

Get on with – to continue

Let’s get on with the task.

Final C1 Advanced Tip

At CAE level, it’s not about how many phrasal verbs you know — it’s about how naturally you use them.

✔ Use them in context

✔ Mix them with formal vocabulary

✔ Avoid overusing them

 

Do the quiz to perfect your knowledge

 

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