Phrasal Verbs to Use in Formal Writing

Phrasal Verbs to Use in Formal Writing (Academic & Professional English Guide)

Are phrasal verbs allowed in formal writing? Many learners believe they should avoid them completely — but that isn’t entirely true. While some phrasal verbs sound too informal for academic essays and professional documents, others are widely accepted in formal English. In this lesson, you’ll learn which phrasal verbs are suitable for formal writing, see clear examples, and understand how to use them correctly in essays, reports, and Cambridge C1 exams.

Common Phrasal Verbs Suitable for Formal Writing

Below are carefully selected phrasal verbs that frequently appear in academic and professional texts.

Carry out

Meaning: to perform or execute.

The research team carried out a comprehensive review of the literature.

Set forth

Meaning: to present or explain formally.

The proposal sets forth the objectives of the new initiative.

Account for

Meaning: to explain or justify.

The report accounts for the fluctuations in revenue during the third quarter.

Bring about

Meaning: to cause something to happen.

The reforms are expected to bring about long-term structural improvements.

Lay out

Meaning: to present clearly and systematically.

The memorandum lays out the strategic priorities for the coming year.

Point out

Meaning: to highlight or draw attention to.

The study points out several limitations in the existing framework.

Look into

Meaning: to investigate.

The committee will look into the allegations before issuing a statement.

Turn out

Meaning: to prove or result in.

The experiment turned out to be more complex than initially anticipated.

Adhere to

Meaning: to follow strictly.

All employees must adhere to the company’s code of conduct.

Pertain to

Meaning: to relate directly to.

The amendments pertain to financial reporting standards.

Ascribe to

Meaning: to attribute something to a cause.

The improvement was ascribed to enhanced management practices.

Emanate from

Meaning: to originate from.

The initiative emanates from extensive policy research.

Engage in

Meaning: to participate in.

Participants engaged in a structured discussion of the findings.

Depart from

Meaning: to deviate from.

The revised framework departs from traditional methodologies.

Provide against

Meaning: to safeguard against.

The contract provides against potential financial liabilities.

Permit of

Meaning: to allow for.

The data permits of multiple interpretations.

Enter upon

Meaning: to begin formally.

The chair entered upon the subject of regulatory reform.

Enlarge upon

Meaning: to expand on.

The speaker enlarged upon the implications of the findings.

When Should You Avoid Phrasal Verbs?

Some phrasal verbs sound too conversational for formal contexts:

❌ put up with

❌ get over

❌ sort out

❌ come up with

❌ figure out

Instead, use:

✔ tolerate

✔ recover from

✔ resolve

✔ propose

✔ determine

Why Some Phrasal Verbs Sound Formal

Many formal phrasal verbs:

• have Latin-based alternatives (adhere to, pertain to)
• appear frequently in academic journals
• are common in legal or policy writing
• convey process clearly

Interestingly, some traditional British formal English actually favours certain phrasal constructions — especially in legal, academic, and governmental contexts.

Exam Tip (B2–C1 Cambridge)

In essays and reports:

• Use formal phrasal verbs sparingly but confidently.
• Avoid overly conversational ones.
• Maintain consistency in tone.
• If in doubt, ask yourself: Would this appear in a research article?

Remember — good writing is not about eliminating phrasal verbs. It’s about choosing wisely.

Final Thought

Formal English does not mean lifeless English.

Well-chosen phrasal verbs can make your writing clearer, emphasise process and sound natural yet professional. Mastering this balance is exactly what examiners look for at C1 level.

FAQ

Can you use phrasal verbs in formal writing?

Yes, but selectively. Some phrasal verbs such as carry out, account for, and adhere to are common in academic and professional writing.

Which phrasal verbs should be avoided in formal essays?

Informal phrasal verbs like sort out, get over, put up with, and come up with are better replaced with more formal alternatives.

Are phrasal verbs acceptable in Cambridge C1 exams?

Yes. Examiners look for the appropriate register. Well-chosen formal phrasal verbs demonstrate a strong vocabulary range.

Learn prepositional phrases for formal contexts here

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