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Tutor Suja 's Column

Using Phrasal Verbs in Your Writing Practice

Oct 26, 2024

Last time, we talked about how daily writing practice can improve your speaking skills. Today, let's take it a step further and focus on using phrasal verbs in your writing. You’ve probably seen these tricky combinations of verbs and prepositions, like "pick up," "get along," or "look forward to." Phrasal verbs are common in English, and learning to use them can make your language sound more natural and expressive. Here’s how using phrasal verbs in writing can benefit you!

1. Make Your Writing More Conversational
Phrasal verbs add a conversational tone to your writing of journals. They are used often in daily conversations too, so including them in your writing helps you sound more natural. Instead of saying "continue" in every sentence, why not try "carry on"? Or, instead of "discover," try "find out." It keeps your language casual and friendly!

2. Learn the True Meaning Behind Words
Sometimes, phrasal verbs can have a different meaning than the main verb alone. For example, "give up" means "stop trying," which is a bit different from just "give." Practicing phrasal verbs in writing helps you learn these unique meanings. The more you use them, the more comfortable you’ll become, and this understanding will stick with you when you speak.

3. Improve Fluency with Common Expressions
English speakers love using phrasal verbs, so you’ll often hear them in conversations, movies, and books. By practicing phrasal verbs in your writing, you’ll remember them better and become faster at using them in speech. If you write "break down" (for a car stopping or someone feeling upset) or "put off" (to delay) a few times, these expressions will soon feel natural.

So, next time you sit down to write, try to work in a few phrasal verbs! With regular practice, you’ll find that using them becomes second nature, and it will definitely pay off in your speaking too.

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