High value IELTS phrasal verbs with letter A
1. Abide by
Meaning: To accept and follow a rule, law, or agreement.
IELTS Example:
All citizens are expected to abide by the laws established by the government to maintain social order.
2. Account for
Meaning: To explain the reason for something or justify an action.
IELTS Example:
Several factors can account for the rapid increase in urban population, including employment opportunities.
3. Ache for
Meaning: To strongly desire something or miss someone deeply.
IELTS Example:
Many international students ache for emotional support while adapting to a new cultural environment.
4. Act out
Meaning: To express emotions or ideas through behaviour rather than words.
IELTS Example:
Children who lack emotional guidance may act out their frustrations through disruptive behaviour.
5. Act up
Meaning: To behave badly or function improperly.
IELTS Example:
Stress and lack of sleep can cause individuals to act up, particularly in high-pressure academic settings.
6. Act upon
Meaning: To take action based on advice or information.
IELTS Example:
Governments should act upon scientific research when developing environmental policies.
7. Add up
Meaning: To reach a total or make logical sense.
IELTS Example:
Although individual expenses may seem minor, they quickly add up, placing financial pressure on households.
8. Agree with
Meaning: To have a positive or negative physical effect on someone (often used negatively).
IELTS Example:
Highly processed food does not agree with everyone and may lead to long-term health issues.
9. Aim at
Meaning: To target a specific group or achieve a particular goal.
IELTS Example:
The education reform is aimed at improving literacy rates among disadvantaged children.
10. Allow for
Meaning: To consider or include something in planning.
IELTS Example:
Urban planners must allow for population growth when designing public infrastructure.
11. Allow of
Meaning: To permit or make something possible.
IELTS Example:
The flexible nature of online education allows of greater access for working professionals.
12. Angle for
Meaning: To attempt to obtain something indirectly.
IELTS Example:
Some companies subtly angle for government funding by highlighting their contribution to employment.
13. Answer for
Meaning: To take responsibility for a mistake or wrongdoing.
IELTS Example:
Corporations should be held accountable and answer for environmental damage caused by industrial activity.
14. Argue down
Meaning: To defeat someone in an argument by using strong reasoning.
IELTS Example:
The proposal was ultimately rejected after critics successfully argued down its economic benefits.
15. Argue out
Meaning: To discuss a problem thoroughly in order to reach a solution.
IELTS Example:
Conflicts between nations should be argued out through diplomatic dialogue rather than military force.