TOEFL Advanced Phrasal Verbs Study Guide (2025/2026 Syllabus)
How to Use This Guide
Learn in Context: Each phrasal verb is presented within a sentence that mirrors the
academic style of the TOEFL.
Note the Structure: Pay attention to whether the phrasal verb is separable (e.g., point
out a mistake / point a mistake out) or inseparable (e.g., run into a problem).
Practice: Use the 100+ questions to test your knowledge and see the verbs used in
various contexts.
Part 1: Essential Advanced Phrasal Verbs & Examples
1. Account for
Meaning: To explain or give a reason for something.
Example: The researcher must account for any anomalies in the data set.
ANSWER ✓ The sudden drop in pressure is difficult to account for with our current
model.
2. Allude to
Meaning: To suggest or indirectly reference something.
Example: The professor alluded to a groundbreaking study without naming the author.
ANSWER ✓ In his lecture, he frequently alluded to the economic theories of the late
20th century.
3. Bear out
Meaning: To support or confirm that something is true.
Example: The experimental results bear out the initial hypothesis proposed by the team.
ANSWER ✓ If the new evidence bears out his claim, it will change our entire
understanding of the event.
, 4. Break down
Meaning: To analyze in detail; to separate into smaller parts; to stop functioning.
Example: The essay breaks down the complex philosophical concept into
understandable components.
ANSWER ✓ Negotiations between the two countries broke down after they failed to
agree on key terms.
5. Call into question
Meaning: To cause doubt about something.
Example: The discovery of new fossils calls into question the previously accepted
timeline of human migration.
ANSWER ✓ Her impeccable record means that her integrity has never been called into
question.
6. Carry out
Meaning: To perform or conduct (an experiment, study, or order).
Example: The scientists carried out a series of trials to test the drug's efficacy.
ANSWER ✓ It is one thing to propose a theory, but carrying it out in practice is often
more challenging.
7. Catch on
Meaning: To become popular or understood.
Example: The new teaching method was slow to catch on, but it is now considered
standard.
ANSWER ✓ The concept of remote work quickly caught on during the global pandemic.
8. Clamp down on
Meaning: To act strictly to prevent something.
How to Use This Guide
Learn in Context: Each phrasal verb is presented within a sentence that mirrors the
academic style of the TOEFL.
Note the Structure: Pay attention to whether the phrasal verb is separable (e.g., point
out a mistake / point a mistake out) or inseparable (e.g., run into a problem).
Practice: Use the 100+ questions to test your knowledge and see the verbs used in
various contexts.
Part 1: Essential Advanced Phrasal Verbs & Examples
1. Account for
Meaning: To explain or give a reason for something.
Example: The researcher must account for any anomalies in the data set.
ANSWER ✓ The sudden drop in pressure is difficult to account for with our current
model.
2. Allude to
Meaning: To suggest or indirectly reference something.
Example: The professor alluded to a groundbreaking study without naming the author.
ANSWER ✓ In his lecture, he frequently alluded to the economic theories of the late
20th century.
3. Bear out
Meaning: To support or confirm that something is true.
Example: The experimental results bear out the initial hypothesis proposed by the team.
ANSWER ✓ If the new evidence bears out his claim, it will change our entire
understanding of the event.
, 4. Break down
Meaning: To analyze in detail; to separate into smaller parts; to stop functioning.
Example: The essay breaks down the complex philosophical concept into
understandable components.
ANSWER ✓ Negotiations between the two countries broke down after they failed to
agree on key terms.
5. Call into question
Meaning: To cause doubt about something.
Example: The discovery of new fossils calls into question the previously accepted
timeline of human migration.
ANSWER ✓ Her impeccable record means that her integrity has never been called into
question.
6. Carry out
Meaning: To perform or conduct (an experiment, study, or order).
Example: The scientists carried out a series of trials to test the drug's efficacy.
ANSWER ✓ It is one thing to propose a theory, but carrying it out in practice is often
more challenging.
7. Catch on
Meaning: To become popular or understood.
Example: The new teaching method was slow to catch on, but it is now considered
standard.
ANSWER ✓ The concept of remote work quickly caught on during the global pandemic.
8. Clamp down on
Meaning: To act strictly to prevent something.
