B2 First Vocabulary:

Phrasal Verbs

Phrasal verbs are a very important part of the B2 First (FCE) exam. Mostly candidates will need to know the different meanings of phrasal verbs, but they can also get extra marks in the speaking and writing papers by using phrasal verbs themselves.

Phrasal verbs will especially be tested in part one, two and four of the reading and use of English paper so candidates who want to improve their overall knowledge of phrasal verbs should practice these papers and exam style questions repeatedly.

Below is a list of typical phrasal verbs that may be tested in the exam or that candidates can use in the exam. You can click on each phrasal verb to find the definition and examples of where that particular phrasal verb could be used in the exam.

Work out

“Work out” is a phrasal verb with a couple of different meanings. Firstly it can mean to do some kind…read more

Take up

‘Take up’ means to start a new hobby or practicing a sport with the intention of doing the hobby or…read more

Take round/around

‘Take somebody round/around’ means to walk somebody around a building or place to show them the most interesting or important…read more

Take over

‘Take over’ is a B2 level phrasal verb that means to start doing a job or become responsible for something…read more

Take on

‘Take on’ is a phrasal verb with a couple of different meanings. First of all, it can mean to employee…read more

Take off

‘Take off’ is a phrasal verb with a few of different meanings. It is used to describe the action of…read more

Take into account

‘Take into account’ means consider or think about something when making a judgment or decision about something else.

Take away

‘Take away’ is a B2 level phrasal verb that means to remove something. For example, “The waiter took away my…read more

Take after

Take after is another B2 level phrasal verb that may come up in your exam. It means to be similar…read more

Show off

‘Show off’ is a B2 level phrasal verb with a negative meaning. It means to attract attention to yourself by…read more

Pay off

“Pay off” is a B2 level phrasal verb with a couple of different meanings. Firstly, it can mean to pay…read more

Pay back

“Pay back” is a B1 level phrasal verb that means to pay someone the money that you owe them.

Meet up

‘Meet up’ means to meet one person or a group of people (pre-arranged) to do something. This phrasal verb can…read more

Look into

“look into” is a B2 level phrasal verb meaning to investigate or examine the facts about a situation.

Hang out

“Hang out” is a B1 level phrasal verb that is an informal way of talking about the action of spending…read more

Get together

‘Get together’ is a phrasal verb that means to meet one person or a group of people (pre-arranged) to do…read more

Get on/along

‘Get on/along’ means to have a good relationship with someone and is a great phrasal verb to use in part…read more

Get into

“Get into” is actually a C1 level phrasal, but you can still use it to get higher marks in your…read more

End up

“End up” is a great phrasal verb to use in the B2 First exam because it can be used a…read more

Deal with

“Deal with” is a B2 level phrasal verb that means to take action in order to achieve something or in…read more

Count on

“Count on” is a B2 level phrasal verb that mans to have confidence in someone because you know they will…read more

Come up with

“Come up with” is a B2 level phrasal verb that candidates can easily use in the Cambridge B2 First (FCE)…read more

Chill out

“Chill out” is a B2 level phrasal verb that candidates can use in the B2 First (FCE) exam. It is…read more

Check out

“Check out” is actually a C1 level phrasal verb, but candidates may find they have an opportunity to use it…read more

Burn out

‘Burn out’ is a B2 level phrasal verb meaning to become ill or very tired from working too much. Although…read more

Be into

‘Be into’ means to be interested in something, typically a hobby. Phrasal verbs are common in the reading and use…read more