Formal Partners (Register) — Phrasal Verbs
Formal register · 8 phrasal verbs · Level C1
put forward
Meaning: to propose an idea or plan for consideration
put FOR-ward transitive separable — a pronoun goes in the middle of the verb
Example: She put forward a bold plan at the meeting.
In conversation: Economists put forward new theories every year.
Common partners: put forward a proposal · put forward an argument
⚠️ Common mistake: Put forward is already fairly formal — its neutral twin is suggest/propose.
A He put forward a cheaper design.
B The board votes on Thursday.
bring about
Meaning: to cause something to happen
bring a-BOUT transitive separable — a pronoun goes in the middle of the verb
Example: New laws bring about real change slowly.
In conversation: The campaign brought about a new policy.
Common partners: bring about change · bring about reform
⚠️ Common mistake: Bring about = CAUSE with effort and time: Technology brought about a revolution.
A What brought about the change?
B Years of public pressure.
take into account
Meaning: to consider something when judging or deciding
take IN-to ac-COUNT transitive inseparable — the object stays after the whole verb
Example: Judges take into account the defendant's age.
In conversation: Take into account the traffic before you leave.
Common partners: take into account the cost · take everything into account
⚠️ Common mistake: The object goes after ACCOUNT: take the cost into account is also correct and common.
A Take into account the rain.
B Then we leave at five, not six.
draw on
Meaning: to use knowledge or experience you have
draw ON transitive inseparable — the object stays after the whole verb
Example: Writers draw on their own lives for stories.
In conversation: She drew on twenty years of experience.
Common partners: draw on experience · draw on resources
⚠️ Common mistake: Draw on = use a RESERVE (experience, savings, knowledge) like water from a well.
A Draw on your training now.
B Deep breath — okay.
give rise to
Meaning: to cause something (formal, often problems or feelings)
give RISE to transitive inseparable — the object stays after the whole verb
Example: Rumors give rise to panic.
In conversation: The discovery gave rise to new questions.
Common partners: give rise to concerns · give rise to debate
⚠️ Common mistake: Very formal — essays and reports love it: The policy gave rise to protests.
A Leaks give rise to rumors.
B So we communicate first, always.
go through with
Meaning: to do something planned despite difficulty or doubt
go THROUGH with transitive inseparable — the object stays after the whole verb
Example: She decided to go through with the surgery.
In conversation: He couldn't go through with the sale.
Common partners: go through with a plan · go through with it
⚠️ Common mistake: Go through with IT — the 'it' matters: I can't go through with it.
A Will she go through with the move?
B She signed the lease — yes.
account for
Meaning: to explain the reason for something / form a part of a total
ac-COUNT for transitive inseparable — the object stays after the whole verb
Example: Students account for half of the city's renters.
In conversation: How do you account for the missing money?
Common partners: account for 30 percent · account for a difference
⚠️ Common mistake: TWO academic lives: explain (account for the delay) and be a % of (accounts for 30%).
A Seniors account for a third of voters.
B Campaigns know it well.
lay out
Meaning: to present or explain something clearly and in order
lay OUT transitive separable — a pronoun goes in the middle of the verb
Example: Lay out your argument step by step.
In conversation: The report lays out three options.
Common partners: lay out a plan · lay out the facts
⚠️ Common mistake: Lay out is for CLEAR STRUCTURE — plans, arguments, options in order.
A Lay out the budget for the board.
B One page — clean and simple.
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