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C1 ADVANCED · VOCABULARY · PART 1

Phrasal verbs

More formal and advanced phrasal verbs, like bring about and rule out.

Finn the puffin with glasses and a book, your vocabulary teacher
Finn says

At C1, the phrasal verbs in Part 1 are often ones you meet in newspapers and articles rather than in conversation: bring about a change, rule out a possibility, live up to expectations. As at B2, the small word is often printed after the gap, so you have to find the verb that completes it – and makes sense.

Causes, results and decisions

bring about
cause something to happen
The internet has brought about huge changes.
stem from
be the result of
Many problems stem from a lack of sleep.
rule out
decide that something is not possible
The police have not ruled out the possibility.
weigh up
consider advantages and disadvantages
She weighed up the pros and cons.
phase out
gradually stop using something
Plastic bags are being phased out.
fall through
fail to happen
The deal fell through at the last minute.

Dealing with situations

live up to
be as good as expected
The film didn't live up to the hype.
face up to
accept a difficult truth
We must face up to the problem.
iron out
solve small problems
We still need to iron out a few details.
crop up
appear unexpectedly
Something has cropped up, so I'll be late.
shy away from
avoid something because you are nervous
He never shies away from a challenge.
come up against
have to deal with a problem
They came up against strong opposition.

How it comes up in Part 1

In Part 1 you choose the word (A, B, C or D) that best fits each gap. The four options often have similar meanings, so knowing which words go together is what gets you the mark.

The new law is expected to bring about major changes in the industry.
A bring B come C set D take

Bring about means to cause. "Come about" means "happen" and has no object.

The hotel failed to live up to our expectations.
A live B keep C stand D hold

Live up to expectations means to be as good as expected.

Doctors have ruled out a serious illness.
A ruled B taken C cut D left

Rule out means to decide that something is not possible.

Common mistakes

  • ✗ The problem stems of stress.✓ The problem stems from stress.Stem from.
  • ✗ The film didn't live to our expectations.✓ The film didn't live up to our expectations.Live up to has two particles.
  • ✗ We need to face to the facts.✓ We need to face up to the facts.Face up to.
  • ✗ The plan felt through.✓ The plan fell through.The past of fall is fell.
Finn the puffin, smiling kindly
Finn's exam tip

Many C1 phrasal verbs have a one-word, more formal equivalent: bring about = cause, rule out = exclude, phase out = gradually remove. Learning them in pairs helps you both in Part 1 and in your writing.

Quick check

Choose the word that best fits each gap.

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