Select Phrasal Verbs

For Upper Intermediate Students

CARRY something OUT : to perform an activity or research, to effectuate a plan

COME UP WITH something : to create an idea or find a solution to a problem

Compare with FIGURE something OUT : to find a solution to a complex problem or decipher a riddle, enigma, mystery, etc.
Compare with FIND something OUT
Contrast with (1) COME UP and (2) BRING something UP

PAY OFF (intransitive) : to have a good return on an investment

TAKE UP something : to respond affirmatively to a challenge or offer or an activity

Contrast with TAKE UP something : to occupy space or time
Contrast with TURN somebody or something DOWN : to reject or refuse something
Contrast with TURN something DOWN : to lower something (e.g., temperature, sound)

BRING something DOWN : to reduce something (e.g., costs, a fever, a rate of something)

Contrast with (1) COME UP and (2) BRING something UP
Contrast with TURN something DOWN : to lower something (e.g., temperature, sound)
Contrast with TURN UP : to appear (also to SHOW UP)

TAKE something FORWARD : to develop or advance something (e.g., a plan or project)

BRING ABOUT something : to cause something to happen

GET (A)ROUND something : to avoid something

SET something UP: to start or establish something