The English Phrasal Verbs in Use Intermediate (2nd Edition) book by Michael McCarthy and Felicity O'Dell is widely considered an essential resource for learners at the B1 to B2 level. Review Summary
This book excels at transforming the often confusing world of phrasal verbs into manageable, logical lessons. It focuses on approximately 1,000 of the most frequent phrasal verbs used in modern English.
Structure: The book uses the classic Cambridge "In Use" format: explanations on the left-hand page and practice exercises on the right.
Content: Verbs are grouped by topic (e.g., "Mobile devices," "Socializing"), function, or particle, making it easy to find what you need for specific situations.
Context: Instead of dry lists, you see phrasal verbs in natural contexts like emails, dialogues, and newspaper extracts. Pros and Cons
Real-world Research: Based on Cambridge corpus research into how English is actually spoken.
Language Barrier: It is written entirely in English, which might be challenging for lower-level learners. phrasal verbs in use intermediate pdf vk
Self-Study Friendly: Includes a clear answer key and a mini-dictionary with easy definitions.
Niche Focus: Specifically focuses on phrasal verbs, so it requires other books for general grammar.
Exam Prep: Extremely useful for students preparing for IELTS (Band 3.5+) or Cambridge exams. Product Availability
If you are looking for a physical copy or official digital access, here are current options:
Cambridge University Press: Official publisher site with full details. Amazon: Often has new and used copies with fast shipping.
Barnes & Noble: Listed at ~~~$34.00~~~ for the paperback edition. Walmart: Available for approximately ~~~$31.69~~~. The English Phrasal Verbs in Use Intermediate (2nd
Note on PDF/VK Searches: While many users search for "PDF VK" links for free downloads, these often lead to unofficial or copyright-infringing versions on sites like Scribd. For the most accurate content and latest updates (including the 2nd Edition's two new units), the official published version is recommended.
Are you preparing for a specific exam like IELTS, or just looking to improve your casual conversation skills? Go to product viewer dialog for this item.
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Intermediate Book with Answers: Vocabulary Reference and Practice
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While finding a free PDF on VK might seem like a win, there are distinct disadvantages to learning phrasal verbs solely through a digital scan:
Whether you find the PDF on VK or buy the physical book, most learners fail because they read it like a novel. Don't do that. Here is your 4-step system: Loss of The "Review" Structure: The physical book
Step 1: Don't Start at Page 1 Skip "Come" and "Go." Start with the units that matter to you: Unit 18 (Travel), Unit 29 (Feelings), Unit 36 (Work).
Step 2: Use the "Personal Phrase Bank" Get a notebook. Don't write the verb alone. Write the full sentence.
Step 3: The "Audio" Hack Most PDFs don't have audio. Go to YouTube and search the unit title (e.g., "Phrasal Verbs in Use Unit 6"). Listen to the example sentences while reading your PDF. Phrasal verbs are about sound as much as meaning.
Step 4: The 24-Hour Rule Within 24 hours of studying a unit, you must use 3 of the verbs in real life (send a text, write a journal entry, or say it out loud). If you don't use it, you lose it.
While you search for your PDF, master these five immediately: