Master ‘Wear Out’ to Ace Your IELTS Speaking Test

Phrasal verbs are essential components of the English language, and mastering them can significantly boost your IELTS score. In this article, we’ll explore the phrasal verb “wear out” and how to effectively use it in your IELTS exam.

1. Definition and Explanation

The phrasal verb “wear out” has several meanings:

1. To exhaust or tire someone completely
2. To use something until it’s no longer in good condition
3. To make a hole in something by continuous rubbing

Synonyms for “wear out” include exhaust, deplete, and use up.

2. Usage in Context

Here are some examples of how to use “wear out” in different contexts:

• Formal: “The constant workload is beginning to wear out the staff.”
• Informal: “I’m totally worn out after that intense workout!”
• Written: “The company’s resources were worn out by the end of the fiscal year.”
• Spoken: “These shoes are so comfortable, I don’t think I’ll ever wear them out!”

3. Grammar Analysis

“Wear out” is a separable phrasal verb, meaning you can place the object between “wear” and “out” or after “out”:

• “The long hike wore out the hikers.”
• “The long hike wore the hikers out.”

When using pronouns, they must come between “wear” and “out”:

• “The long hike wore them out.” (Correct)
• “The long hike wore out them.” (Incorrect)

4. Application in IELTS

In Speaking:

Use “wear out” to describe exhaustion or the deterioration of objects. For example:

Question: “How do you feel after a long day at work?”
Answer: “After a particularly demanding day at the office, I often feel completely worn out. The constant meetings and tight deadlines can really wear you out, both mentally and physically.”

In Writing:

Incorporate “wear out” in your essays to add sophistication to your language:

“The excessive use of natural resources is wearing out our planet’s ability to sustain life. It’s crucial that we find sustainable alternatives before we completely wear out Earth’s capacity to support us.”

Using 'wear out' in IELTS Speaking

5. Related Phrasal Verbs

1. Burn out (bɜːrn aʊt): To become exhausted from overwork
   Example: “Be careful not to burn out by taking on too many projects at once.”

2. Run down (rʌn daʊn): To lose power or energy; to criticize
   Example: “My phone battery is running down; I need to charge it soon.”

3. Use up (juːz ʌp): To consume or exhaust a supply
   Example: “We’ve used up all the milk; we need to buy more.”

4. Tire out (taɪər aʊt): To make someone extremely tired
   Example: “Playing with the energetic puppies tired out the children.”

5. Wind down (waɪnd daʊn): To relax after a period of work or excitement
   Example: “After a busy day, I like to wind down with a good book.”

6. Fizzle out (ˈfɪz.əl aʊt): To gradually become weaker and stop
   Example: “Their enthusiasm for the project fizzled out over time.”

7. Poop out (puːp aʊt): To become exhausted (informal)
   Example: “I pooped out halfway through the marathon and had to stop.”

8. Conk out (kɒŋk aʊt): To stop working due to tiredness or mechanical failure
   Example: “My old car conked out in the middle of the highway.”

6. Practice Exercises

Fill in the Blanks

1. After running a marathon, most athletes feel completely .
2. Be careful not to your new shoes by wearing them every day.
3. The constant stress at work is starting to me .
4. I’m afraid we’ve all our resources on this project.
5. The old machine finally after years of use.
6. Don’t yourself before the big presentation tomorrow.
7. The excitement of the new game quickly .
8. My phone battery tends to faster in cold weather.
9. After babysitting the energetic twins, I was completely .
10. It’s important to after a stressful day at work.

Sentence Transformation

1. The constant criticism exhausted him.
   The constant criticism him .

2. We’ve used all our savings on this vacation.
   We’ve all our savings on this vacation.

3. The party’s enthusiasm gradually decreased.
   The party’s enthusiasm gradually .

4. My old laptop stopped working in the middle of my presentation.
   My old laptop in the middle of my presentation.

5. The children became very tired after playing in the park all day.
   Playing in the park all day the children.

6. I need to relax after this hectic week.
   I need to after this hectic week.

7. The constant use has deteriorated the quality of the carpet.
   The constant use has the carpet.

8. Don’t exhaust yourself before the big race.
   Don’t yourself before the big race.

9. The batteries in my remote control are losing power.
   The batteries in my remote control are .

10. His enthusiasm for the project gradually diminished.
    His enthusiasm for the project gradually .

(Answers and explanations will be provided at the end of the article)

7. Memory Tips

To remember “wear out,” visualize a person wearing a shirt that’s becoming thinner and more tattered with each use. The shirt is literally being “worn out” as it’s worn.

Another memory aid is to think of the phrase “wear and tear.” Over time, the wear and tear on an object or person leads to them being “worn out.”

Visualizing 'wear out' for better retention

8. Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

1. Incorrect word order with pronouns:
   Incorrect: “The long journey wore out me.”
   Correct: “The long journey wore me out.”

2. Using “wear off” instead of “wear out”:
   “Wear off” means to gradually disappear or stop having an effect, while “wear out” means to exhaust or use up completely.

3. Forgetting to change the verb form in perfect tenses:
   Incorrect: “I have wear out my shoes.”
   Correct: “I have worn out my shoes.”

4. Using “wear out” for temporary tiredness:
   “Wear out” implies a more severe or long-lasting exhaustion. For temporary tiredness, use phrases like “I’m tired” or “I need a break.”

9. Conclusion

Mastering phrasal verbs like “wear out” can significantly enhance your English proficiency and IELTS performance. By understanding its various meanings, correct usage, and related expressions, you’ll be able to express yourself more precisely and naturally. Remember to practice using “wear out” in different contexts, and don’t forget to review the related phrasal verbs to expand your vocabulary further. With consistent practice, you’ll find yourself using these expressions effortlessly in your IELTS exam and everyday conversations.

Answers to Practice Exercises:

Fill in the Blanks:

1. worn out
2. wear out
3. wear, out
4. worn out
5. wore out
6. wear, out
7. fizzled out
8. run down
9. worn out
10. wind down

Sentence Transformation:

1. wore, out
2. worn out
3. fizzled out
4. conked out
5. wore out
6. wind down
7. worn out
8. wear, out
9. running down
10. fizzled out

Remember, consistent practice with these phrasal verbs will help you wear out your IELTS examiner’s expectations in the best way possible!