The Phrasal Verb “Die Out” in IELTS

1. Definition and Explanation

The phrasal verb ‘die out’ is an essential component of advanced English vocabulary, particularly valuable for IELTS candidates. It primarily means to gradually become less common until it ceases to exist or becomes extinct.

Primary Meanings:

1. To become extinct (typically used for species of animals or plants)
2. To gradually disappear or cease to exist (for traditions, customs, or practices)

Synonyms:

• Become extinct
• Disappear
• Fade away
• Vanish

2. Contextual Usage

‘Die out’ is versatile and can be used in various contexts:

1. Scientific: “Scientists fear that many species will die out due to climate change.”
2. Cultural: “Traditional crafts are dying out as younger generations lose interest.”
3. Linguistic: “Some linguists predict that certain dialects may die out in the next century.”

Polar bear on melting ice

3. Grammatical Analysis

‘Die out’ is an intransitive phrasal verb, meaning it doesn’t take a direct object. It’s non-separable, so the two parts always stay together.

Structure: Subject + die out + (adverbial phrase)

Example: “The dinosaurs died out millions of years ago.”

4. Application in IELTS

Speaking Section:

‘Die out’ can be effectively used in various IELTS Speaking topics, particularly those related to environment, culture, or societal changes.

Sample answer for “Do you think any animals will become extinct in the future?”:

“Unfortunately, I believe many species are at risk of dying out in the coming decades. Climate change and habitat destruction are major factors contributing to this potential mass extinction. For instance, polar bears might die out as the Arctic ice melts, depriving them of their hunting grounds.”

Writing Section:

In IELTS Writing, ‘die out’ can add sophistication to your essays, especially in Task 2 when discussing environmental issues or cultural changes.

Example sentence for an essay on traditional cultures:

“As globalization intensifies, there’s a growing concern that many indigenous languages and customs may die out, leading to a loss of cultural diversity.”

Artisan working on traditional craft

5. Related Phrasal Verbs

• Fade away /feɪd əˈweɪ/: To gradually disappear or become less visible or important.
  • Example: “The old traditions are fading away in modern society.”
• Phase out /feɪz aʊt/: To gradually stop using or producing something.
  • Example: “The government plans to phase out single-use plastics by 2025.”
• Wipe out /waɪp aʊt/: To completely destroy or eliminate.
  • Example: “The disease wiped out nearly half of the population in the 14th century.”
• Stamp out /stæmp aʊt/: To stop something from continuing, usually something bad.
  • Example: “The new policies aim to stamp out corruption in the public sector.”
• Drop out /drɒp aʊt/: To leave a school, competition, or activity before it is finished.
  • Example: “Many students drop out of university due to financial pressures.”
• Carry on /ˈkæri ɒn/: To continue doing something.
  • Example: “Despite the challenges, the researchers carried on with their experiments.”
• Live on /lɪv ɒn/: To continue to exist or be remembered.
  • Example: “The legacy of great artists lives on through their work.”

6. Practice Exercises

A. Fill in the blanks:

1. Many languages are at risk of ___ out due to globalization.
2. The government is trying to ___ out illegal logging in the rainforest.
3. Some traditions ___ on despite modernization.
4. The company decided to ___ out the old product line.
5. The disease ___ out a large portion of the crop.
6. Students who ___ out often struggle to find employment.
7. The popularity of vinyl records seemed to ___ away but has recently resurged.
8. The memory of the war hero will ___ on in the nation’s history.
9. Efforts to ___ out poverty require long-term commitment.
10. As interest rates rise, many small businesses may ___ out.

B. Rewrite the sentences using the phrasal verbs:

1. The dinosaurs became extinct 65 million years ago.
   The dinosaurs ___ 65 million years ago.
2. The use of fossil fuels will be gradually stopped by 2050.
   Fossil fuels will be ___ by 2050.
3. The storm completely destroyed the coastal village.
   The storm ___ the coastal village.
4. Despite the difficulties, the team continued with the project.
   Despite the difficulties, the team ___ with the project.
5. The influence of his teachings continues to exist today.
   His teachings ___ today.
6. Many students leave university before completing their degree.
   Many students ___ before completing their degree.
7. The government aims to eliminate corruption completely.
   The government aims to ___ corruption.
8. Traditional farming methods are gradually disappearing.
   Traditional farming methods are ___.
9. The species managed to survive despite habitat loss.
   The species managed to ___ despite habitat loss.
10. The popularity of the band gradually decreased over time.
    The popularity of the band ___ over time.

Answers and Explanations:

A. Fill in the blanks:

1. dying 2. stamp 3. live 4. phase 5. wiped 6. drop 7. fade 8. live 9. stamp 10. die

B. Rewrite the sentences:

1. died out
2. phased out
3. wiped out
4. carried on
5. live on
6. drop out
7. stamp out
8. fading away
9. carry on
10. faded away

Explanations:

1. ‘Die out’ is used for extinction of species.
2. ‘Phase out’ is used for gradual discontinuation.
3. ‘Wipe out’ means to completely destroy.
4. ‘Carry on’ means to continue despite difficulties.
5. ‘Live on’ is used for continued existence or memory.
6. ‘Drop out’ is used for leaving education before completion.
7. ‘Stamp out’ means to eliminate completely.
8. ‘Fade away’ means to gradually disappear.
9. ‘Carry on’ here means to continue existing.
10. ‘Fade away’ is used for gradual decrease in popularity.

7. Memory Tips

To remember ‘die out’, visualize a candle slowly burning down until its flame extinguishes. This image represents the gradual process of something ceasing to exist.

Another memory aid is to think of the phrase “The DIE is cast OUT,” emphasizing the finality and irreversibility often associated with things that die out.

8. Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

1. Mistake: Using ‘die out’ with a direct object.
   Correct: “The species died out.” (Not: “Climate change died out the species.”)
2. Mistake: Separating the phrasal verb.
   Correct: “The tradition is dying out.” (Not: “The tradition is dying slowly out.”)
3. Mistake: Confusing ‘die out’ with ‘die down’.
   Remember: ‘Die out’ means to become extinct, while ‘die down’ means to become less intense.
4. Mistake: Using ‘die out’ for temporary situations.
   Correct: Use ‘die out’ only for permanent or long-term disappearances.

To avoid these mistakes, practice using ‘die out’ in various contexts and always remember its intransitive nature.

9. Conclusion

Mastering phrasal verbs like ‘die out’ is crucial for achieving a high score in IELTS. It not only enhances your vocabulary but also demonstrates a nuanced understanding of the English language. Regular practice and contextual usage will help you incorporate ‘die out’ naturally in your speaking and writing.

Remember, the key to success in IELTS is not just knowing these phrasal verbs, but using them appropriately and confidently. So, don’t let your English skills die out – keep practicing and expanding your phrasal verb repertoire!

For more insights on improving your IELTS performance, check out our guides on other essential phrasal verbs like point out and single out. These resources will help you build a comprehensive understanding of phrasal verbs and their application in the IELTS exam.