Understanding the Phrasal Verb ‘Frown Upon’
Definition and Explanation
The phrasal verb ‘frown upon’ means to disapprove of something or to view it with disfavor. It’s often used to describe societal or institutional disapproval of certain behaviors or actions. Synonyms include ‘disapprove of’, ‘look down on’, or ‘take a dim view of’.
Usage in Context
‘Frown upon’ is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts. For example:
- “In many professional settings, casual attire is frowned upon.”
- “The company frowns upon employees using social media during work hours.”
Grammatical Analysis
‘Frown upon’ is an inseparable phrasal verb, meaning you cannot place an object between ‘frown’ and ‘upon’. It’s typically followed by a noun or gerund:
- Correct: “Society frowns upon excessive drinking.”
- Incorrect: “Society frowns excessive drinking upon.”
Applying ‘Frown Upon’ in IELTS
Speaking Section
In the IELTS Speaking test, using ‘frown upon’ can demonstrate your ability to discuss social norms and attitudes. For example:
Question: “Are there any behaviors that are generally disapproved of in your culture?”
Sample answer: “Yes, in my culture, we generally frown upon being late to appointments. Punctuality is highly valued, and arriving late is seen as disrespectful to others’ time.”
Writing Section
In IELTS Writing, ‘frown upon’ can be used to discuss social issues or cultural differences. For instance:
Task 2 question: “Some people believe that certain behaviors acceptable in the past are no longer appropriate today. Do you agree or disagree?”
Sample paragraph: “Many behaviors once considered normal are now frowned upon in modern society. For example, smoking in public places was widely accepted a few decades ago, but it is now heavily discouraged and even illegal in many areas. This shift reflects changing attitudes towards public health and consideration for others.”
Practice Exercises
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Fill in the blank:
“In academic circles, plagiarism is severely __ upon.” -
Rewrite the sentence using ‘frown upon’:
“The school doesn’t approve of students using mobile phones in class.” -
Create your own sentence using ‘frown upon’ in the context of environmental awareness.
Memorization Tips
To remember ‘frown upon’, visualize a person literally frowning while looking down at something they disapprove of. The ‘upon’ in the phrase reinforces the idea of looking down on something.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
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Mistake: Using ‘frowned on’ instead of ‘frowned upon’.
Correction: While ‘frowned on’ is sometimes used, ‘frowned upon’ is more common and considered more correct. -
Mistake: Separating the phrasal verb.
Correction: Always keep ‘frown’ and ‘upon’ together. -
Mistake: Using it for personal dislikes rather than societal disapproval.
Correction: Reserve ‘frown upon’ for describing broader social or institutional disapproval, not individual preferences.
Conclusion
Mastering phrasal verbs like ‘frown upon’ can significantly enhance your IELTS performance. It allows you to express complex ideas about social norms and attitudes concisely and effectively. Remember to practice using this phrase in various contexts to become more comfortable with it.
As you prepare for your IELTS test, don’t forget that time management is crucial. Being late to your test appointment is certainly frowned upon and could negatively impact your performance. For tips on avoiding lateness and managing your time effectively, check out our article on how to handle situations when you’re late.
Additionally, understanding cultural attitudes, including what behaviors are frowned upon in different societies, can be valuable for the IELTS test. This knowledge can help you discuss global issues more comprehensively, especially in topics related to sustainable fashion and global markets, where cultural norms play a significant role.
Remember, consistent practice and exposure to English in various contexts will help you use phrasal verbs like ‘frown upon’ more naturally in your IELTS test and beyond. Keep exploring different scenarios where this phrase can be applied, and you’ll find your confidence in using it growing steadily.