Mastering ‘Put Forward’: Boost Your IELTS Speaking Score with This Powerful Phrasal Verb

1. Definition and Explanation

The phrasal verb ‘put forward’ is a versatile expression that can significantly enhance your IELTS Speaking performance. It generally means to suggest or propose an idea, plan, or theory for consideration. This phrasal verb is often used in formal contexts, making it particularly valuable for the IELTS exam.

Synonyms for ‘put forward’ include:

• Propose
• Suggest
• Advance
• Present

Understanding the nuances of ‘put forward’ can help you express your ideas more precisely and professionally during your IELTS Speaking test.

2. Usage in Context

‘Put forward’ can be used in various situations, particularly when discussing ideas, proposals, or arguments. Here are some examples:

1. “The committee put forward a new proposal to reduce traffic congestion in the city center.”
2. “Several theories have been put forward to explain the sudden change in climate patterns.”
3. “During the meeting, I put forward the idea of implementing a flexible work schedule.”

Using 'Put Forward' in IELTS Speaking

3. Grammar Analysis

‘Put forward’ is a separable phrasal verb, which means that in some cases, you can place the object between ‘put’ and ‘forward’. However, when using pronouns, they must come between the two parts of the phrasal verb.

Examples:

• “She put forward an interesting theory.” (Standard form)
• “She put an interesting theory forward.” (Separated form)
• “She put it forward.” (Using a pronoun – must be separated)

It’s important to note that in more formal contexts, such as the IELTS Writing test, keeping the phrasal verb together is often preferred.

4. Application in IELTS

In IELTS Speaking

Using ‘put forward’ can demonstrate your ability to use advanced vocabulary and express complex ideas. It’s particularly useful when discussing opinions, suggestions, or theoretical concepts.

Example answer for the question “What changes would you suggest to improve public transportation in your city?”:

“I would like to put forward a few ideas to enhance our city’s public transportation system. Firstly, I believe we should increase the frequency of buses during peak hours. Secondly, I’d put forward the suggestion of introducing more dedicated bus lanes to reduce travel times.”

In IELTS Writing

In Task 2 essays, ‘put forward’ can be used to introduce arguments or solutions:

“This essay will put forward several arguments in favor of stricter regulations on social media platforms.”

“To address the issue of urban pollution, I would put forward the following solutions…”

Remember to use this phrasal verb judiciously, as overuse may appear unnatural.

5. Related Phrasal Verbs

1. Put off /pʊt ɒf/ – To postpone or delay
   Example: “We had to put off the meeting due to unforeseen circumstances.”

2. Put up with /pʊt ʌp wɪð/ – To tolerate or endure
   Example: “I can’t put up with this noise any longer.”

3. Put across /pʊt əˈkrɒs/ – To communicate or express clearly
   Example: “The speaker was able to put across complex ideas in simple terms.”

4. Put down /pʊt daʊn/ – To criticize or insult
   Example: “He often puts down his colleagues’ ideas in meetings.”

5. Put through /pʊt θruː/ – To connect someone on a phone call
   Example: “Could you put me through to the manager, please?”

Chart of Related Phrasal Verbs

6. Practice Exercises

Fill in the Blanks

1. The scientist a new theory about climate change.
2. We need to the meeting until next week.
3. I can’t ___ this constant noise from our neighbors.
4. The teacher was able to the concept clearly to the students.
5. Please don’t your classmates’ ideas.
6. Can you me to the customer service department?
7. The committee will their recommendations next month.
8. We should the project launch due to technical issues.
9. It’s important to your ideas confidently during the presentation.
10. I won’t ___ such disrespectful behavior in my class.

Sentence Transformation

1. The manager suggested a new marketing strategy.
   The manager a new marketing strategy.

2. We can’t tolerate this kind of behavior anymore.
   We can’t ___ this kind of behavior anymore.

3. The meeting has been postponed until further notice.
   The meeting has been until further notice.

4. She always criticizes her team members’ efforts.
   She always her team members’ efforts.

5. The professor explained the theory clearly to the students.
   The professor the theory clearly to the students.

6. Could you connect me to the HR department?
   Could you me to the HR department?

7. They proposed several solutions to the problem.
   They several solutions to the problem.

8. We should delay the decision until we have more information.
   We should the decision until we have more information.

9. He needs to express his ideas more clearly in meetings.
   He needs to his ideas more clearly in meetings.

10. I can’t endure this constant complaining any longer.
    I can’t ___ this constant complaining any longer.

Answers and Explanations

Fill in the Blanks:

1. put forward
2. put off
3. put up with
4. put across
5. put down
6. put, through
7. put forward
8. put off
9. put forward
10. put up with

Sentence Transformation:

1. put forward
2. put up with
3. put off
4. puts down
5. put across
6. put, through
7. put forward
8. put off
9. put across
10. put up with

Explanations:

• In sentences 1, 7, and 9, ‘put forward’ is used to suggest or propose ideas.
• ‘Put off’ in sentences 2 and 8 means to postpone or delay.
• ‘Put up with’ in sentences 3 and 10 means to tolerate or endure.
• ‘Put across’ in sentences 4 and 9 means to communicate or express clearly.
• ‘Put down’ in sentence 5 means to criticize or insult.
• ‘Put through’ in sentence 6 means to connect someone on a phone call.

7. Memory Tips

To remember ‘put forward’ and its usage:

1. Visualize physically pushing an idea forward on a table during a meeting.
2. Create a mnemonic: “PF” for “Put Forward” can stand for “Propose Formally” or “Present Firmly”.
3. Associate it with the image of a politician at a podium, putting forward their ideas to the public.

For related phrasal verbs:

• ‘Put off’: Imagine pushing a calendar date further away.
• ‘Put up with’: Picture holding up a heavy weight, enduring its burden.
• ‘Put across’: Visualize throwing an idea across a room to someone else.
• ‘Put down’: Think of literally putting something down on the ground, dismissing it.
• ‘Put through’: Imagine threading a phone call through a switchboard.

8. Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

1. Mistake: Using ‘put forward’ in overly casual contexts.
   Correction: Reserve ‘put forward’ for more formal or professional situations, especially in IELTS Writing Task 2 or Speaking Part 3.

2. Mistake: Separating the phrasal verb incorrectly.
   Correction: Remember that when using pronouns, they must come between ‘put’ and ‘forward’. (e.g., “She put it forward,” not “She put forward it.”)

3. Mistake: Overusing ‘put forward’ in IELTS Speaking.
   Correction: While it’s good to demonstrate your vocabulary range, use ‘put forward’ judiciously alongside other expressions to maintain natural speech.

4. Mistake: Confusing ‘put forward’ with other ‘put’ phrasal verbs.
   Correction: Practice using each phrasal verb in context to understand their distinct meanings and uses.

5. Mistake: Using ‘put forward’ with the wrong preposition.
   Correction: ‘Put forward’ doesn’t require an additional preposition. (e.g., “She put forward an idea,” not “She put forward with an idea.”)

9. Conclusion

Mastering the phrasal verb ‘put forward’ and its related expressions can significantly enhance your performance in the IELTS exam, particularly in Speaking and Writing tasks. By understanding its definition, usage in context, and grammatical structure, you can effectively incorporate this versatile phrasal verb into your language repertoire.

Remember to practice using ‘put forward’ in various situations, paying attention to the formality of the context. Utilize the memory tips and be aware of common mistakes to improve your accuracy. With consistent practice and application, you’ll find that ‘put forward’ becomes a natural and powerful tool in your English language skills, helping you to express your ideas more precisely and professionally in the IELTS exam and beyond.

Keep practicing with the exercises provided and don’t hesitate to use ‘put forward’ and other phrasal verbs in your everyday English conversations. This will help you gain confidence and fluency, ultimately leading to a better performance in your IELTS test.

For more tips on improving your IELTS Speaking skills, check out our guide on how much time you spend on your computer, which provides additional strategies for discussing technology-related topics in the IELTS Speaking test.