The meaning of common phrasal verbs

What does ‘point out’ mean?

To ‘point out’ means to make someone aware of a fact; to direct someone’s attention to something.

For example: The authors pointed out that solid evidence was lacking.

Want more examples of the use of ‘point out’ in academic sentences? Use Writefull’s Language Search.

What does ‘carry out’ mean?

To ‘carry out’ means to perform a task; to put something into action.

For example: All procedures were carried out according to the guidance.Want more examples of the use of ‘carry out’ in academic sentences? Use Writefull’s Language Search.

What does ‘make up’ mean?

To ‘make up’ means to constitute or form the whole of something. It can also mean to put together or prepare something from several parts or ingredients. Although it has other meanings as well, this phrasal verb is mostly used in these two senses in scientific writing.

For example: Total exports made up 54% of the GDP.Want more examples of the use of ‘make up’ in academic sentences? Use Writefull’s Language Search.

What does ‘rule out’ mean?

To ‘rule out’ means to exclude something or someone as a possibility.

For example: The possibility of infection was ruled out.

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What does ‘set up’ mean?

To ‘set up’ means to place something in position. In a figurative sense, to set up means to establish or design something.

For example: A strategy was set up to train the software for automated analysis.

Want more examples of the use of ‘set up’ in academic sentences? Use Writefull’s Language Search.