The transition to university-level study requires a new way of thinking. You are no longer just memorizing facts; you are expected to analyze theories, connect different ideas, and manage a heavy reading load. This can be overwhelming if you do not have the right vocabulary to describe your learning process.
This guide focuses on 21 phrasal verbs that describe the study life of a student. These verbs will help you explain how you study, how you prepare for tests, and how you handle difficult subjects with confidence.
Comparison Table: Study Skills vs. Formal English
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Processing New Information
When you first encounter a new theory or a difficult chapter in a textbook, you need to “digest” the information. These verbs describe that initial learning phase.
1. Take in
To take in means to look at or listen to something and then understand and remember it.
- Example: There was so much information in the first week that it was hard to take it all in.
2. Sink in
To sink in is used when information or an idea is finally understood or realized after some time.
- Example: I had to read the chapter three times before the main theory started to sink in.
3. Figure out
To figure out means to finally understand something or find the solution to a problem after thinking about it carefully.
- Example: It took me a few hours to figure out how to use the new lab equipment.
4. Look up
To look up means to search for a specific piece of information in a book, on a computer, or in a reference list.
- Example: If you do not recognize a technical term, you should look it up in the glossary.
5. Pick up
To pick up means to learn a new skill or start an activity without much effort or formal study.
- Example: He managed to pick up the basics of the software just by watching the tutorial once.
Managing Your Reading and Research
University students are often given hundreds of pages to read every week. These verbs help you describe how you manage that mountain of information efficiently.
6. Go through
To go through means to read, examine, or discuss a list of items or a text from beginning to end.
- Example: Let’s go through the syllabus together to make sure we know the exam dates.
7. Pore over
To pore over means to look at or read something very carefully for a long time.
- Example: The history students spent the afternoon poring over original documents from the war.
8. Skim through
To skim through means to read a text very quickly to find the main ideas or a specific piece of information.
- Example: You can skim through the introduction to see if this article is relevant to your essay.
9. Read up on
To read up on means to spend time reading a lot about a specific subject to gain more knowledge.
- Example: Before the seminar, I need to read up on the latest theories in social psychology.
10. Wade through
To wade through means to read something that is very long, complex, or boring.
- Example: It took me all night to wade through the legal documents for my law assignment.
Preparing for Exams and Assessments
As the end of the semester approaches, your focus changes to revision and memory. These verbs are essential for talking about test preparation.
11. Brush up on
To brush up on means to improve your knowledge of something you have already learned but have partly forgotten.
- Example: I need to brush up on my algebra before I take the advanced calculus test.
12. Mug up on
To mug up on is an informal way to say you are studying a subject quickly and intensely, often just before an exam.
- Example: I have to mug up on the legal cases tonight because the final exam is tomorrow morning.
13. Key into
To key into means to focus on or emphasize a specific part of a subject because it is the most important.
- Example: The professor told us to key into the ethical arguments, as they will be the focus of the test.
14. Cross out
To cross out means to draw a line through something you have written because it is wrong or no longer needed.
- Example: If you make a mistake on the exam paper, just cross it out neatly.
15. Note down
To note down means to write something down so that you have a record of it for later use.
- Example: Make sure you note down the formula before the professor erases the whiteboard.
Collaborating and Clarifying
Studying is often a social activity. You will likely work with other students to solve difficult problems.
16. Talk through
To talk through means to discuss a problem or a plan in great detail to ensure everyone understands it.
- Example: We met in the café to talk through our ideas for the group presentation.
17. Clear up
To clear up means to explain something that was confusing so that it becomes easy to understand.
- Example: The tutor held an extra session to clear up any doubts about the grading criteria.
18. Wrap up
To wrap up means to finish a task or a study session completely.
- Example: Let’s wrap up the revision session now and get some rest before the exam.
19. Catch on
To catch on means to finally understand something, especially after a period of struggle.
- Example: At first, I didn’t understand the coding language, but I am starting to catch on now.
20. Put across
To put across means to express your ideas in a way that is easy for other people to understand.
- Example: The student was able to put across her complicated theory very clearly during the seminar.
21. Work out
To work out means to find a solution to a problem, calculate an answer, or organize a plan.
- Example: We need to work out the best way to divide the tasks for our group assignment.
Achieving Academic Success
Developing strong study skills is a journey. By using these 21 phrasal verbs, you can better describe your learning process to your professors and your peers. These words help you move from simply “reading” to truly “analyzing” your subjects.
The next time you sit down to study, think about which action you are taking. Are you poring over a difficult text, or just skimming through it for the main points? Using the right vocabulary for your studies will help you stay focused and achieve the results you want at university.
This guide is part of Academic English: A Guide to Phrasal Verbs for Academic Success. Visit the main page to explore more phrasal verb themes related to study.
