Phrasal verbs are really common in English, especially in the business world. These combinations of verbs (come, go, keep) with prepositions (in, on, at) or adverbs can change meanings in dynamic ways. Mastering phrasal verbs can improve your fluency and effectiveness in business interactions. Below you can find a list of the 25 most frequently used phrasal verbs among native speakers in business, with their definitions and examples.
Then, you can practice with some exercises, because, as they say ‘practice makes perfect’.
1. Bring up
Definition: To introduce a topic.
Example: “During the meeting, she brought up the issue of budget cuts.”
2. Call off
Definition: To cancel.
Example: “We had to call off the event due to unforeseen circumstances.”
3. Carry on
Definition: To continue.
Example: “Despite the interruption, he carried on with his presentation.”
4. Catch up
Definition: To get to the same point as someone else.
Example: “I need to catch up on my emails after being away on vacation.”
5. Come across
Definition: To find or encounter by chance.
Example: “I came across an interesting article that might help with our project.”
6. Cut down
Definition: To reduce.
Example: “We need to cut down on expenses to stay within our budget.”
7. Deal with
Definition: To handle or manage.
Example: “She deals with customer complaints very professionally.”
8. Drop by
Definition: To visit briefly.
Example: “Feel free to drop by my office if you have any questions.”
9. Fill in
Definition: To provide necessary information.
Example: “Can you fill me in on the details of the new policy?”
10. Get back
Definition: To return to someone or something.
Example: “I will get back to you with the report by Monday.”
11. Get together
Definition: To meet.
Example: “Let’s get together for a brainstorming session tomorrow.”
12. Give up
Definition: To stop trying.
Example: “We should not give up even if the task seems difficult.”
13. Go over
Definition: To review or examine.
Example: “Let’s go over the contract before we sign it.”
14. Keep up
Definition: To maintain the same level.
Example: “It’s important to keep up with industry trends.”
15. Look into
Definition: To investigate.
Example: “We need to look into the reasons for the decline in sales.”
16. Make up
Definition: To compensate for something missed or lost.
Example: “He worked late to make up for the time he missed.”
17. Put off
Definition: To delay. Example: “We cannot put off this decision any longer.”
18. Run into
Definition: To encounter unexpectedly.
Example: “I ran into an old colleague at the conference.”
19. Set up
Definition: To arrange or organize.
Example: “We need to set up a meeting with the new client.”
20. Show up
Definition: To arrive or appear.
Example: “He showed up late to the meeting.”
21. Take over
Definition: To assume control.
Example: “She will take over the project from here.”
22. Turn down
Definition: To reject.
Example: “He turned down the job offer.”
23. Turn out
Definition: To result or end.
Example: “The presentation turned out better than we expected.”
24. Work out
Definition: To find a solution.
Example: “We need to work out a plan to address the issue.”
25. Wrap up
Definition: To finish or conclude.
Example: “Let’s wrap up the meeting and continue tomorrow.”
Bonus: Five Advanced Phrasal Verbs
26. Break down
Definition: To analyze in detail.
Example: “We need to break down the report into smaller sections for clarity.”
27. Bring about
Definition: To cause something to happen.
Example: “The new policy will bring about significant changes in the workflow.”
28. Come up with
Definition: To think of or produce an idea or plan.
Example: “She came up with a brilliant strategy to increase sales.”
29. Follow through
Definition: To complete a task from start to finish.
Example: “It’s important to follow through on our commitments to clients.”
30. Look forward to
Definition: To anticipate with pleasure.
Example: “We look forward to collaborating with your team.”
Why not practising the phrasal verbs mentioned above by answering the following questions? You can record yourself and listen to your answers to give yourself some feedback, or have a professional listening to you and helping you correct the mistakes – if any! and giving you professional feedback:
Let’s Practice!
More practice
If you still want more, try with this exercise and remember, practice is everything when you learn a new language!
Phrasal verbs can add depth and variety to business communication. By understanding and using these verbs effectively, professionals can enhance their clarity, persuasiveness, and overall communicative competence.
If you need a professional to help you improve your English skills, I’m here to help you. Book your FREE LET’S TALK session and discuss your needs!
