Introduction
Effective business communication requires more than just knowing formal vocabulary.
Phrasal verbs – combinations of verbs and particles (prepositions or adverbs) – are widely used in professional settings.
Understanding and using them correctly can make your English sound more natural and professional.
What Are Phrasal Verbs and Why Are They Difficult?
Phrasal verbs are an essential part of English, but they can be challenging for learners because their meanings are often not predictable from the individual words. Unlike standard verbs, which tend to have direct meanings, phrasal verbs can be idiomatic, meaning that logic doesn’t always apply.
For example, the verb “look” has a clear meaning, but as part of the phrasal verb “look into”, it means “to investigate”. Similarly, “put off” means “to postpone”, which has nothing to do with physically putting something anywhere.
Another difficulty is that many phrasal verbs have multiple meanings. For instance, “take off” has seven(!) wildly different meanings, including an aeroplane leaving the ground, a business growing quickly, removing clothing, impersonating someone or giving a discount. The phrasal verb “take on” has five different meanings. To make matters even worse, although “off” is the opposite of “on”, none of the “take off” meanings are the opposites of any of the “take on” meanings. The only way to master them is through context and practice (sorry).
In this article, we’ll explore a phrasal verbs list with meanings, phrasal verbs examples, and practical applications to improve your business communication.
Phrasal Verb Examples
This section contains ten phrasal verbs that are commonly used in business English. There are many more!
1. Follow up (on something)
Meaning: To check on something or take further action after an initial discussion.
Example: “I’ll follow up on the client’s request and get back to you by Friday.”
Why it’s useful: Following up is an important professional skill that helps maintain relationships and ensures that tasks are completed efficiently.
2. Bring up
Meaning: To introduce a topic in a conversation or meeting.
Example: “She brought up the budget concerns during the meeting.”
When to use it: If you need to address an issue, a concern, or a new idea, “bringing it up” ensures it is discussed rather than overlooked.
3. Look into
Meaning: To investigate or research something.
Example: “We need to look into new suppliers for better pricing.”
Real-world application: If a problem arises or a new opportunity appears, managers often assign employees to “look into” possible solutions or alternatives.
4. Run out (of something)
Meaning: To use all of something and have no more left.
Example: “We’ve run out of printer paper; can you order more?”
Business relevance: Managing resources efficiently is essential in business. Keeping track of supplies, time and finances ensures smooth operations.
5. Put off
Meaning: To postpone or delay something.
Example: “The manager decided to put off the project deadline by a week.”
Why it matters: Knowing when to delay a task can be useful in prioritisation. However, unnecessary delays should be avoided to maintain productivity.
6. Go over
Meaning: To review or examine something carefully.
Example: “Let’s go over the report one more time before submitting it.”
Best practice: In business, reviewing contracts, presentations and reports before final submission helps prevent mistakes and improves quality.
7. Turn down
Meaning: To reject or decline an offer or request.
Example: “He turned down the job offer because the salary was too low.”
How to use it professionally: Rejecting an offer or request should be done politely to maintain good relationships. Instead of just saying “no”, you can say, “I appreciate the offer, but I have to turn it down.”
8. Get back (to someone)
Meaning: To respond to someone after some time.
Example: “I’ll get back to you with the details after I speak with my team.”
Why it’s key: Quick and clear communication builds trust. Always follow up when you promise to “get back” to someone.
9. Come up (with something)
Meaning: To think of or create an idea or solution.
Example: “The marketing team came up with a great strategy for the new product launch.”
Creativity in business: Innovative thinking is highly valued. Companies rely on employees to “come up with” fresh ideas to stay competitive.
10. Keep up (with something/someone)
Meaning: To stay updated or maintain the same level of progress.
Example: “It’s challenging to keep up with industry trends, but it’s necessary for success.”
Business impact: Staying informed about market changes and technological advancements is important for long-term success in any industry.
How to Practise These Phrasal Verbs
- Use them in real conversations – Try incorporating them in business emails, meetings and discussions.
- Write example sentences – Actively using them in writing helps reinforce their meanings and applications.
- Listen for them – Pay attention to how native speakers use them in business settings such as interviews, presentations and meetings.
- Role-play situations – Practise using them in different business scenarios with a study partner or a coach.
- Join a professional English learning community – Engaging in discussions with other learners and professionals helps you apply these phrasal verbs naturally.
Conclusion
Mastering these phrasal verbs will help you sound more confident and fluent in business interactions.
Don’t forget that pronunciation and clarity also play a key role in effective communication – check out my article on How to Improve Your Pronunciation for Clearer Communication to refine your speaking skills.
Want more business English tips? Join our professional English learning community to improve your skills and communicate with confidence!
