Introduction
Effective communication is essential in any workplace, and mastering phrasal verbs can significantly enhance your ability to convey ideas clearly and professionally. Phrasal verbs are combinations of verbs and prepositions or adverbs that create unique meanings, often different from the individual words. Understanding these expressions will help you confidently navigate professional conversations, emails, meetings, and negotiations. Below, we explore 30 essential phrasal verbs commonly used in business settings, with their meanings and examples.
1. Bring up – To mention or introduce a topic
She brought up the sales figures during the meeting.
He brought up an interesting idea in the discussion.
2. Call off – To cancel
The manager called off the meeting due to an emergency.
They had to call off the event because of bad weather.
3. Carry on – To continue
Let’s carry on with the discussion after lunch.
Despite the challenges, they carried on with the project.
4. Come up with – To generate or produce an idea
He came up with an innovative marketing strategy.
We need to come up with a new approach for the campaign.
5. Deal with – To handle or manage
I will deal with the client’s complaint personally.
She dealt with the technical issues efficiently.
6. Drop off – To deliver or decrease
Sales dropped off significantly last quarter.
Can you drop off these documents at the office?
7. Figure out – To understand or solve
We need to figure out how to cut costs.
He finally figured out the solution to the problem.
8. Fill in – To provide information or substitute for someone
Can you fill in for me at the conference?
She filled in the application form carefully.
9. Follow up – To check back or take further action
Please follow up with the client regarding the proposal.
I will follow up on your request by tomorrow.
10. Get ahead – To make progress in one’s career
She is working hard to get ahead in the company.
Networking is essential if you want to get ahead professionally.
11. Get back to – To respond or return to someone
I’ll get back to you with the report by Monday.
She never got back to me about my email.
12. Go over – To review or examine
Let’s go over the contract before signing it.
The manager went over the financial report in detail.
13. Hold on – To wait briefly
Hold on while I connect you to the manager.
Can you hold on for a moment?
14. Keep up with – To stay informed or maintain pace
It’s important to keep up with industry trends.
He finds it hard to keep up with all his tasks.
15. Lay off – To dismiss employees due to lack of work
The company had to lay off several workers.
Many employees were laid off during the recession.
16. Look into – To investigate
We need to look into the customer complaints.
The team is looking into new software options.
17. Look up to – To admire or respect
Many employees look up to their CEO.
She looks up to her mentor for career advice.
18. Make up for – To compensate
She worked overtime to make up for lost time.
He tried to make up for his mistake by apologizing.
19. Pass on – To share information
I’ll pass on your message to the team.
She passed on the important documents to the director.
20. Put off – To delay or postpone
The meeting was put off until next week.
He kept putting off his performance review discussion.
21. Put together – To assemble or prepare
She put together a detailed financial report.
They put together a strong proposal for the investors.
22. Run out of – To use up all of something
We ran out of office supplies last week.
She ran out of patience during the negotiation.
23. Set up – To arrange or establish
We need to set up a meeting with the new client.
The company is setting up a new office in London.
24. Sort out – To organize or resolve
We must sort out the budget issues quickly.
Can you help me sort out these documents?
25. Step down – To resign from a position
The CEO decided to step down due to personal reasons.
He stepped down from his role after ten years in the company.
26. Take over – To assume control
A larger firm took over the small startup.
She will take over the responsibilities next month.
27. Turn down – To reject
He turned down the job offer because of the salary.
She turned down the client’s request politely.
28. Work out – To find a solution
We need to work out a new marketing strategy.
They worked out a deal that satisfied both parties.
29. Wrap up – To conclude or finish
Let’s wrap up the discussion and finalize the agreement.
They wrapped up the project ahead of schedule.
30. Write up – To create a formal document
She wrote up the minutes from the board meeting.
He wrote up a report on the company’s performance.
Conclusion
Mastering these phrasal verbs will help you communicate effectively in business settings, whether you are writing emails, participating in meetings, or negotiating deals. As you become more comfortable using phrasal verbs, you will find workplace conversations smoother and more professional. Practice incorporating these expressions into your daily interactions, and soon, they will become a natural part of your business vocabulary.
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