Certainly. Ten common English phrasal verbs for business meetings include call off (to cancel), bring up (to introduce a topic), and follow up (to take further action). Mastering these phrases is crucial for clear, professional communication and will help you participate more confidently in any corporate setting.
Navigating the corporate world requires more than just industry knowledge; it demands sharp communication skills. A key part of sounding fluent and professional in English is understanding and using phrasal verbs correctly. This guide will explain 10 common English phrasal verbs for business meetings, complete with clear definitions and practical examples to help you sound like a pro in your next conference call or boardroom discussion.
A Guide to 10 Common English Phrasal Verbs for Business Meetings
Let's dive into the essential vocabulary that will elevate your professional English. These verbs are used daily in offices around the world.
What does it mean to 'bring up' a topic?
- Definition: To introduce a subject for discussion.
- Example 1: "Before we conclude, I'd like to bring up the budget for next quarter."
- Example 2: "That's a good point. Please bring it up during the strategy session on Friday."
How do you use 'go over' something?
- Definition: To review, examine, or discuss something in detail.
- Example 1: "Could we please go over the sales figures one more time? I want to make sure I understand them."
- Example 2: "Let's go over the main points of the presentation before the clients arrive."
What is the meaning of 'call off'?
- Definition: To cancel a planned event.
- Example 1: "We had to call off the meeting with the marketing team due to a scheduling conflict."
- Example 2: "If we don't receive the materials by noon, we'll have to call the entire project off."
When should you 'put off' or 'push back' a meeting?
- Definition: To postpone or delay something to a later time or date. 'Push back' specifically implies moving it to a later time.
- Example 1: "John is sick today, so we'll have to put off the team briefing until tomorrow."
- Example 2: "Can we push the deadline back by one week? We need more time for quality assurance."
What does 'look into' mean?
- Definition: To investigate, research, or get more information about a problem or situation.
- Example 1: "Several customers have reported a bug in the app. Our tech team is looking into it."
- Example 2: "Thank you for the feedback. I'll look into why the shipment was delayed."
How do you 'follow up' after a meeting?
- Definition: To take further action or contact someone again to get more information or ensure a task is completed.
- Example 1: "I will follow up with an email summarising the action points we discussed today."
- Example 2: "Did you follow up with the client about the contract?"
What does it mean to 'draw up' a document?
- Definition: To prepare and write a formal document, such as a contract, proposal, or plan.
- Example 1: "Our legal department will draw up the new employment contracts this week."
- Example 2: "After the meeting, can you draw up a proposal based on our discussion?"
How can you 'weigh in' during a discussion?
- Definition: To give your opinion or join a discussion or argument.
- Example 1: "I'd like to hear what the design team has to say. Could you weigh in on this, Sarah?"
- Example 2: "Everyone had a chance to weigh in before we made the final decision."
What does 'get back to' someone mean?
- Definition: To respond to someone at a later time.
- Example 1: "I don't have that information right now, but I will find out and get back to you by the end of the day."
- Example 2: "Please review the report and get back to me with any feedback."
How do you 'wrap up' a meeting?
- Definition: To finish or conclude something.
- Example 1: "We're running out of time, so let's wrap up the discussion and move to the final agenda item."
- Example 2: "To wrap things up, let's quickly review the next steps."
Why Mastering Common English Phrasal Verbs for Business Meetings Is Crucial
Learning these phrases isn't just about expanding your vocabulary; it's about integration and comprehension. Native speakers use phrasal verbs constantly in professional contexts because they are efficient and natural. By understanding and using them, you will:
- Communicate More Naturally: You'll sound less like a textbook and more like a fluent, confident speaker.
- Understand Colleagues Better: You won't get lost when a manager says they need to "push back the deadline" or "look into an issue."
- Participate More Effectively: Knowing these terms allows you to engage fully in discussions, from bringing up new ideas to wrapping up the meeting.
Start by incorporating one or two of these into your vocabulary this week. With practice, using these common English phrasal verbs for business meetings will become second nature.
Frequently Asked Questions about Business English Phrasal Verbs
Are phrasal verbs considered formal enough for business meetings?
Yes, absolutely. While some phrasal verbs are very informal, the ones listed here (like 'follow up', 'go over', and 'draw up') are standard and completely appropriate for professional communication, including presentations, emails, and meetings.
What is the best way to learn and remember these phrasal verbs?
Context is key. Don't just memorise lists. Instead, try to write your own example sentences related to your specific job. Practice using them in low-stakes situations, such as in an email to a colleague, before using them in a high-pressure meeting.
What's the difference between 'put off' and 'call off'?
This is a common point of confusion. To 'put off' means to postpone or delay an event to a later time or date. To 'call off' means to cancel it completely, with no intention of rescheduling it at that moment.
Why do native speakers use so many phrasal verbs in meetings?
Native speakers use phrasal verbs because they are an efficient and expressive part of the English language. They often convey a specific nuance that a single-word verb might not. Using them is a natural feature of fluency.
Can I use these phrasal verbs in professional emails as well?
Yes. All the phrasal verbs listed in this article are perfectly suitable for professional written communication, such as emails, reports, and memos. For instance, you might write, "I am writing to follow up on our conversation" or "We will need to draw up a new agreement."