Yes, a list of common phrasal verbs for business meetings includes key expressions like *set up*, *bring up*, *go over*, and *wrap up*. Mastering these multi-word verbs is essential for sounding fluent and professional when you schedule discussions, introduce topics, and conclude your agenda.
Navigating the world of business English can be challenging, but understanding phrasal verbs is a game-changer. These expressions, which combine a verb with a preposition or adverb, are incredibly common in the workplace. Using them correctly not only improves your fluency but also helps you understand native speakers more easily. This guide provides a clear list of common phrasal verbs for business meetings, complete with definitions and examples, to help you communicate with confidence.
What are some common phrasal verbs for business meetings related to scheduling?
Getting a meeting on the calendar is the first step. These phrasal verbs will help you arrange, postpone, and cancel professional appointments with ease.
- Set up: To arrange or organize something.
- *Example*: "I will set up a video call for 10 AM tomorrow to discuss the project proposal."
- Push back: To postpone or delay a meeting to a later time or date.
- *Example*: "Due to a client emergency, we need to push back the weekly sync to Friday."
- Bring forward: To move a meeting to an earlier time or date.
- *Example*: "Can we bring forward our one-on-one? I have a conflict with the original time."
- Call off: To cancel a planned event or meeting.
- *Example*: "The CEO is unwell, so we have to call off the board meeting for this afternoon."
How can I use common phrasal verbs for business meetings during the discussion?
Once the meeting starts, you need the right vocabulary to manage the conversation flow. These phrasal verbs are perfect for introducing topics, reviewing information, and sharing opinions.
Introducing and Reviewing Topics
- Bring up: To introduce a subject for discussion.
- *Example*: "Before we move on, I'd like to bring up the issue of the Q4 budget."
- Go over: To review, examine, or discuss something in detail.
- *Example*: "Let's quickly go over the action items from our last meeting."
- Run through: To review something quickly.
- *Example*: "Can you run through the main presentation slides one more time?"
Sharing Opinions and Managing Tasks
- Weigh in: To give an opinion or join a discussion.
- *Example*: "I’d like the marketing team to weigh in on this branding proposal."
- Run by: To tell someone an idea to get their opinion or approval.
- *Example*: "That's an interesting concept. I need to run it by my manager before we proceed."
- Deal with: To take action on a problem or task.
- *Example*: "We'll deal with the client feedback in a separate follow-up meeting."
Which phrasal verbs are useful for concluding a meeting?
Ending a meeting effectively is just as important as starting it well. These verbs help you summarize points, define next steps, and formally close the discussion.
- Wrap up: To finish or conclude something.
- *Example*: "We're almost out of time, so let's wrap up in the next five minutes."
- Sum up: To summarize the main points of a discussion.
- *Example*: "To sum up, we've agreed on the new timeline and the budget allocation."
- Follow up: To take further action or communication after an event.
- *Example*: "I will follow up with an email detailing the action items we discussed today."
- Draw up: To prepare a formal, written document.
- *Example*: "The legal team will draw up the contract based on the terms we've just agreed upon."
By incorporating this list of common phrasal verbs for business meetings into your vocabulary, you'll be able to participate more effectively and sound more like a native speaker. Practice them in your next conference call or team huddle to build confidence and enhance your professional communication skills.
Frequently Asked Questions about Business Meeting Phrasal Verbs
What's the difference between 'put off' and 'push back' a meeting? Both mean to postpone, and they are often used interchangeably. However, 'push back' is very common in modern business contexts, especially in American English, and clearly implies rescheduling to a later date. 'Put off' can sometimes have a slightly negative connotation of procrastination.
How do I remember so many phrasal verbs? Don't try to learn them all at once. Focus on learning 3-4 verbs at a time in context. Try to write your own example sentences related to your job, and make an effort to use one or two in your next meeting or email.
Are phrasal verbs too informal for a very formal business meeting? Not at all. The phrasal verbs listed here are standard professional English and are appropriate for almost all business contexts, including formal meetings with senior executives. They are a natural part of business communication.
What does it mean to 'circle back' to something in a meeting? To 'circle back' means to return to a topic or question at a later time. It's a polite way to postpone a discussion without dismissing it. For example: "That's a good point, but let's circle back to it after we've finished the main agenda items."
Can I use 'bring up' to introduce myself? No, 'bring up' is only used to introduce a topic or issue for discussion. To introduce yourself, you would simply say, "I'd like to introduce myself. My name is..."