Mastering professional communication requires knowing key expressions that native speakers use daily. Some of the most essential English phrasal verbs for business meetings and professional emails include 'follow up,' 'bring up,' and 'set up,' which help you sound clear, confident, and fluent in any corporate setting.
Whether you're writing a report or leading a team discussion, integrating these multi-word verbs into your vocabulary is a game-changer. This guide will walk you through the top 10 verbs you need to know, complete with practical examples for both speaking and writing.
Why Are Phrasal Verbs So Important in Business English?
Phrasal verbs combine a main verb with a preposition or an adverb (or both), creating a new meaning. For example, 'look' is a simple action, but 'look into' means to investigate. In a professional context, using these expressions correctly is crucial for a few key reasons:
- Natural Fluency: Native English speakers use phrasal verbs constantly. Using them helps you sound more natural and less like a textbook.
- Efficiency: Often, a phrasal verb is a more concise and direct way to express an idea. Saying 'let's wrap up' is quicker and more common than saying 'let's bring this meeting to a conclusion.'
- Demonstrates Proficiency: Correctly using business-specific phrasal verbs shows your colleagues and clients that you have a strong command of professional English, which builds trust and credibility.
A List of the 10 Most Essential English Phrasal Verbs for Business Meetings and Professional Emails
Ready to elevate your workplace communication? Here is a breakdown of the ten most vital phrasal verbs you'll encounter in the corporate world, along with how to use them effectively.
Follow up (on)
- Meaning: To take further action or gather more information about something that has already been discussed.
- Meeting Example: "Thanks for the great ideas, everyone. Sarah, could you please follow up with the marketing team on the budget question?"
- Email Example: "Dear John, I am writing to follow up on our conversation from last Tuesday regarding the project timeline."
Bring up
- Meaning: To introduce a topic for discussion.
- Meeting Example: "Before we move on to the next agenda item, I'd like to bring up the feedback we received from our latest client survey."
- Email Example: "During our call tomorrow, I plan to bring up the need for additional resources for Q4."
Set up
- Meaning: To arrange or organize something, like a meeting, a call, or a new system.
- Meeting Example: "Let's set up a separate meeting to discuss the logistics of the product launch in more detail."
- Email Example: "Could you let me know your availability to set up a call with the technical team next week?"
Go over
- Meaning: To review or check something carefully.
- Meeting Example: "Let's quickly go over the action items from our last meeting to check our progress."
- Email Example: "Please go over the attached draft of the report and send me your feedback by Friday."
Deal with
- Meaning: To manage, handle, or take action to solve a problem or task.
- Meeting Example: "Our customer service department is best equipped to deal with these client complaints."
- Email Example: "Thank you for bringing this to my attention. I will deal with it immediately."
Look into
- Meaning: To investigate or research a problem or situation.
- Meeting Example: "Several users have reported a bug in the new software. We need a team to look into it right away."
- Email Example: "We have received your query and are currently looking into the matter. We will get back to you shortly."
Put off / Push back
- Meaning: To postpone or delay something to a later time or date.
- Meeting Example: "Since our key speaker is unavailable, we'll have to put off the webinar until next month."
- Email Example: "I'm writing to request if we can push back the deadline for the proposal to this Friday, March 22nd."
Get back to
- Meaning: To respond or reply to someone at a later time.
- Meeting Example: "That's a good question. I don't have the data with me right now, but I will get back to you by the end of the day."
- Email Example: "Thanks for your message. I am currently out of the office but will get back to you as soon as I return."
Wrap up
- Meaning: To finish or complete something, especially a meeting or discussion.
- Meeting Example: "We have five minutes left, so let's wrap up this discussion and confirm the next steps."
- Email Example: "We expect to wrap up the final phase of the project by the end of the quarter."
Draw up
- Meaning: To prepare a written document, such as a contract, proposal, or plan.
- Meeting Example: "Now that we've agreed on the terms, our legal team will draw up the official contract."
- Email Example: "Following our discussion, I have drawn up a draft of the project plan for your review."
How Can I Practice These Business Phrasal Verbs?
Knowing the list is the first step; using the verbs confidently is the goal. Here are a few tips to help you practice:
- Listen Actively: Pay attention during meetings, calls, and presentations. Note down any phrasal verbs you hear and how they are used.
- Start Small: Choose one or two phrasal verbs from this list and try to use them in an email or a conversation this week.
- Create Your Own Examples: Write sentences that are relevant to your specific job. For example, if you are in sales, write a sentence using 'follow up' in the context of a client call.
- Use Flashcards: Write the phrasal verb on one side and its meaning and an example sentence on the other. Review them regularly.
By consistently practicing, you will find that these essential English phrasal verbs for business meetings and professional emails become a natural part of your professional vocabulary. This will not only improve your fluency but also boost your confidence when communicating in a corporate environment.
Frequently Asked Questions about Business Phrasal Verbs
What is the difference between a verb and a phrasal verb?
A regular verb is typically a single word (e.g., 'discuss'), while a phrasal verb is a multi-word phrase made of a verb and a particle (a preposition or adverb), like 'bring up.' The meaning of the phrasal verb is often idiomatic and different from the individual words.
Are phrasal verbs too informal for business emails?
Not at all. While some phrasal verbs are very informal, the ones listed here (like 'follow up,' 'set up,' and 'go over') are standard in professional communication. They are widely used and accepted in corporate emails, reports, and meetings worldwide.
How can I learn the correct preposition for a phrasal verb?
The best way is through exposure and practice. Read business articles, listen to podcasts, and pay attention to which prepositions are paired with which verbs. Creating flashcards and writing your own example sentences will help reinforce these connections.
Can I separate a phrasal verb in a sentence?
It depends. Some phrasal verbs are 'separable,' meaning you can put the object between the verb and the particle (e.g., 'We need to draw the contract up.'). Others are 'inseparable' (e.g., 'I will look into the problem.'). It's best to learn whether a phrasal verb is separable or inseparable as you study it.