The 10 most useful phrasal verbs for business meetings include essentials like bring up, call off, draw up, look into, put forward, set up, take on, and wrap up. Mastering these will help you participate more fluently and confidently in any professional discussion, from conference calls to negotiations.
Are you looking to improve your business English vocabulary? Understanding and using phrasal verbs correctly can make a significant difference in how fluently you communicate in the workplace. This guide will walk you through a list of the 10 most useful phrasal verbs for business meetings, complete with clear definitions and practical examples to help you master them.
What are the 10 most useful phrasal verbs for business meetings?
Phrasal verbs combine a main verb with a particle (an adverb or a preposition) to create a new meaning. They are extremely common in everyday English, and the business world is no exception. Here is our curated list of essential phrasal verbs for professional communication.
Bring up
- Meaning: To introduce a topic or start talking about a particular subject.
- Example: "During the marketing update, I'd like to bring up the results from our latest social media campaign."
Call off
- Meaning: To cancel a planned event.
- Example: "Due to a scheduling conflict with the client, we have to call off tomorrow's 10 AM meeting."
Carry on
- Meaning: To continue with an activity or discussion.
- Example: "That's a good point, but let's carry on with the main agenda for now. We can return to that later."
Draw up
- Meaning: To prepare and write a formal document, such as a contract, proposal, or plan.
- Example: "After the meeting, can you draw up a summary of the action points we agreed on?"
Look into
- Meaning: To investigate or research something to find out more information.
- Example: "Several customers have reported a bug in the new software. Our technical team will look into it immediately."
Put forward
- Meaning: To propose or suggest an idea or plan for others to consider.
- Example: "Our CFO put forward a new budget proposal that aims to cut operational costs by 15%."
Set up
- Meaning: To arrange or organize a meeting, event, or system.
- Example: "I will set up a video conference call with the international team for next Tuesday."
Take on
- Meaning: To accept a new task, challenge, or responsibility.
- Example: "I'm excited to take on the role of project manager for this new initiative."
Turn down
- Meaning: To refuse or reject an offer, proposal, or request.
- Example: "Unfortunately, we had to turn down their initial offer because it was significantly over our budget."
Wrap up
- Meaning: To finish or conclude something, like a meeting or a project.
- Example: "We only have a few minutes left, so let's wrap up this discussion and confirm the next steps."
How can I effectively learn the 10 most useful phrasal verbs for business meetings?
Simply memorizing a list isn't enough. To truly master this part of workplace English, you need to actively practice. Here are a few proven strategies:
- Context is Key: Don't just learn the verb; learn it in a sentence. Create your own business-related examples for each phrasal verb.
- Listen Actively: Pay close attention during conference calls or when watching business-related content. Notice how native speakers use these phrases.
- Practice Speaking: Try to use one or two new phrasal verbs in your next meeting. Start with low-pressure situations until you feel more confident.
- Use Flashcards: Write the phrasal verb on one side and its meaning and an example sentence on the other. This classic method is still highly effective for vocabulary building.
By incorporating these phrasal verbs into your professional vocabulary, you will sound more natural and be better equipped to handle any business situation. Practicing these 10 most useful phrasal verbs for business meetings is a powerful step toward greater fluency and confidence in your corporate communication skills.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Business English Phrasal Verbs
Why are phrasal verbs so important in business English?
Phrasal verbs are crucial because they are extremely common in spoken and informal written English. Using them correctly makes your communication sound more natural and fluent, helping you build better rapport with native-speaking colleagues and clients.
What's the difference between a formal and informal phrasal verb?
While many phrasal verbs are common in daily conversation, some are more suitable for professional settings than others. For example, 'wrap up' is a standard way to end a meeting, while a verb like 'hang out' would be too informal. The key is to learn them in their typical context.
How can I remember which phrasal verbs are separable?
Separable phrasal verbs can have the object placed between the verb and the particle (e.g., 'draw the contract up'). Inseparable ones cannot. There are no simple rules, so the best way is to learn each one individually and pay attention to examples you see and hear.
Can I use phrasal verbs in formal business writing?
Yes, but with care. In highly formal documents like legal contracts or academic reports, it's often better to use a single-word Latinate verb (e.g., 'investigate' instead of 'look into'). However, in emails, presentations, and internal reports, phrasal verbs are perfectly acceptable and often preferred for their clarity.