Mastering the most common phrasal verbs for a business meeting can significantly boost your confidence and professional fluency. Key examples include verbs like *bring up* (to introduce a topic), *follow up* (to take further action), and *wrap up* (to conclude). Understanding and using these expressions correctly will help you communicate more naturally and effectively in any corporate setting.
Phrasal verbs—combinations of a verb with a preposition or an adverb—are a cornerstone of natural, fluent English. While they can seem tricky, they are essential for professional communication. Using them correctly shows a high level of proficiency and helps you integrate seamlessly into conversations with native speakers. This guide provides a clear list of the most common phrasal verbs you need to know for a business meeting, complete with definitions and practical examples.
Why are phrasal verbs so important in a business context?
In the world of business English, communication is key. Phrasal verbs are frequently used in emails, presentations, and daily conversations in the workplace. Avoiding them can make your speech sound robotic or overly formal. By incorporating them into your vocabulary, you demonstrate a deeper understanding of English and can express ideas with more nuance and precision. They are a vital tool for anyone looking to excel in an English-speaking professional environment.
What are the most common phrasal verbs for a business meeting?
We've broken down the essential vocabulary by the different stages of a typical meeting. This structure will help you learn the verbs in context, making them easier to remember and use.
How do you start a meeting with phrasal verbs?
Getting a meeting started smoothly sets a positive tone. These verbs are perfect for opening remarks.
- Kick off: To begin or start something.
- *Example*: "Good morning, everyone. Let's kick off this meeting with a review of the agenda."
- Go over: To review or examine something carefully.
- *Example*: "Before we start the discussion, I'd like to go over the main points from our last meeting."
What phrasal verbs are used during a discussion?
This is where the bulk of your communication happens. These verbs will help you introduce topics, ask for opinions, and explain details.
- Bring up: To introduce a subject for discussion.
- *Example*: "During the discussion, I'd like to bring up the new marketing budget."
- Weigh in: To give an opinion or join a discussion.
- *Example*: "Sarah, you have experience in this area. Could you weigh in on this proposal?"
- Run something by/past someone: To show an idea to someone to get their opinion.
- *Example*: "That's an interesting concept. I need to run it by my manager before I can approve it."
- Look into: To investigate or research a problem or situation.
- *Example*: "We've noticed a drop in sales. We need a team to look into the cause immediately."
- Spell out: To explain something in a very clear and detailed way.
- *Example*: "To avoid any misunderstanding, let me spell out the exact requirements for the project."
Which phrasal verbs are for managing time and topics?
Keeping a meeting on track is a crucial skill. These expressions help you manage the agenda and schedule.
- Move on (to): To change from one subject to another.
- *Example*: "If there are no more questions on this topic, let's move on to the next item on the agenda."
- Get back to: To return to a topic or person later.
- *Example*: "That's an important point, but it's not our priority today. Can we get back to it in our next session?"
- Put off / Push back: To postpone or reschedule something for a later time.
- *Example*: "We have to put off the decision until we have all the data." or "Can we push the deadline back by one week?"
- Call off: To cancel an event or meeting.
- *Example*: "Unfortunately, we have to call off tomorrow's meeting due to a scheduling conflict."
How can you end a meeting using phrasal verbs?
Concluding a meeting effectively ensures everyone knows the next steps. These verbs are perfect for summarizing and defining actions.
- Wrap up: To finish or conclude something.
- *Example*: "We have five minutes left, so let's try to wrap up the discussion."
- Follow up: To take further action or contact someone after a meeting.
- *Example*: "I will follow up with an email that summarizes the key decisions and action points."
- Draw up: To prepare a formal, written document.
- *Example*: "After the meeting, can you draw up a contract based on the terms we agreed on?"
Learning the most common phrasal verbs for a business meeting is a powerful step toward becoming a more confident and effective communicator. Start by choosing a few from this list to practice, and soon you'll find yourself using them naturally in your professional life.
Frequently Asked Questions about business phrasal verbs
What is the best way to practice business phrasal verbs?
The best way to practice is through active use. Try writing your own example sentences related to your job. Practice using them when speaking with a language partner or tutor. You can also listen for them in business podcasts, news reports, and TV shows to understand their natural context.
Are phrasal verbs formal enough for a business meeting?
Yes, the majority of phrasal verbs used in a professional context are considered neutral and are perfectly appropriate for business meetings. While some phrasal verbs are very informal, the ones on this list are standard in workplace English and will make you sound more, not less, professional.
What's the difference between 'put off' and 'call off'?
This is a common point of confusion. To put off something means to postpone or reschedule it for a later time or date. To call off something means to cancel it completely, with no current plan to reschedule.
How many phrasal verbs should I learn at once?
Avoid overwhelming yourself. It's more effective to learn 3-5 new phrasal verbs at a time and focus on using them correctly in different contexts. Quality over quantity is key. Once you feel comfortable with one batch, you can move on to the next.
Can you give an example of a separable vs. inseparable phrasal verb?
Certainly. A separable phrasal verb can have the object placed between the verb and the particle. For example, with 'call off', you can say "They will call off the meeting" or "They will call the meeting off." An inseparable phrasal verb cannot be split. For example, with 'look into', you must say "We will look into the problem." You cannot say "We will look the problem into."