To use common business English phrasal verbs correctly in a professional meeting, focus on understanding their precise meaning in context. Group them by meeting stage—such as starting, discussing, and concluding—and practice using them in low-stakes situations before presenting to senior colleagues or clients.
Mastering these expressions is a game-changer for your professional communication. It helps you sound more fluent, confident, and natural, allowing you to connect better with colleagues and clients. This guide will break down exactly how you can use common business English phrasal verbs to elevate your professional presence and participate more effectively.
Why is it important to learn business phrasal verbs?
Phrasal verbs are essential in everyday English, and the business world is no exception. While you can often find a more formal, single-word alternative, using phrasal verbs correctly shows a deeper understanding of the language. It makes your speech sound less like a textbook and more like a native speaker, which builds rapport and credibility in any business setting. Integrating them into your vocabulary helps you understand nuances and communicate your points with more precision and impact.
How can I use common business English phrasal verbs at the start of a meeting?
Kicking off a meeting smoothly sets the tone for the entire discussion. Using the right phrasal verbs can help you sound organised and in control from the very beginning.
Phrasal verbs for beginning the discussion
- Kick off: To start or begin an event or meeting.
- *Example:* "Right, it's 10:00 AM. Let's kick off the weekly sync. Thanks, everyone, for joining."
- Get started: A straightforward way to signal the beginning.
- *Example:* "Now that everyone is here, let's get started. The first item on the agenda is the Q3 budget."
- Go over: To review or check something.
- *Example:* "Before we discuss new business, I want to quickly go over the action items from our last meeting."
What are some key phrasal verbs for managing the main discussion?
This is where the real work happens. During the main part of a meeting, you need to present information, ask for opinions, and manage the flow of conversation. These phrasal verbs are invaluable tools.
Verbs for presenting ideas and information
- Run through: To quickly explain or rehearse something.
- *Example:* "Let me run through the main findings of the customer survey before we open the floor for questions."
- Bring up: To introduce a topic for discussion.
- *Example:* "That’s a great point. I'd also like to bring up the feedback we received from the marketing team."
- Drill down: To examine something in greater detail.
- *Example:* "The overview looks good, but we need to drill down into the sales figures for the European market."
Verbs for managing a conversation
- Weigh in: To give an opinion or contribute to a discussion.
- *Example:* "I'd like to hear what the design team thinks. Maria, could you weigh in on this proposal?"
- Deal with: To handle or manage a problem or task.
- *Example:* "We can deal with the logistical issues later. For now, let's focus on the creative concept."
- Follow up: To take further action or get more information about something later.
- *Example:* "I don't have the exact numbers right now, but I will follow up with you via email this afternoon."
How do I use phrasal verbs to conclude a meeting effectively?
Ending a meeting clearly is just as important as starting it well. These phrasal verbs help you summarize key decisions and outline the next steps, ensuring everyone leaves with a clear understanding of their responsibilities.
- Wrap up: To finish or conclude something.
- *Example:* "We're running out of time, so let's wrap up in the next five minutes."
- Sum up: To summarize the main points.
- *Example:* "To sum up, we've agreed to move forward with Option B and revisit the budget next week."
- Draw up: To prepare a written document, such as a plan or contract.
- *Example:* "James, could you draw up a summary of the action points and circulate it by end of day?"
- Set up: To arrange or schedule a future event.
- *Example:* "Let's set up another meeting for next Tuesday to review the final draft."
By focusing on these examples and practicing regularly, you'll feel confident and prepared to use common business English phrasal verbs in any professional setting. Start small, listen to how your colleagues use them, and soon they will become a natural part of your vocabulary.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What's the difference between a phrasal verb and an idiom? A phrasal verb is a combination of a verb and a particle (a preposition or adverb), like 'follow up' or 'deal with'. Its meaning can often be guessed from the parts. An idiom is a fixed expression where the meaning is not deducible from the individual words, such as 'hit the nail on the head'.
Can I use informal phrasal verbs in a business meeting? It's best to be cautious. While some phrasal verbs are standard in business (e.g., 'look into'), others are very informal ('chill out'). Stick to professional phrasal verbs like the ones in this guide, especially in formal meetings with clients or senior management.
How do I remember the meaning of so many phrasal verbs? Don't try to learn them all at once. Focus on learning them in context or by topic (e.g., phrasal verbs for meetings, negotiations, or presentations). Create example sentences that are relevant to your own job to make them more memorable.
What is a good phrasal verb for postponing a meeting? Two common and professional phrasal verbs for postponing are 'put off' and 'push back'. For example, "We need to put off the client meeting until next week," or "Can we push back our one-on-one to 3 PM?"
Are phrasal verbs more common in American or British English? Phrasal verbs are extremely common in both American and British English, though some specific verbs may be used more frequently in one than the other. However, the phrasal verbs covered in this article are widely understood and used in international business English.