To use common English phrasal verbs correctly in a business meeting, focus on those with a neutral or formal tone and avoid overly casual or idiomatic ones. Stick to verbs with clear, literal meanings related to business actions, such as 'follow up' or 'draw up', to ensure your communication is both professional and easily understood.
Many English learners worry that phrasal verbs sound too informal for the boardroom. This fear often leads them to avoid these useful expressions altogether, resulting in language that can sound unnatural or overly academic. The good news is, you absolutely can use common English phrasal verbs correctly in a professional setting—the key is knowing which ones to choose and how to apply them.
This guide will walk you through the dos and don'ts, providing clear examples to boost your confidence and help you communicate more effectively at work.
Why Is It Tricky to Use Common English Phrasal Verbs Correctly in Business?
The main challenge lies in the vast spectrum of formality among phrasal verbs. Some are inherently casual. For instance, you might tell a friend you're going to "hang out" on the weekend, but you would never use that term in a project status update. On the other hand, many phrasal verbs are standard, essential parts of business English vocabulary.
Failing to distinguish between the two can make you sound unprofessional. The goal is to identify the large group of phrasal verbs that are neutral—they are not strictly formal, but they are universally accepted and understood in professional communication worldwide.
Which Phrasal Verbs Are Safe to Use in a Meeting?
To help you get started, here is a list of common, business-appropriate phrasal verbs. They are clear, concise, and will make you sound like a confident, natural speaker.
Verbs for Planning and Proposing
- Draw up: To prepare a formal document.
- *Example: "Our legal team will draw up the new contract by Friday."*
- Come up with: To think of or create an idea or plan.
- *Example: "Has anyone come up with a solution for the logistics issue?"*
- Lay out: To present a plan or idea clearly and in detail.
- *Example: "In this meeting, I will lay out the marketing strategy for Q3."*
Verbs for Discussion and Communication
- Follow up: To take further action connected with something that happened earlier.
- *Example: "I'm calling to follow up on our conversation from last week."*
- Go over: To review or examine something carefully.
- *Example: "Let's go over the sales figures one more time before the presentation."*
- Point out: To draw attention to a particular piece of information.
- *Example: "I'd like to point out the significant growth shown in this chart."*
Verbs for Action and Execution
- Carry out: To perform or complete a task or plan.
- *Example: "We need to carry out a thorough analysis of the user feedback."*
- Set up: To arrange or organize something, like a meeting or a system.
- *Example: "Could you please set up a call with the client for tomorrow morning?"*
- Take on: To accept a new responsibility or task.
- *Example: "I'm ready to take on the role of project manager for this initiative."*
How Can I Be Sure to Use Common English Phrasal Verbs Correctly and Professionally?
Building confidence takes practice. Follow these three simple rules to ensure you're always making the right choice.
- Listen and Observe: Pay close attention to the language used by senior colleagues, managers, and native speakers in your field. Notice which phrasal verbs they use in meetings and emails. This is the best way to learn what is standard in your specific workplace culture.
- Avoid Highly Idiomatic Verbs: If a phrasal verb's meaning isn't clear from the words themselves (e.g., "knuckle down," "beef up"), it's likely too idiomatic and informal. Stick to verbs where the meaning is more direct and related to business actions.
- When in Doubt, Use the One-Word Alternative: If you're ever unsure whether a phrasal verb is appropriate, use its more formal, single-word equivalent. For example, use "investigate" instead of "look into," or "postpone" instead of "put off." This is always a safe and professional choice.
Mastering how to use common English phrasal verbs correctly is a powerful step toward fluency in business English. By choosing neutral, widely understood verbs and paying attention to context, you can communicate your ideas clearly and effectively without ever sounding unprofessional.
Frequently Asked Questions About Business Phrasal Verbs
What are some phrasal verbs I should absolutely avoid in a professional setting?
Avoid any phrasal verbs that sound overly casual or have negative, slang-like connotations. Examples to steer clear of include "mess up" (use "make a mistake"), "chill out" (use "relax"), "give up" (use "quit" or "concede"), and "hang out" (use "spend time" or "meet").
Can I use phrasal verbs in formal business writing, like reports or emails?
Yes, absolutely. The same rules apply: stick to the neutral, universally accepted phrasal verbs. Verbs like "carry out," "follow up," "draw up," and "set up" are perfectly acceptable and very common in all forms of business writing.
Is "get back to you" too informal for a business meeting?
No, "get back to you" is a standard and widely accepted phrase in modern business communication. It is a polite and efficient way to say that you will find the information a person has requested and contact them later.
How can I learn more professional phrasal verbs?
Immersion is the best method. Read articles from business publications like The Wall Street Journal or the Financial Times, listen to business-focused podcasts, and pay close attention to the language used in professional presentations and meetings in your industry.
What's the difference between a phrasal verb and an idiom?
A phrasal verb is a specific grammatical structure: a verb plus one or two particles (an adverb or a preposition), like "look up" or "get on with." An idiom is a broader term for any phrase where the meaning is not literal, such as "bite the bullet." Some phrasal verbs are also idiomatic (e.g., "kick the bucket"), but the ones used in business are typically not.