You can use common English phrasal verbs in business emails by understanding their precise meaning and context to ensure your message is clear and professional. Verbs like 'follow up,' 'bring up,' and 'get back to' are standard in professional communication when used correctly to set expectations, introduce topics, or promise a future response.
Phrasal verbs can feel like a secret code for English learners. These short phrases, combining a verb with a preposition or adverb, are everywhere in spoken English. But what about formal writing? Learning how to correctly use common English phrasal verbs in business emails is a key skill that can make your communication sound more natural and fluent, just like a native speaker.
This guide will break down three of the most essential phrasal verbs for business correspondence, giving you the confidence to use them perfectly every time.
Why Is It Important to Use Common English Phrasal Verbs in Business Emails Correctly?
Using phrasal verbs in business writing is a balancing act. While they make your English sound more natural, using the wrong one or in the wrong context can seem unprofessional or, worse, cause confusion. For example, 'look into' (to investigate) is perfectly acceptable, but 'mess around' (to act playfully) is not.
The key is to stick to phrasal verbs that are widely understood and accepted in professional settings. 'Follow up,' 'bring up,' and 'get back to' are pillars of business communication. They add clarity and efficiency to your emails without sacrificing professionalism.
How Do I Use 'Follow Up' in an Email?
This is one of the most useful phrasal verbs you will ever learn for the workplace. It shows you are proactive, organised, and attentive.
What does 'follow up' mean?
To 'follow up' means to take further action related to a previous event, conversation, or correspondence. It's about continuing a process that has already started.
When should I use it?
- After a meeting: To send a summary or check on action items.
- After sending a document: If you haven't received a reply, you can 'follow up' to ensure it was received.
- After an interview: To thank the interviewer and reiterate your interest.
Can you show me some examples?
- Simple follow-up: "Hi Jane, I'm writing to follow up on the invoice I sent last Tuesday. Could you please confirm you've received it?"
- Meeting follow-up: "Dear team, Further to our discussion this morning, I wanted to follow up with a summary of the key action points."
- Noun form: "As a follow-up to our call, I've attached the project proposal for your review."
How Should I Use 'Bring Up' Professionally?
'Bring up' is perfect for introducing a topic into a conversation, but its level of formality depends on the context and your relationship with the recipient.
What does 'bring up' mean?
To 'bring up' something means to introduce a subject for discussion or consideration. Think of it as placing a topic 'on the table' for everyone to see.
Is 'bring up' too informal for emails?
Not at all, especially in internal team communication. It’s a standard and clear way to introduce a point. For a very formal or external email (like a proposal to a new client), you might choose a more formal alternative like "raise" or "mention." However, for most day-to-day business emails, 'bring up' is excellent.
Can you give me some examples?
- Introducing a new topic: "During our weekly sync, I'd like to bring up the results of the Q3 marketing campaign."
- Referencing a past point: "Thank you for bringing that issue up in your last email. We are now investigating a solution."
- Politely raising a concern: "I wanted to bring up a small concern I have regarding the project timeline."
What's the Best Way to Use 'Get Back To' and Other Common English Phrasal Verbs in Business Emails?
'Get back to' is a crucial phrasal verb for managing expectations and maintaining professional courtesy. Knowing how to use common English phrasal verbs in business emails like this one shows that you are a reliable and considerate colleague.
What does 'get back to' mean?
To 'get back to' someone means to reply or respond to them at a later time. It's a polite promise of a future communication.
How does it manage expectations?
It's the perfect phrase for when you receive a question you can't answer immediately. Instead of ignoring the email or sending an incomplete reply, using 'get back to' acknowledges the request and sets a clear timeline for the full answer.
Can you show me how to use it?
- When you need more information: "That's an excellent question. I need to consult with the technical team, and I will get back to you by tomorrow afternoon."
- When you are busy: "Thanks for your message. I am in meetings for the rest of the day but will get back to you first thing in the morning."
- A general acknowledgement: "We have received your query and will get back to you within 2 business days."
Conclusion
Phrasal verbs are not just for casual conversation; they are a vital part of modern business English. By understanding the precise meaning and context of phrases like 'follow up,' 'bring up,' and 'get back to,' you can write more effectively. Mastering how to use common English phrasal verbs in business emails will make your writing clearer, more natural, and ultimately more professional.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Are phrasal verbs considered professional in business writing?
A: Yes, many phrasal verbs are standard in business writing and are considered perfectly professional. The key is to choose common, widely understood phrasal verbs (like 'look into,' 'set up,' 'follow up') and avoid very informal or idiomatic ones ('chill out,' 'hang around').
Q2: What is a common mistake to avoid with phrasal verbs in emails?
A: A common mistake is separating the verb and the particle incorrectly, especially with transitive phrasal verbs. For example, you 'bring a topic up' or 'bring up a topic,' but you cannot say 'bring up it.' You must say 'bring it up.' Always place the pronoun between the verb and the particle.
Q3: Can I use 'check up on' instead of 'follow up'?
A: It's better to use 'follow up.' While similar, 'check up on' can sometimes imply a lack of trust or a need to supervise someone. 'Follow up' is more neutral and professional, simply meaning you are continuing a conversation or action.
Q4: What's a more formal alternative to 'get back to'?
A: If you need a more formal option for a specific context, you can use "I will respond to you" or "I will reply by [date/time]." However, 'get back to' is widely accepted and understood in almost all professional contexts.
Q5: How many phrasal verbs should I use in one email?
A: There's no strict rule, but aim for clarity and moderation. Use them where they fit naturally and make your point clearer. Overusing them can make your email sound too informal or cluttered. Often, one or two well-placed phrasal verbs are more effective than five or six.