To sound more natural in business writing, some common phrasal verbs you can use in professional emails include follow up, set up, get back to, and look forward to. These phrases are standard in workplace communication and help make your tone more fluent and less robotic than using overly formal single-word alternatives.
Mastering business English means going beyond basic vocabulary. It’s about understanding the nuances that make your communication clear, effective, and natural. If you're wondering what are some common phrasal verbs I can use in professional emails, you're asking the right question. Using them correctly can significantly improve your professional writing and help you connect better with colleagues and clients.
Why Should I Use Phrasal Verbs in Business Emails?
Phrasal verbs, which combine a verb with a preposition or adverb, are a cornerstone of everyday English. While some can be informal, many are perfectly suited for the workplace and offer several benefits:
- Natural Tone: They make you sound more like a native speaker. Emails that exclusively use formal, single-word verbs (like *postpone* instead of *put off*) can sometimes sound stiff or overly academic.
- Clarity and Conciseness: Often, a phrasal verb is the most direct and easily understood way to express an action. Phrases like "set up a meeting" are universally understood in a business context.
- Demonstrates Fluency: Correctly using phrasal verbs shows a deeper understanding of English and enhances your professional credibility.
What are some common phrasal verbs I can use in professional emails?
Here is a list of versatile and widely accepted phrasal verbs that you can confidently integrate into your workplace communication. We've included their meaning and a clear example for each.
- Follow up (on)
- Meaning: To take further action or inquire about something that was discussed previously.
- Example: "Hi Jane, I'm writing to follow up on our conversation from yesterday regarding the project timeline."
- Set up
- Meaning: To arrange or organize something, like a meeting or a call.
- Example: "Could we set up a 15-minute call for tomorrow morning to discuss the details?"
- Get back to (someone)
- Meaning: To respond or reply to someone at a later time.
- Example: "Thanks for the question. I need to check the data, and I will get back to you by the end of the day."
- Look forward to
- Meaning: To anticipate something with pleasure. It’s a polite and common way to close an email.
- Example: "I look forward to meeting you at the conference next week."
- Go over
- Meaning: To review, check, or discuss something in detail.
- Example: "Before we submit the proposal, let's go over the final draft one more time."
- Deal with
- Meaning: To handle, manage, or take responsibility for a task or problem.
- Example: "Don't worry about the client's request; my department will deal with it."
- Push back / Put off
- Meaning: To postpone or delay something to a later time or date.
- Example: "Due to a scheduling conflict, we need to push back the team meeting to Friday."
- Bring up
- Meaning: To introduce a topic for discussion.
- Example: "I'd like to bring up the budget concerns during our next sync."
- Fill (someone) in
- Meaning: To provide someone with missing information or updates.
- Example: "I missed the morning briefing. Could you fill me in on what was decided?"
- Draw up
- Meaning: To prepare a formal or official document, like a contract or plan.
- Example: "Our legal team will draw up the contract and send it over for your review."
How Can I Choose the Right Phrasal Verbs for Emails?
Choosing the right phrasal verb depends on context. The list above contains phrases that are widely accepted in almost any professional setting. To build your confidence, start by incorporating one or two into your emails this week. Pay attention to how your colleagues use them in their own writing. The more you read and use them, the more natural it will become.
By learning what are some common phrasal verbs I can use in professional emails, you are taking a significant step toward greater English fluency. These phrases are powerful tools that will help you communicate more effectively and build stronger professional relationships.
FAQ: Using Phrasal Verbs in Professional Communication
Q1: Are phrasal verbs too informal for business emails?
Not at all. While some phrasal verbs are very informal slang, many (like 'follow up' or 'set up') are standard in business English. The key is to learn which ones are appropriate for a professional context, such as the examples listed in this article.
Q2: Can I use the same phrasal verbs in speaking and writing?
Yes, absolutely. The phrasal verbs covered here are just as common in spoken business English as they are in written emails. Using them in both speaking and writing will help you sound consistently fluent and natural.
Q3: What's the difference between a phrasal verb and an idiom?
A phrasal verb is a verb combined with a preposition or adverb to create a new meaning (e.g., 'look into' means investigate). An idiom is a phrase where the meaning isn't deducible from the individual words (e.g., 'bite the bullet'). While some phrasal verbs can be idiomatic, not all are.
Q4: How can I learn more professional phrasal verbs?
Pay attention to the language used in business articles, reports, and emails from native speakers. You can also find dedicated business English resources online or in textbooks that list phrasal verbs by topic, such as negotiation or project management.
Q5: Is it okay to end a sentence with a preposition from a phrasal verb?
Yes. The old grammar rule about not ending a sentence with a preposition is largely outdated, especially in the context of phrasal verbs. It is perfectly correct and natural to write, "This is the report I was looking for," or "Could you tell me who to follow up with?"