The most common English phrasal verbs for a business meeting include 'bring up' (introduce a topic), 'follow up' (take further action), and 'wrap up' (conclude). Mastering these phrases is crucial for clear, professional communication and participating effectively in any corporate setting.
Walking into a meeting can be challenging, especially when English isn't your first language. Native speakers often use idiomatic language and verb phrases that can be confusing. By learning the most common English phrasal verbs for a business meeting, you can boost your confidence, understand discussions better, and express your ideas like a professional. This guide will break down the top 10 verbs you need to know, with clear definitions and practical examples.
The Top 10 English Phrasal Verbs for a Business Meeting
Here are the essential phrasal verbs that will help you navigate corporate discussions, from setting the agenda to agreeing on next steps. We'll go over each one with its meaning and a sentence you can use right away.
How to Use: Bring up
- Meaning: To introduce a subject for discussion.
- Example: "During the marketing update, I'd like to bring up the results from our latest social media campaign."
How to Use: Go over
- Meaning: To review or examine something carefully.
- Example: "Before we make a decision, let's go over the budget report one more time."
How to Use: Draw up
- Meaning: To prepare a formal, written document like a contract, plan, or proposal.
- Example: "The legal team will draw up a new contract for the client by Friday."
How to Use: Put off / Push back
- Meaning: To postpone or delay an event to a later time or date.
- Example: "We need to put off the project launch until next month. Can we push back the deadline to March 31st?"
How to Use: Call off
- Meaning: To cancel a planned event.
- Example: "Due to the keynote speaker's illness, we have to call off the annual conference."
How to Use: Look into
- Meaning: To investigate or research a problem or situation.
- Example: "There's a recurring issue with the server. Could the IT department look into it, please?"
How to Use: Run by / Run through
- Meaning: To explain an idea to someone to get their opinion or approval. 'Run through' can also mean to quickly rehearse.
- Example: "That's an interesting concept. Can you run it by the manager before the meeting?"
How to Use: Weigh in
- Meaning: To give your opinion or join a discussion or argument.
- Example: "I'd like everyone from the sales team to weigh in on this proposal."
How to Use: Follow up
- Meaning: To take further action or communicate with someone after a previous meeting or event.
- Example: "I will follow up with an email summarizing the key action points we discussed today."
How to Use: Wrap up
- Meaning: To finish or conclude something.
- Example: "We have five minutes left, so let's wrap up this discussion and move on to the final agenda item."
How to Master These English Phrasal Verbs for a Business Meeting
Knowing the definitions is the first step, but true mastery comes from practice. Here are a few tips to help you use this business English vocabulary confidently:
- Create Flashcards: Write the phrasal verb on one side and its definition and an example sentence on the other. Quiz yourself regularly.
- Listen Actively: Pay attention to how native speakers use these phrases in business podcasts, interviews, or movies. Context is key.
- Practice in Low-Stakes Situations: Try using one or two new phrasal verbs in an email or a casual conversation with a colleague before using them in a high-pressure meeting.
- Write Your Own Sentences: Create sentences that are relevant to your own job and industry. This makes the vocabulary more memorable and practical.
By integrating these phrases into your professional communication, you'll sound more fluent and natural. Understanding these common English phrasal verbs for a business meeting will not only improve your listening skills but also empower you to contribute to discussions with greater precision and confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions About Business Phrasal Verbs
Are phrasal verbs formal enough for business meetings?
Yes, absolutely. The phrasal verbs listed here, such as 'follow up', 'go over', and 'bring up', are standard in professional and corporate English. They are widely used and considered appropriate for formal communication.
What's the difference between 'put off' and 'call off'?
'Put off' means to postpone or delay something to a later time. The event will still happen, just not when originally planned. 'Call off' means to cancel something completely. The event will not happen at all.
How can I remember all these phrasal verbs?
Focus on learning 2-3 at a time. Try to use them in a sentence related to your work this week. Consistent, small-scale practice is more effective than trying to memorize a long list all at once.
Can I use 'bring up' to talk about a negative topic?
Yes, 'bring up' is a neutral term. You can use it to introduce any topic, whether it's positive, negative, or sensitive. For example: "I'm sorry to bring up a difficult subject, but we need to discuss the budget cuts."