The 10 most common phrasal verbs for a business meeting include 'call off,' 'bring up,' 'go over,' 'follow up,' and 'draw up.' Mastering these essential phrases is key to understanding discussions, contributing effectively, and sounding like a fluent, professional English speaker.
Navigating a professional discussion in a second language can be challenging, especially when native speakers use expressions you've never heard. Understanding the most common phrasal verbs for a business meeting is a game-changer. It helps you move beyond textbook English and communicate with the confidence and nuance of a seasoned professional. Let's dive into the vocabulary that will elevate your business communication skills.
Why Should You Learn Phrasal Verbs for Professional Settings?
Phrasal verbs are combinations of a verb and a preposition or adverb that, together, have a specific meaning. Native speakers use them constantly because they are efficient and descriptive. For English learners, learning them helps you:
- Sound More Natural: Using phrasal verbs makes your speech flow more like a native speaker's.
- Understand Colleagues Better: You'll stop getting lost when someone says they will "look into" an issue or need to "call off" the next meeting.
- Express Complex Ideas Concisely: A single phrasal verb can often replace a longer, more complicated explanation.
What Are the 10 Most Common Phrasal Verbs for a Business Meeting?
Here is a list of essential phrasal verbs you will frequently hear and can start using in your next conference call or team huddle. We've included clear definitions and practical examples for each.
Bring up
- Meaning: To introduce a topic or subject for discussion.
- Example: "Before we move on, I'd like to bring up the Q3 budget projections."
Go over
- Meaning: To review, examine, or discuss something in detail.
- Example: "Can we quickly go over the main points from our last meeting?"
Call off
- Meaning: To cancel an event.
- Example: "Due to a scheduling conflict, we have to call off tomorrow's follow-up session."
Follow up
- Meaning: To take further action or contact someone later about a previous discussion.
- Example: "I will follow up with an email summarising the action items we discussed today."
Draw up
- Meaning: To prepare a formal, written document like a contract, proposal, or plan.
- Example: "Our legal team will draw up the new partnership agreement by Friday."
Look into
- Meaning: To investigate or get more information about a problem or situation.
- Example: "We've noticed a drop in user engagement. I've asked the tech team to look into it."
Run by / Run past
- Meaning: To show an idea or proposal to someone to get their opinion or approval.
- Example: "This is a great concept, but I need to run it by my manager before we proceed."
Weigh in
- Meaning: To give your opinion or join a discussion or argument.
- Example: "I'd like everyone on the marketing team to weigh in on the new campaign slogan."
Put forward
- Meaning: To propose or formally suggest an idea or plan for consideration.
- Example: "During the brainstorming session, Sarah put forward an innovative solution to our logistics problem."
Wrap up
- Meaning: To finish or conclude something.
- Example: "We have five minutes left, so let's wrap up this discussion and confirm the next steps."
How Can You Practice These Business Phrasal Verbs?
Knowing the list is the first step; using them correctly is the goal. Here are a few ways to practice:
- Active Listening: Pay close attention during your next meeting or conference call. Try to spot these phrasal verbs when your colleagues use them.
- Start with Writing: Before using them in speech, try incorporating them into your professional emails. For example, instead of "I will send you more information," write "I will follow up with more information."
- Role-Play: Practice a mock meeting with a language partner or tutor. Challenge yourself to use at least three or four phrasal verbs from this list.
By mastering these 10 most common phrasal verbs for a business meeting, you'll not only understand more of the conversation but also be able to contribute with greater confidence and precision. They are a vital part of professional English vocabulary that will help you succeed in any international workplace.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between a phrasal verb and an idiom?
A phrasal verb is a verb combined with a preposition or adverb (e.g., 'look into'), and its meaning can sometimes be guessed from the parts. An idiom is a phrase where the meaning is not at all related to the individual words (e.g., 'bite the bullet'). Many phrasal verbs are also idiomatic.
Can I use "cancel" instead of "call off" in a meeting?
Yes, absolutely. "Cancel" is perfectly acceptable and very common. "Call off" is a slightly more informal but extremely common alternative used by native speakers. Using "call off" will make you sound more natural.
How do I know if a phrasal verb is formal enough for business?
Most phrasal verbs on this list are considered neutral and are appropriate for almost any business context. Context is key; some phrasal verbs are very informal. When in doubt, listen to how senior managers and native-speaking colleagues communicate.
Are there any phrasal verbs for ending a meeting?
Yes! "Wrap up" is the most common one, used to signal that the meeting is coming to a close. You might also hear "wind down" or "finish up," which have similar meanings.
What does it mean to 'table' a discussion in a business meeting?
This is a tricky one! In American English, to "table" a discussion means to postpone it for a later time. However, in British English, it means the exact opposite: to put it on the table for immediate discussion. Always clarify based on your audience!