The most essential English phrasal verbs for professional business meetings include expressions like follow up, bring up, and wrap up. Mastering these common phrases is crucial for communicating clearly, sounding natural, and participating confidently in any corporate setting.
Navigating a professional meeting in English can be challenging, but a strong command of key vocabulary can make all the difference. While grammar and pronunciation are important, understanding and using phrasal verbs correctly will elevate your workplace communication. This guide will walk you through the essential English phrasal verbs you need to know to succeed in your next discussion, presentation, or conference call.
Why Are Phrasal Verbs So Important in Business English?
Phrasal verbs—which combine a verb with a preposition or adverb—are incredibly common in spoken English. In a business context, they often provide a more natural and concise way to express an action compared to their more formal, single-word equivalents. Using them correctly helps you:
- Sound more fluent and natural: Native speakers use phrasal verbs constantly, even in formal situations.
- Understand colleagues better: You'll be able to follow the conversation more easily when others use these expressions.
- Communicate with precision: Often, a phrasal verb is the most accurate and efficient word for a specific business action (e.g., 'push back the meeting' is clearer than 'postpone the meeting').
What Are the 10 Most Essential English Phrasal Verbs for Meetings?
Here are the top 10 phrasal verbs you will frequently hear and use in a professional business environment. We’ve included a clear definition and a practical example for each.
Bring up
- Meaning: To introduce a topic or subject for discussion.
- Example: "During the marketing update, I'd like to bring up the results from our latest social media campaign."
Follow up
- Meaning: To take further action on something that has already been discussed or to contact someone again for more information.
- Example: "Thanks for the great ideas. I will follow up with the sales team tomorrow and email you a summary."
Go over
- Meaning: To review, examine, or discuss something in detail.
- Example: "Before we make a final decision, let's go over the budget proposal one more time."
Push back
- Meaning: To postpone or delay a meeting or deadline to a later time or date.
- Example: "Can we push back the client presentation to Friday? I need more time to gather the data."
Call off
- Meaning: To cancel a planned event, like a meeting or appointment.
- Example: "Due to a scheduling conflict with the CEO, we need to call off this afternoon's team meeting."
Look into
- Meaning: To investigate or research a problem or situation.
- Example: "That's a valid concern about our supply chain. I'll ask my team to look into it immediately."
Weigh in
- Meaning: To give your opinion or join a discussion or argument.
- Example: "I'd like our legal department to weigh in on this contract before we proceed."
Run by
- Meaning: To show something to someone or tell them about an idea to get their opinion or approval.
- Example: "This is a good first draft, but I need to run it by my manager before sharing it with the client."
Draw up
- Meaning: To prepare and write a formal document like a contract, proposal, or plan.
- Example: "After our discussion, the next step is to draw up a formal agreement for both parties to sign."
Wrap up
- Meaning: To finish or conclude something, such as a meeting or a project.
- Example: "We have five minutes left, so let's wrap up by confirming the action items for next week."
How Can I Practice These Essential English Phrasal Verbs?
Knowing these verbs is the first step; using them confidently is the goal. Here are a few ways to practice:
- Active Listening: Pay close attention during your next meeting. Note down any phrasal verbs you hear and how they are used.
- Prepare for Meetings: Before a meeting, think about what you want to say. Try to incorporate one or two of these phrasal verbs into your talking points.
- Use Them in Writing: Practice by using these verbs in professional emails. For example, you can write, "I'm writing to follow up on our conversation."
- Role-Play: Practice with a colleague or language partner, simulating a business meeting scenario.
By focusing on this core list of essential English phrasal verbs, you will significantly improve your ability to communicate effectively and professionally. Consistent practice will help you integrate them into your vocabulary, making your business English sound more polished and authoritative.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are phrasal verbs too informal for a business meeting?
No, not at all. While some phrasal verbs are very informal, the ones listed here are standard in professional and corporate communication. They are used daily in offices, presentations, and emails around the world.
What's the difference between 'put off' and 'call off'?
'Put off' (or 'push back') means to postpone or reschedule something for a later time. The event will still happen. 'Call off' means to cancel it completely. The event will not happen.
How can I remember so many phrasal verbs?
Don't try to learn them all at once. Focus on learning 2-3 at a time. Create your own example sentences related to your specific job. The key is to associate them with real-life situations.
Can you give an example of using 'follow up' in an email?
Certainly. A common way to start a professional email is: "Dear [Name], I am writing to follow up on our phone call this morning regarding the project timeline. As discussed, I have attached the revised schedule for your review."