The most common business English phrasal verbs include 'follow up,' 'look into,' 'bring up,' and 'put off.' Using them correctly in professional emails helps you communicate more clearly and sound more like a native speaker when discussing plans, tasks, and deadlines.
Have you ever felt that your professional emails sound a little too formal or robotic? Mastering common business English phrasal verbs is the secret to sounding more natural and confident in your workplace communication. These short, dynamic phrases—a verb combined with a preposition or adverb—are used constantly in offices around the world. Let’s dive into what they are and how you can start using them today.
Why Should You Learn Common Business English Phrasal Verbs?
Integrating phrasal verbs into your business vocabulary is a game-changer. Here’s why they are so important:
- Fluency and Naturalness: Native English speakers use phrasal verbs all the time. Using them correctly helps you sound less like a textbook and more like a fluent colleague.
- Conciseness: A single phrasal verb can often replace a longer, more complicated phrase. For example, saying “let’s *put off* the meeting” is quicker and more common than saying “let’s postpone the meeting.”
- Understanding: Your colleagues, clients, and managers are likely using these phrases in their emails and during meetings. Knowing them is crucial for you to understand workplace conversations accurately.
A Guide to the Most Common Business English Phrasal Verbs for Emails
Ready to elevate your email etiquette? Here is a list of essential phrasal verbs, complete with definitions and practical examples you can use in your next professional email.
Follow up (on/with)
- Meaning: To take further action related to something or to contact someone again for more information.
- Email Example: "Hi Sarah, I'm writing to follow up on our conversation from last week. Do you have an update on the project timeline?"
Look into
- Meaning: To investigate, research, or examine a problem or situation.
- Email Example: "Thanks for flagging this issue. I will look into it immediately and get back to you with a solution."
Bring up
- Meaning: To introduce a topic for discussion.
- Email Example: "During the team meeting tomorrow, I plan to bring up the new marketing budget."
Put off / Push back
- Meaning: To postpone or delay something to a later time or date.
- Email Example: "Unfortunately, we need to put off the client presentation until next Friday. Please let me know if that works for you."
Call off
- Meaning: To cancel a planned event.
- Email Example: "Due to unforeseen circumstances, we have to call off the company-wide training session scheduled for this afternoon."
Get back to (someone)
- Meaning: To reply to someone or contact them again at a later time.
- Email Example: "I don't have that information right now, but I will find out and get back to you by the end of the day."
Draw up
- Meaning: To prepare a formal, written document like a contract, proposal, or plan.
- Email Example: "Our legal team will draw up the new employment contract and send it over for your review."
Go over
- Meaning: To review, check, or discuss something in detail.
- Email Example: "Before the meeting, could you please go over the attached sales report?"
Set up
- Meaning: To arrange or organize something, like a meeting, a call, or a system.
- Email Example: "I'd like to set up a call to discuss the quarterly results. Are you free on Wednesday morning?"
Break down
- Meaning: To divide something complex into smaller, more manageable parts.
- Email Example: "To make the project clearer, I will break down the main objective into several smaller tasks."
Conclusion: Start Using Phrasal Verbs with Confidence
Learning how to use these ten common business English phrasal verbs is a powerful step toward mastering professional communication. They make your writing more dynamic, efficient, and natural. Don't be afraid to practice them in your daily emails. Start with one or two, and as you grow more comfortable, you’ll find they become an essential part of your business vocabulary.
Frequently Asked Questions about Business Phrasal Verbs
What's the difference between 'put off' and 'call off'?
'Put off' means to postpone or delay an event to a later time; the event will still happen. 'Call off' means to cancel it completely; the event will not happen.
Are phrasal verbs too informal for professional writing?
Not at all. While some phrasal verbs are very informal, the ones listed above are standard in everyday business communication, including emails, reports, and presentations. The key is to know which ones are appropriate for a professional context.
How can I remember so many phrasal verbs?
The best way is through context and practice. Try creating your own example sentences related to your job. You can also use flashcards or focus on learning just one or two new phrasal verbs each week and actively using them in your emails.
Can a phrasal verb have more than one meaning?
Yes, many phrasal verbs have multiple meanings depending on the context. For example, 'break down' can mean to divide something into parts (as in our example), but it can also mean to stop working (e.g., "The printer broke down"). Always pay attention to the context.
Where can I find more examples of business English phrasal verbs?
You can find more examples by reading business articles, listening to professional podcasts, or watching presentations from English-speaking colleagues. Paying attention to how native speakers communicate in a professional setting is an excellent learning tool.