The most common phrasal verbs for professional business meetings include call off (cancel), bring up (mention), go over (review), and follow up (contact later). Mastering these key phrases is crucial for clear and confident communication in a corporate setting.
Navigating the world of business English can be challenging, especially when native speakers use expressions that aren't in your textbook. Phrasal verbs—those tricky combinations of a verb and a preposition or adverb—are everywhere in the workplace. Learning the most common phrasal verbs for professional business meetings will not only improve your listening comprehension but also make your own contributions sound more natural and fluent. This guide will break down the essential phrases you need to know to participate with confidence.
Why are phrasal verbs so important in business communication?
Phrasal verbs are a core part of everyday English, and professional communication is no exception. While sometimes seen as informal, many phrasal verbs are standard in corporate environments. Using them correctly shows a high level of English proficiency and helps you integrate better with colleagues. They often provide a more concise or nuanced way to express an action. For example, saying "Let's push back the meeting" is quicker and more common in many offices than saying "Let's postpone the meeting to a later time."
What are the most common phrasal verbs for professional business meetings, organised by topic?
To make them easier to learn, we've grouped essential meeting vocabulary by the stage of the meeting in which you're most likely to hear or use them. Here are 12 key phrasal verbs with clear, business-focused examples.
How do you use phrasal verbs to start or schedule a meeting?
These phrases are crucial for arranging, postponing, or cancelling appointments and discussions.
- Set up - To arrange or organize something.
*Example: "I will set up a video call for Thursday at 10 AM to discuss the quarterly report."
- Call off - To cancel something.
*Example: "We had to call off the client visit due to a scheduling conflict."
- Push back - To postpone to a later time or date.
*Example: "Can we push back the team sync to 3 PM? I have another commitment."
Which phrasal verbs are common during the discussion?
Once the meeting starts, these phrasal verbs will help you introduce topics, review information, and share your thoughts.
- Bring up - To introduce a topic for discussion.
*Example: "Before we move on, I'd like to bring up the issue of the project budget."
- Go over - To review or examine something carefully.
*Example: "Let's quickly go over the main points from our last meeting."
- Weigh in - To give your opinion or join a discussion.
*Example: "The marketing team hasn't shared their thoughts yet. Sarah, would you like to weigh in?"
- Spell out - To explain something in a very clear and detailed way.
*Example: "Could you spell out the new process for us? We want to make sure we understand it perfectly."
- Rule out - To exclude or decide against something as a possibility.
*Example: "Based on the cost, I think we can rule out that software vendor."
What phrasal verbs help when making decisions or assigning tasks?
As the meeting concludes, these phrases are used to define next steps, assign responsibilities, and finish the discussion.
- Follow up - To contact someone later to get or give more information.
*Example: "I don't have the final figures now, but I will follow up with you by email tomorrow."
- Draw up - To prepare a written document, such as a contract or plan.
*Example: "After this meeting, can you draw up a summary of the action items we agreed on?"
- Carry out - To perform or complete a task or plan.
*Example: "James will be responsible for carrying out the market research for Q4."
- Wrap up - To finish or conclude something.
*Example: "We're running out of time, so let's wrap up the discussion in the next five minutes."
Conclusion
Improving your business English is a process, and focusing on high-impact vocabulary is a smart strategy. By learning and practicing the most common phrasal verbs for professional business meetings, you take a significant step towards clearer, more confident, and more effective communication. Start by trying to use one or two of these phrases in your next meeting, and soon they will become a natural part of your professional vocabulary.
Frequently Asked Questions about Business English Phrasal Verbs
Is it unprofessional to use phrasal verbs in a business meeting?
Not at all. While some phrasal verbs are very informal, the ones listed here (like set up, go over, and follow up) are standard and widely used in professional corporate environments across the English-speaking world.
How can I remember so many phrasal verbs?
Focus on learning them in context. Instead of memorizing a long list, try to learn 3-4 at a time. Write your own example sentences related to your job, and practice using them in low-pressure situations until you feel comfortable.
What's the difference between 'put off' and 'push back'?
Both mean to postpone, and they are often used interchangeably in business. However, push back is very common in American corporate jargon specifically for moving a meeting or deadline to a later time. Put off is also correct but can sometimes imply procrastination.
Can one phrasal verb have multiple meanings?
Yes, and this is what makes them tricky. For example, take off can mean to remove clothing, to become successful, or for an airplane to leave the ground. That's why it's essential to learn them in a specific context, such as business meetings.
Where can I find more phrasal verbs for business?
Look for resources that focus specifically on Business English or English for work. Watching business-related TV shows, listening to podcasts about your industry, and reading articles from reputable business publications are great ways to absorb more vocabulary in context.