The most useful phrasal verbs for business meetings include terms like *bring up*, *follow up*, and *wrap up*. Mastering these phrases is essential for communicating clearly, participating confidently, and sounding more like a native speaker in any professional setting.
Walking into a meeting can be daunting, especially when English isn't your first language. The key to unlocking confident communication often lies in understanding and using common expressions. This guide breaks down the top 10 useful phrasal verbs for business meetings, providing clear definitions and practical examples to help you master corporate English and make a great impression.
The 10 Most Useful Phrasal Verbs for Business Meetings Explained
Let's dive into the phrases you'll hear and use most often. We've structured them around the typical flow of a meeting, from introducing topics to making decisions and defining next steps.
What does it mean to 'bring up' something?
Meaning: To introduce a topic or subject for discussion.
This is a perfect phrase for adding an item to the agenda or raising a new point during a conversation.
- Example 1: "That's a good point. I'd also like to bring up the Q4 budget."
- Example 2: "Before we move on, can I bring up the feedback from our latest client survey?"
How do you 'go over' information?
Meaning: To review, examine, or discuss something in detail.
Use this when you need to check a document or review key details with your team.
- Example 1: "Before we start, let's quickly go over the agenda for today's meeting."
- Example 2: "Can you go over those sales figures one more time? I think I missed something."
What is 'putting forward' an idea?
Meaning: To propose or suggest an idea, plan, or candidate for consideration.
This is a formal and professional way to share your suggestions.
- Example 1: "During the brainstorming session, Sarah put forward an excellent idea for the new marketing campaign."
- Example 2: "I'd like to put forward my colleague, David, for the team lead position."
When should you 'look into' a problem?
Meaning: To investigate or research a problem or situation.
This is a common action item assigned during meetings when a problem needs further analysis.
- Example 1: "We've seen a decline in user engagement. I'll ask the tech team to look into it."
- Example 2: "Thank you for raising that concern. We will look into the matter immediately."
What does 'call off' mean?
Meaning: To cancel a planned event.
It's a clear and concise way to communicate that something will no longer happen.
- Example 1: "Due to a scheduling conflict, we have to call off the meeting for this Friday."
- Example 2: "The client called off the product demonstration at the last minute."
How do you use 'get back to' someone?
Meaning: To respond to someone at a later time.
This is a polite and professional way to say you need more time to find an answer.
- Example 1: "I don't have that information right now, but I will get back to you by the end of the day."
- Example 2: "That's a complex question. Let me check with my manager and get back to you."
What does it mean to 'weigh in'?
Meaning: To give an opinion or join a discussion.
This is a great phrase to encourage participation from others in the meeting.
- Example 1: "The marketing team has some strong opinions, but I'd like to hear the sales team weigh in."
- Example 2: "Before we make a final decision, does anyone else want to weigh in?"
When would you 'draw up' a document?
Meaning: To prepare a written document, such as a contract, plan, or proposal.
This usually comes after a decision has been made and needs to be formalized.
- Example 1: "After our discussion, the legal team will draw up a formal contract."
- Example 2: "Our next step is to draw up a project plan with a clear timeline."
Why is it important to 'follow up'?
Meaning: To take further action or continue communication about something that has already been discussed.
This is a crucial phrasal verb for ensuring tasks are completed after the meeting ends.
- Example 1: "I'll send an email to follow up on the action items we discussed today."
- Example 2: "It was great meeting you. I will follow up with more information next week."
How do you 'wrap up' a meeting?
Meaning: To conclude or finish a meeting or discussion.
This signals that the meeting is coming to an end.
- Example 1: "We're running out of time, so let's try to wrap up in the next five minutes."
- Example 2: "To wrap up, let's summarize the main decisions we've made."
How Can I Practice These Useful Phrasal Verbs for Business Meetings?
Knowing these phrases is the first step, but using them confidently is the goal. Here are a few tips to help you practice:
- Start Small: Don't try to learn all ten at once. Choose two or three to focus on each week.
- Listen Actively: Pay attention during conference calls or even in business-related movies and TV shows. Notice how native speakers use these phrases.
- Write Them Down: Practice using them in emails or meeting notes. Writing helps solidify your memory.
- Speak Up: The best way to learn is by doing. Try using one in your next meeting. Start with something simple like, "Can we quickly go over the last point?"
Why Mastering Business Phrasal Verbs Is a Game-Changer
Learning to correctly use these useful phrasal verbs for business meetings does more than just expand your vocabulary. It helps you communicate with precision, understand the nuances of workplace conversations, and participate more effectively. By integrating these phrases into your professional English, you'll sound more natural, feel more confident, and become a more valuable contributor to any discussion.
Frequently Asked Questions About Business Phrasal Verbs
Are phrasal verbs too informal for a serious business meeting?
Not at all! While some phrasal verbs are very informal, the ones listed here are standard in professional and corporate environments. Using them correctly shows fluency and a strong command of business English. The key is context; phrasal verbs like hang out are informal, but follow up is perfectly professional.
What is the difference between a verb and a phrasal verb?
A phrasal verb is a phrase that combines a main verb with a particle (an adverb or a preposition), creating a new meaning that is different from the original verb. For example, the verb 'look' means to see, but the phrasal verb 'look into' means to investigate.
How can I remember so many phrasal verbs?
The best method is to learn them in context, not just from a list. Group them by topic (like business meetings!), create example sentences that are relevant to your job, and practice using one or two at a time until they feel natural.
Can I use these phrasal verbs in business emails too?
Absolutely! All the phrasal verbs on this list are just as appropriate for written communication, like emails and reports, as they are for spoken English in meetings. For example, "I'm writing to follow up on our conversation..." is a very common and professional email opening.