In the dynamic realm of business, effective communication is crucial for success. Whether you are negotiating contracts, delivering presentations, or collaborating with team members, the clarity and precision of your language can make a significant difference. One essential component of this communication is the use of phrasal verbs—those unique combinations of verbs and prepositions that convey specific meanings in a succinct manner.
Phrasal verbs are ubiquitous in everyday English and play a vital role in professional dialogue. They can add depth and nuance to your language, making your communication more engaging and relatable. However, for many, understanding and using these expressions can be daunting, particularly for non-native speakers or those new to the business environment.
In this blog, we will provide clear definitions and practical examples of commonly used phrasal verbs in business contexts. By exploring these expressions, you will gain valuable insights into how they can enhance your communication skills. Join us as we navigate the world of phrasal verbs, equipping you with the knowledge to use them confidently and effectively in your professional interactions!
General Business Terms
Carry Over
Definition: To continue or extend something into the future.
Example: “The project will carry over into the next fiscal year due to unforeseen delays.”
Check In
Definition: To report one’s arrival or status.
Example: “Please check in with the manager upon your arrival at the conference.”
Follow Through
Definition: To complete something as planned.
Example: “It’s essential to follow through on our commitments to maintain client trust.”
Get Behind
Definition: To fall behind or delay in progress.
Example: “If we don’t increase our productivity, we may get behind schedule on the project.”
Go Over
Definition: To review or examine something carefully.
Example: “Let’s go over the budget proposal before presenting it to the board.”
Hand In
Definition: To submit something.
Example: “Please hand in your reports by Friday to ensure timely review.”
Hold On
Definition: To wait or delay.
Example: “Hold on a moment while I check the availability of that resource.”
Keep Up With
Definition: To stay informed or up-to-date.
Example: “It’s important to keep up with industry trends to remain competitive.”
Look Forward To
Definition: To anticipate something with pleasure.
Example: “We look forward to collaborating with you on this exciting project.”
Make Up For
Definition: To compensate for something.
Example: “We need to make up for lost time by working overtime this week.”
Pick Up
Definition: To learn something quickly.
Example: “He managed to pick up the new software skills in just a few days.”
Put In
Definition: To invest time or effort.
Example: “She put in extra hours to ensure the project’s success.”
Sort Out
Definition: To resolve a problem or issue.
Example: “We need to sort out these discrepancies before finalizing the report.”
Throw In
Definition: To include something extra.
Example: “If you purchase this package, we will throw in a complimentary consultation.”
Work Out
Definition: To develop a plan or solution.
Example: “Let’s work out a strategy that aligns with our long-term goals.”
Meetings and Negotiations
Call Off
Definition: To cancel something.
Example: “They decided to call off the meeting due to scheduling conflicts.”
Come Up Against
Definition: To face a difficulty or obstacle.
Example: “We came up against several challenges during the implementation phase.”
Deal With
Definition: To handle or address something.
Example: “I will deal with any customer complaints personally.”
Draw Up
Definition: To prepare or create something, often a document.
Example: “The legal team will draw up the contract for review.”
Go Ahead
Definition: To proceed with something.
Example: “The board has approved our proposal, so we can go ahead with the project.”
Go Into
Definition: To discuss or examine something in detail.
Example: “Let’s go into the specifics of the budget during our next meeting.”
Hang Up
Definition: To end a phone call.
Example: “After discussing the details, she hung up feeling satisfied with the outcome.”
Point Out
Definition: To indicate or emphasize something.
Example: “He pointed out the key areas for improvement in the report.”
Show Up
Definition: To arrive or appear at a location.
Example: “Please show up on time for the presentation tomorrow.”
Talk Through
Definition: To discuss something thoroughly.
Example: “We need to talk through our options before making a decision.”
Finance and Economics
Break Even
Definition: To neither make a profit nor a loss; achieving a neutral financial state.
Example: “After several months of operation, we finally broke even on our investment.”
Come Into
Definition: To receive or inherit something, often money or property.
Example: “She came into a substantial inheritance after her grandmother passed away.”
Go Bankrupt
Definition: To become financially ruined; unable to pay debts.
Example: “The company went bankrupt after failing to adapt to market changes.”
Knock Down
Definition: To reduce the price of something significantly.
Example: “They managed to knock down prices during the clearance sale.”
Make a Killing
Definition: To earn a large profit, often unexpectedly.
Example: “Investors made a killing when they sold their shares at peak prices.”
Pay Off
Definition: To repay a debt completely.
Example: “He worked hard to pay off his student loans within five years.”
Run a Deficit
Definition: To spend more money than one earns, leading to financial shortfalls.
Example: “The government is running a deficit due to increased spending on public services.”
Marketing and Sales
Branch Out
Definition: To expand into new areas or markets.
Example: “The company plans to branch out into international markets next year.”
Carry Out
Definition: To implement or execute something effectively.
Example: “We need to carry out thorough market research before launching the product.”
Come Across
Definition: To find or discover something by chance; also refers to how one is perceived by others.
Example 1 (finding): “I came across an interesting article about consumer behavior.
Example 2 (perception):”He comes across as very confident during presentations.”
Drop By
Definition: To visit someone briefly without prior arrangement.
Example: I’ll drop by your office later this afternoon for a quick chat.”
Get Across
Definition: To communicate something effectively.
Example: “It’s crucial that we get across our brand message clearly.”
Give Away
Definition: To distribute something for free.
Example: The company decided to give away free samples at the trade show.”
Market Research
Definition: To gather information about a market.
Example: Conducting market research is vital before launching any new product.”
Sell Out
Definition: To sell all of one’s stock.*
Example: The concert tickets sold out within minutes.”
Human Resources
Carry On
Definition: To continue doing something.
Example: Please carry on with your tasks while I handle this issue.”
Fill In For
Definition: To substitute for someone temporarily.
Example: I’ll fill in for her while she’s on maternity leave.”
Get On With
Definition: To have a good relationship with someone.
Example: It’s important that team members get on with each other.”
Go For
Definition: To apply for a job.
Example: She decided to go for the marketing manager position.”
Hand In
.Definition: To resign from a job.
Example:: He decided to hand in his resignation after five years with the company.
Take On
Definition: To hire or employ someone.
Example: “The firm plans to take on more staff as business grows.
Technology and Innovation
Back Up
Definition: To make a copy of data.
Example: “Always back up your files before making any major changes.
Bring Up
Definition: To open a document or file on a computer.
Example: “Can you bring up last year’s sales report for comparison?
Crash
Definition: To stop working suddenly.
Example: “My computer crashed just as I was about to save my work.
Plug In
Definition: To connect something to a power source.
Example: ” Make sure you plug in your laptop before it runs out of battery.
Turn Off
Definition: To stop a machine or device.
Example: “Please turn off your mobile phones during the presentation.
