This is Part 2 of the series from A Business English Guide For Non-Native Professionals (2025)
Phrasal verbs are one of the trickiest parts of Business English—but also one of the most powerful. If you want to sound more natural and professional in meetings, emails, and presentations, you need to master them.
In this complete guide, you’ll learn 50+ common phrasal verbs used in business settings, from planning and teamwork to finance and technology. Each one comes with a clear example to help you speak confidently at work.
What Are Phrasal Verbs?
Phrasal verbs consist of a main verb combined with one or more particles (prepositions or adverbs) that create a meaning different from the original verb. For example, “bring up” doesn’t mean to physically lift something, but rather to mention or introduce a topic.
How Phrasal Verbs Work – a reminder
Basic Structure
Phrasal verbs follow specific patterns:
- Verb + Preposition: look after, deal with, go over
- Verb + Adverb: break down, set up, cut back
- Verb + Adverb + Preposition: come up with, look forward to, get along with
Key Grammar Rules
Separable vs. Inseparable Phrasal Verbs
- Separable: The particle can be separated from the verb by an object
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- “Set up the meeting” OR “Set the meeting up”
- With pronouns, separation is mandatory: “Set it up” (NOT “Set up it”)
- Inseparable: The verb and particle must stay together
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- “Look after the client” (NOT “Look the client after”)
- “Deal with the problem” (NOT “Deal the problem with”)
Three-word phrasal verbs are always inseparable:
- “We need to come up with a solution” (NOT “come a solution up with”)
Transitive vs. Intransitive
- Transitive: Require an object (“call off the meeting”)
- Intransitive: Don’t need an object (*”sales picked up” – meaning improved)
Understanding these construction rules will help you use phrasal verbs correctly and avoid common grammatical errors in professional communication.
Essential Phrasal Verbs for Meetings and Discussions
Planning and Scheduling
- Set up – to arrange or organize
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- “Let’s set up a meeting for next Tuesday.”
- Put off – to postpone or delay
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- “We’ll have to put off the presentation until next week.”
- Call off – to cancel
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- “Due to the storm, we’ve called off tomorrow’s conference.”
Communication and Ideas
- Bring up – to mention or introduce a topic
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- “I’d like to bring up the budget concerns from last quarter.”
- Point out – to highlight or draw attention to
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- “She pointed out several errors in the proposal.”
- Go over – to review or examine
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- “Could we go over the contract terms once more?”
Phrasal Verbs for Project Management
Progress and Development
- Move forward – to proceed or advance
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- “We can move forward with the new marketing strategy.”
- Carry out – to execute or implement
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- “The team will carry out the research phase next month.”
- Follow up – to pursue or check on progress
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- “I’ll follow up with the client about their feedback.”
Problem-Solving
- Work out – to solve or resolve
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- “We need to work out these technical issues before launch.”
- Sort out – to organize or resolve problems
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- “Let’s sort out the logistics for the product delivery.”
- Deal with – to handle or manage
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- “How should we deal with the customer complaints?”
Financial and Sales Phrasal Verbs
Money and Costs
- Cut back – to reduce expenses
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- “The company decided to cut back on travel expenses.”
- Break even – to neither profit nor lose money
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- “We expect to break even by the end of the fiscal year.”
- Pay off – to be successful or profitable
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- “The investment in new technology really paid off.”
Sales and Growth
- Pick up – to improve or increase
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- “Sales are starting to pick up after the holiday season.”
- Build up – to develop or increase gradually
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- “We’re working to build up our customer base in Asia.”
- Scale up – to expand operations
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- “The startup is ready to scale up production.”
Relationship and Team Management
Collaboration
- Team up – to work together
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- “Marketing will team up with sales for the new campaign.”
- Back up – to support
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- “I’ll back you up during the presentation to the board.”
- Get along – to have a good relationship
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- “It’s important that team members get along well.”
Leadership
- Take over – to assume control or responsibility
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- “Maria will take over the project while John is on leave.”
- Step down – to resign from a position
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- “The CEO announced he will step down next year.”
- Look after – to take care of or manage
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- “Who will look after the European accounts?”
Technology and Innovation
Digital Business
- Log in/Log on – to access a computer system
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- “Please log in to the new CRM system for training.”
- Back up – to make copies of data
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- “Remember to back up all important files regularly.”
- Roll out – to introduce or launch
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- “We’ll roll out the new software across all departments.”
Phrasal Verbs in Business Emails
- Follow up on – “I’m following up on our previous conversation.”
- Get back to – “I’ll get back to you by Friday with an answer.”
- Put together – “I’ll put together a draft by end of day.”
- Reach out – “Please reach out if you have any questions.”
- Look into – “We’re looking into the issue and will respond shortly.”
Tips for Using Phrasal Verbs Effectively
- Context is key – Many phrasal verbs have multiple meanings, so pay attention to the business context.
- Practice regularly – Incorporate these verbs into your daily business communications.
- Listen actively – Pay attention to how native speakers use phrasal verbs in meetings and presentations.
- Start gradually – Begin with the most common ones and gradually expand your repertoire.
- Keep a business phrasal verb journal – Note new phrasal verbs you encounter and their contexts.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don’t separate inseparable phrasal verbs (e.g., “look after” cannot become “look the project after”).
- Be careful with formality levels – some phrasal verbs are more casual than their single-verb equivalents.
- Watch out for phrasal verbs that change meaning dramatically with different particles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are phrasal verbs in business English?
A: Phrasal verbs are verb + particle combinations used frequently in business settings, like “set up” (to arrange) or “follow up” (to check back).
Q: Why are phrasal verbs important in professional English?
A: They help you sound natural and fluent when speaking or writing in business contexts, making communication smoother and more efficient.
Q: How can I learn phrasal verbs for work?
A: Start with common verbs, practice them in context, and use resources like our guide and PDF download to reinforce your learning.
Conclusion
Mastering phrasal verbs is a smart investment in your Business English skills. By using the expressions in this guide, you’ll sound more fluent, natural, and confident at work.
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