Business Phrasal Verbs
In the world of business, effective communication is essential for success. Understanding and using phrasal verbs can greatly enhance your business communication skills. Phrasal verbs are combinations of verbs and particles (prepositions or adverbs) that create unique meanings. They are commonly used in everyday English, and mastering them will help you sound more fluent and professional.
Here we will explore 50 commonly used business phrasal verbs along with their meanings and examples to help you enhance your business vocabulary.
Carry out
Meaning: To perform or complete a task or action.
Example: We need to carry out market research before launching the new product.
Call off
Meaning: To cancel or terminate an event or activity.
Example: The conference has been called off due to unforeseen circumstances.
Bring in
Meaning: To introduce or implement something new.
Example: The company plans to bring in a new sales strategy next quarter.
Break down
Meaning: To analyze or divide something into smaller parts.
Example: Let’s break down the project into smaller tasks for better management.
Set up
Meaning: To establish or create something.
Example: They set up a new branch office in the city center.
Take over
Meaning: To assume control or responsibility for something.
Example: The company plans to take over its competitor’s market share.
Carry on
Meaning: To continue or proceed with an activity.
Example: Despite the challenges, we need to carry on with our business plan.
Hold on
Meaning: To wait or remain in a position.
Example: Please hold on while I transfer your call to the appropriate department.
Look into
Meaning: To investigate or examine a situation or problem.
Example: We will look into the issue and provide a solution as soon as possible.
Branch out
Meaning: Expand or extend one’s interests
Example: I’m leaving the company to branch out on my own.
Fill out
Meaning: To complete or provide information on a form or document.
Example: Please fill out the application form and submit it by Friday.
Work out
Meaning: To solve or resolve a problem or issue.
Example: We need to work out a solution to improve our customer service.
Cut back
Meaning: To reduce or decrease something, such as expenses or staff.
Example: Due to budget constraints, we had to cut back on marketing expenses.
Come up with
Meaning: To suggest or produce an idea or solution.
Example: We need to come up with a creative marketing campaign for the new product.
Take up
Meaning: To start or begin an activity or hobby.
Example: I decided to take up photography as a side business.
Phase out
Meaning: To gradually discontinue or replace something.
Example: The company plans to phase out the outdated software system.
Settle in
Meaning: To become familiar and comfortable in a new environment.
Example: It took some time to settle in the new office space.
Hold up
Meaning: To delay or cause a delay.
Example: The shipment was held up due to customs clearance issues.
Bring about
Meaning: To cause or initiate a change or result.
Example: The new management team aims to bring about positive changes in the company.
Step down
Meaning: To resign or leave a position or role.
Example: The CEO decided to step down after serving the company for 20 years.
Shake up
Meaning: To make significant changes or reforms in an organization.
Example: The new CEO plans to shake up the company’s structure for better efficiency.
Cash in
Meaning: To profit or benefit from a situation or opportunity.
Example: The company was able to cash in on the growing demand for eco-friendly products.
Cut off
Meaning: To terminate or stop something abruptly.
Example: The supplier cut off the delivery due to payment issues.
Look up to
Meaning: To admire or respect someone.
Example: Many employees look up to the CEO for his leadership skills.
Fill in
Meaning: To provide information or substitute for someone temporarily.
Example: Can you fill in for me while I’m on vacation?
Team up
Meaning: To collaborate or join forces with others.
Example: The two companies decided to team up to launch a new product line.
Sell out
Meaning: To completely sell all available stock or tickets.
Example: The concert tickets sold out within hours of going on sale.
Pass on
Meaning: To decline or reject an offer or opportunity.
Example: After careful consideration, I decided to pass on the investment opportunity.
Close down
Meaning: Stop operating
Example: The firm has decided to close down its Chicago branch.
Take off
Meaning: To become successful or popular quickly.
Example: The new smartphone model took off in the market due to its innovative features.
Break into
Meaning: To enter or gain access to a new market or industry.
Example: The company aims to break into the international market next year.
Lay off
Meaning: To dismiss or terminate employees due to economic reasons.
Example: Unfortunately, the company had to lay off several employees during the recession.
Settle for
Meaning: To accept something less than desired or expected.
Example: After negotiation, we decided to settle for a lower price.
Note down
Meaning: Write something down
Example: Her answers were noted down on the chart.
Gear up
Meaning: To prepare or get ready for something.
Example: The team is gearing up for the product launch next week.
Write off
Meaning: To consider something as a loss or failure.
Example: The company had to write off a significant amount of bad debt.
Run out of
Meaning: To exhaust or deplete the supply of something.
Example: We ran out of stock due to unexpected high demand.
Look forward to
Meaning: To anticipate or be excited about something in the future.
Example: We look forward to collaborating with your company on upcoming projects.
Phase in
Meaning: To introduce or implement something gradually.
Example: The new policy will be phased in over the next few months.
Fill up
Meaning: To reach maximum capacity or occupancy.
Example: The conference room filled up quickly, so we had to find an alternative space.
Back up
Meaning: To create a copy of data or provide support.
Example: Make sure to back up all your important files regularly.
Work up
Meaning: To gradually develop or build up something.
Example: He worked up his skills and eventually became a successful entrepreneur.
Check in
Meaning: To register or report arrival at a place.
Example: Please check in at the reception desk before attending the conference.
Break off
Meaning: To end a relationship or partnership.
Example: The two companies decided to break off their collaboration due to conflicting interests.
Run into
Meaning: To encounter or meet someone unexpectedly.
Example: I ran into my former colleague at the business conference.
Trade off
Meaning: To exchange or sacrifice one thing for another.
Example: We need to trade off short-term profits for long-term sustainability.
Fill in for
Meaning: To substitute or temporarily take someone’s place.
Example: Can you fill in for John while he’s on sick leave?
Keep up with
Meaning: To stay updated or remain at the same level as others.
Example: It’s important to keep up with the latest industry trends and developments.
Call on
Meaning: To visit or request someone to do something.
Example: The client called on us to present our proposal.
Sort out
Meaning: To resolve or organize a problem or situation.
Example: Let’s have a meeting to sort out the issues raised by the client.
Rule out
Meaning: To exclude or eliminate something as a possibility.
Example: After careful analysis, we can rule out that option as not feasible.
Take on
Meaning: To accept or undertake a responsibility or challenge.
Example: The project manager decided to take on the new project despite its complexity.
Catch up on
Meaning: To update or complete something that was missed or delayed.
Example: I need to catch up on my emails after being out of the office.
Mastering business phrasal verbs can greatly enhance your communication skills in the professional world. These 50 commonly used phrasal verbs provide a strong foundation for effective business communication. By incorporating them into your vocabulary and practicing their usage, you will be able to express yourself more confidently and clearly in various business situations.
