10 Phrasal Verbs for Business English

Business meetings with native English speakers can be very difficult if you don’t understand phrasal verbs. Today we will look into (=here: learn more) English phrasal verbs that will boost your ability to communicate in English.

You should think of mastering vocabulary like phrasal verbs (and idioms) not only in terms of mere (=only)  language skills but also as a way to boost your cultural capital. Culturally, and psychologically speaking, vocabulary like this helps you resonate with English native speakers on a deeper level because when you use phrasal verbs and idioms correctly, you will speak to them like you are one of them and will not sound like an outsider as much. I call this the “sounding like one of us” effect.

Now, let’s get started:

1. To ask around. Definition: to ask many people the same question

Example: “I will ask around to find out who wants to join us for the meeting later.”

2. To call back. Definition: to return a phone call

Example: “John called her yesterday. So far she hasn’t called back.”

3. To come across (inseparable). Definition: to find unexpectedly

Example: “If you come across any new ideas during the conference, please take note of them and share them with us later.”

4. To drop by (inseparable). Definition: to visit briefly; to meet without an appointment

Example: “John, you can drop by my office any time if you have a question.”

5. To figure (something) out. Definition: to find the answer; to understand; to solve a problem

Example: “I am not so sure how to solve this problem. We’ll need to figure it out later.

6. To run by/past someone. Definition: to discuss something with a person for his or her opinion

Example: “Please run this by Sarah. She has done this type of work before and can tell you more about how this works.”

7. To shop around (inseparable). Definition: to compare prices for or quality of an item from different sources (similar to ask around)

Example: “The supplier we usually  go with for this type of project is not going to be able to deliver this time. Now we will need to shop around to find a new supplier.

8. To think (something) over. Definition: to consider

Example: “We have several potential ideas to think over.”

9. To write up. Definition: to write something short; usually on a computer

Example: “Who can write up the memo for our meeting next week?”

10. To zero in on (inseparable). Definition: to focus closely on

Example: “Let’s interview the candidates for the new position tomorrow so that we can start zeroing in on which ones to invite to a second round of interviews.”

Extra tip: Phrasal verbs are difficult for English learners, but there is one trick that can help you immensely: a) there is often a literal meaning that tells you a lot about the idiomatic meaning!

As always, feel free to message me if you have any questions: office@lingualinkdc.net