How to use Phrasal Verbs to Communicate Easily

Do you struggle with expressing your ideas during business discussions? If so, you may want to consider using phrasal verbs.

Phrasal verbs are a fundamental part of the English language that can help to improve communication and make conversations more fluid and concise. In this blog post, we will discuss how you can use phrasal verbs to communicate more effectively in a business setting.

30 phrasal verbs often used in business meetings and small talk

Use Phrasal Verbs – What are phrasal verbs?

Phrasal verbs are a combination of a verb and another word, usually an adverb or preposition.

They are commonly used in the English language to express an action more precisely or to change the meaning of a verb.

A few examples of phrasal verbs include “come up with”, “fill in”, and “take off”. While some phrasal verbs are quite straightforward, others can be quite complicated and require some practice to master.
Phrasal verbs can be used to express ideas in more descriptive ways than just single verbs.

For example, if someone is trying to explain that they have new ideas for a project, they can say “I came up with some new ideas” instead of saying “I thought of some new ideas”. By using the phrasal verb “come up with”, the speaker adds clarity and detail to their statement.

In business settings, phrasal verbs are especially useful for providing concise and effective communication. They can help to convey complex ideas quickly and accurately. Furthermore, they can add an air of sophistication to your language which can make it easier to engage in important conversations and negotiations.

Why are they important in business settings?

Phrasal verbs are an important part of the English language and are especially beneficial in business settings. They help to make communication more efficient, precise, and professional. Phrasal verbs also add a layer of depth and meaning to conversations that can be difficult to express with regular English vocabulary.

In business settings, phrasal verbs are particularly useful for expressing complex ideas in a concise manner. For example, when you want to give someone a more detailed explanation of a concept, you can use phrasal verbs to simplify and streamline the conversation. This can help you get your point across quickly and effectively without having to use too many words.

Moreover, phrasal verbs can help to make conversations more interactive. By using phrasal verbs, you can encourage your conversation partners to think about what you are saying and come up with their own solutions or opinions. This can create a more engaging discussion that is likely to result in a positive outcome.

Lastly, phrasal verbs are an effective way to add emphasis and clarity to your statements. They can be used to emphasize certain points in a way that is more impactful than simply speaking in plain English. Additionally, they can help you communicate complex ideas in a concise yet comprehensive manner. This allows your conversation partner to better understand what you’re saying without getting lost in a sea of words.

10 Business English Phrasal Verbs

How to use phrasal verbs

Phrasal verbs are an essential tool for communicating in English, particularly in business settings. They allow you to express yourself more clearly and concisely. Here are some tips to help you use them effectively:

1. Familiarize yourself with the common phrasal verbs used in business contexts. Doing this will make it easier to recognize them when you hear them in conversations or when you’re reading materials related to business.
2.  Learn the definition of each verb and its related particles. Knowing what each part of the phrase means is key to understanding how it’s used in context.
3.  Pay attention to the context. Phrasal verbs often have multiple meanings depending on the context they’re used in. Make sure you understand the speaker’s intention when using a particular phrasal verb.
4. Practice using the phrases in sentences. The best way to get comfortable with using phrasal verbs is to practice speaking and writing with them

By following these steps, you can become more proficient at using phrasal verbs in business settings and ultimately improve your communication skills.

10 common phrasal verbs used in business settings

1. Run into – to experience a problem or obstacle. Example: “We ran into some difficulties with the project.”
2. Come up with – to think of or suggest an idea or solution. Example: “We need to come up with a plan for the meeting.”
3. Carry out – to do or complete a task or action. Example: “The team carried out the research as planned.”
4. Look into – to investigate or examine something in detail. Example: “We should look into the possible causes of this issue.”
5. Look up – to find information in reference books or on the internet. Example: “We looked up the company’s financial records.”
6.  Work out – to solve a problem or find a solution. Example: “We worked out a way to reduce costs.”
7.  Put off – to delay doing something. Example: “We had to put off the project due to lack of resources.”
8. Take on – to accept responsibility for something. Example: “The company decided to take on the challenge.”
9. Get along – to develop a good relationship with someone. Example: “We got along well during the meeting.”
10. Move forward – to make progress towards a goal or objective. Example: “We need to move forward with the project quickly.”

Use Phrasal Verbs – Practice makes perfect!

When it comes to mastering the use of phrasal verbs in business settings, practice really does make perfect. To begin, try using the 10 most common phrasal verbs in everyday conversations and presentations. As you become more comfortable with them, expand your list of useful phrasal verbs and incorporate them into your interactions. It is important to note that you should only use phrasal verbs when they fit the context of a conversation or presentation. Overusing them could come across as unnatural and confusing.

Another great way to practice using phrasal verbs is to watch English movies and TV shows. Pay close attention to how the characters are speaking and the phrasal verbs they are using. Also, read English books, articles, and newspapers and take note of the phrasal verbs used throughout.

The more exposure you have to these verbs, the easier it will be for you to use them in your own conversations and presentations.

Finally, don’t be afraid to ask for help. A native speaker or an English teacher can offer invaluable assistance as you navigate the ins and outs of using phrasal verbs in a business setting. With enough practice and guidance, you can become an expert at using phrasal verbs to communicate clearly and effectively in any professional environment.

This article was written by the Learn Laugh Speak teacher team. We are explain complex topics as simply as possible.

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