Business English phrasal verbs

Want to improve your Business English? We are going to learn nine phrasal verbs that are used in business situations. 

HURRY UP

This means to do something more quickly. It can be direct and sometimes, a little rude.

• Can you hurry up with that new contract?
• I understand that your car won’t start but hurry up and get here.

If you want to be more polite, you can ask the following question:

• I need that report by Monday do you think you can get it done on time?

WORK SOMETHING OUT

This means to come to an agreement on something. Usually, when negotiating.

• I’m sure we can work something out.
• Maybe if we meet in the middle sure we can work something out

CLOSE DOWN

This means to cease operating.

• Do you think we’ll close down our London office?
• Have you heard that the neighborhood bar has closed down?

CALL BACK

This means to return a phone call.

• Can I have him call you back once he is done?
• Oh. Hi, Janet. Can I call you back? David just walked in. Okay. I’ll call you back.

TAKE ON

This can mean three different things. To accept, to be in charge of, and to hire. Look at these examples:

• He’s not taking on any new clients at the moment.
• Who wants to take this new project on?
• We are not taking anyone on at the moment but feel free to drop off your C.V.

FALL THROUGH

This means that something has failed or come to nothing.

• The merger fell through.
• I don’t want this to fall through we need to work something out.

TAKE OFF

This can be used to describe a plane leaving the ground. It can also be used to describe something that has become successful or popular.

• John’s just taking off for New York right now. Can I get him to call you back?
• That new restaurant is really taking off – it was so busy last night.
• This new app just isn’t taking off. I don’t know why but this new app just isn’t taking off.

THINK OVER

This means to consider something diligently before making a decision.

• That building design looks great I just need to think it over before fully committing to it.
• You don’t need to decide now think it over and get back to us tomorrow.
• So consider this position and our offer and then get back to us tomorrow think it over.

RUN BY

To get someone’s opinion or approval for something.

• I’ve got everything that I need I just need to run it by my boss.
• Why didn’t you run it by me first?