Whenever my English students hear me say ‘phrasal verbs’  they always sighs because there are thousands, probably millions and some even have multiple meanings. The problem is phrasal verbs are extremely common and often there is no other way of saying what you want to say, so it is important to study them. So here I have written my top 5 phrasal verbs that can be used all the time when at work.

 

 

Call off (to cancel)

The trade show was called off due to the new coronavirus restrictions.

 

Put off (to postpone)

Be careful not to mix up this phrasal verb with 'call off', as they can often be used in similar contexts.

I am going to put the meeting off till next week, because I have too much work to do.

 

Set up (to establish a business or organise/arrange)

1. Microsoft was set up by Bill Gates. Microsoft was set up in 1975
2. I am going to set up a meeting with the sales team for next week.

Look forward to (to be excited about something in the future)

If you aren’t using this phrasal verb at work you should be. It is used at the end of emails all the time.

I look forward to hearing from you.  I look forward to seeing you. I look forward to meeting you. 

And many more can be used.

 

Catch up on (to spend time doing something that you should have done before)

I need to catch up on emails as I was out of the office last week.

 

There are of course thousands of other phrasal verbs that you can use at work and obviously the ones you use depend on what kind of role you have and what sector you work in. I'll be putting more blog posts about phrasal verbs and business vocabulary, so be sure to check out my future posts!