Mastering Phrasal Verbs for Business Success
Phrasal verbs are essential in Business English because they make your communication sound natural, confident, and relationship-oriented. They show that you not only “know English” but also understand how professionals actually speak in international and especially U.S. workplaces.
In professional contexts, phrasal verbs often carry tone and subtle interpersonal meaning. Saying “let’s circle back next week” feels more collaborative than “we will respond next week,” and “I’ll follow up with the team” sounds more proactive than “I will ask the team.”
Core Business Phrasal Verbs You Need
You can start by integrating a small set of high-impact phrasal verbs in your emails, meetings, and calls.
Some essential examples include:
Break down: “Let’s break down the budget into three phases.”
Follow up: “I’ll follow up with you after the client call.”
Look into: “We’ll look into that issue this afternoon.”
Set up: “Can we set up a call for Thursday?”
Take on: “I can take on the first draft of the proposal.”
These expressions are short, clear, and action-oriented, which aligns well with U.S. business communication preferences.
Using Phrasal Verbs with Cultural Awareness
Many advanced speakers know phrasal verbs but struggle with when they sound too casual, too direct, or too distant. This is where cultural adaptation becomes crucial, especially if you work with U.S. companies, clients, or teams.
In my English communication coaching, we focus on:
Choosing phrasal verbs that match your level of formality.
Adjusting tone for emails, presentations, or leadership communication.
Aligning your language with U.S. workplace expectations while respecting your own style.
If you want to move from textbook English to culturally fluent Business English, 1:1 coaching and tailored training can help you apply phrasal verbs confidently in real conversations.
Send Marike a message if you want to boost your likelihood of success in the United States. The complexity of this country can only be navigated with an expert by your side. Contact us here.