Common Phrasal Verbs about Work

Explore work-related English phrasal verbs to enhance your speech and expand your vocabulary.

How many work-related English phrasal verbs are in your repertoire? Looking to add vibrancy to your English speech and enrich your vocabulary with practical verbs? You’re in the right place!

Lay off

Definition: To terminate the employment of workers; (US) to discharge employees; (UK) to dismiss employees.
Example: They had to lay off workers.

Knuckle down

Definition: Cease distractions and concentrate on work.
Example: It’s time we knuckled down.

Hand in

Definition: To hand in or deliver completed work.
Example: He’s already handed in his report.

Carry out

Definition: Engage in work, carry out a job.
Example: The building work was carried out by a local contractor.

Take over

Definition: To receive; to assume control of something; when one company is assimilated by another company.
Example: Toshiba is taking over the smaller company.

Take on

Definition: To bring in new employees; to recruit.
Example:: We’re taking on new staff at the moment.

Knock off

Definition: To conclude the workday.
Example: Let’s knock off early tonight.

Call off

Definition: To call off an event.
Example: She’s just called off the meeting.

Slack off

Definition: To exert less effort in work; to be indolent.
Example: Workers usually slack off on Fridays.

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