Phrasal Verbs from Business English

If you often find yourself in a professional setting, it’s essential to be familiar with specific words. Explore the eight words listed on this page to enhance your workplace communication.

It’s time to acquire some phrasal verbs related to business English. In the contemporary world, having proficiency in English is a significant asset. Many companies invest in courses to enhance their employees’ English language abilities and skills. However, these courses may not always cover phrasal verbs and idiomatic expressions useful for communication with colleagues and clients. Let me assist you with that.

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 Get ahead

This English phrasal verb signifies “making advancements in one’s work and achieving success.” It carries a positive connotation, doesn’t it?

For instance:

– To succeed in life, it’s essential to exert effort and persevere.
– She advanced in her professional journey by attending university and subsequently working abroad for a year.

Stay behind

This phrasal verb implies “remaining until the end (or beyond) of an event” or “proceeding at a slower pace than others, or not progressing at all.”

For instance:

– After the conference concluded, we lingered to talk about the new project.
– Our company simply stayed behind; we had no opportunities to succeed.

Write off

The last phrasal verb in our collection signifies “to formally declare that someone is not obligated to pay a sum of money.” Additionally, it can denote “deciding that someone or something will not succeed, leading to the withdrawal of attention and effort.”

For instance:

– We have officially forgiven the printing company’s debt.
– Have a conversation with your bank manager and inquire whether he would consider canceling your business expenses.
– His teacher dismissed him, believing he would never achieve anything in life.

Drum up

Our initial phrasal verb from the business domain refers to “making efforts to generate interest in something.”

Examples:

– We must generate new business or face bankruptcy.
– He’s attempting to attract more email subscribers to his new blog.

 Bail out

The following phrasal verb signifies “to exit a project, situation, or relationship, particularly when it becomes challenging” or “to assist someone facing difficulties, especially financial ones.”

For instance:

– Shareholders bailed out the airline.
– The printing firm has exited their contract with us.

 Fall through

As you might have inferred, this phrasal verb pertains to plans or arrangements that don’t materialize as intended.

For instance:

– I hope the deal doesn’t collapse.
– The funding for our new office building has fallen through.

 Close down

This phrasal verb is particularly relevant in today’s context. Amid economic instability, businesses occasionally shut down, meaning they halt their operations.

For instance:

– Due to financial losses, we decided to close down the shop.
– He is currently unemployed as the factory where he was employed has closed down.

Cash in on

The fifth phrasal verb on our list indicates “taking advantage of an opportunity to make a profit or gain a benefit.”

For instance:

– During the Royal Wedding, some Londoners took advantage by renting out their homes.
– Airlines are exploiting the demand for affordable flights to make a profit.

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Exercise caution when employing phrasal verbs, idiomatic expressions, and slang, as some may be suitable for use with colleagues but not with your boss. If you aspire to enhance your career and acquire language skills alongside your coworkers, explore our corporate English training programs.

What is your English level?

Find out your A1 A2 B1 B2 C1 C2 level of English with our online test and receive your English certificate.

Test Your English