English communication in the workplace involves more than knowing professional vocabulary and grammar. Whether you are participating in meetings, sending emails, discussing projects or working with colleagues, you also need to understand the everyday expressions that fluent English speakers use naturally.

One important part of workplace English is phrasal verbs.

Expressions such as follow up, carry out, bring up, take over and work out appear frequently in professional conversations. They can make your English sound more natural, but their meanings are not always obvious from the individual words.

For example:

• I will follow up with the client tomorrow.
• We need to carry out the plan carefully.
• She brought up an important issue during the meeting.
• Our manager will take over the project.
• We need to work out a solution.

Understanding these expressions can help you communicate more confidently at work, understand colleagues and participate more effectively in professional situations.

In this guide, you will learn essential phrasal verbs for work, explore their meanings in different workplace contexts, discover how to use them appropriately in professional communication and practise them through practical exercises.

What Are Phrasal Verbs in English?

A phrasal verb is a combination of a verb and one or more particles, usually an adverb or a preposition. Together, these words create a meaning that may be different from the original verb.

For example:

• Look means to direct your eyes towards something.
• Look into means to investigate or examine something.
• Look after means to take care of someone or something.
• Look forward to means to feel pleased or excited about something that will happen.

The meaning of a phrasal verb often depends on the complete expression rather than the individual words.

Phrasal verbs are common in everyday English, but they are also widely used in professional environments. You may hear them in meetings, emails, presentations, workplace discussions and conversations with customers.

Why Are Phrasal Verbs Important in Professional English?

Phrasal verbs help professionals communicate ideas in a natural and efficient way.

Compare these sentences:

More Formal Expression	Common Phrasal Verb Expression
Investigate the problem	Look into the problem
Contact someone again	Follow up with someone
Postpone the meeting	Put off the meeting
Continue working	Carry on working
Discover information	Find out information
Assume responsibility	Take on responsibility

Both styles can be appropriate, depending on the situation.

In everyday workplace communication, phrasal verbs are often natural and concise. In formal reports, legal documents or highly technical writing, a more precise single-word expression may sometimes be preferable.

The goal is not to replace every formal expression with a phrasal verb. It is to understand both forms and choose the most suitable language for your audience and purpose.

Essential Phrasal Verbs for Work and Business English

The following expressions are particularly useful for professional communication. They cover common situations such as managing projects, communicating with colleagues, solving problems and organising daily tasks.

1. Follow Up

Meaning: To contact someone again or take further action after an earlier conversation, meeting or request.

Examples:

• I will follow up with the client tomorrow.
• Could you follow up on the email I sent yesterday?
• Our team needs to follow up with the supplier.
• I am writing to follow up on our previous discussion.

Workplace context:

Use follow up when you need to check progress, request an update or continue a conversation.

It is especially common in business emails and customer communication.

2. Carry Out

Meaning: To perform, complete or execute a task, plan, instruction or activity.

Examples:

• The team will carry out the project next month.
• We need to carry out further research.
• The company carried out a customer satisfaction survey.
• Please carry out the instructions carefully.

Workplace context:

This expression is useful when discussing responsibilities, procedures, research and planned activities.

3. Bring Up

Meaning: To mention or introduce a topic during a conversation or meeting.

Examples:

• I would like to bring up an important issue.
• She brought up the budget problem during the meeting.
• Can we bring this matter up with the manager?
• He brought up several useful suggestions.

Workplace context:

Use bring up when introducing a new subject or raising a concern.

For particularly formal presentations or reports, expressions such as raise an issue or introduce a topic may be more suitable.

4. Take On

Meaning: To accept responsibility, work, a task or a new challenge.

Examples:

• I am happy to take on this responsibility.
• She has taken on a new role.
• Our department needs to take on additional projects.
• He agreed to take on the extra work.

Workplace context:

This phrasal verb is useful when discussing workload, job responsibilities and professional development.

5. Work Out

Meaning: To find a solution, understand something through reasoning or calculate an answer.

Examples:

• We need to work out a solution.
• I cannot work out why the system is not responding.
• The team worked out a new strategy.
• Can you work out the total cost?

Workplace context:

Use work out when solving problems, discussing calculations or finding ways to improve a process.

6. Look Into

Meaning: To investigate or examine a situation, problem or request.

Examples:

• Our manager will look into the complaint.
• We are looking into several possible solutions.
• Could you look into the payment issue?
• The IT department is looking into the technical problem.

Workplace context:

This expression is especially common in customer service, management and problem-solving situations.

7. Set Up

Meaning: To arrange, organise, establish or prepare something.

Examples:

• I will set up a meeting with the marketing team.
• They are setting up a new office.
• Can you set up an online presentation?
• We need to set up a training session.

Workplace context:

Use set up when organising meetings, creating accounts, establishing systems or preparing business activities.

8. Put Off

Meaning: To postpone or delay something until a later time.

Examples:

• We had to put off the meeting.
• The manager put off the decision until next week.
• Do not put off important tasks.
• They decided to put off the product launch.

Workplace context:

This expression is common when discussing schedules, deadlines and changes to plans.

In formal written communication, postpone may be more appropriate.

9. Take Over

Meaning: To assume control, responsibility or management of something.

Examples:

• She will take over the project next month.
• Our new manager took over the department.
• Can you take over this task while I am away?
• The company plans to take over another business.

Workplace context:

Use take over when discussing leadership changes, project responsibilities or business acquisitions.

10. Carry On

Meaning: To continue doing something.

Examples:

• Please carry on with your presentation.
• We need to carry on working until the task is complete.
• Despite the difficulties, the team carried on.
• She carried on with the project after the meeting.

Workplace context:

This expression is useful when encouraging colleagues to continue an activity or explaining that work is still progressing.

11. Point Out

Meaning: To draw attention to something or highlight an important fact.

Examples:

• I would like to point out a small mistake.
• She pointed out several problems in the report.
• The manager pointed out the importance of teamwork.
• He pointed out that the deadline had changed.

Workplace context:

Use point out when highlighting information, identifying mistakes or explaining important details.

12. Come Up With

Meaning: To think of or produce an idea, plan, answer or solution.

Examples:

• We need to come up with a better strategy.
• She came up with an excellent marketing idea.
• Can you come up with a solution?
• The team came up with several suggestions.

Workplace context:

This expression is particularly useful in brainstorming sessions, creative discussions and problem-solving meetings.

13. Deal With

Meaning: To manage, handle or take responsibility for a situation, task or problem.

Examples:

• I will deal with the customer complaint.
• Our team deals with international clients.
• She knows how to deal with difficult situations.
• We need to deal with this issue immediately.

Workplace context:

Use deal with when discussing responsibilities, customer service and workplace challenges.

14. Get Back To

Meaning: To contact someone again with an answer, update or response.

Examples:

• I will get back to you tomorrow.
• Let me check the details and get back to you.
• The manager will get back to us after reviewing the proposal.
• Could you get back to me with an update?

Workplace context:

This is a common expression in professional conversations and emails. It is particularly useful when you need time to find information before responding.

15. Hand Over

Meaning: To transfer responsibility, control, information or work to another person.

Examples:

• I will hand over the project to my colleague.
• Please hand over the documents before you leave.
• The previous manager handed over the responsibilities.
• We need to hand over the account to the new team.

Workplace context:

Use hand over when transferring tasks, projects or responsibilities between colleagues or departments.

16. Fill In

Meaning: To complete a form or provide information that is missing.

Examples:

• Please fill in the application form.
• I need to fill in my personal details.
• Could you fill in the missing information?
• Employees must fill in the feedback form.

Workplace context:

This expression is common in administration, recruitment and human resources.

17. Call Off

Meaning: To cancel an event, meeting or planned activity.

Examples:

• They had to call off the meeting.
• The company called off the event because of bad weather.
• We may need to call off the training session.
• The manager decided to call off the presentation.

Workplace context:

Use call off when a planned activity will no longer take place.

18. Sort Out

Meaning: To organise, resolve or deal with a problem or situation.

Examples:

• We need to sort out the scheduling problem.
• I will sort out the paperwork.
• The IT team sorted out the technical issue.
• Can you help me sort out this situation?

Workplace context:

This expression is common in informal and neutral workplace conversations. In formal documents, resolve or organise may be more appropriate.

Phrasal Verbs for Workplace Meetings

Meetings are an important part of professional communication. Understanding common phrasal verbs can help you participate more confidently, express opinions and follow discussions.

Here are useful expressions for different stages of a meeting.

Phrasal Verb	Meaning	Workplace Example
Bring up	Introduce a topic	I would like to bring up a new idea.
Go over	Review or examine	Let’s go over the main points.
Point out	Highlight something	She pointed out an important issue.
Come up with	Develop an idea	We need to come up with a solution.
Sum up	Summarise	Could you sum up the discussion?
Wrap up	Finish an activity	Let’s wrap up the meeting.
Speak up	Speak more loudly or express an opinion	Please speak up if you have a question.
Move on	Continue to the next topic	Let’s move on to the next item.

Example: Using Phrasal Verbs in a Business Meeting

Consider the following short conversation:

Manager: Good morning, everyone. Let’s go over the main points from last week’s meeting.

Sarah: I would like to bring up an issue with the new campaign.

Manager: Of course. Could you explain what happened?

Sarah: We need to come up with a different approach because the current strategy is not producing the expected results.

David: I agree. I also want to point out that our budget has changed.

Manager: Thank you. Let’s discuss these points and work out a solution.

Sarah: I can follow up with the marketing team and share an update tomorrow.

Manager: Excellent. Let’s wrap up with the next steps.

This conversation demonstrates how phrasal verbs make workplace communication natural and efficient.

Phrasal Verbs for Professional Emails

Professional emails often combine polite language with clear, direct expressions. Some phrasal verbs are particularly useful when requesting information, sharing updates or continuing previous conversations.

Phrasal Verb	Meaning	Example
Follow up on	Contact again about something	I am following up on my previous email.
Get back to	Respond later	I will get back to you shortly.
Look into	Investigate	We will look into your request.
Send over	Send something to someone	I will send over the documents today.
Fill in	Complete information	Please fill in the attached form.
Get in touch	Contact someone	Please get in touch if you need assistance.
Go through	Review or examine	I will go through the proposal.
Set up	Arrange	We can set up a meeting next week.

Examples of Phrasal Verbs in Email Sentences

Following up on a previous email

“Dear Mr Smith,

I am writing to follow up on my previous email regarding the project proposal. I would appreciate an update when you have a moment.

Kind regards,”

Sending documents

“Hello Sarah,

I will send over the requested documents by the end of the day.

Please let me know if you need any additional information.

Best regards,”

Responding to a request

“Dear Alex,

Thank you for contacting us. We will look into your request and get back to you as soon as possible.

Kind regards,”

Arranging a meeting

“Hello David,

Would you be available for a short meeting next Tuesday? I would be happy to set up a suitable time.

Best regards,”

Remember that phrasal verbs are not automatically informal or unprofessional. Many are standard in business communication. The key is to consider the audience, purpose and level of formality.

Phrasal Verbs for Teamwork and Collaboration

Working with colleagues requires clear communication, cooperation and the ability to manage shared responsibilities.

The following phrasal verbs can help you discuss teamwork and collaboration.

Phrasal Verb	Meaning	Example
Work together	Cooperate	We need to work together to complete the project.
Join in	Participate	Everyone is welcome to join in the discussion.
Help out	Provide assistance	Can you help out with this task?
Back up	Support someone or provide evidence	I can back you up during the presentation.
Take on	Accept responsibility	She will take on the new assignment.
Hand over	Transfer responsibility	I will hand over the task to James.
Catch up	Reach the same level or get updated	Let’s catch up on the latest developments.
Get along	Have a good relationship	Our team members get along well.

Useful Workplace Examples

• We should work together to improve the results.
• I can help out if the team needs additional support.
• Let me catch you up on what happened yesterday.
• The new employee gets along well with everyone.
• I will back you up if you need support during the meeting.

These expressions are useful in conversations with colleagues, team leaders and managers.

Phrasal Verbs for Problem-Solving and Decision-Making

Professional environments often involve unexpected challenges. You may need to investigate problems, evaluate options and agree on practical solutions.

These phrasal verbs can help you discuss such situations.

Phrasal Verb	Meaning	Example
Look into	Investigate	We need to look into the problem.
Work out	Find a solution	Let’s work out a better approach.
Sort out	Resolve or organise	We need to sort out the payment issue.
Figure out	Understand or discover	I am trying to figure out what went wrong.
Think through	Consider carefully	We should think through all the options.
Rule out	Eliminate an option	We cannot rule out other possibilities.
Come up with	Develop an idea	The team came up with a new solution.
Break down	Divide into smaller parts or stop functioning	Let’s break down the problem into smaller tasks.

Example: Solving a Workplace Problem

“During the meeting, the team discussed a delay in the delivery process. The manager asked the employees to look into the issue and figure out what had caused it.

After reviewing the information, the team came up with several possible solutions. They decided to think through each option, rule out the least practical approach and work out a new delivery schedule.”

This example demonstrates how several phrasal verbs can work together in a professional context.

Formal vs Informal English: Choosing the Right Expression at Work

Knowing phrasal verbs is useful, but understanding when to use them is equally important.

Some phrasal verbs are completely natural in formal business communication. Others are more conversational and may be better suited to discussions with colleagues than to formal reports or official correspondence.

Compare the following expressions:

Phrasal Verb	More Formal Alternative	Example
Find out	Discover / Determine	We need to determine the cause.
Look into	Investigate	We will investigate the issue.
Put off	Postpone	The meeting has been postponed.
Carry out	Conduct / Execute	The team will conduct a review.
Get back to	Respond to	We will respond to your request.
Bring up	Raise / Introduce	She raised an important concern.
Sort out	Resolve	We need to resolve the problem.
Go over	Review	Please review the report.
Set up	Arrange / Establish	We will arrange a meeting.
Come up with	Develop / Propose	The team proposed a new strategy.

When Should You Use Phrasal Verbs?

Phrasal verbs are often suitable for:

• Everyday conversations with colleagues.
• Internal team meetings.
• Informal or neutral business emails.
• Discussions about projects and daily responsibilities.
• Conversations with managers and team members.

When Is More Formal Vocabulary Preferable?

Consider using more formal alternatives in:

• Official business reports.
• Legal and contractual documents.
• Academic and technical writing.
• Formal proposals.
• Highly structured corporate correspondence.

For example:

Conversational:
“Let’s look into the issue and get back to the client.”

More formal:
“Let’s investigate the issue and respond to the client.”

Both sentences are grammatically correct. The second is more formal, while the first sounds natural in many everyday business situations.

Common Mistakes When Using Workplace Phrasal Verbs

English learners sometimes use phrasal verbs incorrectly because their meanings, grammar patterns and word order can be difficult to remember.

Here are some common mistakes and their corrections.

Incorrect Sentence	Correct Sentence	Explanation
I will follow up you tomorrow.	I will follow up with you tomorrow.	Use follow up with someone.
We need to discuss about the issue.	We need to discuss the issue.	Discuss does not require about.
She explained me the problem.	She explained the problem to me.	Use explain something to someone.
Please look the problem into.	Please look into the problem.	Keep the preposition after look.
We put the meeting off yesterday.	We put off the meeting yesterday.	Both word orders are possible with this object, but the first can sound less natural in this context.
I will get back you soon.	I will get back to you soon.	Use get back to someone.
He suggested to set up a meeting.	He suggested setting up a meeting.	Suggest is commonly followed by a gerund.
We need to work out about a solution.	We need to work out a solution.	Do not add about after work out in this meaning.

Understand Separable and Inseparable Phrasal Verbs

Some phrasal verbs allow the object to appear between the verb and the particle. These are called separable phrasal verbs.

For example:

• Please fill in the form.
• Please fill the form in.

Both sentences are correct.

However, when the object is a pronoun, it usually appears between the verb and the particle:

• Please fill it in.

Not:

• Please fill in it.

Other phrasal verbs are inseparable, meaning the object must follow the complete expression.

Examples:

• I will look into the issue.
• She looks after the accounts.
• We need to deal with the complaint.

Do not separate these expressions:

• Incorrect: I will look the issue into.
• Correct: I will look into the issue.

Understanding these patterns will help you use workplace phrasal verbs more accurately.

How to Learn and Remember Phrasal Verbs for Work

Memorising a long list of expressions is rarely enough to use them confidently. You need to understand their meanings, recognise their grammar patterns and practise using them in realistic situations.

Here are six practical methods.

1. Learn Phrasal Verbs by Workplace Topic

Instead of studying unrelated expressions, organise them according to professional situations.

For example:

Meetings

• Bring up
• Go over
• Point out
• Wrap up
• Move on

Emails

• Follow up
• Get back to
• Send over
• Get in touch

Projects

• Carry out
• Take on
• Set up
• Hand over
• Work out

Problem-Solving

• Look into
• Figure out
• Sort out
• Rule out
• Come up with

This approach helps you remember expressions through context.

2. Write Your Own Workplace Examples

For every new phrasal verb, create at least two sentences related to your professional life.

For example, if you work in marketing, you might write:

• We need to come up with a new campaign.
• I will follow up with the advertising team.
• Our manager wants us to look into customer feedback.

If you work in administration, you might practise:

• Please fill in the application form.
• I will set up the meeting.
• We need to sort out the documents.

Personal examples are often easier to remember than sentences that have no connection to your daily activities.

3. Practise Through Workplace Conversations

Create short conversations that include several phrasal verbs.

For example, practise explaining a project update:

“The team has carried out the initial research. We have come up with three possible strategies, and we are looking into the costs. I will follow up with the finance department and get back to you tomorrow.”

Repeating this type of conversation helps you use the expressions more naturally.

4. Learn the Grammar Patterns

Some phrasal verbs require particular prepositions, objects or grammatical structures.

For example:

• Follow up with someone.
• Look into something.
• Get back to someone.
• Come up with an idea.
• Take on a responsibility.
• Deal with a problem.

Learning these expressions as complete patterns reduces grammatical mistakes.

5. Review New Expressions Regularly

Create a vocabulary notebook or digital flashcards.

For each phrasal verb, record:

• The expression.
• Its meaning.
• A workplace example.
• Whether it is separable or inseparable.
• A more formal alternative, where relevant.

Review the expressions regularly and try to use them in speaking and writing activities.

6. Use Feedback to Improve Accuracy

Practise writing emails, describing work situations and participating in simulated meetings. Ask a teacher or proficient English speaker to identify errors in vocabulary, grammar and tone.

Feedback helps you recognise whether a phrasal verb is grammatically correct, natural and appropriate for the situation.

Practice Exercises: Phrasal Verbs for Work

Test your understanding with the following exercises. Complete each activity before checking the answers.

Exercise 1: Choose the Correct Phrasal Verb

Choose the most suitable expression from the options.

1. I will ______ with the client tomorrow to check the project status.
   a) follow up
   b) call off
   c) take over
2. We need to ______ a solution to this problem.
   a) put off
   b) come up with
   c) hand over
3. The manager will ______ the complaint.
   a) look into
   b) carry on
   c) set up
4. Could you ______ the report before the meeting?
   a) take on
   b) go over
   c) call off
5. We had to ______ the meeting until next Monday.
   a) put off
   b) bring up
   c) fill in
6. She will ______ the project when the current manager leaves.
   a) look into
   b) take over
   c) point out
7. Please ______ the application form.
   a) fill in
   b) work out
   c) carry out
8. I will check the information and ______ to you tomorrow.
   a) get back
   b) break down
   c) bring up

Exercise 2: Complete the Sentences

Use the correct form of the phrasal verbs in the box.

Phrasal verbs: sort out, carry out, point out, deal with, set up, hand over, work out, bring up

1. We need to ______ a meeting with the new client.
2. The research team will ______ the survey next month.
3. She agreed to ______ the customer complaint.
4. I would like to ______ an important issue.
5. Can you help me ______ this technical problem?
6. The manager ______ several mistakes in the presentation.
7. We need to ______ a practical solution before Friday.
8. I will ______ the project to my colleague before leaving.

Exercise 3: Replace the Formal Expression

Rewrite each sentence using a suitable phrasal verb.

1. We need to investigate the issue.
2. I will contact the customer again.
3. The company postponed the meeting.
4. She introduced an important topic.
5. Please review the document.
6. We need to develop a new strategy.
7. He accepted additional responsibilities.
8. The team resolved the problem.

Exercise 4: Correct the Mistakes

Rewrite each sentence correctly.

1. I will follow up you next week.
2. We need to look the issue into.
3. Please get back me tomorrow.
4. She came up a new idea.
5. They called off the meeting yesterday.
6. Can you fill in it?
7. We need to work out about the problem.
8. The manager will take over of the project.

Answers and Explanations

Exercise 1

1. a) Follow up — Contact someone again to check progress.
2. b) Come up with — Develop an idea or solution.
3. a) Look into — Investigate a complaint.
4. b) Go over — Review or examine a document.
5. a) Put off — Postpone a meeting.
6. b) Take over — Assume responsibility or control.
7. a) Fill in — Complete a form.
8. a) Get back — Respond to someone later.

Exercise 2

1. Set up — Arrange a meeting.
2. Carry out — Conduct or perform a survey.
3. Deal with — Handle a complaint.
4. Bring up — Introduce a topic.
5. Sort out — Resolve a problem.
6. Pointed out — Highlighted mistakes.
7. Work out — Find a practical solution.
8. Hand over — Transfer responsibility.

Exercise 3

1. We need to look into the issue.
2. I will follow up with the customer.
3. The company put off the meeting.
4. She brought up an important topic.
5. Please go over the document.
6. We need to come up with a new strategy.
7. He took on additional responsibilities.
8. The team sorted out the problem.

Exercise 4

1. I will follow up with you next week.
2. We need to look into the issue.
3. Please get back to me tomorrow.
4. She came up with a new idea.
5. They called off the meeting yesterday. (Correct as written.)
6. Can you fill it in?
7. We need to work out the problem.
8. The manager will take over the project.

Frequently Asked Questions About Phrasal Verbs for Work

What are the most useful phrasal verbs for work?

Some of the most useful workplace phrasal verbs are follow up, look into, carry out, bring up, set up, take on, work out, deal with and get back to. They are commonly used when discussing meetings, projects, responsibilities and professional communication.

Are phrasal verbs appropriate in business English?

Yes. Many phrasal verbs are standard in professional English, especially in everyday conversations, internal meetings and business emails. However, more formal alternatives may be preferable in official reports, legal documents and highly formal correspondence.

What is the difference between follow up and get back to?

Follow up means to take further action or contact someone again about an earlier discussion or request. Get back to someone means to respond to that person, usually after checking information or considering a question.

What does look into mean in business English?

Look into means to investigate or examine a problem, request or situation. For example, “Our manager will look into the payment issue” means that the manager will investigate it.

What are some phrasal verbs used in business meetings?

Common examples include bring up (introduce a topic), go over (review information), point out (highlight something), come up with (develop an idea), move on (continue to another topic) and wrap up (finish a meeting).

How can I use phrasal verbs in professional emails?

Use phrasal verbs when they make your message clear and natural. For example, you can write, “I am following up on my previous email” or “I will get back to you tomorrow.” Consider the recipient and the level of formality before choosing an expression.

How many workplace phrasal verbs should I learn?

There is no fixed number. Start with 10 to 15 expressions that are relevant to your professional responsibilities. Learn their meanings, grammar patterns and common contexts before gradually adding more.

What is the best way to remember business English phrasal verbs?

Learn them in workplace contexts rather than memorising isolated lists. Practise with realistic emails, meetings and conversations, create your own examples and review new expressions regularly.

Improve Your Professional English With IFI Qatar

Using the right vocabulary can make a significant difference in your professional communication. Understanding workplace phrasal verbs helps you follow conversations, contribute to meetings, write more naturally and communicate more effectively with colleagues and clients.

At IFI Qatar, you can develop your English communication skills through structured language learning and practical classroom activities. Whether you want to improve your everyday workplace English, communicate more confidently in meetings or strengthen your writing skills, choosing a course that matches your current level and professional goals is an important first step.

Professional English requires more than memorising vocabulary. It involves understanding context, choosing the appropriate tone, using grammar accurately and expressing ideas clearly.

Ready to improve your workplace English? Contact IFI Qatar to explore available English courses and find a suitable learning option for your professional goals.