Phrasal Verbs for Talking About Work and Office Life

Phrasal verbs are an important part of the English language, especially in casual and professional conversations.

In the workplace, these expressions can help you sound natural and confident when discussing tasks, relationships, or daily routines.

I will introduce you to common phrasal verbs used in work and office life.

Each phrasal verb comes with a simple explanation and examples to help you understand and use them effectively.

1. Carry Out

Meaning: To perform or complete a task or duty.
Example:

The manager asked us to carry out a customer satisfaction survey.
She will carry out the inspection tomorrow.

2. Set Up

Meaning: To establish or arrange something.
Example:

We need to set up a meeting with the client.
The IT team will set up your new computer.

3. Follow Up

Meaning: To check on something or take further action after an initial step.
Example:

Please follow up with the client about their feedback.
I’ll follow up on the email I sent yesterday.

4. Take On

Meaning: To accept a responsibility or task.
Example:

She decided to take on the new project.
I can’t take on any more work right now.

5. Get Ahead

Meaning: To make progress or succeed, especially in your career.
Example:

Hard work and determination can help you get ahead in your career.
He’s doing extra courses to get ahead in the industry.

6. Turn Down

Meaning: To reject or refuse an offer or request.
Example:

I had to turn down the job offer because the salary was too low.
She turned down the proposal for a new project.

7. Put Off

Meaning: To delay or postpone something.
Example:

We can’t put off this decision any longer.
The meeting was put off until next week.

8. Run Out Of

Meaning: To use all of something and have none left.
Example:

We ran out of paper for the printer.
Time is running out; let’s finalize the report.

9. Take Over

Meaning: To assume control or responsibility for something.
Example:

She will take over as team leader next month.
Can you take over this task while I’m on leave?

10. Look Into

Meaning: To investigate or examine something.
Example:

We need to look into the reason for the delay.
The manager is looking into complaints from the staff.

11. Keep Up With

Meaning: To stay at the same level as something or someone.
Example:

It’s important to keep up with industry trends.
He works hard to keep up with deadlines.

12. Go Over

Meaning: To review or check something carefully.
Example:

Let’s go over the report one more time before submitting it.
The trainer went over the safety procedures with the team.

13. Call Off

Meaning: To cancel an event or plan.
Example:

The meeting was called off due to an emergency.
They had to call off the project because of budget issues.

14. Bring Up

Meaning: To mention or introduce a topic in conversation.
Example:

She brought up the issue of overtime during the meeting.
I want to bring up a new idea for the campaign.

15. Fill In

Meaning: To complete or provide information, or to temporarily replace someone.
Example:

Could you fill in this form for me?
She will fill in for the receptionist while she’s on vacation.

16. Hand In

Meaning: To submit something, such as a document or assignment.
Example:

Please hand in your reports by Friday.
I handed in my resignation yesterday.

17. Work On

Meaning: To spend time improving or completing something.
Example:

He’s working on a presentation for the conference.
I need to work on my communication skills.

18. Point Out

Meaning: To highlight or indicate something.
Example:

She pointed out a mistake in the report.
I’d like to point out that this project needs more funding.

19. Step Down

Meaning: To resign from a position or role.
Example:

The CEO has decided to step down after 10 years.
He stepped down as project manager to focus on his health.

20. Break Down

Meaning: To stop working (for machines) or to divide into smaller parts.
Example:

The printer broke down just before the meeting.
Let’s break down the project into smaller tasks.

21. Cut Back

Meaning: To reduce something, such as costs or expenses.
Example:

The company is cutting back on unnecessary expenses.
We need to cut back on our energy consumption.

22. Step Up

Meaning: To take action or responsibility, especially in a difficult situation.
Example:

She stepped up to lead the team when the manager left.
It’s time for everyone to step up and meet the deadline.

23. Clock In/Out

Meaning: To record the time you start or finish work.
Example:

Don’t forget to clock in when you arrive.
I usually clock out at 6 PM.

24. Deal With

Meaning: To handle or manage a situation or task.
Example:

He’s good at dealing with difficult clients.
I’ll deal with the emails after lunch.

25. Hold Up

Meaning: To cause a delay or to remain strong.
Example:

The traffic held up the delivery of the packages.
The proposal is holding up well during discussions.

26. Wrap Up

Meaning: To finish or complete something.
Example:

Let’s wrap up the meeting and review the action items.
She wrapped up her presentation with a Q&A session.

27. Come Up With

Meaning: To think of or create something, like an idea or solution.
Example:

He came up with a brilliant plan for the campaign.
Can you come up with a way to improve efficiency?

28. Keep At

Meaning: To continue working on something, even if it’s difficult.
Example:

Don’t give up; just keep at it!
She’s been keeping at her project despite the challenges.

29. Give In

Meaning: To stop resisting or to agree to something.
Example:

The manager finally gave in to the team’s request for flexible hours.
He didn’t want to, but he gave in to the pressure.

30. Run By

Meaning: To share an idea or plan with someone to get their opinion.
Example:

I’d like to run this idea by you before the meeting.
She ran the changes by her manager for approval.

Final Thoughts

Phrasal verbs are a key part of English communication, especially in the workplace.

By learning and practicing these phrases, you can make your conversations more natural and professional.

Start by using a few in your daily tasks, and soon they’ll become a natural part of your vocabulary.

Happy learning, and don’t forget to keep up with your practice! 😊