Phrasal Verbs for Talking About Work Tasks and Projects

In the workplace, clear and natural communication is essential.

Native English speakers often use phrasal verbs when talking about tasks, projects, deadlines, meetings, and teamwork.

Instead of formal words, they prefer simple expressions like carry out a task, wrap up a project, or hand in a report.

In this lesson, you will learn useful phrasal verbs for talking about work tasks and projects, along with clear meanings and practical example sentences.

These phrasal verbs will help you sound more confident, professional, and natural in meetings, emails, and daily office conversations.

1. Carry Out

When you “carry out” a task, it means you are completing or performing it.

Example: “I need to carry out a report for the meeting tomorrow.”
Usage: This phrasal verb is used when you are responsible for completing a specific task or action.

2. Follow Up

To “follow up” means to take further action after something has been started. It is often used when checking in on progress or reminding someone of an action.

Example: “I will follow up with the client about their concerns.”
Usage: Use “follow up” when you are reviewing, checking, or adding more information to something that has already begun.

3. Set Up

When you “set up” something, you arrange or prepare it for use. It could be a meeting, a project, or an event.

Example: “Can you help me set up the presentation for the meeting?”
Usage: This phrasal verb is often used when starting or organizing a task or event.

4. Work on

To “work on” something means to focus on it, usually for a long period of time. It shows you are putting effort into improving or completing a task.

Example: “I am working on the new marketing strategy.”
Usage: Use “work on” when you are dedicated to finishing or improving a particular task or project.

5. Look Into

To “look into” something means to investigate or research it. It can refer to gathering more information about an issue or task.

Example: “I will look into the issue with the software and get back to you.”
Usage: This is useful when you need to examine something in detail to understand or solve it.

6. Wrap Up

When you “wrap up” a task, you are finishing it or completing it. It’s often used to indicate the final stages of a project or meeting.

Example: “We need to wrap up the meeting by 5 p.m.”
Usage: Use “wrap up” when you are about to complete a task, project, or event.

7. Hand In

To “hand in” something means to submit it, especially a report, assignment, or task.

Example: “Please hand in your reports by Friday.”
Usage: This phrasal verb is commonly used when you are giving your work to someone, usually a supervisor or teacher.

8. Take Over

To “take over” means to take control or responsibility for something. This could happen when someone leaves a role, or when someone else begins managing a task or project.

Example: “I will take over the project while Jane is on vacation.”
Usage: Use “take over” when you are assuming responsibility for a task or project.

9. Deal With

To “deal with” something means to manage or handle it. It could refer to problems, tasks, or responsibilities.

Example: “I need to deal with the customer complaints before the end of the day.”
Usage: This phrasal verb is useful when talking about managing or solving problems at work.

10. Bring Up

To “bring up” means to mention or introduce a topic in a conversation or discussion.

Example: “She brought up the budget issue during the meeting.”
Usage: This is often used when discussing something important, like an idea, issue, or concern.

11. Go Over

When you “go over” something, you review it carefully. It could be a document, plan, or idea that needs checking or re-evaluating.

Example: “Let’s go over the budget before we present it to the client.”
Usage: Use “go over” when you want to double-check or explain something in detail.

12. Take On

To “take on” something means to accept or agree to do a task or responsibility.

Example: “I decided to take on the role of project manager.”
Usage: This phrasal verb is used when you are accepting a challenge, responsibility, or extra work.

13. Call Off

To “call off” means to cancel or stop something that was planned or scheduled.

Example: “The meeting was called off due to the storm.”
Usage: Use “call off” when an event or activity is canceled or postponed.

14. Look After

To “look after” something means to take care of it. This can be a responsibility, task, or person.

Example: “Can you look after the client’s needs while I’m away?”
Usage: This is useful when you are in charge of ensuring something is taken care of or managed.

15. Pull Together

To “pull together” means to work as a team to achieve a goal. It often refers to a group effort to complete a task.

Example: “We need to pull together to finish the project on time.”
Usage: Use this when talking about teamwork and cooperation.

16. Sort Out

To “sort out” means to resolve or organize something. It could be a problem, issue, or task that needs to be dealt with.

Example: “I need to sort out the schedule before we can move forward with the project.”
Usage: Use “sort out” when you need to organize or fix something that is unclear or complicated.

Conclusion

Using phrasal verbs can make your conversations about work tasks and projects more natural and effective.

Whether you’re carrying out tasks, following up with clients, or wrapping up a project, these phrasal verbs will help you express yourself clearly and confidently.

Try incorporating them into your work conversations to sound more fluent and professional.

By practicing these common phrasal verbs, you’ll be able to improve your work-related communication skills and take on new challenges with ease.