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If you love Business English, these phrasal verbs are perfect for you. Read the definitions and examples. Comment with a sentence and share with your friends.

1. Deal With

Def’n: handle, do business with, be concerned with

Examples:

• Mr. Miller needs to deal with his aggressive client before he can do any other work.
• “It was a pleasure doing business with you, sir.” “Likewise.”
• Yesterday’s meeting dealt with the issue of our declining stocks. 

2. Work On

Def’n: spend time on something, try to persuade someone to do something

Examples:

• You should take a break; you've been working on that proposal all morning.
• I want everyone to attend tonight’s function. I’ll convince Amy and Jill if you work on the boss.

3. Ask Around

Def’n: ask many people the same question

Examples:

• Mrs. Maynor decided not to make the big decision until she asked around for some input.
• Kelly wants to bring peanut brittle to the function tomorrow night, so she’s asking around to see if anyone was allergic.

4. Count On

Def’n: rely on [someone/something]

Examples:

• Bobby is one of our greatest employees. You can always count on him.
• “Don’t worry, sir, I’ll have it finished by 6 pm.” “I’m counting on it, Sally!”

5. Back [Someone] Up

Def’n: support someone

Examples:

• Karen was afraid she might get fired for the mistake she made, but three of her colleagues backed her up.
• “Don’t worry about the presentation. I’ll be there to back you up!”

6. Call [Something] Off

Def’n: cancel

Examples:

• Their boss decided to call off the office Christmas party, as they were too far under budget to afford a celebration.
• Perhaps we should call this business deal off.

7. Think [Something] Over

Def’n: consider

Examples:

• “Can you ask me again later? I need to think it over before I give you an answer.”
• Ms. Jones spent some time thinking her strategy over prior to giving her presentation.

8. Set [Something] Up

Def’n: build a structure, make plans or establish, start a new business

Examples:

• The janitor agreed to set up and take down the chairs and tables for the event.
• “Wendy, could you please set a meeting up with the HR director?”
• I’d like to set up a new webpage for the business I’m starting.

9. Come In

Def’n: enter the office, emails/calls/faxes “come in” when they arrive, join an organization or business

Examples:

• Andrea comes in late everyday; someone should buy her a watch.
• “Tim, has my fax come in yet? I've been waiting for hours!”
• Mr. Jenkins is really hoping to come in on this new business venture.

10. Cut In

Def’n: interrupt

Examples:

• “I was going to ask you, would you mind–” “Sorry to cut in, but I really have to use the toilet. Be right back!”
• Jennifer cut in in the middle of the meeting, disturbing her boss.

11. Give Up

Def’n: stop trying

Examples:

• No matter what you do, never give up!
• “Do you think we should give up on this new plan? It doesn't look too promising.”

Okay…time to practice!

Can you write a sentence using one of these phrasal verbs? Comment below!

Dear Sha thanks for your inputs and encouragement.