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©Angela Boothroyd www.online-english-lessons.eu and www.studyingonline.co.uk Page 1
50 PHRASAL VERBS FOR WORK AND
BUSINESS
PHRASAL VERBS THAT ARE FREQUENTLY USED IN BUSINESS
AND WORK CONTEXTS
©Angela Boothroyd www.online-english-lessons.eu and www.studyingonline.co.uk Page 2
CONTENTS
back up...........................................................................................................................................................................................4
bail out ...........................................................................................................................................................................................4
book up..........................................................................................................................................................................................5
bring forward............................................................................................................................................................................6
bring off.........................................................................................................................................................................................6
burn out.........................................................................................................................................................................................7
call back.........................................................................................................................................................................................7
cash in on......................................................................................................................................................................................8
cash up............................................................................................................................................................................................8
close down...................................................................................................................................................................................9
contract out to...........................................................................................................................................................................9
copy in somebody................................................................................................................................................................10
draw up.......................................................................................................................................................................................11
drum up......................................................................................................................................................................................11
fall through...............................................................................................................................................................................12
fill in for somebody.............................................................................................................................................................13
get ahead....................................................................................................................................................................................13
hack into.....................................................................................................................................................................................14
hire out........................................................................................................................................................................................14
key in............................................................................................................................................................................................15
knuckle down.........................................................................................................................................................................16
lay off............................................................................................................................................................................................16
measure up...............................................................................................................................................................................17
meet up.......................................................................................................................................................................................17
note down .................................................................................................................................................................................18
pencil in......................................................................................................................................................................................18
phone up....................................................................................................................................................................................19
pick up.........................................................................................................................................................................................19
pull out of something.........................................................................................................................................................20
Report Back .............................................................................................................................................................................20
rip off............................................................................................................................................................................................21
run by / past............................................................................................................................................................................22
sell off...........................................................................................................................................................................................22
sell out.........................................................................................................................................................................................23
sell up...........................................................................................................................................................................................23
shop around.............................................................................................................................................................................24
©Angela Boothroyd www.online-english-lessons.eu and www.studyingonline.co.uk Page 3
sign up .........................................................................................................................................................................................24
smarten up ...............................................................................................................................................................................25
Be snowed under..................................................................................................................................................................26
stay behind...............................................................................................................................................................................27
Step Down.................................................................................................................................................................................27
step up.........................................................................................................................................................................................28
stock up.......................................................................................................................................................................................28
Take over (1) ..........................................................................................................................................................................29
Take over (2) ..........................................................................................................................................................................29
Talk Over ...................................................................................................................................................................................30
team up.......................................................................................................................................................................................30
wind up.......................................................................................................................................................................................31
write off ......................................................................................................................................................................................31
write up ......................................................................................................................................................................................32
©Angela Boothroyd www.online-english-lessons.eu and www.studyingonline.co.uk Page 4
BACK UP
To back up something (or back something up) is to make a copy of
information on a computer (for example, files and programmes) so that you
do not lose it.
Examples of use:
a) Remember to back up your files.
b) We lost all our work because we didn’t back it up.
c) My computer isn’t working. I’m glad I backed up all my files.
infinitive back up
present simple back up and backs up
-ing form backing up
past simple backed up
past participle backed up
BAIL OUT
1. To bail out somebody or something (or bail somebody or something
out) is to help a person or business in difficulty (especially financial
difficulties).
Examples of use:
a) The government used tax payers' money to bail out the big banks.
b) News headline: Charity millions to bail out Scottish galleries and
museums.
c) The airline was bailed out by its shareholders.
2. To bail out of something is to escape from a difficult situation, often
leaving other people in a difficult situation by doing so.
©Angela Boothroyd www.online-english-lessons.eu and www.studyingonline.co.uk Page 5
Examples of use:
a) The printing firm have bailed out of their contract with us.
b) Marko said he would help us set up the new business, but he has bailed
out.
In UK English, bail out is also spelt bale out.
infinitive bail out
present simple bail out and bails out
-ing form bailing out
past simple bailed out
past participle bailed out
BOOK UP
When a person, place or event is booked up they have no spare time or
space.
Always passive.
Examples of use:
a) The Hilton Hotel is booked up; we'll have to stay somewhere else.
b) Mrs Ingles is booked up for February, but I can make you an
appointment for March.
c) He is always booked up when I try to see him.
©Angela Boothroyd www.online-english-lessons.eu and www.studyingonline.co.uk Page 6
BRING FORWARD
To bring something forward (or bring forward something) is to change
its date or time so that it happens earlier than planned.
Examples of use:
a) Next week’s training session has been brought forward to Friday
afternoon.
b) Can you bring the meeting forward a week?
c) They have brought my interview forward to tomorrow!
infinitive bring forward
present simple bring forward and brings forward
-ing form bringing forward
past simple brought forward
past participle brought forward
BRING OFF
To bring off something (or bring something off) is to succeed in achieving
something difficult.
Examples of use:
a) Your new Manager has promised to increase turnover by 40%. Do you
really think he can bring it off?
b) They successfully brought off their plans to relocate the company to
Malaysia.
c) We need to increase our profits by 20% by April 2012. I'm not sure we
can bring it off.
infinitive bring off
present simple bring off and brings off
-ing form bringing off
past simple brought off
past participle brought off
©Angela Boothroyd www.online-english-lessons.eu and www.studyingonline.co.uk Page 7
BURN OUT
To burn out is to become extremely tired or ill because of too much work
or stress.
Examples of use:
a) You'll burn out if you keep working such long hours without a holiday.
b) He burned himself out because he worked too hard.
c) She had a very stressful job and was burnt out within a year.
infinitive burn out
present simple burn out and burns out
-ing form burning out
past simple burned out or burnt out
past participle burned out or burnt out
CALL BACK
1. If you call back somebody (or call somebody back) you telephone
someone who rang you earlier, or you telephone someone for a second
time.
Examples of use:
a) Mr Evans while you were out: he wants you to call him back.
b) He forgot to book a double room, so he had to call the hotel back.
2. To call back is to return to a place to see somebody again.
Examples of use:
a) I’m sorry, Mrs Bottone is in a meeting. Can you call back this afternoon?
infinitive call back
present simple call back and calls back
-ing form calling back
past simple called back
past participle called back
©Angela Boothroyd www.online-english-lessons.eu and www.studyingonline.co.uk Page 8
CASH IN ON
To cash in on something is to benefit or make money from an event or
situation, often in an unfair way.
Examples of use:
a) BBC News headline: Israelis cash in on Kosher wine trade.
b) Some Londoners cashed in on the Royal Wedding by renting out their
homes.
c) Times Online headline: Investors cash in on BP crisis.
d) Airline companies are cashing in on the demand for cheap flights.
infinitive cash in on
present simple cash in on and cashes in on
-ing form cashing in on
past simple cashed in on
past participle cashed in on
CASH UP
To cash up is to count all the money taken by a shop or business at the end
of the working day. UK and Australian English.
Examples of use:
1. We haven't had a customer for an hour. Let's cash up and go home.
2. He trusts her to cash up every night.
3. When we cashed up we realised we'd had our best day ever in the shop!
4. I hate cashing up before I go home at night. It takes so long!
©Angela Boothroyd www.online-english-lessons.eu and www.studyingonline.co.uk Page 9
infinitive cash up
present simple cash up and cashes up
-ing form cashing up
past simple cashed up
past participle cashed up
CLOSE DOWN
To close down something (or close something down), e.g. a business or
factory, is to close it permanently so that it stops doing business.
Examples of use:
a) The shop was losing money so we closed it down.
b) The bookshop has closed down.
c) He is unemployed because the factory where he worked has closed
down.
infinitive close down
present simple close down and closes down
-ing form closing down
past simple closed down
past participle closed down
CONTRACT OUT TO
1. To contract out something (or contract something out) is to arrange for
another company to do some work instead of your company.
Examples of use:
a) We are contracting out our web design service to a local web designer.
b) Our government has contracted out hospital cleaning services to the
private sector.
c) News headline: Toronto votes to contract out garbage pickup.
©Angela Boothroyd www.online-english-lessons.eu and www.studyingonline.co.uk Page 10
d) They have voted to contract their garbage collection out to private
companies.
2. To contract out of something is to decide not to be included in an official
plan or scheme. British English.
Examples of use:
a) I have contracted out of the company pension plan.
b) You can contract out of the state pension scheme.
infinitive contract out
present simple contract out and contracts out
-ing form contracting out
past simple contracted out
past participle contracted out
COPY IN SOMEBODY
To copy in somebody (or copy somebody in), is to send someone a copy of
an email you are sending to someone else.
Examples of use:
a) Can you copy me in on your staff emails, please?
b) Would you like me to copy you in on all my official correspondence?
c) I’ll send a copy of the meeting notes to Mr Schweizer, and copy you in.
d) Have you been copied in on the office memos?
infinitive copy in
present simple copy in and copies in
-ing form copying in
past simple copied in
past participle copied in
©Angela Boothroyd www.online-english-lessons.eu and www.studyingonline.co.uk Page 11
DRAW UP
To draw up something (or draw something up) is to prepare a document
or plan.
Examples of use:
a) I've drawn up an employment contract for you to sign.
b) The architect has drawn up plans for our new building.
c) News headline: Government urged to draw up poverty plan.
d) We must draw up a financial plan for the business for 2012.
infinitive draw up
present simple draw up and draws up
-ing form drawing up
past simple drew up
participle drawn up
DRUM UP
To drum up something is to try and increase interest in something, or
support for something.
Examples of use:
a) Our marketing team is drumming up interest in our new product.
b) He's trying to drum up more email subscribers to his new blog.
c) We drummed up lots of new customers with our special offers.
d) We need to drum up some new business or we will go bankrupt.
e) Can you drum up support from the workers for the new working hours?
f) News headline: China sends its Tibetan specialist to drum up trade
opportunities.
©Angela Boothroyd www.online-english-lessons.eu and www.studyingonline.co.uk Page 12
infinitive drum up
present simple drum up and drums up
-ing form drumming up
past simple drummed up
past participle drummed up
FALL THROUGH
If a business deal or an arrangement falls through it does not happen.
Examples of use:
a) The sale of the company fell through.
b) Plans to build a new superstore in the town have fallen through.
c) The funding for our new office building has fallen through.
d) I hope the deal doesn’t fall through.
e) News headline: BP’s oil deal with Rosneft falls through.
infinitive fall through
present simple fall through and falls through
-ing form falling through
past simple fell through
past participle fallen through
©Angela Boothroyd www.online-english-lessons.eu and www.studyingonline.co.uk Page 13
FILL IN FOR SOMEBODY
To fill in for somebody is to do their work because they are away.
Examples of use:
a) Can you fill in for me while I’m on holiday?
b) Go and have your lunch break. I’ll fill in for you.
c) Janet is ill. I need someone to fill in for her.
d) Thank you for filling in for me and teaching my class.
infinitive fill in
present simple fill in and fills in
-ing form filling in
past simple filled in
past participle filled in
GET AHEAD
To get ahead is to be successful in your work or your life.
Examples of use:
a) I want to get ahead in my job so I work very long hours.
b) If you want to get ahead in life you must work hard and never give up.
c) She got ahead in her career by going to university and then working
abroad for a year.
infinitive get ahead
present simple get ahead and gets ahead
-ing form getting ahead
past simple got ahead
past participle got ahead
American English is also gotten
ahead
©Angela Boothroyd www.online-english-lessons.eu and www.studyingonline.co.uk Page 14
HACK INTO
To hack into something is to get into someone else's computer system or
online account secretly, and often illegally, in order to look at their
information or do something illegal.
Examples of use:
a) Someone tried to hack into my father's computer yesterday.
b) The office computer was hacked into and all their files have been
deleted.
c) A person who hacks into other people's computers is called a hacker.
d) News headline: 'Foreign spies' hack into Australian PM's computer.
e) They hacked into the Playstation Network and stole customers’
personal data.
infinitive hack into
present simple hack into and hacks into
-ing form hacking into
past simple hacked into
past participle hacked into
HIRE OUT
If you hire out something (or hire something out), you allow someone to
pay you money so that they can use it for a short time. British and
Australian English.
Examples of use:
a) We hire out virtual assistants for small and medium businesses.
b) They hire out gardening machinery on a daily rate.
c) We’re starting a new business hiring out limousines for weddings and
parties.
©Angela Boothroyd www.online-english-lessons.eu and www.studyingonline.co.uk Page 15
d) They wouldn’t hire the DVD out to me because I’m not eighteen.
e) He hires himself out as a chauffeur.
infinitive hire out
present simple hire out and hires out
-ing form hiring out
past simple hired out
past participle hired out
KEY IN
To key in something (or key something in) is to use a keyboard to type
information into a computer or into an electronic system.
Example of use
a) Can you key this data in for me, please?
infinitive key in
present simple key in and keys in
-ing form keying in
past simple keyed in
past participle keyed in
©Angela Boothroyd www.online-english-lessons.eu and www.studyingonline.co.uk Page 16
KNUCKLE DOWN
To knuckle down is to start to work or study very hard.
Examples of use:
a) I'm not very impressed with your work. Knuckle down; or you will have
to leave the company.
b) We all knuckled down and finished the work before the deadline.
c) Our employees should spend less time on Facebook, and knuckle down
and get on with their work.
infinitive knuckle down
present simple knuckle down and knuckles down
-ing form knuckling down
past simple knuckled down
past participle knuckled down
LAY OFF
If a business lays off workers (or lays workers off) it stops employing
them because there is no more work for them to do.
Examples of use:
a) He was laid off six weeks ago.
b) Many companies laid off workers during the recession.
c) News item: The space shuttle engine manufacturer plans to lay off 69
workers at Kennedy Space Center in July.
infinitive lay off
present simple lay off and lays off
-ing form laying off
past simple laid off
past participle laid off
©Angela Boothroyd www.online-english-lessons.eu and www.studyingonline.co.uk Page 17
MEASURE UP
To measure up is to be good enough; to have the necessary abilities, skills
or qualities.
Examples of use:
a) Our office manager has lost her job because her work didn’t measure
up.
b) I’m starting a new job at a law firm today. I hope I measure up to their
expectations.
infinitive measure up
present simple measure up and measures up
-ing form measuring up
past simple measured up
past participle measured up
MEET UP
To meet up is to meet someone, or a group of people, in order to do
something together.
Examples of use:
a) Can we meet meet up for lunch next week to discuss your plans for the
business?
b) The accountant and I are meeting up at 2pm tomorrow to check the
business accounts.
infinitive meet up
present simple meet up and meets up
-ing form meeting up
past simple met up
past participle met up
©Angela Boothroyd www.online-english-lessons.eu and www.studyingonline.co.uk Page 18
NOTE DOWN
To note down something (or note something down) is to write it
somewhere so that you don’t forget it.
Examples of use:
a) Thank you for your phone number, I’ll note it down.
b) Note down Mr Barker’s address and phone number, please.
infinitive note down
present simple note down and notes down
-ing form noting down
past simple noted down
past participle noted down
PENCIL IN
To pencil in something or somebody (or pencil something or somebody
in) means to make a provisional appointment for something to happen (for
example, a meeting).
Examples of use:
a) I’ll pencil our meeting in for the 4th February at 10am. Let me know if
you need to change it.
b) Your meeting with Ms Hu is pencilled in for 2.30pm.
c) Pencil me in for an appointment on Friday morning.
infinitive pencil in
present simple pencil in and pencils in
-ing form UK pencilling in - US penciling in
past simple UK pencilled in - US penciled in
past participle UK pencilled in – US penciled in
©Angela Boothroyd www.online-english-lessons.eu and www.studyingonline.co.uk Page 19
PHONE UP
To phone up somebody (or phone somebody up) is to telephone them.
Examples of use:
a) Phone up Mr Hargreaves and arrange a meeting, please.
b) Max is late. Can you phone him up and ask him where he is?
To ring up somebody (or ring somebody up) means the same as phone up.
infinitive phone up
present simple phone up and phones up
-ing form phoning up
past simple phoned up
past participle phoned up
PICK UP
If something picks up, it increases or improves after a slow start or a bad
period.
Examples of use:
a) Their new business had a slow start but it picked up after a few weeks.
b) I hope business will pick up again soon.
c) Politicians are confident that economic growth is picking up.
d) Consumer spending is picking up.
infinitive pick up
present simple pick up and picks up
-ing form picking up
past simple picked up
past participle picked up
Note: this phrasal verb has many additional meanings
©Angela Boothroyd www.online-english-lessons.eu and www.studyingonline.co.uk Page 20
PULL OUT OF SOMETHING
To pull out of something means to withdraw from an agreement, or stop
taking part in an activity.
Examples of use:
a) They are threatening to pull out of the deal if you don’t sign the
documents today.
b) They agreed to buy the business, but pulled out at the last minute.
c) Our investors are pulling out.
infinitive pull out
present simple pull out and pulls out
-ing pulling out
past simple pulled out
past participle pulled out
REPORT BACK
To report back is to tell someone (usually someone in authority) some
information that you have discovered, or that they have asked you to find
out.
Examples of use:
a) Report back to me when you have finished your research.
b) Can you attend the meeting and report back to me afterwards, please?
infinitive report back
present simple report back and reports back
-ing form reporting back
past simple reported back
past participle reported back
©Angela Boothroyd www.online-english-lessons.eu and www.studyingonline.co.uk Page 21
RIP OFF
1. To rip off somebody (or rip somebody off) is to make them pay too
much money for something.
Informal English.
Examples of use:
a) The travel company ripped us off. The cottage we booked for our
holiday was a wreck.
b) Don't buy a used car from him – he will rip you off.
c) Our elderly neighbour was ripped off by a dishonest builder.
d) News headline: Phone providers 'rip off customers'.
rip-off (noun) something that is overpriced. Informal English.
Examples of use:
a) Credit card interest charges are a rip-off.
b) This hotel is a rip-off.
rip-off (noun) an illegal or poor-quality imitation or copy.
Informal English.
Example of use:
Your jacket is a Ralph Lauren rip-off.
infinitive rip off
present simple rip off and rips off
-ing form ripping off
past simple ripped off
past participle ripped off
©Angela Boothroyd www.online-english-lessons.eu and www.studyingonline.co.uk Page 22
RUN BY / PAST
To run something by someone is to tell them something so that they can
consider it and give their opinion.
This phrasal verb can also be run something past someone.
Examples of use:
a) Your ideas for the business are very interesting; I’ll run them by my
boss.
b) I would like to run these plans by our manager.
infinitive run by / past
present simple run by / past and runs by / past
-ing form running by / past
past simple ran by / past
past participle run by / past
SELL OFF
To sell off a business is to sell all or part of it.
To sell off something (or sell something off) is to sell it at a reduced or low
price because you do not want it or because you need the money.
Examples of use:
a) They sold off their book store chain.
b) They are selling off their stock because the shop is closing next week.
c) The brewery sold off 900 pubs.
d) News headline: The Royal Bank of Scotland is to sell off its branch in
Pakistan.
infinitive sell off
present simple sell off and sells off
-ing form selling off
past simple sold off
past participle sold off
©Angela Boothroyd www.online-english-lessons.eu and www.studyingonline.co.uk Page 23
SELL OUT
To sell out of something is to sell all of it and have no more left for people
to buy.
Examples of use:
a) Can you order more Lady Gaga CDs before we sell out?
b) The new iPhones are selling out everywhere.
c) We have sold out of tickets for tonight’s show.
d) He sells out of his homemade cakes every day.
When all the items for sale in a shop have been sold they are sold-out.
infinitive sell out
present simple sell out and sells out
-ing form selling out
past simple sold out
past participle sold out
SELL UP
To sell up (or sell something up) is to sell a business completely and move
onto something else or somewhere else. Mainly British English.
Examples of use:
a) The restaurant hasn’t made much money for the past two years so we’re
selling up and opening a book shop.
b) News headline: Pierre Cardin ready to sell up at 88.
c) We sold up the company and retired to Spain.
infinitive sell up
present simple sell up and sells up
-ing form selling up
past simple sold up
past participle sold up
©Angela Boothroyd www.online-english-lessons.eu and www.studyingonline.co.uk Page 24
SHOP AROUND
When people shop around, they compare the prices and quality of an item
so that they can choose the best one to buy.
Examples of use:
a) I’m going to shop around for the best price before I buy a new phone.
b) Consumers should shop around before choosing expensive items like
computers.
c) Everyone is shopping around for the best deals.
infinitive shop around
present simple shop around and shops around
-ing form shopping around
past simple shopped around
past participle shopped around
SIGN UP
1. To sign up is to agree to do something, or to take part in something, by
signing one's name.
Examples of use:
a) I've signed up for an English language course.
b) He needs a new job so he has signed up with an employment agency.
c) We signed up to take part in the company’s team-building events
2. To sign up somebody (or sign somebody up) is to hire them to work for
you, or to put their name on a list to receive a service from you or to
become a member of something.
©Angela Boothroyd www.online-english-lessons.eu and www.studyingonline.co.uk Page 25
Examples of use:
a) We have signed 100 teachers up for our new online teaching project .
b) We are thinking about signing up a new office manager.
c) The mobile phone company are signing up thousands of new customers.
infinitive sign up
present simple sign up and signs up
-ing form signing up
past simple signed up
past participle signed up
SMARTEN UP
1. If you smarten up somebody or something (or smarten somebody or
something up) you make them / it look tidier, or more attractive, or
cleaner.
Mainly UK English
Examples of use:
a) You must smarten up for your job interview.
b) They've smartened up our local restaurant with new tables and chairs,
and new carpets.
c) Our office needs smartening up – it hasn't been decorated for over four
years.
d) Your shop looks dull and boring; you must smarten it up if you want
more customers.
2. To smarten up is to improve the way you do things, or to improve your
attitude or behaviour.
Mainly American English.
Informal.
©Angela Boothroyd www.online-english-lessons.eu and www.studyingonline.co.uk Page 26
Example of use:
He was late for work every day for two weeks. His boss told him to
smarten up or leave the company.
infinitive smarten up
present simple smarten up and smartens up
-ing form smartening up
past simple smartened up
past participle smartened up
BE SNOWED UNDER
To be snowed under is to be overwhelmed: to have too much work to do.
Informal English.
Examples of use:
a) She is totally snowed under at work.
b) We're snowed under at work because two members of staff are on
holiday.
c) John started his new business last month and he is snowed under with
orders already.
d) I had a week off work last week, and I've been snowed under ever since.
©Angela Boothroyd www.online-english-lessons.eu and www.studyingonline.co.uk Page 27
STAY BEHIND
To stay behind is to remain in a place when other people leave it
Examples of use:
a) When the conference had finished, we stayed behind to discuss the new
project.
b) Question: Are you going home now?
Answer: No, I'm staying behind to finish this work.
infinitive stay behind
present simple stay behind and stays behind
-ing form staying behind
past simple stayed behind
past participle stayed behind
STEP DOWN
To step down is to leave your job (usually an important job or position),
especially so that someone else can do it.
Often + from or as
Examples of use:
a) Mrs Green is stepping down as chairperson in May.
b) He is under pressure to step down from his role as company CEO.
c) Mr Bean stepped down as the head of department in January.
©Angela Boothroyd www.online-english-lessons.eu and www.studyingonline.co.uk Page 28
STEP UP
To step up something (or step something up) is to do more of an activity,
work harder at it, or increase the level or strength of something in order to
improve a situation.
Examples of use:
a) We’re going to sell out of Christmas puddings long before Christmas if
we don’t step up production.
b) The deadline for the project is next week; we need to step up the
pressure on the staff to work harder.
c) News headline: German businesses to step up hiring and investment.
infinitive step up
present simple step up and steps up
-ing form stepping up
past simple stepped up
past participle stepped up
STOCK UP
To stock up is to buy a lot of something.
Examples of use:
a) The weather forecasters are predicting a long hot summer so we have
stocked up on suncream.
b) News headline: Cubans stock up as prices of hygiene products jump.
infinitive stock up
present simple stock up and stocks up
-ing form stocking up
past simple stocked up
past participle stocked up
©Angela Boothroyd www.online-english-lessons.eu and www.studyingonline.co.uk Page 29
TAKE OVER (1)
To take over something (or take something over) is to get control of a
company.
Examples of use:
a) The bookshop was making big losses when we took it over.
b) Microsoft announced it is taking over Skype.
c) The British chocolate company has been taken over by an American
company.
infinitive take over
present simple take over and takes over
-ing form taking over
past simple took over
past participle taken over
TAKE OVER (2)
To take over something (or take something over) is to start doing
something that someone else was responsible for before you.
Examples of use:
a) Isaac is taking over the business from his father.
b) My daughter is going to take over the accounts.
c) She took over as manager when Mr Hunt retired.
infinitive take over
present simple take over and takes over
-ing form taking over
past simple took over
past participle taken over
©Angela Boothroyd www.online-english-lessons.eu and www.studyingonline.co.uk Page 30
TALK OVER
To talk over something (or talk something over), is to discuss a problem
or situation with someone.
Examples of use:
a) I have been offered a job in Japan. I need to talk it over with my husband
and children.
b) We’re having a meeting to talk over the poor sales figures.
c) We have talked over your future with the company, and decided to offer
you a permanent contract.
infinitive talk over
present simple talk over and talks over
-ing form talking over
past simple talked over
past participle talked over
TEAM UP
To team up is to join another person, or group, in order to do something
together.
Examples of use:
a) News headline: Banks team up for online payment system.
b) The businesses teamed up to provide day care for their workers’
children.
c) We teamed up for the new project.
infinitive team up
present simple team up and teams up
-ing form teaming up
past simple teamed up
past participle teamed up
©Angela Boothroyd www.online-english-lessons.eu and www.studyingonline.co.uk Page 31
WIND UP
1. To wind up something (or wind something up) is to bring it to a
conclusion – to finish it, or prepare to finish it.
Examples of use:
a) It's nearly six o'clock so we'll wind the meeting up now.
b) I’d like to wind up this morning’s presentation by reminding you that
there is a free buffet lunch in Room 201.
2. If a business is wound up it is closed.
Examples of use:
a) The business had massive debts and was officially wound up last month.
b) They voted to wind the company up.
c) The recession has hit us hard and we have to wind up the business.
infinitive wind up
present simple wind up and winds up
-ing form winding up
past simple wound up
past participle wound up
WRITE OFF
If you write off a sum of money you accept that you have lost it, or that it
will not be repaid.
Examples of use:
a) We have written off the printing company’s debt.
b) Why don’t you speak to your bank manager and ask if he will write off
your business overdraft?
©Angela Boothroyd www.online-english-lessons.eu and www.studyingonline.co.uk Page 32
infinitive write off
present simple write off and writes off
-ing form writing off
past simple wrote off
past participle written off
WRITE UP
When you write up something (or write something up) you write it on
paper or type it into a computer, in its finished form – usually from your
notes or a rough draft.
Examples of use:
a) Don't forget to send me your report when you’ve written it up.
b) Have you written up the notes from today's meeting?
infinitive write up
present simple write up and writes up
-ing form writing up
past simple wrote up
past participle written up
Coming soon….
120 Phrasal Verbs for Business and Work
This new Business Phrasal Verbs ebook shows you how to successfully
learn and use 120 important business and work related phrasal verbs.
It includes top tips for the best ways to learn phrasal verbs, plus more than
400 example sentences and 300 quiz questions (with answers), and much
more.
Sign up for my free email newsletter to hear about my new ebooks and
courses; and to get free English language tips and offers.

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50 phrasal-verbs-for-work-and-business

  • 1. ©Angela Boothroyd www.online-english-lessons.eu and www.studyingonline.co.uk Page 1 50 PHRASAL VERBS FOR WORK AND BUSINESS PHRASAL VERBS THAT ARE FREQUENTLY USED IN BUSINESS AND WORK CONTEXTS
  • 2. ©Angela Boothroyd www.online-english-lessons.eu and www.studyingonline.co.uk Page 2 CONTENTS back up...........................................................................................................................................................................................4 bail out ...........................................................................................................................................................................................4 book up..........................................................................................................................................................................................5 bring forward............................................................................................................................................................................6 bring off.........................................................................................................................................................................................6 burn out.........................................................................................................................................................................................7 call back.........................................................................................................................................................................................7 cash in on......................................................................................................................................................................................8 cash up............................................................................................................................................................................................8 close down...................................................................................................................................................................................9 contract out to...........................................................................................................................................................................9 copy in somebody................................................................................................................................................................10 draw up.......................................................................................................................................................................................11 drum up......................................................................................................................................................................................11 fall through...............................................................................................................................................................................12 fill in for somebody.............................................................................................................................................................13 get ahead....................................................................................................................................................................................13 hack into.....................................................................................................................................................................................14 hire out........................................................................................................................................................................................14 key in............................................................................................................................................................................................15 knuckle down.........................................................................................................................................................................16 lay off............................................................................................................................................................................................16 measure up...............................................................................................................................................................................17 meet up.......................................................................................................................................................................................17 note down .................................................................................................................................................................................18 pencil in......................................................................................................................................................................................18 phone up....................................................................................................................................................................................19 pick up.........................................................................................................................................................................................19 pull out of something.........................................................................................................................................................20 Report Back .............................................................................................................................................................................20 rip off............................................................................................................................................................................................21 run by / past............................................................................................................................................................................22 sell off...........................................................................................................................................................................................22 sell out.........................................................................................................................................................................................23 sell up...........................................................................................................................................................................................23 shop around.............................................................................................................................................................................24
  • 3. ©Angela Boothroyd www.online-english-lessons.eu and www.studyingonline.co.uk Page 3 sign up .........................................................................................................................................................................................24 smarten up ...............................................................................................................................................................................25 Be snowed under..................................................................................................................................................................26 stay behind...............................................................................................................................................................................27 Step Down.................................................................................................................................................................................27 step up.........................................................................................................................................................................................28 stock up.......................................................................................................................................................................................28 Take over (1) ..........................................................................................................................................................................29 Take over (2) ..........................................................................................................................................................................29 Talk Over ...................................................................................................................................................................................30 team up.......................................................................................................................................................................................30 wind up.......................................................................................................................................................................................31 write off ......................................................................................................................................................................................31 write up ......................................................................................................................................................................................32
  • 4. ©Angela Boothroyd www.online-english-lessons.eu and www.studyingonline.co.uk Page 4 BACK UP To back up something (or back something up) is to make a copy of information on a computer (for example, files and programmes) so that you do not lose it. Examples of use: a) Remember to back up your files. b) We lost all our work because we didn’t back it up. c) My computer isn’t working. I’m glad I backed up all my files. infinitive back up present simple back up and backs up -ing form backing up past simple backed up past participle backed up BAIL OUT 1. To bail out somebody or something (or bail somebody or something out) is to help a person or business in difficulty (especially financial difficulties). Examples of use: a) The government used tax payers' money to bail out the big banks. b) News headline: Charity millions to bail out Scottish galleries and museums. c) The airline was bailed out by its shareholders. 2. To bail out of something is to escape from a difficult situation, often leaving other people in a difficult situation by doing so.
  • 5. ©Angela Boothroyd www.online-english-lessons.eu and www.studyingonline.co.uk Page 5 Examples of use: a) The printing firm have bailed out of their contract with us. b) Marko said he would help us set up the new business, but he has bailed out. In UK English, bail out is also spelt bale out. infinitive bail out present simple bail out and bails out -ing form bailing out past simple bailed out past participle bailed out BOOK UP When a person, place or event is booked up they have no spare time or space. Always passive. Examples of use: a) The Hilton Hotel is booked up; we'll have to stay somewhere else. b) Mrs Ingles is booked up for February, but I can make you an appointment for March. c) He is always booked up when I try to see him.
  • 6. ©Angela Boothroyd www.online-english-lessons.eu and www.studyingonline.co.uk Page 6 BRING FORWARD To bring something forward (or bring forward something) is to change its date or time so that it happens earlier than planned. Examples of use: a) Next week’s training session has been brought forward to Friday afternoon. b) Can you bring the meeting forward a week? c) They have brought my interview forward to tomorrow! infinitive bring forward present simple bring forward and brings forward -ing form bringing forward past simple brought forward past participle brought forward BRING OFF To bring off something (or bring something off) is to succeed in achieving something difficult. Examples of use: a) Your new Manager has promised to increase turnover by 40%. Do you really think he can bring it off? b) They successfully brought off their plans to relocate the company to Malaysia. c) We need to increase our profits by 20% by April 2012. I'm not sure we can bring it off. infinitive bring off present simple bring off and brings off -ing form bringing off past simple brought off past participle brought off
  • 7. ©Angela Boothroyd www.online-english-lessons.eu and www.studyingonline.co.uk Page 7 BURN OUT To burn out is to become extremely tired or ill because of too much work or stress. Examples of use: a) You'll burn out if you keep working such long hours without a holiday. b) He burned himself out because he worked too hard. c) She had a very stressful job and was burnt out within a year. infinitive burn out present simple burn out and burns out -ing form burning out past simple burned out or burnt out past participle burned out or burnt out CALL BACK 1. If you call back somebody (or call somebody back) you telephone someone who rang you earlier, or you telephone someone for a second time. Examples of use: a) Mr Evans while you were out: he wants you to call him back. b) He forgot to book a double room, so he had to call the hotel back. 2. To call back is to return to a place to see somebody again. Examples of use: a) I’m sorry, Mrs Bottone is in a meeting. Can you call back this afternoon? infinitive call back present simple call back and calls back -ing form calling back past simple called back past participle called back
  • 8. ©Angela Boothroyd www.online-english-lessons.eu and www.studyingonline.co.uk Page 8 CASH IN ON To cash in on something is to benefit or make money from an event or situation, often in an unfair way. Examples of use: a) BBC News headline: Israelis cash in on Kosher wine trade. b) Some Londoners cashed in on the Royal Wedding by renting out their homes. c) Times Online headline: Investors cash in on BP crisis. d) Airline companies are cashing in on the demand for cheap flights. infinitive cash in on present simple cash in on and cashes in on -ing form cashing in on past simple cashed in on past participle cashed in on CASH UP To cash up is to count all the money taken by a shop or business at the end of the working day. UK and Australian English. Examples of use: 1. We haven't had a customer for an hour. Let's cash up and go home. 2. He trusts her to cash up every night. 3. When we cashed up we realised we'd had our best day ever in the shop! 4. I hate cashing up before I go home at night. It takes so long!
  • 9. ©Angela Boothroyd www.online-english-lessons.eu and www.studyingonline.co.uk Page 9 infinitive cash up present simple cash up and cashes up -ing form cashing up past simple cashed up past participle cashed up CLOSE DOWN To close down something (or close something down), e.g. a business or factory, is to close it permanently so that it stops doing business. Examples of use: a) The shop was losing money so we closed it down. b) The bookshop has closed down. c) He is unemployed because the factory where he worked has closed down. infinitive close down present simple close down and closes down -ing form closing down past simple closed down past participle closed down CONTRACT OUT TO 1. To contract out something (or contract something out) is to arrange for another company to do some work instead of your company. Examples of use: a) We are contracting out our web design service to a local web designer. b) Our government has contracted out hospital cleaning services to the private sector. c) News headline: Toronto votes to contract out garbage pickup.
  • 10. ©Angela Boothroyd www.online-english-lessons.eu and www.studyingonline.co.uk Page 10 d) They have voted to contract their garbage collection out to private companies. 2. To contract out of something is to decide not to be included in an official plan or scheme. British English. Examples of use: a) I have contracted out of the company pension plan. b) You can contract out of the state pension scheme. infinitive contract out present simple contract out and contracts out -ing form contracting out past simple contracted out past participle contracted out COPY IN SOMEBODY To copy in somebody (or copy somebody in), is to send someone a copy of an email you are sending to someone else. Examples of use: a) Can you copy me in on your staff emails, please? b) Would you like me to copy you in on all my official correspondence? c) I’ll send a copy of the meeting notes to Mr Schweizer, and copy you in. d) Have you been copied in on the office memos? infinitive copy in present simple copy in and copies in -ing form copying in past simple copied in past participle copied in
  • 11. ©Angela Boothroyd www.online-english-lessons.eu and www.studyingonline.co.uk Page 11 DRAW UP To draw up something (or draw something up) is to prepare a document or plan. Examples of use: a) I've drawn up an employment contract for you to sign. b) The architect has drawn up plans for our new building. c) News headline: Government urged to draw up poverty plan. d) We must draw up a financial plan for the business for 2012. infinitive draw up present simple draw up and draws up -ing form drawing up past simple drew up participle drawn up DRUM UP To drum up something is to try and increase interest in something, or support for something. Examples of use: a) Our marketing team is drumming up interest in our new product. b) He's trying to drum up more email subscribers to his new blog. c) We drummed up lots of new customers with our special offers. d) We need to drum up some new business or we will go bankrupt. e) Can you drum up support from the workers for the new working hours? f) News headline: China sends its Tibetan specialist to drum up trade opportunities.
  • 12. ©Angela Boothroyd www.online-english-lessons.eu and www.studyingonline.co.uk Page 12 infinitive drum up present simple drum up and drums up -ing form drumming up past simple drummed up past participle drummed up FALL THROUGH If a business deal or an arrangement falls through it does not happen. Examples of use: a) The sale of the company fell through. b) Plans to build a new superstore in the town have fallen through. c) The funding for our new office building has fallen through. d) I hope the deal doesn’t fall through. e) News headline: BP’s oil deal with Rosneft falls through. infinitive fall through present simple fall through and falls through -ing form falling through past simple fell through past participle fallen through
  • 13. ©Angela Boothroyd www.online-english-lessons.eu and www.studyingonline.co.uk Page 13 FILL IN FOR SOMEBODY To fill in for somebody is to do their work because they are away. Examples of use: a) Can you fill in for me while I’m on holiday? b) Go and have your lunch break. I’ll fill in for you. c) Janet is ill. I need someone to fill in for her. d) Thank you for filling in for me and teaching my class. infinitive fill in present simple fill in and fills in -ing form filling in past simple filled in past participle filled in GET AHEAD To get ahead is to be successful in your work or your life. Examples of use: a) I want to get ahead in my job so I work very long hours. b) If you want to get ahead in life you must work hard and never give up. c) She got ahead in her career by going to university and then working abroad for a year. infinitive get ahead present simple get ahead and gets ahead -ing form getting ahead past simple got ahead past participle got ahead American English is also gotten ahead
  • 14. ©Angela Boothroyd www.online-english-lessons.eu and www.studyingonline.co.uk Page 14 HACK INTO To hack into something is to get into someone else's computer system or online account secretly, and often illegally, in order to look at their information or do something illegal. Examples of use: a) Someone tried to hack into my father's computer yesterday. b) The office computer was hacked into and all their files have been deleted. c) A person who hacks into other people's computers is called a hacker. d) News headline: 'Foreign spies' hack into Australian PM's computer. e) They hacked into the Playstation Network and stole customers’ personal data. infinitive hack into present simple hack into and hacks into -ing form hacking into past simple hacked into past participle hacked into HIRE OUT If you hire out something (or hire something out), you allow someone to pay you money so that they can use it for a short time. British and Australian English. Examples of use: a) We hire out virtual assistants for small and medium businesses. b) They hire out gardening machinery on a daily rate. c) We’re starting a new business hiring out limousines for weddings and parties.
  • 15. ©Angela Boothroyd www.online-english-lessons.eu and www.studyingonline.co.uk Page 15 d) They wouldn’t hire the DVD out to me because I’m not eighteen. e) He hires himself out as a chauffeur. infinitive hire out present simple hire out and hires out -ing form hiring out past simple hired out past participle hired out KEY IN To key in something (or key something in) is to use a keyboard to type information into a computer or into an electronic system. Example of use a) Can you key this data in for me, please? infinitive key in present simple key in and keys in -ing form keying in past simple keyed in past participle keyed in
  • 16. ©Angela Boothroyd www.online-english-lessons.eu and www.studyingonline.co.uk Page 16 KNUCKLE DOWN To knuckle down is to start to work or study very hard. Examples of use: a) I'm not very impressed with your work. Knuckle down; or you will have to leave the company. b) We all knuckled down and finished the work before the deadline. c) Our employees should spend less time on Facebook, and knuckle down and get on with their work. infinitive knuckle down present simple knuckle down and knuckles down -ing form knuckling down past simple knuckled down past participle knuckled down LAY OFF If a business lays off workers (or lays workers off) it stops employing them because there is no more work for them to do. Examples of use: a) He was laid off six weeks ago. b) Many companies laid off workers during the recession. c) News item: The space shuttle engine manufacturer plans to lay off 69 workers at Kennedy Space Center in July. infinitive lay off present simple lay off and lays off -ing form laying off past simple laid off past participle laid off
  • 17. ©Angela Boothroyd www.online-english-lessons.eu and www.studyingonline.co.uk Page 17 MEASURE UP To measure up is to be good enough; to have the necessary abilities, skills or qualities. Examples of use: a) Our office manager has lost her job because her work didn’t measure up. b) I’m starting a new job at a law firm today. I hope I measure up to their expectations. infinitive measure up present simple measure up and measures up -ing form measuring up past simple measured up past participle measured up MEET UP To meet up is to meet someone, or a group of people, in order to do something together. Examples of use: a) Can we meet meet up for lunch next week to discuss your plans for the business? b) The accountant and I are meeting up at 2pm tomorrow to check the business accounts. infinitive meet up present simple meet up and meets up -ing form meeting up past simple met up past participle met up
  • 18. ©Angela Boothroyd www.online-english-lessons.eu and www.studyingonline.co.uk Page 18 NOTE DOWN To note down something (or note something down) is to write it somewhere so that you don’t forget it. Examples of use: a) Thank you for your phone number, I’ll note it down. b) Note down Mr Barker’s address and phone number, please. infinitive note down present simple note down and notes down -ing form noting down past simple noted down past participle noted down PENCIL IN To pencil in something or somebody (or pencil something or somebody in) means to make a provisional appointment for something to happen (for example, a meeting). Examples of use: a) I’ll pencil our meeting in for the 4th February at 10am. Let me know if you need to change it. b) Your meeting with Ms Hu is pencilled in for 2.30pm. c) Pencil me in for an appointment on Friday morning. infinitive pencil in present simple pencil in and pencils in -ing form UK pencilling in - US penciling in past simple UK pencilled in - US penciled in past participle UK pencilled in – US penciled in
  • 19. ©Angela Boothroyd www.online-english-lessons.eu and www.studyingonline.co.uk Page 19 PHONE UP To phone up somebody (or phone somebody up) is to telephone them. Examples of use: a) Phone up Mr Hargreaves and arrange a meeting, please. b) Max is late. Can you phone him up and ask him where he is? To ring up somebody (or ring somebody up) means the same as phone up. infinitive phone up present simple phone up and phones up -ing form phoning up past simple phoned up past participle phoned up PICK UP If something picks up, it increases or improves after a slow start or a bad period. Examples of use: a) Their new business had a slow start but it picked up after a few weeks. b) I hope business will pick up again soon. c) Politicians are confident that economic growth is picking up. d) Consumer spending is picking up. infinitive pick up present simple pick up and picks up -ing form picking up past simple picked up past participle picked up Note: this phrasal verb has many additional meanings
  • 20. ©Angela Boothroyd www.online-english-lessons.eu and www.studyingonline.co.uk Page 20 PULL OUT OF SOMETHING To pull out of something means to withdraw from an agreement, or stop taking part in an activity. Examples of use: a) They are threatening to pull out of the deal if you don’t sign the documents today. b) They agreed to buy the business, but pulled out at the last minute. c) Our investors are pulling out. infinitive pull out present simple pull out and pulls out -ing pulling out past simple pulled out past participle pulled out REPORT BACK To report back is to tell someone (usually someone in authority) some information that you have discovered, or that they have asked you to find out. Examples of use: a) Report back to me when you have finished your research. b) Can you attend the meeting and report back to me afterwards, please? infinitive report back present simple report back and reports back -ing form reporting back past simple reported back past participle reported back
  • 21. ©Angela Boothroyd www.online-english-lessons.eu and www.studyingonline.co.uk Page 21 RIP OFF 1. To rip off somebody (or rip somebody off) is to make them pay too much money for something. Informal English. Examples of use: a) The travel company ripped us off. The cottage we booked for our holiday was a wreck. b) Don't buy a used car from him – he will rip you off. c) Our elderly neighbour was ripped off by a dishonest builder. d) News headline: Phone providers 'rip off customers'. rip-off (noun) something that is overpriced. Informal English. Examples of use: a) Credit card interest charges are a rip-off. b) This hotel is a rip-off. rip-off (noun) an illegal or poor-quality imitation or copy. Informal English. Example of use: Your jacket is a Ralph Lauren rip-off. infinitive rip off present simple rip off and rips off -ing form ripping off past simple ripped off past participle ripped off
  • 22. ©Angela Boothroyd www.online-english-lessons.eu and www.studyingonline.co.uk Page 22 RUN BY / PAST To run something by someone is to tell them something so that they can consider it and give their opinion. This phrasal verb can also be run something past someone. Examples of use: a) Your ideas for the business are very interesting; I’ll run them by my boss. b) I would like to run these plans by our manager. infinitive run by / past present simple run by / past and runs by / past -ing form running by / past past simple ran by / past past participle run by / past SELL OFF To sell off a business is to sell all or part of it. To sell off something (or sell something off) is to sell it at a reduced or low price because you do not want it or because you need the money. Examples of use: a) They sold off their book store chain. b) They are selling off their stock because the shop is closing next week. c) The brewery sold off 900 pubs. d) News headline: The Royal Bank of Scotland is to sell off its branch in Pakistan. infinitive sell off present simple sell off and sells off -ing form selling off past simple sold off past participle sold off
  • 23. ©Angela Boothroyd www.online-english-lessons.eu and www.studyingonline.co.uk Page 23 SELL OUT To sell out of something is to sell all of it and have no more left for people to buy. Examples of use: a) Can you order more Lady Gaga CDs before we sell out? b) The new iPhones are selling out everywhere. c) We have sold out of tickets for tonight’s show. d) He sells out of his homemade cakes every day. When all the items for sale in a shop have been sold they are sold-out. infinitive sell out present simple sell out and sells out -ing form selling out past simple sold out past participle sold out SELL UP To sell up (or sell something up) is to sell a business completely and move onto something else or somewhere else. Mainly British English. Examples of use: a) The restaurant hasn’t made much money for the past two years so we’re selling up and opening a book shop. b) News headline: Pierre Cardin ready to sell up at 88. c) We sold up the company and retired to Spain. infinitive sell up present simple sell up and sells up -ing form selling up past simple sold up past participle sold up
  • 24. ©Angela Boothroyd www.online-english-lessons.eu and www.studyingonline.co.uk Page 24 SHOP AROUND When people shop around, they compare the prices and quality of an item so that they can choose the best one to buy. Examples of use: a) I’m going to shop around for the best price before I buy a new phone. b) Consumers should shop around before choosing expensive items like computers. c) Everyone is shopping around for the best deals. infinitive shop around present simple shop around and shops around -ing form shopping around past simple shopped around past participle shopped around SIGN UP 1. To sign up is to agree to do something, or to take part in something, by signing one's name. Examples of use: a) I've signed up for an English language course. b) He needs a new job so he has signed up with an employment agency. c) We signed up to take part in the company’s team-building events 2. To sign up somebody (or sign somebody up) is to hire them to work for you, or to put their name on a list to receive a service from you or to become a member of something.
  • 25. ©Angela Boothroyd www.online-english-lessons.eu and www.studyingonline.co.uk Page 25 Examples of use: a) We have signed 100 teachers up for our new online teaching project . b) We are thinking about signing up a new office manager. c) The mobile phone company are signing up thousands of new customers. infinitive sign up present simple sign up and signs up -ing form signing up past simple signed up past participle signed up SMARTEN UP 1. If you smarten up somebody or something (or smarten somebody or something up) you make them / it look tidier, or more attractive, or cleaner. Mainly UK English Examples of use: a) You must smarten up for your job interview. b) They've smartened up our local restaurant with new tables and chairs, and new carpets. c) Our office needs smartening up – it hasn't been decorated for over four years. d) Your shop looks dull and boring; you must smarten it up if you want more customers. 2. To smarten up is to improve the way you do things, or to improve your attitude or behaviour. Mainly American English. Informal.
  • 26. ©Angela Boothroyd www.online-english-lessons.eu and www.studyingonline.co.uk Page 26 Example of use: He was late for work every day for two weeks. His boss told him to smarten up or leave the company. infinitive smarten up present simple smarten up and smartens up -ing form smartening up past simple smartened up past participle smartened up BE SNOWED UNDER To be snowed under is to be overwhelmed: to have too much work to do. Informal English. Examples of use: a) She is totally snowed under at work. b) We're snowed under at work because two members of staff are on holiday. c) John started his new business last month and he is snowed under with orders already. d) I had a week off work last week, and I've been snowed under ever since.
  • 27. ©Angela Boothroyd www.online-english-lessons.eu and www.studyingonline.co.uk Page 27 STAY BEHIND To stay behind is to remain in a place when other people leave it Examples of use: a) When the conference had finished, we stayed behind to discuss the new project. b) Question: Are you going home now? Answer: No, I'm staying behind to finish this work. infinitive stay behind present simple stay behind and stays behind -ing form staying behind past simple stayed behind past participle stayed behind STEP DOWN To step down is to leave your job (usually an important job or position), especially so that someone else can do it. Often + from or as Examples of use: a) Mrs Green is stepping down as chairperson in May. b) He is under pressure to step down from his role as company CEO. c) Mr Bean stepped down as the head of department in January.
  • 28. ©Angela Boothroyd www.online-english-lessons.eu and www.studyingonline.co.uk Page 28 STEP UP To step up something (or step something up) is to do more of an activity, work harder at it, or increase the level or strength of something in order to improve a situation. Examples of use: a) We’re going to sell out of Christmas puddings long before Christmas if we don’t step up production. b) The deadline for the project is next week; we need to step up the pressure on the staff to work harder. c) News headline: German businesses to step up hiring and investment. infinitive step up present simple step up and steps up -ing form stepping up past simple stepped up past participle stepped up STOCK UP To stock up is to buy a lot of something. Examples of use: a) The weather forecasters are predicting a long hot summer so we have stocked up on suncream. b) News headline: Cubans stock up as prices of hygiene products jump. infinitive stock up present simple stock up and stocks up -ing form stocking up past simple stocked up past participle stocked up
  • 29. ©Angela Boothroyd www.online-english-lessons.eu and www.studyingonline.co.uk Page 29 TAKE OVER (1) To take over something (or take something over) is to get control of a company. Examples of use: a) The bookshop was making big losses when we took it over. b) Microsoft announced it is taking over Skype. c) The British chocolate company has been taken over by an American company. infinitive take over present simple take over and takes over -ing form taking over past simple took over past participle taken over TAKE OVER (2) To take over something (or take something over) is to start doing something that someone else was responsible for before you. Examples of use: a) Isaac is taking over the business from his father. b) My daughter is going to take over the accounts. c) She took over as manager when Mr Hunt retired. infinitive take over present simple take over and takes over -ing form taking over past simple took over past participle taken over
  • 30. ©Angela Boothroyd www.online-english-lessons.eu and www.studyingonline.co.uk Page 30 TALK OVER To talk over something (or talk something over), is to discuss a problem or situation with someone. Examples of use: a) I have been offered a job in Japan. I need to talk it over with my husband and children. b) We’re having a meeting to talk over the poor sales figures. c) We have talked over your future with the company, and decided to offer you a permanent contract. infinitive talk over present simple talk over and talks over -ing form talking over past simple talked over past participle talked over TEAM UP To team up is to join another person, or group, in order to do something together. Examples of use: a) News headline: Banks team up for online payment system. b) The businesses teamed up to provide day care for their workers’ children. c) We teamed up for the new project. infinitive team up present simple team up and teams up -ing form teaming up past simple teamed up past participle teamed up
  • 31. ©Angela Boothroyd www.online-english-lessons.eu and www.studyingonline.co.uk Page 31 WIND UP 1. To wind up something (or wind something up) is to bring it to a conclusion – to finish it, or prepare to finish it. Examples of use: a) It's nearly six o'clock so we'll wind the meeting up now. b) I’d like to wind up this morning’s presentation by reminding you that there is a free buffet lunch in Room 201. 2. If a business is wound up it is closed. Examples of use: a) The business had massive debts and was officially wound up last month. b) They voted to wind the company up. c) The recession has hit us hard and we have to wind up the business. infinitive wind up present simple wind up and winds up -ing form winding up past simple wound up past participle wound up WRITE OFF If you write off a sum of money you accept that you have lost it, or that it will not be repaid. Examples of use: a) We have written off the printing company’s debt. b) Why don’t you speak to your bank manager and ask if he will write off your business overdraft?
  • 32. ©Angela Boothroyd www.online-english-lessons.eu and www.studyingonline.co.uk Page 32 infinitive write off present simple write off and writes off -ing form writing off past simple wrote off past participle written off WRITE UP When you write up something (or write something up) you write it on paper or type it into a computer, in its finished form – usually from your notes or a rough draft. Examples of use: a) Don't forget to send me your report when you’ve written it up. b) Have you written up the notes from today's meeting? infinitive write up present simple write up and writes up -ing form writing up past simple wrote up past participle written up Coming soon…. 120 Phrasal Verbs for Business and Work This new Business Phrasal Verbs ebook shows you how to successfully learn and use 120 important business and work related phrasal verbs. It includes top tips for the best ways to learn phrasal verbs, plus more than 400 example sentences and 300 quiz questions (with answers), and much more. Sign up for my free email newsletter to hear about my new ebooks and courses; and to get free English language tips and offers.