| Phrasal verb | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| follow up | contact again about something | I'll follow up with the client tomorrow. |
| sort out | fix, organise | Can you sort out the roster? |
| run by | check with someone | Let me run it by my manager. |
| catch up | meet to talk | Let's catch up after lunch. |
| get back to | reply later | I'll get back to you by Friday. |
| fill in | complete a form; replace someone | Can you fill in for Sam today? |
| look into | investigate | I'll look into it. |
| set up | arrange, organise | I've set up a meeting for 2 pm. |
| put off | delay | We've put off the launch until May. |
| call off | cancel | The training's been called off. |
| hand over | give responsibility to someone | I'll hand over to the night shift at 7. |
| take on | accept work or responsibility | I can take on that project. |
| bring up | mention | I'll bring it up in the meeting. |
| point out | draw attention to | She pointed out a mistake in the invoice. |
| work out | solve, calculate | We need to work out the costs. |
| come up with | think of an idea | Can you come up with a plan? |
| keep up with | stay at the same level | It's hard to keep up with all the emails. |
| check in | ask how things are going | Just checking in. How's the report going? |
| touch base | briefly contact | Let's touch base next week. |
| knock off | finish work for the day (Aussie) | What time do you knock off? |
| chip in | contribute money or help | We're all chipping in for Jo's farewell gift. |
| step up | take more responsibility | She really stepped up this month. |
| back up | support; copy files | Can you back me up in the meeting? |
| drop off | deliver; decrease | Sales dropped off in winter. |
| wrap up | finish | Let's wrap up the meeting. |
For more everyday workplace language, see workplace English phrases and our slang dictionary.
Frequently asked questions
What are phrasal verbs?
A verb plus a small word that changes its meaning, like 'set up' or 'follow up'.
Which phrasal verbs are common at work?
Follow up, set up, sort out, fill in, hand over, run through and back up.
How can I learn phrasal verbs?
Learn them in context, with an example from your own job, a few at a time.