English Phrasal Verbs
A phrasal verb is a verb followed by a preposition or an adverb.
The combination creates a meaning different from the original verb.
The combination creates a meaning different from the original verb.
Commonly-used phrasal verbs.
Phrasal Verbs relating to BUSINESS
| Phrasal Verb | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Close down | Stop operating; cease business | “The plant will close down at the end of the year." |
| Contract out | Arrange for work to be done elsewhere. | "It would be simpler to contract out the delivery service." |
| Draw up | Prepare a document or plan | "The architect has drawn up plans for the new offices." |
| Fall through | Fail; not happen as planned. | “Let's hope the deal doesn't fall through.” |
| Lay off | Terminate employment | “The factory plans to lay off 100 workers..” |
| Open up | Start doing business | "If you plan to open up a store, a good location is essentiel. "The country has opened up its oil industry to foreign investment." |
| Phase out | Gradually stop or eliminate something | "The product will be phased out before the end of the year." |
| Pull out of | Withdraw; stop being involved | “Our partner pulled out of the deal at the last minute.” |
| Put back | Postpone to a later date. | “The scheduled opening was put back until next month.” |
| Sell off | Sell at a reduced porice | "The shop is selling off all the remaining stock before closing down." |
| Set up | Organize or arrange something | "Let's set up a conference call with our supplier." |
| Sign up (to) | Join something by registering | “Many visitors sign up to our newsletter.” |
| Step down | Resign from a job or position | “The chairman was forced to step down due to bad health.” |
| Take off | Be successful | “The new product took off as soon as it was launched.” |
| Take over | Take control of a company (by buying its shares) | “The group has decided to take over one of its competitors.” |
| Team up (with) | Join forces with someone in order to work together. | “Teaming up with a foreign distributor should help to increase sales. ” |
| Wind up | Finish; bring to an end | “Let's wind up the meeting. It's getting late.” |
| Work out | Find a solution or calculate something. | "The committee tried to work out how to solve the problem.” |
| Write off | Cancel the record of a bad debt | “We’ll never get paid so we’ve decided to write off the debt.” |
More Phrasal Verbs: