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 WORK
| Phrasal Verb | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Back up | Make a copy of something. | Dont forget to back up your files. |
| Bring forward | Move to an earlier date or time. | Can we bring forward the meeting? |
| Call off | Cancel | My interview bas been called off. |
| Close down | Stop doing business. | The shoe factory has closed down. |
| Contract out | Get work done elsewhere. | We contracted out our waste management. |
| Draw up | Prepare a document or plan. | Plans have been drawn up for the new theatre. |
| Fall through | Not happen as planned. | Let's hope the deal doesn't fall through. |
| Fill in (for) | Replace somebody at work. | Jack filled in for Sam when he was ill. |
| Knuckle down | Start to work very hard | Let's knuckle down and finish the project. |
| Lay off | Terminate employment | The company plans to lay off 100 employees. |
| Pencil in | Note a provisional date or time. | The meeting is pencilled in for 9 am next Tuesday. |
| Phase out | Gradually stop | Some companies have decided to phase out the purchase of petrol-driven cars. |
| Pull out of | Withdraw from an agreement | One of the companies pulled out of the deal yesterday. |
| Report back (to someone) | Give some information to someone | Report back to me after the meeting please. |
| Sell off | Sell all or part of a business. | The brewery is selling off several pubs. |
| Sign up | Agree to something by signing | I've signed up for a computer course. |
| Be snowed under | Have too much work to do | I'm snowed under at work these days. |
| Step down | Leave a job to someone else | Mr. Brown stepped down as CEO. |
More Phrasal Verbs: