English at Work: 10 Phrasal Verbs for the Office

Introduction

In this tutorial, you will learn 10 essential phrasal verbs commonly used in office environments. Mastering these expressions will enhance your communication skills in English-speaking workplaces, making you more effective in meetings, emails, and daily interactions.

Step 1: Fill Out

• Definition: To complete a form or document.
• Usage:
  • Example: "Did she fill out the registration form?"
  • Practical Tip: Always have a pen and paper ready in meetings to fill out forms as needed.

Step 2: Run Out of

• Definition: To use all of something; there is none left.
• Usage:
  • Example: "The printer ran out of ink."
  • Common Pitfall: Regularly check supplies to avoid running out of essential items like paper and pens.

Step 3: Note Down

• Definition: To write something down, typically important points or information.
• Usage:
  • Example: "Did you note down the main points from the meeting?"
  • Practical Advice: Always bring notetaking materials to meetings to capture key information.

Step 4: Back Up

• Definition: To create a copy of data or files for safekeeping.
• Usage:
  • Example: "Make sure to back up your files."
  • Real-World Application: Use cloud services like Google Drive or external hard drives to back up important documents regularly.

Step 5: Come Up

• Definition: To arise unexpectedly or to happen.
• Usage:
  • Example: "An urgent situation has just come up."
  • Practical Tip: Be prepared for unexpected events in the workplace and have a plan for managing them.

Step 6: Keep Up With

• Definition: To stay informed or maintain pace with developments.
• Usage:
  • Example: "Have you been keeping up with the latest news?"
  • Common Pitfall: Set aside time regularly to catch up on industry trends and updates to stay relevant in your field.

Step 7: Set Up

• Definition: To arrange or establish something.
• Usage:
  • Example: "Can you set up the meeting for next week?"
  • Practical Tip: Confirm all necessary participants and resources before setting up meetings.

Step 8: Go Through

• Definition: To examine or review something in detail.
• Usage:
  • Example: "Let's go through the agenda before the meeting."
  • Real-World Application: Regularly review documents and plans to ensure everyone is aligned.

Step 9: Find Out

• Definition: To discover or learn something.
• Usage:
  • Example: "I will find out the details and get back to you."
  • Practical Tip: Use reliable sources to gather information and verify facts before making decisions.

Step 10: Call Off

• Definition: To cancel something that was planned.
• Usage:
  • Example: "We need to call off the meeting until next week."
  • Common Pitfall: Notify all participants as soon as possible to avoid confusion when canceling plans.

Conclusion

By incorporating these 10 phrasal verbs into your daily office communication, you can improve your English skills and enhance your professional interactions. Practice using these expressions in context to become more comfortable and confident in your workplace conversations.