18 Useful Phrasal Verbs for Work in English

When learning English, understanding phrasal verbs is crucial. Phrasal verbs are phrases that include a verb and another element, like an adverb or a preposition. In this reference, you’ll find a list of essential phrasal verbs for the workplace, complete with meanings and examples.

You’ll explore common terms like “burn out,” “call off,” and “carry out,” and see how to incorporate them into your daily communication at work.

List of Phrasal Verbs for Work

Phrasal Verbs for Work
Phrasal Verbs for Work – Created by 7ESL
  • Burn out
  • Call off
  • Carry out
  • Draw up
  • Fill in for
  • Fill out
  • Follow up
  • Hand in
  • Hand over
  • Knock off
  • Knuckle down
  • Lay off
  • Run by
  • Set up
  • Slack off
  • Take on
  • Take over
  • Work out

Work Phrasal Verbs with Meaning and Examples

When speaking English at work, knowing phrasal verbs can be incredibly helpful. Here are some of the most common work phrasal verbs with their meanings and examples.

Burn out

  • Meaning: To become exhausted or lose enthusiasm for your job.
  • Example: I need to take a break, I’m about to burn out from all this overtime.

Call off

  • Meaning: To cancel something that was previously scheduled.
  • Example: We had to call off the meeting because the boss got sick.

Carry out

  • Meaning: To complete a task or perform a duty.
  • Example: We need to carry out a market analysis before launching the new product.

Draw up

  • Meaning: To create or write a document, such as a report or contract.
  • Example: I’ll draw up a proposal for the new project and send it to the team.

Fill in for

  • Meaning: To temporarily take over someone’s job or responsibilities.
  • Example: Can you fill in for me while I’m on vacation next week?

Fill out 

  • Meaning: To complete a form or document with the required information
  • Example: Please fill out the application form and submit it to HR.

Follow up 

  • Meaning: To take further action or investigate something
  • Example: I need to follow up with the client to see if they are satisfied.

Hand in

  • Meaning: To submit a document or assignment.
  • Example: Don’t forget to hand in your expense report by the end of the week.

Hand over

  • Meaning: To give control or responsibility to someone else
  • Example: The manager handed over the project to the new team leader.

Knock off

  • Meaning: To finish work for the day.
  • Example: Let’s knock off early today and grab a drink after work.

Knuckle down

  • Meaning: To start working hard and focused on a task.
  • Example: We need to knuckle down and finish this project before the deadline.

Lay off

  • Meaning: To terminate someone’s employment due to economic reasons.
  • Example: The company had to lay off several employees due to budget cuts.

Run by

  • Meaning: To ask someone for their opinion or approval.
  • Example: I’ll run the proposal by the boss before we present it to the client.

Set up 

  • Meaning: To establish or arrange something
  • Example: We need to set up a meeting to discuss the project.

Slack off

  • Meaning: To work less or be less productive than usual.
  • Example: Don’t slack off just because it’s Friday afternoon.

Step up

  • Meaning: To increase one’s efforts or take on more responsibility
  • Example: We need to step up our efforts to meet the deadline.

Take on

  • Meaning: To accept a job or responsibility.
  • Example: I’m excited to take on this new project and learn new skills.

Take over

  • Meaning: To assume control or responsibility for something.
  • Example: The new CEO will take over the company next month.

Work out

  • Meaning: To solve a problem or reach a successful conclusion.
  • Example: We need to work out a solution to the customer’s complaint as soon as possible.
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