10 Phrasal Verbs That Are Useful for Business

Gabriel Ordine
To call back

Definition: to return a phone call

Example: “I called her yesterday and am waiting for her to call back.”
To ask around

Definition: to ask many people the same question

Example: “I will ask around to find out who wants to go to lunch together.”
To come across

Definition: to find unexpectedly

Example: “If you come across my keys while you’re in the break room, please bring them to me.”
To dropby

Definition: to visit briefly; to meet without making an appointment first

Example: “Drop by my office after the meeting so we can discuss this further.”
To figure (something) out

Definition: to find the answer; to understand

Example: “The solution isn’t clear to me right now. I’ll figure it out and give you the answer later.”
To run by/past

Definition: to discuss something with a person for his or her opinion

Example: “Please run it by Arthur. He has done this type of project before and can let you know how it should
look.”
To shop around

Definition: to compare prices for or quality of an item from different sources (similar to ask around)

Example: “Our usual supplier is expensive. Let’s shop around for a better price on the cases.”
To think (something) over

Definition: to consider

Example: “We have several possible plans to think over. We need another day to consider them.”
To write up

Definition: to type on a computer, usually from a rough draft or handwritten notes; to create a complete version

Example: “After the meeting, please write up the minutes and email them to everyone so we know who will do
which tasks this week.”
To zero in on

Definition: to focus closely on

Example: “We can zero in on the candidates for this position during the interviews. Right now we can only see
how talented they are on paper.”