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English phrasal verbs with "up"

Here are some common English phrasal verbs that you can use in business situations. All these phrasal verbs use "up".

Build up = to make a business bigger, to develop contacts or a presence in the market: "We have built up the business over the years and it now employs over 20 people."

Come up = happen unexpectedly: "I'm afraid I can't make the meeting tomorrow. Something has come up."

Divide up = distribute : "We can divide up the commission among the sales staff."

Drive up = force up the prices or costs: "The uncertainty in the markets is driving up labour costs."

Meet up = make an arrangement to meet: "What time should we meet up on Wednesday?"

Open up = make a new market accessible: "The new laws have opened up trade in many markets."

Pass up = to not take an opportunity: "We can't pass up this chance of increasing productivity."

Set up = establish a company or arrange a meeting: "They set up the company in 1999."
"I've set up a meeting between you and the suppliers for 11 am tomorrow."

Start up = to start something new: "They've started up a new division in Southern Europe."
(A start up is a new company, often internet-based.)

Write up = write a report or minutes: "It'll take him at least a week to write up his findings."

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9 comments on “English phrasal verbs with "up"”

Walter Embalsado

I see some sentences where "up" is placed between 2 or 3 words.

For example: I will go ahead and place your TV up for sale.

When and where do we use the word "up"?

Thanks.

I'd say "put it up for sale" but not "place it up". To "put something up for".. (sale) means to offer it for sale.

constantin

I searched years to find these small words -Phrasal verbs-and what they mean, finally it became. thanks

naidu

The other two verbs we hear very common are "give up" and "catch up".

Torch

This really helpful. Thanks.
I wonder if there is some trick to help guess the meaning of phrasal verbs, because they are so many that it's hard to remember them all.
Thanks again!

Clare

Torch ยป Sorry, but I haven't come across one! Some phrasal verbs are more logical than others: turn up the volume / turn down the volume; but others you have to learn.

Melody

Interesting….

Popeye

Keep it up!

Ronald

'Looking up"

Meaning: getting better

I hope everything is looking up for you and your family.

vani

its very usefull & intresting…

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