Phrasal verbs are idiomatic — you can’t deduce the meaning of a phrasal verb by interpreting each of the words it contains literally. For example, if you say, “I’ll look into the mirror,” you are going to direct your sight to a mirror. In this case, look into is not a phrasal verb; it’s simply a verb followed by a preposition. On the other hand, if you say, “I don’t know what phrasal verbs are, but I’ll look into it,” you are not directing your sight into phrasal verbs—you are going to find out more about them. Let’s take a look at ten common phrasal verbs used in business.

1. To ask around – körbekérdezni, megkérdezni az embereket

Definition: to ask many people the same question

Example: “I will ask around to find out who wants to go to lunch together.” – Körbekérdezek, hogy ki akar együtt ebédelni menni.

2. To call back – visszahívni

Definition: to return a phone call

Example: “I called her yesterday and am waiting for her to call back.” – Felhívtam tegnap, és várom, hogy visszahívjon.

3. To come across – valamire véletlenül ráakadni

Definition: to find unexpectedly

Example: “If you come across my keys while you’re in the break room, please bring them to me.” – Ha netán megtalálod a kulcsaimat a pihenőben, hozd be nekem, kérlek!

4. To drop by – rövid időre beugrani

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.” – A megbeszélés után ugorj be az irodámba, hogy tovább tudjunk beszélgetni erről a dologról.

5. To figure (something) out – megérteni, felfogni, rájönni valamire

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.” – Pillanatnyilag még nem látom tisztán a megoldást. Rá fogok jönni, és később választ adok neked.

6. To run by/past – megbeszélni, valaki véleményét kikérni

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.” – Kérlek, kérd ki Arthur véleményét a dologról! Ő már csinált ilyen típusú projektet, és meg tudja mondani, hogy milyennek kéne lennie.

7. To shop around – körbekérdezni árakkal/áru minőségével kapcsolatban, felmérni az árakat

Definition: to compare prices 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 products.” – A megszokott beszállítónk drága. Nézzünk körül, hátha jobb áron találunk ilyen terméket!

8. To think (something) over – átgondolni

Definition: to consider

Example: “We have several possible plans to think over. We need another day to consider them.” – Sok lehetséges tervet kell átgondolnunk. Még egy napra van szükségünk a mérlegeléshez.

9. To write up – letisztázni, véglegesíteni, begépelni

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 e-mail them to everyone so we know who will do which tasks this week.” – A megbeszélés után kérlek, hogy gépeld be a jegyzőkönyvet, és küldd el mindenkinek e-mailben, hogy tudjuk, ki mit fog csinálni a héten.

10. To zero in on – ráfókuszálni, közelebbről megnézni

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.” – Az interjúk során közelebbről is megvizsgálhatjuk az állásra jelentkezőket. Ebben a pillanatban csupán papíron látjuk, hogy ki milyen tehetséges.  

source: grammarly.com

Which phrasal verb would you use in the following sentences?

1. Don’t make a hasty decision. You should ……… all the details first.

2. If you want a real bargain ……… and decide later.

3. I would like to celebrate the birthday of my boss at a very special place. I will …….. to find the best location.

4. You see the overall picture only now. Please ……. on the details as well.

5. Mr Smith has phoned you. He wants you to …….. at your earliest convenience.

6. If you are in town don’t hesitate to ……… .

7. I’ve ……. this piece of information by accident but it has really changed my career.

8. ……… the plan we’ve discussed, please. I can’t seem to read your handwriting.

9. I’ll give you an answer as soon as I …….. what I am supposed to do.

10. Before you start this project, ………. by my boss. He is a real expert.

Key

1. think over

2. shop around

3. ask around

4. zero in

5. call back

6. drop by

7. come across

8. write up

9. figure out

10. run it by

How do you deal with angry customers?

First: Deal with the person’s feelings.

Apologize that the situation has occurred.

–          Could you come over here and discuss this, please?

–          You must be upset.

–          I’m really sorry this happened.

Put yourself in your customer’s place.

Listen to the whole story without interrupting.

Maintain eye contact.

Nod your head.

Show the customer you’re really listening.

Until they’re calm they won’t even hear you.

–          I’m going to do everything to correct the situation.

–          I’m sure we can work it out.

Whatever you do don’t let the customer make you defensive.

She is angry at the situation, not you.

What you want to do is focus the anger.

Ask questions. Questions help control the dialogue and get the information you’ll need later on to solve the problem.

–          Do you mind if I ask you a few questions?

–          When did you buy the shoes?

–          By any chance do you have the receipt?

You understand the customer’s feelings. Now reflect those feelings back to the customer.

Give feedback.

–          You know I can just imagine how frustrating this must be.

Summarize the facts just to be sure you’ve understood them correctly.

Now it’s time to deal with the customer’s problem.

Step number one:

Find out exactly what the customer wants you to do.

–          I want you to give me my money back.

Of course sometimes you can’t do exactly what your customer wants.

If that’s the case you should explain what you can do.

–          I wish we could give you cash refunds, but since the shoes were purchased on sale we can’t do that. But here is what we can do. We can exchange them for another pair, we can give you a credit slip or we can repair them for you at no expense.

Suggest alternate solutions.

Then try to reach an agreement.