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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