Work Lingo Lesson Plan Boost Your Work Lingo
Lesson Plan: Professional Phrasal Verbs
30 MIN SESSION
Adult Learning / ESL
Why it matters
Using phrasal verbs appropriately enhances professionalism and clarity in emails, meetings, and daily conversations, boosting learners’ confidence and effectiveness in the workplace.
Preparation
Review Slide Deck & Handout
Preview Dialogue Cards
Print Worksheet & Answer Key
Objective
Understand and use 7 workplace phrasal verbs by defining each, seeing contextual examples, and completing practice exercises.
Instructional Steps
5m
Warm-Up Discussion
Greet the learner and ask about phrasal verbs they've encountered. List 2 examples and discuss meanings. Transition to the goal of mastering 7 key verbs.
7m
Introduction of Verbs
Display each verb using the Slide Deck . Distribute the Handout for note-taking. Encourage clarifying questions about usage and nuance.
8m
Guided Practice
Hand out Dialogue Cards . Take turns reading brief role-play dialogues and identify the phrasal verbs. Discuss context and alternative meanings.
7m
Independent Practice
Learner completes the Worksheet (matching and fill-in-the-blank). Monitor progress and offer hints without giving answers away immediately.
3m
Wrap-Up & Feedback
Review answers using the Answer Key . Highlight correct usage and clarify doubts. Encourage immediate application in upcoming workplace emails.
Materials Checklist
Work Lingo Slide Deck
Phrasal Verbs Handout
Dialogue Cards
Practice Worksheet
Answer Key
Work Lingo Slides Professional Communication
Boost Your
Work Lingo
7 Essential Phrasal Verbs for Corporate Confidence
30 Minute Session Individual Coaching
Objectives
Define
Understand seven common workplace phrasal verbs.
Analyze
See real-world examples in context (emails and meetings).
Practice
Use them accurately in your own sentences.
follow up
#1 / 7
Definition
To make further contact or provide additional information after an initial communication.
Example
“I’ll follow up with the client after our meeting to confirm their decision.”
Essential for post-meeting actions.
bring up
#2 / 7
Definition
To introduce a topic or raise an issue during a discussion.
Example
“She brought up the budget concerns during the team call.”
Use this to start a new conversation thread.
catch up
#3 / 7
Definition
To reach the same level or get up-to-date information after being away or busy.
Example
“I spent the afternoon catching up on the latest project updates.”
Common after holidays or busy periods.
go over
#4 / 7
Definition
To review, examine, or check details carefully.
Example
“Let’s go over the report before the final presentation.”
Synonym for "review" or "examine".
set up
#5 / 7
Definition
To arrange, organize, or establish something (like a meeting or a system).
Example
“I’ll set up a meeting with the new partner for next Tuesday.”
Used for scheduling and logistics.
look into
#6 / 7
Definition
To investigate, research, or examine the facts about a situation.
Example
“I’ll look into the vendor’s pricing options and report back.”
More professional than just "checking".
turn in
#7 / 7
Definition
To submit a document, report, or assignment to someone.
Example
“Please turn in your expense reports by Friday at noon.”
Common for reports and official paperwork.
Summary Checklist
1
follow up
2
bring up
3
catch up
4
go over
5
set up
6
look into
7
turn in
Pro Tip:
Start using one of these in your next email today. Real usage is the best way to memorize!
Phrasal Verbs Handout Work Lingo Reference
7 Essential Workplace Phrasal Verbs
Phrasal Verb
Definition
Context / Example
follow up
To make contact or provide more info after initial communication.
"I'll follow up with you after the meeting."
bring up
To introduce a topic or raise an issue.
"I need to bring up the budget concerns."
catch up
To reach the same level or get up-to-date.
"I need to catch up on my emails today."
go over
To review or examine details carefully.
"Let's go over the report one more time."
set up
To arrange or organize something (like a call).
"Can you set up a meeting for Friday?"
look into
To investigate or research a situation.
"I'll look into the technical issues."
turn in
To submit a document or assignment.
"Please turn in your timesheet by 5 PM."
Personal Notes & Usage Phrasal Verb Dialogue Cards Dialogue Cards
Guided Practice: Role-Play Scenarios
Scenario A set up / follow up
A: Could you set up a quick Zoom call with the design team for tomorrow?
B: Sure. I'll send the invite now and follow up with an email summary after we finish.
Work Lingo Session
Scenario B bring up / look into
A: Don't forget to bring up the software lag during the board meeting.
B: Good point. I'll ask the IT director to look into the cause of the delay immediately.
Work Lingo Session
Scenario C catch up / go over
A: Since I was out sick, I really need to catch up on the project status.
B: No problem. Let's sit down and go over the meeting notes from yesterday.
Work Lingo Session
Scenario D turn in
A: When is the deadline to turn in the marketing proposal?
B: You need to submit it by Friday afternoon, but sooner is better!
Work Lingo Session
Facilitator Tip
Encourage the learner to act out these roles with natural intonation. After reading, ask them to come up with one similar scenario from their own actual workplace.
Phrasal Verbs Practice Worksheet Work Lingo Practice
Phrasal Verbs in Action
Name:
Date:
1
Match the Meanings
Write the letter of the correct definition on the line next to each verb.
1. follow up
2. bring up
3. catch up
4. go over
5. set up
6. look into
7. turn in
A. To submit a document or assignment.
B. To provide more info after initial contact.
C. To reach the same level or get updated.
D. To review or examine details carefully.
E. To introduce a topic or raise an issue.
F. To arrange or organize something.
G. To investigate or research a situation.
2
Workplace Scenarios
follow up • bring up • catch up • go over • set up • look into • turn in
1. I’ll with you via email next week to confirm our meeting time.
2. She decided to her concerns about the budget during the call.
3. I need to on the latest updates before our briefing.
4. Before we finalize the report, let’s the data for accuracy.
5. Can you a video conference with the client for Friday morning?
6. I’ll possible solutions to the technical issue and report back.
7. Please your completed expense forms by the end of the day.
3
Write Your Own
Write two original workplace sentences using different phrasal verbs. Underline the verb.
Phrasal Verbs Answer Key Answer Key
Work Lingo Practice: Facilitator Guide
TEACHER ONLY
Section 1: Matching
1. follow up B
2. bring up E
3. catch up C
4. go over D
5. set up F
6. look into G
7. turn in A
Quick Hint:
If the learner confuses "look into" with "go over", remind them that "look into" is about finding information (investigating), while "go over" is about reviewing existing information.
Section 2: Scenarios
1. I’ll follow up with you via email next week...
2. She decided to bring up her concerns about the budget...
3. I need to catch up on the latest updates before our briefing.
4. Before we finalize the report, let’s go over the data for accuracy.
5. Can you set up a video conference with the client...
6. I’ll look into possible solutions to the technical issue...
7. Please turn in your completed expense forms...
Scoring Guidelines
Full Credit
Verb is used in correct grammatical form.
Verb is underlined as instructed.
Context is a clear workplace scenario.
Feedback Needed
Meaning is correct but grammar is wrong (e.g., "I turn in it yesterday").
Vague context (e.g., "I will set up.").