In the world of business, being able to negotiate well is a very important skill. Whether you are selling a product or trying to agree on a price, the words you choose matter. Using phrasal verbs for negotiations and sales helps you sound more persuasive and confident. These phrases are used by native speakers to suggest ideas, make compromises, and reach agreements.
Learning these expressions is a great way to improve your English fluency because they show that you understand the “language of business.” If you only use formal words, you might sound too stiff. This guide will help you learn how to use these business English phrasal verbs to get exactly what you want in a professional meeting.
Quick Summary: Top Phrasal Verbs for Negotiations and Sales
| Phrasal Verb | Negotiation Context | Example Sentence |
| Bring down | Lowering a price | “Can you bring down the price per unit?” |
| Back down | Giving up an argument | “They refused to back down on the delivery date.” |
| Hold out | Waiting for a better offer | “We should hold out for a 10 percent discount.” |
| Talk into | Persuading someone | “I managed to talk them into a longer contract.” |
| Close in on | Getting near an agreement | “We are closing in on a final deal.” |
| Go through | To be officially accepted | “The deal finally went through yesterday.” |
1: Starting the Negotiation
When a negotiation starts, you need to find out what the other person wants. You also need to explain your own position.
Lay out (To explain clearly): This means to describe a plan or a set of terms in a simple way.
Example: “Let me lay out our proposal for the new partnership.”
Look into (To investigate): This means to check if a specific deal or term is possible.
Example: “I will look into the shipping costs and tell you tomorrow.”
2: Discussing Terms and Prices
This is the part of the meeting where you talk about the details. If you are a beginner, it is helpful to use the 100 most common English verbs as a base for your sentences.
Bring down (To reduce): This is very common when talking about money. It means to lower the price.
Example: “If we buy more items, can you bring the price down?”
Hold out (To wait): This means to refuse to sign a deal because you hope to get a better offer later.
Example: “The client is holding out for a better interest rate.”
3: Making Compromises and Dealing with Conflict
Sometimes, you will not agree with the other person right away. You need to know how to handle these moments politely using professional phrasal verbs.
Back down (To give up): This means to stop asking for something because you realize you cannot get it.
Example: “Neither side wanted to back down during the argument.”
Smooth over (To resolve): This means to fix a problem or a disagreement so that the deal can continue.
Example: “We need to smooth over the issues regarding the warranty.”
4: Closing the Deal
The end of a negotiation is the most exciting part. You want to make sure the agreement is final.
Close in on (To get near): This means you are very close to finishing the deal.
Example: “We are closing in on a final agreement with the supplier.”
Go through (To be completed): This means a deal or contract is officially accepted and finished.
Example: “We are so happy that the sale finally went through.”
Grammar Tip: Separable vs. Inseparable Phrasal Verbs in Sales
In a fast negotiation, you do not want to make a grammar mistake.
Correct: “The deal went through.” (You cannot say “The deal went the contract through.”)
Separable Verbs: You can split bring down and talk into.
Correct: “Bring down the price” or “Bring the price down.”
Inseparable Verbs: You cannot split go through or back down.
Conclusion
Negotiating and selling in English does not have to be difficult. By using the right phrasal verbs for negotiations and sales, you can communicate your needs clearly and reach better agreements. Whether you are bringing down a price or smoothing over a disagreement, these expressions are your best tools for success.
To reach the next level of fluency, keep practicing these verbs in your daily work. The more you use them, the more natural they will feel. For more business English tips, explore our other articles and test your skills with our quizzes!
