In the business world, talking to people is just as important as doing your work. Socializing helps you build good relationships with your colleagues and managers. When you feel comfortable talking to others during a coffee break or at a company event, you become a more valued member of the team.
Networking is another key skill for your career. It means meeting new people in your industry to share ideas and find new opportunities. This guide will show you the most common phrasal verbs for small talk and professional networking. Using these phrases will help you start conversations and connect with others in a natural and friendly way.
Quick Summary: Top Phrasal Verbs for Networking
| Phrasal Verb | Social Context | Example Sentence |
| Strike up | Starting a conversation | “I struck up a conversation with the CEO.” |
| Catch up | Talking after a long time | “Let’s catch up over lunch.” |
| Run into | Meeting someone by surprise | “I ran into a client at the cafe.” |
| Join in | Participating in a group | “Please join in our discussion!” |
| Find out | Learning about someone | “I found out he worked in London.” |
| Get along | Having a good relationship | “I get along well with my team.” |
1: Starting a Conversation
Starting a conversation with a stranger or a senior manager can be difficult.
Strike up (To start): This is the professional way to describe starting a conversation.
Example: “It is easy to strike up a conversation at a conference.”
Run into (To meet by chance): Use this when you see a colleague in a place you did not expect, like the elevator or the street.
Example: “I ran into Sarah at the airport yesterday.”
2: Catching Up with Colleagues
If you haven’t seen a teammate for a few days, you need to ask about their news. This is also very important for project management where teams must stay close.
Catch up (To update each other): This means to talk about what happened since the last time you met.
Example: “We need to catch up on the news from the head office.”
Get along (To be friendly): This describes the relationship you have with others.
Example: “Do you get along with the new designer?”
If you have a problem with a colleague, our guide on conflict resolution English can help you fix the relationship.
3: Networking at Events
When you attend a professional event, you want to meet as many people as possible.
Join in (To participate): Use this when you see a group of people talking and you want to be part of it.
Example: “Do you mind if I join in?”
Find out (To learn): Networking is about learning about other people’s jobs.
Example: “I want to find out more about their marketing strategy.”
4: Ending a Conversation Politely
Knowing how to leave a conversation is just as important as starting one.
Get back to (To return to work): A polite reason to leave.
Example: “It was great talking, but I must get back to my desk.”
Head off (To leave): A friendly way to say you are going.
Example: “I’m going to head off now. See you tomorrow!”
How to Practice Social English
- The Coffee Machine Challenge: Try to strike up a 1-minute conversation with a colleague every day.
- LinkedIn Practice: Reach out to someone in your network to catch up via message.
- Roleplay: Practice “joining in” a group with a friend.
If you are writing an email to a new contact, see our guide on phrasal verbs for emails.
Conclusion
Building a professional network is about more than just business; it is about people. By using phrasal verbs for office socializing, you can make friends, find new opportunities, and enjoy your work more. Whether you are striking up a conversation or catching up with an old teammate, these phrases are key to your success.
Don’t forget to visit phrasal verbs business English page to boost your vocabulary for the workplace.
