B1 · Intermedio Capítulo 26

Work and Problem-Solving Phrasal Verbs

7 Reglas totales
81 ejemplos
5 min
Reglas en este capítulo Práctica rápida

Chapter in 30 Seconds

Master the essential phrasal verbs to navigate office life and complex problem-solving with ease.

  • Identify common workplace phrasal verbs.
  • Apply these verbs to solve everyday office tasks.
  • Communicate project updates with professional clarity.
Solve problems and work smarter with phrasal verbs.

Lo que aprenderás

Get ready to confidently discuss work and solve everyday problems! This chapter gives you the essential phrasal verbs needed to talk about tasks, handle challenges, and organize projects in English. You'll soon express yourself with greater clarity and ease.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this chapter, you will be able to:

  1. 1
    By the end you will be able to: Use phrasal verbs to report findings and organize tasks.

Guía del capítulo

Overview

Mastering phrasal verbs is a huge step toward sounding more natural and confident in English, especially when you're discussing everyday situations at work or tackling unexpected challenges. This chapter is designed specifically for B1 English grammar learners like you, providing essential English work and problem-solving phrasal verbs that you'll use constantly. You'll learn how to effectively find out crucial information, set up events or systems, and work out solutions to problems, whether they're mathematical or life-related.
These verbs will empower you to express yourself with greater precision. Imagine being able to fill in forms correctly, point out important details that others might miss, and confidently figure out complex situations. You’ll also learn how to go through procedures or documents thoroughly.
By integrating these verbs into your vocabulary, you'll not only enhance your comprehension but also gain the ability to participate more actively and naturally in conversations about tasks, projects, and tricky situations. Get ready to elevate your B1 English grammar skills and speak with newfound fluency!

How This Grammar Works

These phrasal verbs are your toolkit for navigating the world of tasks, projects, and unexpected bumps in the road. Think of them as action verbs with extra oomph, often conveying a more specific or informal meaning than a single word. They build on each other, too!
For instance, first you might need to find out details about a new project. "Could you please find out the client's preferred meeting time?
Once you have the information, you can then set up the meeting.
I'll set up a video call for next Tuesday."
When you encounter an issue, you'll need to figure out how to solve it. "I can't figure out why the printer isn't working.
Often, this involves checking everything carefully, which is when you go through documents or processes.
Let's go through the entire report to find the error." Sometimes, a solution or plan will simply work out well.
"Don't worry, I'm sure our presentation will work out perfectly.
In a team setting, you might point out an important observation during a discussion.
I need to point out that we haven't considered the budget yet.
Finally, remember that administrative tasks often require you to fill in information.
Please fill in this application form carefully." Notice how fill in almost always involves putting *something* into a space, and if it's a pronoun like 'it', it goes in the middle:
Can you fill it in by Friday?

Common Mistakes

  1. 1✗ Wrong: Can you fill the form in? / Can you fill in it?
✓ Correct: Can you fill in the form? / Can you fill it in?
*Explanation:* When fill in takes an object, especially a pronoun like 'it' or 'them', the pronoun must go between fill and in.
  1. 1✗ Wrong: I need to discover about the problem.
✓ Correct: I need to find out about the problem.
*Explanation:* While 'discover' is a synonym, find out is much more common and natural for discovering information, facts, or secrets in everyday English.
  1. 1✗ Wrong: We need to solve the problem for the project.
✓ Correct: We need to figure out the problem for the project. / We need to work out a solution for the project.
*Explanation:* Both figure out and work out (when referring to solutions) imply using mental effort to find an answer or resolve a difficulty, making them more specific and idiomatic than just 'solve' in many contexts.

Real Conversations

A

A

The new project software isn't very intuitive. I can't figure out how to add new tasks.
B

B

Don't worry, I had trouble with it too. I'll point out the correct button. It's hidden in the 'Settings' menu.
A

A

Did you manage to find out if the client approved our proposal?
B

B

Not yet, but I'm trying to set up a call with them this afternoon to discuss it. Hopefully, it will all work out well.
A

A

I need to fill in this registration form for the conference. It's quite long!
B

B

Yes, make sure you go through all the sections carefully before you submit it. They often have tricky questions.

Quick FAQ

Q

What's the difference between find out and figure out?

Find out means to discover information or a fact, often without much effort. Figure out means to understand or solve something by thinking, reasoning, or calculation. You find out the train schedule, but you figure out how to assemble flat-pack furniture.

Q

Can I use work out for exercise and problem-solving at the same time?

Yes! Context makes it clear.

I work out at the gym three times a week
(exercise).
We need to work out a plan for the new marketing campaign
(solve/create).

Q

Is set up always about organizing events?

No, set up is versatile! You can set up an event, set up a new computer, set up a meeting, set up a business, or even set up a tent. It generally means to arrange, establish, or prepare something.

Q

How formal are these phrasal verbs?

Most of these phrasal verbs (find out, set up, work out, fill in, point out, figure out, go through) are widely used in both informal and semi-formal contexts. They are very common in daily professional communication, making them essential for B1 English grammar learners.

Cultural Context

Native English speakers use these phrasal verbs constantly in everyday conversation and professional settings. They are often preferred over single-word synonyms because they can sound more natural and less formal. For example, 'to find out' is often chosen over 'to discover', and 'to figure out' over 'to solve' (especially for non-mathematical problems), as they convey a more active, mental process.
There are no significant regional differences in the core meaning or usage of these specific verbs, making them universally understood across English-speaking regions. They are a staple of fluent, natural communication.

Ejemplos clave (8)

1

I need to **find out** what time the cafe closes today. I'm craving a latte!

Necesito averiguar a qué hora cierra la cafetería hoy. ¡Me apetece un café con leche!

Averiguar: Descubrir información (Verbo Frasal)
2

Did you **find out about** the new team meeting agenda?

¿Te enteraste de la nueva agenda de la reunión del equipo?

Averiguar: Descubrir información (Verbo Frasal)
3

Could you please help me **set up** the new Wi-Fi router?

¿Podrías ayudarme a **instalar** el nuevo router Wi-Fi?

Cómo usar 'Set up' (Verbo Frasal)
4

The team needs to **set up** a meeting to discuss the project deadline.

El equipo necesita **organizar** una reunión para discutir la fecha límite del proyecto.

Cómo usar 'Set up' (Verbo Frasal)
5

I usually `work out` in the mornings to feel energized.

Suelo hacer ejercicio por las mañanas para sentirme con energía.

El 'Phrasal Verb' 'Work Out': Gimnasio, Cálculos y Éxito
6

The team managed to `work out` a brilliant solution to the design flaw.

El equipo logró encontrar una solución brillante al fallo de diseño.

El 'Phrasal Verb' 'Work Out': Gimnasio, Cálculos y Éxito
7

I need to `fill in` my personal details for the online registration.

Debo completar mis datos personales para el registro en línea.

Verbo Frasal: Fill In (Formularios e Información)
8

Could you `fill me in` on what happened in the meeting? I missed it.

¿Podrías ponerme al día sobre lo que pasó en la reunión? Me la perdí.

Verbo Frasal: Fill In (Formularios e Información)

Consejos y trucos (4)

💡

Piensa en una 'Búsqueda de Información'

Cuando estás en una misión para conseguir hechos o desvelar algo que no sabías, 'find out' es tu frase. No se trata de resolver un rompecabezas, sino de obtener datos.
I need to find out what time the store closes.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Averiguar: Descubrir información (Verbo Frasal)
💡

¡Los pronombres SIEMPRE separan!

Imagina que conectas un nuevo aparato. Si el objeto de 'set up' es un pronombre (como 'it', 'them', 'us'), ¡tienes que separar el verbo y la partícula! Siempre di set it up, nunca set up it. ¡Es una regla de oro!
I need to set it up.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Cómo usar 'Set up' (Verbo Frasal)
💡

¡El contexto es clave!

Siempre fíjate en las palabras alrededor y la situación. 'Work out' tiene muchos significados, así que el contexto te dirá si se trata de hacer ejercicio, resolver un problema o que algo salga bien:
I need to work out before breakfast.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: El 'Phrasal Verb' 'Work Out': Gimnasio, Cálculos y Éxito
💡

¡La posición del pronombre importa!

Recuerda, si el objeto que estás rellenando es un pronombre (como it, them, me), *debe* ir entre fill e in. Así que es fill it in, ¡nunca fill in it!
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Verbo Frasal: Fill In (Formularios e Información)

Vocabulario clave (5)

Deadline The time when a task must be finished Colleague Someone you work with Strategy A plan to achieve a goal Document A paper or file with information Issue A problem or challenge

Real-World Preview

users

The Morning Status Meeting

Review Summary

  • find + out
  • set + up
  • work + out
  • fill + in
  • point + out
  • figure + out
  • go + through

Errores comunes

When using a pronoun (it, them), it must go between the verb and the preposition.

Wrong: I will find out it.
Correcto: I will find it out.

While both are technically correct, keeping the phrasal verb together is often clearer for long objects.

Wrong: Please point the mistake out to me.
Correcto: Please point out the mistake to me.

Non-separable phrasal verbs must keep the preposition next to the verb.

Wrong: I went the report through.
Correcto: I went through the report.

Reglas en este capítulo (7)

1

Averiguar: Descubrir información (Verbo Frasal)

B1
¡Conviértete en un detective de la información! Con find out podrás descubrir cualquier hecho que necesites saber. ¡Es tu herramienta clave!
I need to **find out** what time the cafe closes t...
12 ejemplos
2

Cómo usar 'Set up' (Verbo Frasal)

B1
Domina 'set up' para hablar con confianza sobre 'arreglos', 'establecimientos' y 'preparativos' en inglés.
Could you please help me **set up** the new Wi-Fi...
12 ejemplos
3

El 'Phrasal Verb' 'Work Out': Gimnasio, Cálculos y Éxito

B1
Dominar 'work out' te da súper poderes para hablar claro sobre el esfuerzo, las soluciones y el éxito.
I usually `work out` in the mornings to feel energ...
11 ejemplos
4

Verbo Frasal: Fill In (Formularios e Información)

B1
Domina fill in para rellenar formularios, dar detalles o poner al día a tus amigos y colegas con confianza en inglés.
I need to `fill in` my personal details for the on...
12 ejemplos
5

El 'Phrasal Verb' 'Point out': Señalar y Mencionar

B1
Usa 'point out' para mostrar o mencionar detalles importantes, siempre recordando la regla del pronombre. ¡Es tu herramienta para hacer notar cosas!
Could you `point out` the nearest coffee shop on t...
12 ejemplos
6

Resolviendo problemas con 'Figure Out'

B1
¡Domina figure out para expresar con confianza que estás resolviendo problemas y entendiendo ideas complejas!
I need to `figure out` this new app's features for...
12 ejemplos
7

Revisar y Buscar: Usando 'Go Through'

B1
¡Ojo! Con 'go through' tienes una herramienta poderosa. Sirve para revisar al detalle examine thoroughly, para buscar a fondo search thoroughly, o para expresar que vives una experiencia endure experiences.
Could you please `go through` this report for any...
10 ejemplos

Next Steps

You are doing an incredible job. Keep practicing these verbs and your confidence will soar!

Listen to a business podcast and note three phrasal verbs.

Continue to: More Essential Phrasal Verbs

Práctica rápida (10)

Encuentra y corrige el error.

Find and fix the mistake:

My boss asked me to go the documents for mistakes.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: My boss asked me to go through the documents for mistakes.
El phrasal verb correcto para un examen exhaustivo es 'go through'. 'Go over' implica una revisión más rápida.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Revisar y Buscar: Usando 'Go Through'

Encuentra y corrige el error en la oración.

Find and fix the mistake:

The manager wanted to set up a new system, but he didn't set up it properly.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: The manager wanted to set up a new system, but he didn't set it up properly.
Cuando el objeto es un pronombre ('it'), el 'phrasal verb' 'set up' debe separarse. La forma correcta es 'set it up'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Cómo usar 'Set up' (Verbo Frasal)

Encuentra y corrige el error en la oración.

Find and fix the mistake:

I need to fill in it before the end of the day.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: I need to fill it in before the end of the day.
Cuando el objeto es un pronombre (como it), debe colocarse entre fill e in.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Verbo Frasal: Fill In (Formularios e Información)

¿Qué oración usa 'set up' correctamente?

Choose the correct sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: They decided to set up a new charity to help the community.
'Set up' se usa correctamente aquí para significar 'establecer'. 'Install up' no es un 'phrasal verb' válido, y 'put up' no encaja con el significado de establecer una organización.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Cómo usar 'Set up' (Verbo Frasal)

¿Qué oración es correcta?

Choose the correct sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: I went through all my notes before the test.
'Go through' implica correctamente una revisión exhaustiva de las notas. Las otras opciones son gramaticalmente incorrectas o cambian el significado.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Revisar y Buscar: Usando 'Go Through'

Elige la forma correcta del phrasal verb.

Can you _____ me _____ on the new project updates?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: fill in
Para proporcionar actualizaciones o información que falta, usamos fill in. El objeto (me) debe separar el verbo y la partícula.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Verbo Frasal: Fill In (Formularios e Información)

Encuentra y corrige el error

Find and fix the mistake:

It's a tricky puzzle, but I'll work out it eventually.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: It's a tricky puzzle, but I'll work it out eventually.
Cuando 'work out' tiene un pronombre como objeto ('it'), debe separarse. El pronombre va entre 'work' y 'out'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: El 'Phrasal Verb' 'Work Out': Gimnasio, Cálculos y Éxito

Elige la forma correcta para completar la oración.

Can you _____ what time the library closes?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: find out
'Find out' significa descubrir información. 'Figure out' significa resolver un problema. Aquí, quieres descubrir la hora de cierre. ¡Así de fácil!

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Averiguar: Descubrir información (Verbo Frasal)

¿Qué oración es correcta?

Choose the correct sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: I need to work out a new exercise plan.
'Work out' (dos palabras) es el phrasal verb que significa idear o crear. 'Workout' (una palabra) es un sustantivo. 'Work for' tiene un significado diferente.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: El 'Phrasal Verb' 'Work Out': Gimnasio, Cálculos y Éxito

¿Qué oración usa correctamente "fill in" para formularios?

Elige la oración correcta:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Please fill in your name and address on the form.
Fill in se usa para completar formularios y proporcionar detalles, no fill up.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Verbo Frasal: Fill In (Formularios e Información)

Score: /10

Preguntas frecuentes (6)

'Find out' se usa generalmente para obtener piezas específicas de información o hechos, a menudo a través de una pregunta o investigación.
I need to find out her address
. 'Discover' suele implicar encontrar algo significativo o previamente desconocido, a menudo por primera vez.
They discovered a new planet
.
¡Claro que sí! Puedes preguntar:
Can you find out if the store is open?
, y afirmar:
I found out the results of the survey.
. Funciona perfectamente tanto en formas afirmativas como interrogativas.
El significado más común es 'organizar o arreglar algo', como
setting up a meeting
(organizar una reunión) o
setting up a party
(preparar una fiesta). ¡Se trata de dejar las cosas listas para la acción!
Sí, 'set up' a menudo significa 'establecer' o 'crear', especialmente para negocios, organizaciones o sistemas. Por ejemplo,
They set up a new tech startup
(Fundaron una nueva startup tecnológica) implica que la crearon y la establecieron.
Para mucha gente, el significado más común es 'hacer ejercicio físico', como ir al gimnasio. Por ejemplo,
I need to work out more this year
(Necesito hacer más ejercicio este año).
¡No siempre! Aunque a menudo implica una resolución exitosa (
I hope it works out!
- ¡Espero que funcione!), si algo "doesn't work out", significa que falló o no tuvo éxito. ¡El contexto es clave!
Capítulo anterior
Social Phrasal Verbs
Siguiente capítulo
More Essential Phrasal Verbs
Volver a la hoja de ruta