B1 · Intermediate Chapter 26

Work and Problem-Solving Phrasal Verbs

7 Total Rules
81 examples
5 min
Rules in This Chapter Quick Practice

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.

What You'll Learn

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.

Chapter Guide

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.

Key Examples (8)

1

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

Find Out: Discovering Information (Phrasal Verb)
2

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

Find Out: Discovering Information (Phrasal Verb)
3

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

How to Use 'Set up' (Phrasal Verb)
4

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

How to Use 'Set up' (Phrasal Verb)
5

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

The Phrasal Verb 'Work Out': Gym, Math, and Success
6

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

The Phrasal Verb 'Work Out': Gym, Math, and Success
7

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

Phrasal Verb: Fill In (Forms & Information)
8

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

Phrasal Verb: Fill In (Forms & Information)

Tips & Tricks (4)

💡

The 'Out' Rule

If you are talking about a fact, a reason, or a secret, you almost always need the word 'out'.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Find Out: Discovering Information (Phrasal Verb)
💡

The Pronoun Sandwich

Always put pronouns (it, them, me) in the middle of 'set' and 'up'. Think of it as a sandwich!
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: How to Use 'Set up' (Phrasal Verb)
💡

The Pronoun Sandwich

Always put 'it' or 'them' in the middle. Think of 'work' and 'out' as the bread and the pronoun as the meat.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: The Phrasal Verb 'Work Out': Gym, Math, and Success
🎯

The Pronoun Rule

Always put 'it', 'me', or 'them' in the middle. 'Fill it in' is correct. 'Fill in it' is a dead giveaway that you are a learner!
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Phrasal Verb: Fill In (Forms & Information)

Key Vocabulary (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

Common Mistakes

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

Wrong: I will find out it.
Correct: 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.
Correct: 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.
Correct: I went through the report.

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

Quick Practice (10)

Complete the question.

How did you find out ___ the accident?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: about
Use 'about' to refer to a general event or topic.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Find Out: Discovering Information (Phrasal Verb)

Fill in the blank with the correct word order (point / it / out).

I found a mistake in the book and I ___ to the teacher.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: pointed it out
The past tense 'pointed' is needed, and the pronoun 'it' must be in the middle.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: The Phrasal Verb 'Point out': Showing & Telling

Fill in the missing word.

She ___ out that her sister was pregnant yesterday.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: found
The sentence is in the past tense ('yesterday').

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Find Out: Discovering Information (Phrasal Verb)

Which sentence is correct?

The detective is trying to...

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: find out the truth.
'Find out' is usually inseparable when followed by a noun phrase.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Find Out: Discovering Information (Phrasal Verb)

Fill in the missing word.

It took me an hour to figure ___ the answer.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: c
The phrasal verb is 'figure out'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Solving problems with 'Figure Out'

Fix the sentence: 'She points out at the moon.'

Find and fix the mistake:

She points out at the moon.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: She points out the moon.
Remove 'at' when using 'point out' as a phrasal verb.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: The Phrasal Verb 'Point out': Showing & Telling

Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'work out'.

She _______ at the gym every Tuesday.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: works out
Third-person singular 'she' requires 'works'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: The Phrasal Verb 'Work Out': Gym, Math, and Success

Choose the best sentence for a business meeting.

Which sentence is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: I want to point out that we are winning.
'Point out' is used for facts; 'point at' is for physical objects.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: The Phrasal Verb 'Point out': Showing & Telling

Complete the sentence.

If you see any problems, please ___.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: point them out
Pronoun 'them' must be in the middle.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: The Phrasal Verb 'Point out': Showing & Telling

Choose the best response.

Did you find out if she's coming?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Yes, I found out.
The short answer uses the past tense 'found out'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Find Out: Discovering Information (Phrasal Verb)

Score: /10

Common Questions (6)

No, we usually say find out about it or find it out (though the latter is rare). Usually, we just say find out followed by a clause: I found out that it was true.
It is neutral. You can use it in conversation and in most business writing. For very formal academic papers, you might use discover or ascertain.
Use set up (two words) as a verb: 'I need to set up the tent.' Use setup (one word) as a noun: 'The setup was easy.'
No, set is an irregular verb. The past tense and past participle are both set. Never use 'setted'.
It is generally neutral. It is perfectly fine in business meetings (e.g., working out the budget), but in very formal academic writing, you might prefer calculate or resolve.
It's more natural to say I'm working out (intransitive) or I'm training my muscles. However, you can say I'm working out my legs today in a gym context.
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