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10 Essential Expressions to Talk about Performance in Business English: Phrasal Verbs and Idioms Included
- Erin West
- Aug 18, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: May 24
Talking about performance is a crucial part of business. In this article, you'll learn 10 essential expressions, including phrasal verbs and idioms, to help you confidently discuss progress, challenges, and results in a work situation.
Step 1. Read and choose.
Read the definition and choose the correct option. You can also view example sentences by clicking EXAMPLES under each quiz card.
To work harder or do more to reach a goal:
EXAMPLES
To meet the sales target, they've decided to step up their efforts. We need to step up our efforts if we want to finish the project on time.
2. To focus on finding the main reason for something happening:
EXAMPLES
Our engineers need to zero in on the root cause of the machine's malfunction, not just address the symptoms.
They zeroed in on the root cause of the customer complaints, which was poor product quality.
3. To stay informed about the latest changes and developments:
EXAMPLES
If you want to be called fashionable, you need to keep up with the trends.
She always keeps up with the trends in technology.
4. To make something better or more advanced:
EXAMPLES
By opening a new store, they took their business to the next level.
To win, we need to take our game to the next level.
5. To set a higher standard for others to follow:
EXAMPLES
Her performance raised the bar for everyone else.
The new policy raised the bar for customer service.
6. To take the initiative and offer to help with something:
EXAMPLES
He stepped forward to lead the project when no one else did.
If anyone has an idea, please step forward!
7. To not meet the expected level or standard:
EXAMPLES
The plan fell short of expectations; it wasn't as good as we hoped.
Unfortunately, the results fell short of our expectations.
8. To go through a difficult time:
EXAMPLES
When we lost a key team member, our project hit a rough patch.
Our team hit a rough patch last quarter, but we're working hard to turn things around.
9. To make a mistake or fail to do something important:
EXAMPLES
How could you forget to send the email? - I know I really dropped the ball.
By not preparing for the meeting, they dropped the ball, and it showed.
10. To experience problems or difficulties:
EXAMPLES
My apologies. We ran into several issues. That's what caused the delay.
While setting up the new program, they ran into several issues, but they fixed them quickly.
Step 2. Practice.
I. Match the expressions with their definitions.
1. RUN INTO SEVERAL ISSUES | A. To set a higher standard for others to follow |
2. DROP THE BALL | B. To make a mistake or fail to do something |
3. FALL SHORT OF EXPECTATIONS | C. To work harder or do more to reach a goal |
4. RAISE THE BAR | D. To experience problems and difficulties |
5. STEP UP THE EFFORTS | E. To not meet the expected level or standard |
6. HIT A ROUGH PATCH | F. To stay informed about the latest changes and developments |
7. STEP FORWARD | G. To make something better or more advanced |
8. TAKE IT TO THE NEXT LEVEL | H. To take the initiative and offer to help with something |
9. KEEP UP WITH THE TRENDS | I. To focus on finding the main reason for something happening |
10. ZERO IN ON something | J. To go through a difficult time |
II. Complete the gaps using the expressions in the box below.
raise the bar hit a rough patch step up ran into several issues zero in |
1. Our team has decided to ____________the efforts to improve our sales performance this quarter.
2. The company had a great start but recently ________________ and is now considering restructuring its management.
3. We should ____________on our target audience to improve sales.
4. Despite the initial success, the project ________________ and the company faced unexpected delays.
5. After receiving this feedback, we realized we should ________________ and set higher goals for ourselves.
fell short of our expectations keep up with the trends step forward take it to the next level dropped the ball |
6. With the market changing so quickly, it's important to ________________.
7. He really ________________ when he forgot to submit the report on time.
8. Although we worked hard, in terms of customer satisfaction the results still ________________.
9. We’ve had some success, but now it’s time to ________________ and push for even better results.
10. She decided to ________________ and take on the leadership role for the project.
Answer Key
I. 1D
2B
3E
4A
5C
6J
7H
8G
9F
10 I
II. 1. step up
2. hit a rough patch
3. zero in
4. ran into several issues
5. raise the bar
6. keep up with the trends
7. dropped the ball
8. fell short of our expectations
9. take it to the next level
10. step forward
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