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Building Relationships — Multi-word Verbs

Order a business conversation, match the meanings, and rephrase sentences using common multi-word verbs.

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Ex A – Order the talkSequence the conversation
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Ex B – Match meaningsPhrase → multi-word verb
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Ex C – RephraseUse the verbs in context
Grammar reference — multi-word verbs
1. Without an object: Networking now goes on in plain view.
2. With an object — separable: We'll draw up a new contract. / We'll draw a new contract up.
3. With an object — inseparable: They're looking for business connections.
4. With two particles: I'm really looking forward to meeting you next week.
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Exercise A

Put the conversation in order

Two executives are talking about building relationships with clients. Choose the position (1–10) of each line. Line f is given as number 1.

a)
They were both annoyed. My contact thought I had let him down, and his boss simply decided not to turn up at the meeting. We'd set up a meeting in Brussels by e-mail, but he called it off at the last minute. I'd already checked in at the hotel.
b)
Oh, what went wrong?
c)
Well, I'm going to carry on working until about six. We could meet after that.
d)
How did you turn it round?
e)
It's fine now, but at the start of the year, it was disastrous.
f)
So, how's the relationship with Toyota going?
g)
Well, I went over my contact's head and went directly to his boss at Toyota Motors Europe. I was really trying to clinch a deal.
h)
Glad it worked out. Anyway, are you free for a drink later?
i)
Well, I had to build up my relationship with my original contact again. At first, he kept putting me off. But eventually we met up and I focused on our relationship, not the next sale. Now we get on really well and sometimes play golf together.
j)
Was he annoyed?
Exercise B

Match the meanings

Choose the multi-word verb from the conversation that matches each meaning.

Multi-word verbs get on check in build up turn round put off turn up let down set up carry on call off
1
have a friendly relationship
2
registered (at a hotel)
3
make stronger
4
change something into something successful
5
postponing / delaying
6
appear / arrive somewhere
7
disappoint
8
arrange
9
continue
10
cancelled
Exercise C

Rephrase the comments

Rewrite each comment using a multi-word verb from Exercise B. The first one is done for you.

1
We can't hold the meeting tomorrow.
→ We'll have to call off the meeting tomorrow.
2
They've postponed the presentation until Thursday.
Use: put off
3
I'm sorry I've disappointed you.
Use: let down
4
She's arranged the conference call for nine o'clock.
Use: set up
5
This is a crucial meeting. Make sure you arrive on time.
Use: turn up
6
Everyone continued working as if nothing had happened.
Use: carry on
7
You'll need to register at the Hilton around four o'clock.
Use: check in
8
I have a good relationship with my new boss.
Use: get on
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