In the world of business, communication matters a lot. Whether you’re writing an email, giving a presentation, or having a meeting with clients, using the right words makes a big difference. One important part of professional English is knowing how to use irregular verbs correctly.

These verbs don’t follow the normal rules for creating past tenses, which can make them tricky to learn. However, when used correctly, they can make your English sound much more polished and professional.

In this article, we’ll explore irregular verbs in business—verbs that you are likely to use in emails, reports, meetings, or negotiations. We’ll provide their forms, meanings, and longer examples in business contexts to help you understand how to use them effectively. Let’s get started!

Irregular Verbs in Business

1. Deal

Forms: deal – dealt – dealt
Meaning: To handle, manage, or negotiate something.

• Examples in business:
  1. The sales team dealt with several difficult clients last month, resolving all issues successfully.
  2. I have dealt with similar situations before and can offer advice on how to approach this negotiation.
  3. It’s crucial to know how to deal with unexpected challenges in the workplace.

2. Lead

Forms: lead – led – led
Meaning: To guide, manage, or direct people or projects.

• Examples in business:
  1. She led the marketing team through a very challenging campaign and delivered excellent results.
  2. I have led multiple projects in different industries, each with its unique set of challenges.
  3. A good manager knows how to lead a team effectively, especially during difficult times.

3. Build

Forms: build – built – built
Meaning: To create or develop something, often over time.

• Examples in business:
  1. The company built a strong reputation by consistently delivering quality products.
  2. We have built a network of reliable suppliers across the globe.
  3. Building trust with clients is one of the most important aspects of long-term success.

4. Meet

Forms: meet – met – met
Meaning: To come together or connect with someone for a specific purpose.

• Examples in business:
  1. We met with the client last week to discuss the details of the new contract.
  2. I have met all the deadlines for this quarter, despite the challenges we faced.
  3. Our goal is to meet the expectations of all stakeholders involved in this project.

5. Take

Forms: take – took – taken
Meaning: To grab, accept, or carry out something.

• Examples in business:
  1. She took the initiative to redesign the presentation, which impressed the clients.
  2. Have you taken the necessary steps to finalize the agreement?
  3. In business, you must take calculated risks to achieve greater rewards.

6. Grow

Forms: grow – grew – grown
Meaning: To increase, develop, or expand.

• Examples in business:
  1. The company grew its market share by offering innovative solutions to common problems.
  2. We have grown our customer base by 25% this year through targeted advertising.
  3. Building strong partnerships can help a business grow sustainably over time.

7. Write

Forms: write – wrote – written
Meaning: To create written content, such as reports, emails, or articles.

• Examples in business:
  1. She wrote a detailed report explaining the project’s challenges and successes.
  2. I have written several proposals for potential investors over the past year.
  3. Writing clear and concise emails is an essential skill for any professional.

8. Speak

Forms: speak – spoke – spoken
Meaning: To communicate verbally, often in a formal or professional setting.

• Examples in business:
  1. He spoke confidently during the presentation, which left a great impression on the clients.
  2. I have spoken with the supplier, and they are ready to proceed with the order.
  3. Speaking clearly and persuasively is a key skill for effective leadership.

9. Show

Forms: show – showed – shown
Meaning: To present or demonstrate something.

• Examples in business:
  1. The data we collected showed a clear upward trend in customer satisfaction.
  2. She has shown remarkable dedication to her work since joining the team.
  3. In the meeting, I will show the results of our latest market research.

10. Win

Forms: win – won – won
Meaning: To achieve success or victory.

• Examples in business:
  1. The company won a major contract with an international client last quarter.
  2. We have won the trust of our customers by consistently delivering on our promises.
  3. Winning market share requires a deep understanding of customer needs and preferences.

11. Hold

Forms: hold – held – held
Meaning: To organize or keep something in position.

• Examples in business:
  1. We held a team meeting yesterday to discuss the upcoming deadlines.
  2. The CEO has held this position for over a decade and brought many positive changes.
  3. Holding regular training sessions can improve employee performance significantly.

12. Break

Forms: break – broke – broken
Meaning: To interrupt or separate something.

• Examples in business:
  1. The team broke their sales record this quarter, achieving a 30% increase.
  2. The negotiations broke down due to disagreements over pricing.
  3. Have you broken the tasks into smaller, more manageable parts?

13. Choose

Forms: choose – chose – chosen
Meaning: To select or decide on something.

• Examples in business:
  1. We chose this supplier because they offer the best quality at a competitive price.
  2. Have you chosen a date for the product launch?
  3. Choosing the right strategy is critical to the success of any project.

14. Know

Forms: know – knew – known
Meaning: To understand or be aware of something.

• Examples in business:
  1. She knew exactly how to address the concerns of the board members.
  2. I have known the client for years and built a strong relationship with them.
  3. Knowing your market is the first step to creating a successful business plan.

15. Bring

Forms: bring – brought – brought
Meaning: To carry or deliver something to a place.

• Examples in business:
  1. He brought up an excellent point during the team discussion.
  2. The marketing team has brought new ideas to improve our online presence.
  3. Bringing innovative solutions to the table is what sets us apart from competitors.

How to Practice Irregular Verbs in Business

1. Create Realistic Scenarios: Write your own sentences using these verbs in a business context.
2. Listen to Business Talks: Watch presentations or TED Talks to see how professionals use these verbs.
3. Practice Regularly: Use one or two new verbs each day in emails, meetings, or conversations.
4. Use our ELSA App: Practice your pronunciation and usage of irregular verbs with our ELSA app, which provides real-time feedback to help you sound professional and confident in business settings.

More on irregular verbs here https://blog.elsaspeak.com/en/the-most-difficult-irregular-verbs/