Kicking off a new project B1
Getting a new piece of work off the ground — planning it out, running through it, and tying up the loose ends.
Getting it going
kick off — to begin an event or activityA: When does the concert kick off?
B: It starts at seven, so we should get there early.
go ahead B2 — happen as plannedA: Is the meeting still on for tomorrow?
B: Yes, it will go ahead as scheduled.
put together B2 — prepare or organizeA: Who put together this amazing slideshow?
B: Oh, that was Sarah. She worked on it all night.
Planning it out
draw up B2 — prepare a documentA: Who's going to draw up the meeting agenda?
B: I'll do it this afternoon and send it to everyone.
lay out B2 — arrange or plan somethingA: Can you lay out what we need to do for the assignment?
B: Sure, first we research, then we write the report, and finally we present.
run through — practice or rehearseA: Are you ready for your speech?
B: Not yet. I want to run through it again to make sure I remember everything.
write up — to write a report or article using notes you made earlierA: Did you finish your science experiment?
B: Yes, now I just have to write up my results for the teacher.
Finishing the details
tie up B2 — finish the last detailsA: Are you done with your project?
B: Almost! I just have to tie up some final details.
follow up — to find out more about something or take further actionA: Did you call the doctor about your test results?
B: Not yet, but I'll follow up this afternoon.
More everyday phrasesB1 · everyday
set up — arrange or establishA: How did you meet your business partner?
B: We met at a conference and decided to set up a company together.
go through — examine or check something carefullyA: Did you find your passport?
B: Not yet, I still have to go through all my drawers.
look over — examine quicklyA: Can you look over this report for me?
B: Sure, I'll check it now.
organize an event — plan a gatheringA: Who’s going to organize the event for our graduation?
B: I think Tom and Lisa volunteered to handle it.
think up — invent or imagine (an idea, plan, or excuse)A: We need a fun game for the party.
B: Give me a minute—I’ll think something up.
Going furtherB2 · once the core feels easy
run by B2 — to tell someone about something so they can give their opinionA: Hey, can I run something by you?
B: Sure, what's up?
Getting started
Mark: Right, we kick off the new campaign on Monday. Have we put together the brief?
Ellie: Nearly. I just need to draw up the timeline and lay out who's doing what.
Mark: Great. Let's run through it once more before the team meeting.
Ellie: Will do. I'll write up my notes and send them round.
Loose ends
Jo: Are we ready to go ahead with the launch?
Sam: Almost — just a couple of things to tie up with the printers.
Jo: Can you follow up with them today?
Sam: Already on it. We'll be good to go by Friday.