Introduction
In a professional setting, how you speak can affect how others perceive your competence and confidence. Using basic English is acceptable, but Business English makes you appear more authoritative and prepared. Today, we'll swap everyday phrases for professional alternatives that are commonly used in offices around the world.
Professional Swaps for the Workplace
| Don't just say... | Instead, say... (Pro) | Context / Usage |
|---|---|---|
| I’ll help you. | I’ll assist you. | Sounds more formal in emails. |
| Let's talk about it later. | Let’s touch base later. | Common "Corporate Speak" for following up. |
| I’m very busy. | I have a lot on my plate. | A polite way to say you're overwhelmed. |
| Tell me why. | Provide a rationale. | Used when asking for a professional reason. |
| Wait a moment. | Please bear with me. | Used when you need a second to find info. |
| I think... | From my perspective... | Softens your opinion while sounding expert. |
| Fix the problem. | Resolve the issue. | More professional for customer service or IT. |
| Give me more info. | Keep me in the loop. | Ask to be updated on a project's progress. |
Why use Business English?
It's not about being "fancy," but about being precise. In business, time is money, so using clear, established phrases can help avoid misunderstandings during meetings or in written reports.
