Knowing professional phrases in economics can be extremely beneficial for several reasons. It can improve communication, lead to better decision-making, deliver competitive advantages, improve critical thinking skills, and lead to a greater understanding of the broader economic context.
Understanding the technical terms used in economics can help you communicate more effectively with colleagues, clients, or other stakeholders in the business world.
Having a good grasp of economic concepts can help you make better decisions when it comes to managing resources, investing, or developing strategies for your business.
Being knowledgeable about the language of economics can give you an advantage in the job market, especially if you’re seeking a position in the business or finance sectors.
Understanding economic phrases and ideas can help you develop your critical thinking skills, as you learn to analyze data, identify trends, and evaluate the impact of different policies and decisions.
Understanding professional phrases in economics can help you better understand the broader economic context in which your business operates, including trends in the global economy, government policies, and market conditions. This can help you anticipate changes and adapt your strategies accordingly.
21 Professional English Economic Phrases and Concepts
Supply and demand
This phrase refers to the concept that the price of a good or service is determined by the balance between its supply and the demand for it.
Marginal utility
This refers to the additional satisfaction or benefit that a consumer receives from consuming one more unit of a good or service.
Opportunity cost
This refers to the cost of giving up one option in favor of another. In economics, it is used to describe the benefits forgone when choosing one option over another.
Inflation
This refers to the increase in the general price level of goods and services in an economy over time.
Gross domestic product (GDP)
This is the total value of all goods and services produced within a country’s borders in a given time period, typically a year.
Fiscal policy
This refers to the use of government spending and taxation to influence the economy. Fiscal policy is used to stabilize the economy and promote growth.
Monetary policy
This refers to the actions of a central bank or other regulatory authority to control the money supply and interest rates in an economy. Monetary policy is used to manage inflation and promote economic growth.
Market failure
This occurs when the free market fails to allocate resources efficiently. Examples of market failures include monopolies, externalities, and public goods.
Comparative advantage
This refers to the ability of a country or company to produce a good or service at a lower opportunity cost than another country or company. Comparative advantage is used to explain why countries specialize in certain industries and engage in international trade.
Elasticity
This refers to the degree to which the demand or supply of a good or service is affected by changes in its price. Elasticity is an important concept in economics because it helps to explain how changes in prices can affect consumer behavior and market outcomes.
Market equilibrium
This refers to the point at which the quantity of a good or service supplied equals the quantity demanded, resulting in a stable market price.
Trade-off
This refers to the choice between two options, where choosing one option necessarily means sacrificing the benefits of the other.
Externalities
This refers to the impact that an economic activity has on parties who are not directly involved in that activity, such as pollution or congestion.
Monopoly
This refers to a market structure in which there is only one supplier of a good or service, giving that supplier significant control over the price and quantity sold.
Oligopoly
This refers to a market structure in which there are only a few large suppliers of a good or service, giving those suppliers significant control over the price and quantity sold.
Perfect competition
This refers to a market structure in which there are many small suppliers of a good or service, each producing an identical product, and no single supplier has significant control over the market.
Consumer surplus
This refers to the difference between what a consumer is willing to pay for a good or service and what they actually pay for it.
Producer surplus
This refers to the difference between the price a producer receives for a good or service and the minimum price they are willing to accept.
Deadweight loss
This refers to the inefficiency that arises when the allocation of resources in a market is not optimal, resulting in a loss of potential economic surplus.
Keynesian economics
This refers to an economic theory that emphasizes the role of government intervention in stabilizing the economy and promoting growth, particularly during times of recession or economic downturns.
Aggregate demand
This refers to the total amount of goods and services that all buyers in an economy are willing and able to purchase at a given price level, over a given time period. Aggregate demand is an important concept in macroeconomics, as it can help to explain changes in economic growth, inflation, and unemployment.
Ways to Learn English for Economics
If you want to continue to develop your English for economics consider these resources.
Read economic publications: Read newspapers, magazines, and books that focus on economics. This will expose you to different economic concepts and terminology.
Take an economics course: Taking an economics course can help you learn more about the key economic concepts and terminology. There are many online courses available, as well as courses offered at universities and colleges.
Attend seminars and workshops: Attend seminars and workshops that focus on economics to learn more about the latest economic trends and terminology.
Watch online videos and tutorials: There are many online videos and tutorials available that explain economic concepts and terminology. These can be a helpful way to learn at your own pace.
Network with other professionals: Attend networking events and engage with other professionals in the field to learn more about economic terminology and gain insights into the latest trends and practices.
Practice using economic language: Try to use economic language in your daily conversations, emails, or presentations. This will help you become more comfortable with the terminology and better understand how to use it in context.
Start Learning More English for Economics and Business Today
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Learning a language has many great benefits. We open ourselves up to new conversations, new people, and new ways of thinking. Learning a new language also allows us to develop our skills and sharpen our minds.
But what are the specific benefits of learning Business English? As the language of global business knowing how to effectively communicate in English in a professional context is a powerful and important skill. Moreover, business English is becoming more and more important in the increasingly connected business world.
Let’s take a look at some of the most amazing benefits of learning business English.
1. Learning Business English Can Help Advance Your Career
Getting a leg up in your career is one of the benefits of learning business English. Photo by fauxels.
As the most commonly spoken language in the world and the lingua franca of business, it’s no wonder why more and more employers in non-English speaking countries want their employees to speak business English.
As businesses continue to expand across borders, the ability to communicate in English continues to grow in value to employers.
Moreover, the level at which employees are expected to speak English is also on the rise. Savvy employers recognize that to put themselves ahead of the competition, their staff need to be able to win customers, dazzle clients and deal effectively with their international counterparts.
By arming yourself, not just with the ability to speak English, but a mastery of English for Business communication, you are giving yourself the best opportunity, to give yourself an edge in competitive job markets.
2. Developing English for Business Can Help You do Your Job More Effectively
Becoming more capable is another of the benefits of learning business English. Photo by Andrea Piacquadio.
When you know more, you can do more.
Whatever your job, the ability to speak English in a business setting will open doors in a way few other skills can. Having the ability to communicate with people across the world in the language of business will mean you have access to far greater resources and support than those who cannot communicate as effectively in English.
Mastering English for Business will give you the ability to leverage English resources to better perform your job. You can harness the power of third-party resources, advisors, research, and analysis. You will be able to engage international colleagues and experts in your sector from around the globe. With a solid grasp of business English, you will have the ability to run meetings, manage discussions, give and conduct interviews without needing to defer to English-speaking colleagues to handle these tasks.
3. Professional Business English can Help You Win More Clients and Customers
Winning over customers and client is one of the obvious benefits of learning business English. Photo by Ivan Samkov.
Speaking business English won’t just help you impress employers, it will also help you win more business. potential customers and clients will be pleased to know you are able to communicate effectively in business English.
More and more people want to know that the professionals they engage are positioned to do the best possible job for them and that means they should be able to communicate effectively in the language of business. Additionally, people want assurances that the experts that represent their interests are plugged into the wider global conversation in their sector.
4. English Can Help You Market Your Business to The World
Effective marketing, on of the 12 benefits of learning business English. Photo by Negative Space.
The ability to run marketing and public relations campaigns in English cannot be understated. When the majority of websites and media outlets servicing the business world are in English your business can greatly benefit from an online presence in English.
Increase exposure, traffic and business overnight by opening the doors to your organization to over 1.3 billion English speaker.
5. Better Business English Can Help You Negotiate Better
Mastering negotiations another of the benefits of learning business English. Photo by Andrea Piacquadio.
Negotiation is a part of everyday life in the corporate world. Between customers, suppliers, clients, and colleagues the art of reaching an agreement is an essential part of business. However, if we can’t effectively communicate in business English we are already at a disadvantage. Even the perception that communication will be difficult can negatively affect negotiation before it has begun. The ability to persuade, convince and negotiate in English is an important tool for anyone operating in the world of international business.
6. Business English Can Help You Expand Your Business
Expansion is a one of the many benefits of learning business English. Photo by fauxels
Today’s world is smaller than ever before and national borders have less bearing on business than in the past. For a company to thrive it needs to have its sights set on a global market. to cross borders you’ll need to be able to effectively wield the world’s language of business. Reach competitors, allies, partners, customers, clients, and colleagues with effective command of business English. In this way, you can position yourself and your business as a player on a global stage.
7. Improving Your Business for English Can Help You Build Your Network
Networking is another of the benefits of learning business English. Photo by fauxels.
The power of networking has long been understood to underpin many strategies of effective business and professional advancement. Being able to establish and nurture long-term and mutually beneficial relationships will put you in good stead to take advantage of new opportunities, and thwart challenges. By expanding your network beyond one language, and leveraging the language of global business, you can access and utilize a far larger network.
8. Access More Talent
Talent acquisition, a benefit of learning business English. Photo by hitesh choudhary.
As the digital world connects us to the global community, we have the opportunity to choose employees and contractors from a far larger pool of talent than ever before. Give yourself and your business an edge when it comes to getting the right person for the right job by accessing a global talent pool, not just what’s available locally.
The rise of the internet has seen the proliferation of cross-border business engagements. Previously, we needed our accountant, IT specialists, and marketing team to all work in the same building as us, now it is commonplace to choose employees or professional services from anywhere on the planet, provided that they are cost-effective, productive and of course that we can find and communicate with them.
9. Understanding Business English Can Give You Greater Access to Information
Deepen your understanding and get the benefits of learning business English. Photo by Lukas
Learning English with giving you the keys to a wealth of knowledge and news. Be on the cutting edge of your industry by understanding what is happening in your sector around the world. Gain access to academic research, forums, conferences, and international news by developing a thorough understanding of business English. Stay up to date and informed about global issues that affect your industry and tap into a global network of information and news services published in English.
10. Learning English Can Give You New Ways to Think
Creativity is a side effect of studying language. Photo by Pixabay.
Learning another language gives you the tools to think in new and creative ways. English can unlock the door to new ways to think about, describe and solve problems. With a greater access to words and concepts across multiple languages the ability to form new connections and generate more complex and novel ideas increases.
Moreover, in the fast paced world of business, new words are added to the language daily. As the majority of the business world operates in English, many new ideas and concepts are named in English first, utilizing English compound nouns, phrasal nouns or perhaps acronyms based on English words. These words and concepts are often incorporated directly into other languages. By mastering business English, you can remain ahead of the newest ideas and concepts.
11. Learning Languages Improves Cognitive Abilities
Cognitive function is one of the many benefits of learning business English. Photo by Los Muertos Crew.
Learning language builds problem solving abilities, and memory. The learning process helps us develop our capacity for focus and attention and increases our mental alertness. Learning English stretches our mental muscle. This is an important benefit for professionals who want to stay on top of their game in a global and competitive workforce.
12. Learning Business English Encourages Us to Think Globally
A global mindset is among the top benefits of learning business English. Photo by Artem Beliaikin.
When we think or speak in English or any other second language we are more frequently prompted to consider the diversity of people around the world. In addition, people that are multilingual are more often in touch with the global community. People who have access to a second language, and particularly the English language may experience more exposure to international colleagues or media. In a business context, this global mindset can foster a deeper understanding of other cultures, ideologies, norms and attitudes which can give us an advantage in the business world.
Discover the Benefits of Learning Business English for Yourself
Get in touch with SpeakWell Business English for a free consultation and discover how we can help you leverage the power of business English to reach your professional goals.
Do you have a question or a thought about the Benefits of Learning Business English? Let us know in the comments below!
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These popular phrasal verbs about education all have a specific meaning in the context of school and learning.
Whether you are a student, a teacher or interested expanding your general English, these phrasal verbs will make a great addition to your vocabulary.
Phrasal Verbs about School, Learning and Education
Catch On
To understand something.
Tim catches on very quickly in class, he always understands the concepts being taught. His sister Emma is slower to catch on and sometimes needs things explained a few times.
Are you catching on to the meaning of these phrasal verbs for education?
Catch Up
To reach the level of people who are more advanced.
Emma missed the first three weeks of university so she had to work very hard to catch up to her classmates.
Cheat On (Something)
To do a task in dishonest way to gain an advantage.
Emma got a great score on the exam but I think she cheated on it.
Have you ever cheated off someone?
Cheat Off (Someone)
To copy someones work.
Emma wrote the same answers as Tim in the exam, I think she cheated off him.
Copy (Something) Out
To write something that is written somewhere else exactly as it is written, usually by hand.
Tim studied by copying out all the relevant information from his text book into his note book.
Drop Out
To stop participating in an activity.
Emma told me her physics class is too difficult and she wants to Drop Out.
Enroll In (Something)
To register for a course, class or activity.
Tim decided to enroll in extra classes over the summer.
Fall Behind
To progress slower than others.
Emma is falling behind in all her classes. I think it’s because she doesn’t study.
Practice your phrasal verbs about education so you don’t fall behind.
Go Back To (Something)
To return to an activity or place that you did or were at before.
Emma said she might not go back to University next year, she is thinking about going back to learning the piano.
Go Over (Something)
To revise some information to help retain and learn it.
Tim can’t come out tonight, he is going over his notes for the big exam tomorrow.
The teacher is handing the papers out to the class.
Hand (Something) Out
To distribute something.
The teacher asked the student to help him hand out the worksheets to the class.
Hand (Something) In
To give something to a person of authority.
Tim handed in his assignment to the professor early, but Emma has hasn’t started her assignment.
Look (Something) Up
To find information within a reference.
I didn’t know what that word meant, so I looked it up in a dictionary.
What would you like to read up on?
Read Up On (Something)
To learn more about a topic.
Tim spent his holiday reading up on psychology because he found it very interesting.
Run Through (Something)
To explain something briefly.
The professor ran through the course outline for the semester so the students knew what to expect.
Sign Up For (Something)
Register for something.
Emma decided to sign up for extra classes with a tutor to help her understand the subject.
Study Under (Someone)
To be taught by someone.
If you want to improve your English, you should study under a professional teacher.
Want to study under an English teacher? Talk to SpeakWell
Take (Something) Up
To start some new activity.
Emma decided to take up learning the piano again. She really loves it.
Train (Someone) Up
Teach the required skills to perform a certain task, job or role.
Tim got a job at an office, but before he could start, the boss had to train him up, so he new how to perform his new role.
Times up, turn in your exams!
Turn In
To submit work.
Tim turned in his assignment to the teacher earlier today. Emma still hasn’t turned in her assignment from last week.
Withdraw From (Something)
To stop participating in an organized activity or course.
Emma decided to withdraw from university, she is going to become a famous pianist instead.
Discover More Phrasal Verbs About Education
Want to keep learning more phrasal verbs for school, the office and beyond? Get in touch with SpeakWell Business English for a free
Download Phrasal Verbs About Education PDF Study Sheet to Practice Offline
Do you have a question or a thought about this real estate English vocabulary? Let us know in the comments below!
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To start developing your English for school or business get in touch with SpeakWell Business English today. We can create a custom-made course to specifically target improving your language skills.
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Real estate English vocabulary is a set of words specific to the property industry.
This is a guide to common English vocabulary used by real estate agents, property managers, valuers, leasing agents, developers and other real estate professionals. Learning this vocabulary will help you to specialize your business English for real estate.
Take the real estate English vocabulary quiz to test your knowledge. Learn the vocabulary. Practice using the vocabulary in context, read the example sentences, and try to answer the example questions as you work your way through the list. You can also download and print the real estate English vocabulary PDF study sheet at the end of this article.
What is a real estate development anyway?
Take the Real Estate English Vocabulary Quiz to Test your Knowledge
[forminator_quiz id=”1412″]
The A to Z of Real Estate English Vocabulary
Apartment/Flat/Unit
A single residence (home) within a larger building containing many similar homes.
I live in apartment 10, there are 15 units in the whole building.
What are the advantages of living in a unit? What are the disadvantages?
Apartment Block/Apartment Building/Apartment Complex/Block of Apartments/Flats/Units
A building containing apartments.
There are many large apartment buildings in the city
Which part of town can you find many apartment buildings?
Appraisal
The initial estimate of the price of a property, based on the current market. Can be provided by a bank for lending purposes or real estate service for selling or buying purposes.
I am thinking of selling my property, but first I want an appraisal so I know how much it is worth.
How can professionals appraise the price of property?
Binding
An agreement that is enforceable by law.
Once you sign the contract the conditions are binding so check it carefully.
What is an example of an agreement that is legally binding?
Buyer/Purchaser
The party buying a property.
The buyer has signed the contract and paid the deposit, once they transfer the remaining funds the transaction will be complete.
In addition to the buyer, what other parties are involved in a property transaction?
Closing/Close
Finalizing a deal.
If you just sign the contract we can close the deal.
What can delay closing?
Let’s close this deal
Closing Costs/Transaction Fees
Fees incurred as part of a sale on top of the purchase price could include real estate fees, taxes, loan set-up fees etc.
The buyer will be responsible for closing costs under the contract.
Can you think of any other closing costs involved with property transactions?
Commercial Property / Commercial Real Estate
Buildings or land used for income-generating purposes. Includes office space as well as industrial property.
The central business district is where you will find a lot of commercial property.
Where can you find commercial property in your city?
Commercial Lease
A lease agreement to use the property for income-generating purposes.
The top floor of this office building property has a commercial lease in place until mid-next year.
What are some examples of businesses that might need a commercial lease?
Comparative market analysis
Report on sale or rental amounts for similar properties in a local market used to estimate sales or lease value of a property.
Can you carry out a comparative market analysis on this property to find out the value of similar property in the area?
Why would someone be interested in a comparative market analysis of their property?
Conditions/Contingencies/Provisions
Requirements that must be met for a contract to remain valid. In the case of property transactions, these may include requirements like a professional inspection or the buyer obtaining funding.
The contract includes the condition that the buyer can get a loan to purchase the property, if they cannot, the contract is terminated.
Can you think of some common conditions in real estate transactions or lease agreements?
Contract
Legally binding document recording a written agreement between two parties.
Once you sign the lease agreement it is a legally binding contract.
What are some examples of transactions or agreements that require a formal contract?
Once the contract is signed it is binding.
Cooling-Off Period
The period in which buyer can withdraw from a contract without penalty.
I am terminating the contract under the cooling-off period provision.
Why do you think cooling-off periods exist?
Default
To fail to repay a mortgage, defaulting can result in the property reverting to the ownership of the mortgagee or lender.
The company has defaulted on its loan and the bank is threatening foreclosure.
What are some outcomes of defaulting on a loan?
Deposit
An amount paid up-front to guarantee full payment. May be paid to secure a rental or for sale property. Also, the amount initially paid by the buyer in a mortgage.
If you would like to lease this property a deposit equal to four weeks rent is required.
Can you think of a time when you were required to pay a deposit up front to guarantee full payment later?
Developer / Property Developer
An individual that generates income through property by building, subdividing or renovating property.
We need a property developer to help us navigate the subdivision under the cities zoning regulations.
What specific examples of property development can you think of?
Duplex
One building containing two living separate living units.
Although it is two separate residences, this duplex is on one title so both must be sold together.
What are some of the disadvantages of living in a duplex?
Easement
The right to use a property for a specific purpose.
The electric company has an easement on the land which allows them to access the power lines built on the property.
What other reasons can you think of for having an easement?
Encumbrance
Obstruction or obstacle related to the use or transfer of land (such as a mortgage or easement over the property) is usually registered on the property title.
The electric company holds an easement over the property, this encumbrance will lower the value of the property.
What other words have a similar meaning to encumbrance?
Encroachment
Structure or building which extends into someone else’s land.
Equity is how much of your home you own based on how much of your home loan you have repaid. Equity can increase or decrease with changing value of property.
The property was recently valued at $100,000, I still owe $20,000 on the property loan, so I have $80,000 equity in the property.
How could equity be affected by an increase in property prices? For example if the property above was re-valued at $200,000?
Escrow
A third-party account to legally hold money while a real estate transaction is settled.
The funds will be held in escrow until the property settles.
What is the purpose of an escrow account?
Fittings
Items in a building that are not part of the structure of a building and not affixed to the walls or floor. Fittings are generally excluded from sale or lease agreements. For example, curtains, free standing appliances, mirrors etc.
The following fittings are included as part of the sale…
What fittings would you leave behind if you moved?
Fixer-Upper
A property in poor condition that will require work to restore to an acceptable or liveable level.
I bought a fixer-upper in a great neighborhood, I plan to renovate it and sell it for a profit.
What are some of the risks when buying a fixer-upper?
Fixtures
Items in a building that are not part of a buildings structure but that are affixed to the walls or floor and generally expected for inclusion in property sale or lease agreements. For example, light fixtures , air-conditioning units, plugs and sockets etc.
All fixtures will remain in the property and have been set out in the contract.
What fixtures would you take with you if you moved?
Flipping
To buy a fixer-upper and renovate it to sell at a profit.
I have flipped four houses and am currently renovating a fifth.
What are some of the risks people who flip houses might face?
Foreclosure
If a mortgagor defaults on their loan, the mortgagee may take possession of the property the loan was used to purchase under the loan agreement. The lender can then sell the property to recoup the loss.
The bank foreclosed on the mortgage and the owner was forced to vacate.
What steps should a mortgagor take to make sure the lender does not foreclose on their home.
When is it better to lease a furnished property, and when is it better to lease an unfurnished property?
High Rise / A High Rise
Adjective or noun to describe a building with many stories.
See also Skyscraper.
“I wish I lived in a high rise apartment complex.”
“I live in a high rise, it’s great!”
What are some of the advantages to living in a high rise?
Industrial Property / Industrial Real Estate
A type of commercial property. Buildings and land used in for production, manufacturing, assembly, warehousing, research, storage, and distribution.
This city has a lot of industrial properties out near the city limit.
Would you like live near industrial real estate? Why or why not?
Inspection
Process of visiting a property for sale to evaluate it. General inspections are made by prospective buyers and tenants. Professional inspections (for example building inspections) may be used in some transactions.
Before making an offer to purchase the property would like to have an inspection.
Have you ever had a property inspection?
Interest
Annualized fee for borrowing money charged as a percentage of the outstanding loan.
I wanted to buy a second hand car using a loan from the car dealer but when I saw how much interest they were charging I decided to buy a bike instead.
How much interest does you bank charge for different lending products? Credit cards? Business loans? Home loans?
Landlord / Lessor
A person who leases or lets a property to another.
My landlord is really awesome, whenever there is a problem she takes care of it immediately.
Have you ever rented a property from a landlord? Was it good experience? Why or why not?
Lease
The written agreement in which where a person pays a recurring payment known as rent in return for the use of a property.
The lease is for six months, after that we can renegotiate the agreement.
What sort of details would you expect to find written in a lease?
Leasee / Tenant / Renter
A person who holds the lease of a property.
My tenants are terrible, they don’t look after the property well and sometimes they pay the rent late.
What type of people make the best tenants?
Listing
A home being marketed for sale or for rent by a real estate agent. i.e. the property is listed on a website or other publication.
We have several listings in the area which you might be interested in.
What information should be included in a property listing?
Mortgage
A home loan agreement with a bank secured against the property being purchased. If the loan is not repaid ownership of the property is transferred to the holder of the mortgage (the mortgagee) who may sell it to recoup the loan.
The house I wanted cost $100,000, I had $30,000 in savings so I took out a mortgage with the bank. I borrowed the remaining $70,000 and will pay this amount, plus interest back over the next fifteen years.
What are some of the benefits of using a mortgage to buy property? What are some of the risks?
Fixed Rate Mortgage
A mortgage with an interest rate that cannot be changed by the lender for an agreed period of time.
I took out a fixed rate mortgage when interest rates were very low because I was worried they might increase.
What are the advantages of a fixed rate mortgage? What are the risks?
Adjustable Rate / Variable Mortgage
This interest rate can be changed at nominated intervals by the lender.
I decided to take out an adjustable rate mortgage because I believe mortgage rates will fall over the next few years and I wanted to benefit from that change.
What are the advantages of an adjustable rate mortgage? What are the risks?
Mortgage Broker
A person who negotiates home loan agreements between lenders and borrowers in return for commission.
My mortgage broker is great, she shopped around and found us the lowest interest rates available.
Have you used a mortgaged broker before? What are the advantages and disadvantages of using a broker?
Mortgagee
The mortgagee is the lender and holds the mortgage.
If you don’t make the agreed repayment, the mortgagee can foreclose on the property.
What institutions can act as mortgagees?
Mortgagor / Borrower
The mortgagor is the borrower and must make agreed loan repayments to the mortgagee to avoid defaulting on the mortgage.
The mortgagor missed several payments and eventually the the bank foreclosed on the property.
What are some risks involved in being a mortgagor?
Mortgage Insurance
Insurance premium paid to insure against defaulting on a loan. It is an extra fee paid by the mortgagor to the mortgagee if they don’t have a large enough deposit.
If we save up a 20% deposit, we won’t have to pay mortgage insurance and that will save us a lot over the course of the loan.
Who does mortgage insurance benefit?
Offer
This is the initial price offered by a prospective buyer to the seller. A seller may accept the offer, reject it, or counter with a different offer.
Would you accept an offer below the asking price?
Have you ever made an offer less than the asking price?
Office Space
Space available within a building for business purposes.
The business is expanding and will require 100m2 of new office space next month.
Which part of the city do you usually find office space for rent?
Owner / Property Owner
A person or entity that owns a building or land.
The property owner decide sell the building.
What are the advantages of owning property? What are the disadvantages?
Pre-approval / Pre-approved
Before buying a home, a buyer can obtain a pre-approval letter from a bank, which provides an estimate on how much the bank will lend that person. This letter will help determine what the buyer can afford.
I would like to offer the full asking price for the property, I have been pre-approved for finance by my bank.
If you were selling a house would you want buyers that had been preapproved for a loan, or buyer that still needed to get finance?
Principal
The principal is the initial amount of money borrowed to purchase a home. Paying off the principal allows a buyer to build equity in a home. Principal is combined with interest to determine the monthly mortgage payment.
If I make larger weekly repayments than I can pay down the principal faster and save money on interest.
On average, how many years does it take people to pay back the principal on a home loan?
Property Manager
A real estate professional who looks after a property for an owner in return for an agreed fee. They may be required to market the property for lease as well as look after upkeep and collect rent.
I don’t live in the city and I don’t want to deal with marketing, leasing or maintaining the property so I engaged a property manager.
What are the advantages of using a property manager? What are the disadvantages?
Renovate
To restore a building.
I bought a fixer upper so I could renovate it and flip it for a profit.
Would you enjoy renovating an old house?
Real Estate Agent / Real Estate Broker / Realtor
A professional with a real estate license who handles property transactions. they are often responsible for listing properties, marketing property, engaging prospective purchaser or tenants, negotiating agreements and handling paperwork. They are often paid on commission, a percentage of the transaction value.
Real estate broker is sometimes used to denote professional licensed to own a brokerage or agency and have other agents work for them.
The real estate agent selling this block of units is really helpful!
What a the advantages of using a real estate agent to help with property transactions? What are the disadvantages?
Buyer’s Agent
Advocates for a property buyer.
I am interested in buying a property overseas so I have engaged a buyers agent who knows the local market and prices to help me buy the right property at the right price.
In your experience, is it usual for people to use a buyers agent when purchasing property?
Seller’s Agent / Listing Agent
Advocates for a property seller.
I don’t want to handle the sale of my property by myself so I have engaged a sellers agent, they know the market and the strategies to get the most money for my home.
Would you use a seller’s agent to sell you home?
Dual Agency
One agent representing both buyer and seller.
Dual agency could be problematic due to conflicts of interest.
What problems could dual agency cause?
Commercial Agent
A real estate agent who specializes in commercial property.
We have a commercial agent looking after the lease of the office building.
What are some of the differences between a commercial agent and a residential agent?
Residential Property / Residential Real Estate
Buildings and land for people to live in.
This part of the city is mostly residential properties, it is a combination of houses and apartments.
Which part of the city do you find the most residential properties?
Retail Property
Buildings and land used for selling goods to consumers.
The cities main walking street has hundreds of retail properties. You can find restaurants, shops, and other vendors.
Where is the largest concentration of retail property in your city?
Retail Lease
A lease of business premises where the permitted use is for retail activities.
I want to open a book store so I need a retail lease in a busy urban area.
What kind of businesses might require a retail lease?
Rural
An area of low population density is often associated with agriculture (farming).
I was sick of the big city life so I moved to a tiny rural village of just 1000 people.
What kind of businesses might require a retail lease?
Real Estate
Property consisting of land or buildings.
I am interested in learning more real estate vocabulary to help me in the property industry.
How many examples of types of real estate can you think of?
Refinancing / Restructuring
Paying your existing mortgage with a new mortgage agreement to take advantage of new conditions such as low interest rates or high property values.
Interest rates are very low so I refinanced my home loan and now I have lower repayments.
How often should people refinance their home loan?
Rent
A recurring payment paid in return for the use of a property.
I pay my rent every two weeks to the property manager who collects it for the land lord.
What the advantages of renting property? What are the disadvantages?
Seller / Vendor
The party selling a property.
The vendor sold his apartment for $50,000 above the listed price.
What information should a vendor research before selling their property?
Settlement
The point at which a property is transferred to the purchaser.
We have signed the contract but the settlement is in thirty days which will give us time to organize finance, moving and clean the property.
What specific things need to be organised before a property settlement?
Settlement Period
The period between when a contract and signed and when the property settles.
I have asked the seller for a 60 day settlement period as I have a lot to organize before I am ready to take possession of the property.
What are the advantages of a short settlement period? What are the disadvantages?
Sky Scraper
An extremely tall high rise. Often used to describe buildings taller than 100 meters.
Helen works on the 50th floor of a skyscraper.
What famous sky scrapers do you know?
Storey
A single level in a building.
This house is two storeys high. The kitchen and living area are on the ground floor and the bedrooms are on the second storey.
How many storeys is your house or apartment building?
Subdividing / Subdivision
Dividing land into smaller blocks for sale or development.
Robin purchased a large block which she subdivided into 5 smaller blocks and sold.
What so you need to consider when subdividing property?
Suburban
Large mixed-residential areas outside urban areas. Suburban areas feature low-density and medium-density housing like houses, townhouses, and low-rise apartments.
Amenities like schools, hospitals, retail areas, and public transport are common in suburban areas. Commercial or industrial real estate are less common in suburban areas.
After years of living in a high-rise apartment in the middle of town, Michelle decided to move to a house with a big yard in a suburban area.
What the advantages of living in a suburban area? What are the disadvantages?
Terraced house / Townhouse / Townhome
Townhouses are a style of residential buildings that share one to two walls with adjacent properties but have their own entrances.
Would you prefer to live in an apartment or a townhouse? Why?
Urban
Densely populated inner-city area. Characterized by, medium to high-density residential, commercial and retail property with access to amenities, facilities, and civic infrastructure.
After years of living in a small rural village, Michael decided he wanted the convenience and excitement of living in a busy urban environment.
Would you prefer to live in an urban area or a suburban area? Why?
Valuation
A report on how much a property is worth based on third-party professional evaluation. May be done by a bank to assess value for the purposes of loaning money or the state to assess taxes and rates.
Why do real estate professionals need to know about zoning?
Warehouse
A type of industrial property comprised of large buildings where materials or manufactured goods may be stored.
There are a lot of warehouses in the industrial area of the city.
What companies need to lease warehouses?
Zoning
Methods of urban planning where areas of a region are divided into areas where different conditions apply to the types of buildings and development permitted. Examples of zones could include, high density residential, rural, industrial, special use etc.
The city zoning plan says that you can build high-rise office buildings in the central business district.
Why do real estate professionals need to know about zoning?
Download Real Estate English Vocabulary PDF Study Sheet to Practice Offline
Do you have a question or a thought about this real estate English vocabulary? Let us know in the comments below!
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To start developing your English for real estate and business get in touch with SpeakWell Business English today. We can create a custom-made course to specifically target improving real estate English!
Looking for more resources to develop your English for business? Pick up a copy of Business English Vocabulary Builder: Powerful Idioms, Sayings, and Expressions to Make You Sound Smarter in Business!
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Phrasal verbs are new verbs we make by adding words to an existing verb to create a new meaning. Often the meaning of the new verb is quite different from the meaning of the original verb.
For example, run means tomove at speed however to run + into someone means to meet by accident.
So, what are Phrasal Verbs for Business English?
Phrasal verbs for business English may take on further special meaning when used in a business context.
For example, write down means to take notes. In accounting write down means to re-value an asset.
Some phrasal verbs can be separated by the object of the phrasal verb. These are known as separable phrasal verbs. For example write down the asset could be written as, write the asset down.
This list of essential phrasal verbs for business English is a set of verbs that are helpful in an office setting.
When it comes to phrasal verbs for business English the best way to learn them is to practice them in context.
Practice the verbs and the sentences. Practice using one new business phrasal verb at work every day to begin developing a habit, adding phrasal verbs to your vocabulary bank.
Let’s Dive Into Phrasal Verbs for Business English
Let’s dive into or begin, these phrasal verbs for business English
Bail Out
Bail out means to rescue someone or something from difficulty. In a business context it means lending or giving money to an organization or individual struggling financially.
The government has promised to bail the banks out so the people don’t lose their savings.
Break Down / Break (something) Down
Break down means that a machine, system or process stops working.
The machinery at the plant broke down so production has ceased.
To break (something) down means to seperate into smaller more manageble parts or to analyze the individual parts of something carefully.
Let’s break the sales numbers down to find out how well we performed in each quarter.
Burn Out
To become exhausted through overwork.
John has taken a weeks vacation, he has been working too hard and was worried about burning out.
Carry (something) Out
To execute a task, project, or plan.
We have carried the analysis out and it has revealed problems in the business.
How are we going to carry out this plan? Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels.com
Check In
Brief contact to confirm that everything is well.
I know we have a meeting next week, but I wanted to check in and see how the new project is going.
Check (something) Out
To investigate something or validate some information.
I want to check the competition out to see what they offer consumers.
Circle Back
Come back to a discussion previously unfinished.
We have spent a lot of time talking about the new product, I would like to move on to another topic, but let’s circle back to it at the next meeting.
Close (something) Down
To cease operation.
We will close the existing stores down to focus on our online business.
It looks like they are going to close the factory down. Photo by Life Of Pix on Pexels.com
Come Along
To make progress. Used in the present continuous tense.
The development of the new system is coming along and we expect to finish on schedule.
Come Up With
Generate an idea, plan, question, or other new thought.
The CEO has come up with a new strategy to improve the company.
A light bulb moment is the moment you come up with a great idea. Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com
Cut Back
To reduce the use of some resource or the frequency of some action.
We need to cut back paper usage in the office. It’s wasteful and not very environmentally friendly.
Cut Down
To lower the amount of something.
You should cut down the time you spend answering non-work related emails.
Cut Off
To stop the supply of something.
The governments decision to cut off trade with neighboring countries has disrupted the supply of materials.
Deal With
To focus on.
My speech deals with the global economy.
To do business with.
I don’t deal with dishonest people.
To address and solve an issue or difficulty
Let’s deal with the legal problem.
We look forward to dealing with you further in the future. Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com
Delve Into
Explore something thoroughly.
I’ve been delving into these old research papers and I have found out a lot of helpful information.
Dig Into
Investigate something more deeply.
I would like you to dig into the rumors that our top salesperson is thinking of leaving the business.
Dig into these reports for me and let me know what you find. Photo by Anna Nekrashevich on Pexels.com
Dive Into
Begin some task with enthusiasm.
Ok thanks for joining me, Let’s dive into this meeting.
Draw (something) Up
Prepare a document.
I will draw the contract up and then we can sign it.
Drop In / Drop By
To visit informally or without appointment.
The area manager will drop in to collect our monthly report on Monday. When he drops by, can you give it to him.
Drop Off
To decrease suddenly.
Sales were going well but they dropped off last month.
Fall Through
An outcome does not happen.
The plan to move to a remote working environment has fallen through.
The deal fell through! It took me seven months to put it together! Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels.com
Fend (something/someone) Off
Defend oneself.
The market is saturated. We need a great marketing strategy to fend the competitionoff .
Fill (someone) In
Tell someone the details of a subject.
The manager has been fired, I will fill everyone in on the details shortly.
Fill (something) Out
Add required detail.
Please fill this form out this form so we can process your application.
Just fill this paper work out and we can get started.
Find Out
Discover something.
We need to find out if IT has come up with solution.
Follow Up
To investigate something further.
I didn’t understand the customers complaint. I will follow up to see if I can find out more.
To check on the progress of something.
Good luck with the project I will follow up with you later in the month to see how everything is going.
Get Ahead
To do well.
Although the company struggled in the first half of the year, we hope to get ahead in the second half of the year.
Go Around
To avoid or bypass an obstacle.
The HR director has refused to listen to our complaints, but I think we should go around her and speak directly to the CEO.
Go Back On
To change an existing agreement.
I am extremely upset that my employer has gone back on their agreement to consider me for promotion this year.
Go Over
To review something thouroughly.
Please go over this report before tomorrows meeting.
Go Under
To fail financially.
The company will go under if the government doesn’t lift restrictions soon.
Hold Off
Delay something.
We will hold off the press release until we have fixed the bug.
Jot (something) Down
Write a short note.
Can you please jot this phone number down?
I’d better jot this phrasal verb down so I don’t forget!
Lay (something) Down
Stating or instituting a set of rules, protocols or procedures in an official way.
With so much change in the industry it is time to lay some rules down about working from home.
Lay (somebody) Off
Dismiss someone from employment due to a shortage of available work.
I really hate to lose you but we without any work I have to lay you off.
Lay (something) Out
Stating ideas or plans in a clear way.
I am going to lay my plan out in the meeting on Friday.
Let (somebody) Go
Terminate employment.
Mr. Smith has been late every day this month! We have to let him go.
We are have to let you go, please pack up your things. Photo by Anna Shvets on Pexels.com
Link Up
Connect with someone.
This project will be a joint effort between the our office and the Tokyo office, we will need to schedule a time to link up with their team.
Look Into
Investigate.
The government has denied our application. Can you look into their decision and find out why?
Look (something) Over
To inspect.
We have purchased some machinery, I need an engineer to look it over and make sure it is all working.
Measure Up
To be equal or greater than something/someone.
The last report you submitted was great. I hope the next one measures up to it.
Pass (something) Up
To not take an opportunity.
The building contract is a big opportunity for us. We can’t pass it up.
Pass (something) On
To repeat information.
The boss is really happy with the result and asked me to pass his congratulations on.
The client loved your designs, I had to pass on their kind words. Photo by Alexander Suhorucov on Pexels.com
Pencil (something) In
To Tentatively schedule or plan for.
Ok well I’ll pencil the meeting in for next Wednesday and you can confirm later this week.
Pull (something) Off
To achieve something difficult.
They said we couldn’t invent a flying car but we pulled it off.
Pull Out
To cancel an agreement.
I’m sorry we have to pull out of the deal, we could not get funding.
I can’t sign that, I am pulling out of our agreement. Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels.com
Pull Through
To survive a challenge.
This team has faced incredible difficulty but it has pulled through and delivered a great result.
Put (something) Off
To delay something until a later time.
I would like to put the project off until we can figure out the total cost.
Send (something) Back
To return something.
That is not what I ordered. Send it back and ask them to ship the correct order.
Set (something) Up
Establish something.
Let’s set a meeting up to discuss the new deal.
Shop Around
To try to find the lowest price to purchase a product or service.
We have to buy 200 new computers for the office so I need you to shop around for the best price.
I’ve called seven suppliers to shop around for the best deal. Photo by Anna Shvets on Pexels.com
Shop (something) Around
To try to get someone to buy, publish or produce something.
I have finished my new book, now I just need to shop it around to some publishers.
Shut (something) Down
Stop something.
We have to shut down production until we find the problem.
Step Down
To resign from a particular position.
She is stepping down as a lecturer to concentrate on her research.
Step Up
To take on responsibility.
Who will step up and apply for the new director job.
Step (something) Up
To increase effort, speed, activity, intensity etc.
We need to step customer service up we lost seven clients last month.
Take Off
To suddenly increase in popularity or success.
The new advertising campaign is really taking off, we have over 100,000 shares on social media.
Another order! Shoe sales are taking off. Photo by Kampus Production on Pexels.com
Take (something) Over
To gain control of something.
I want Paul to take Sarah’s project over while she is away.
Think (it) Over
Consider something further.
I need to think your proposal over before I agree.
Hmm I’ll have to think it over! Photo by Karolina Grabowska on Pexels.com
Try (something) Out
To use something to test or evaluate it.
Try the new software out for thirty days, if you don’t like it you don’t have to purchase it.
Turn (somehting) Down
To not accept an offer or proposal.
I have to turn your job offer down, I already have a job I love.
Use (something) Up
Consume a resource entirely.
We have used this months marketing budget up.
Weigh In On
To provide input on a topic.
I’d like to to weigh in on the plan to cancel employee health insurance, I think it’s a terrible idea.
I’d like your opinion, can you weigh in on which design is better? Photo by Thirdman on Pexels.com
Weigh (something) Up
To consider something carefully.
I have weighed your offer up and I accept.
Wrap (it) Up
Conclude something.
Well if there is nothing else to discuss let’s wrap this meeting up.
Thanks everyone let’s wrap this meeting up!
Write (something) Down
In accounting, this means to re-value an asset to match its current market value.
We need to write the value of our trade name down.
Write (something) Off
In accounting this means to re-value an asset to zero.
The project did not go as planned, we will have to write it off.
Write (someone) Up
To report someone for not following a rule.
You can’t use the company credit card to go shopping! I’ll have to write you up.
That’s not allowed! I will write you up! Photo by Pressmaster on Pexels.com
Zero In On
Focus on exclusively.
Ignore everything else and zero in on on increasing sales volume next month.
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Hopefully these business phrasal verbs help you get ahead at work.
Do you have a question or a comment about these phrasal verbs for work? Let us know in the comments below!
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To start developing your English for business get in touch with SpeakWell Business English today. We can create a custom made course to specifically target improving your business English vocabulary!
Looking for some motivation and inspiration for yourself or your colleagues? These business quotes in English will help motivate you or your team to take on the next big challenge or nail their next presentation.
Using quotes can help us deliver the right message in the right way. While we may not always have the perfect words for any given situation, chances are, someone before us has.
These quotes don’t necessarily come from business people, but rather are some of the most recognizable and inspiring quotes that can be applied to a range of situations in business and in life.
From team meetings to presentations to public speaking, use these powerful business quotes in English to emphasize your message.
Powerful Business Quotes in English
#1
“Have no fear of perfection; you’ll never reach it.”
– Salvador Dalí, artist.
Sometimes, we spend so much time worrying about getting everything right that we fail to accomplish our goals. This quote reminds us that we should focus on getting something done, rather than getting something perfect.
#2
“Do one thing every day that scares you.”
– Eleanor Roosevelt, former first lady of the United States, diplomat, activist
Eleanor Roosevelt challenges us to live outside our comfort zone. By doing one thing that scares us, we can develop ourselves each and every day.
#3
“Tough times never last, but tough people do.”
– Robert H. Schuller, pastor, televangelist, author and motivational speaker
Business Quotes in English can inspire us to endure challenges. Photo by Orbit Publishers on Pexels.com
This quote by Robert H. Schuller inspires us to keep going when life is difficult. A great motivational quote for business, these words can motivate us when we face challenges.
#4
“Ask for what you want and be prepared to get it.”
– Maya Angelou author of I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings and civil rights activist
This quote is all about going after what you want directly. Don’t wait for people to guess what you want, ask for it, and expect to get it!
#5
“Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t, you’re right.”
– Henry Ford
It’s all a matter of perspective. By having a positive mindset and believing in ourselves we can manifest great things. On the other hand, if we don’t believe we can acheive our goals we are destined to fail.
#6
“The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.”
– Chinese Proverb
Ancient wisdom reminds us to take the opportunities available now.
This powerful business quote in English reminds us that there is no time like the present. We can sit around and worry about the time and opportunities that have passed us by, or we can act on the opportunities and time we have now.
Inspire people around you to take action now with this powerful quote for business, and life.
#7
“The question isn’t who is going to let me, it’s who is going to stop me.”
– Ayn Rand
Another quote that focuses on perspective. When we change the way we think we can achieve great things. Stop waiting for permission and go after what you want!
#8
“Fall down seven times and stand up eight.”
– Proverb
This old proverb is all about the motivation to keep going. When life throws up obstacles all we can do is keep moving forward. Use this great business quote in English to help inspire people to not give up.
#9
“A ship in the harbor is safe, but that is not what ships are built for.”
– John A. Shedd
Only through risk and effort can great things be achieved. Photo by James Wheeler on Pexels.com
A powerful expression, John A. Shed reminds us that risk equals reward, an important idea, especially in business.
#10
“Be the change you wish to see in the world.”
– Mahatma Gandhi
This famous quote encourages us to take action when we want something to change. It’s a great business quote in English to motivate people to use initiative.
#11
“The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”
– Lao Tzu
This business quote in English is another expression that recognizes the power of action. Even the difficult goals begin with a small initial action. Once we begin a task it can seem less daunting.
Inspire people around you to begin an important and challenging goal now with this powerful business quote in English.
#12
“I attribute my success to this – I never gave or took any excuse.”
– Florence Nightingale
Success is often about holding yourself and those around you accountable. By expecting the highest standard from your team and yourself you can achieve great things.
#13
“It’s not about ideas. It’s about making ideas happen.“
Everyone has great ideas. Not everyone executes their great ideas. Don’t live your life on the sidelines thinking about how things could be. Put your great ideas into practice. This great quote can be used to encourage people to put an idea into action!
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Hopefully these 13 powerful business quotes in English help you with your next team meeting or presentation. Looking for more helpful English phrases? Check these 10 Unbelievably Useful Phrases for Business Meetings.
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Do you have a question or a comment about these business quotes in English? Let us know in the comments below!
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To start developing your English for business getin touch with SpeakWell Business English today. We can create a custom made course to specifically target improving your business communication skills today!
Abbreviations for Business English are hard to remember at the best of times. If English is not your first language, abbreviations can be especially confusing. Here are some of the most popular workplace abbreviations and business acronyms used in offices all around the world every day.
Interpreting documents can be easier with a knowledge of abbreviations for business English
ACCT
Account or Accounts
It could also be used to abbreviate accounting, accountant or accounting department.
ASAP
As Soon as Possible
This popular english abbreviation is used in written or in spoken English to indicate that a reply or action is urgent.
ATTN:
Attention:
This business English abbreviation is used at the top of documents to identify the intended recipient.
B2B
Business to Business
B2B refers to transaction between companies.
B2C
Business to Consumer
B2C refers to transactions directly between business and consumer.
cc / bcc
Carbon Copy / Blind Carbon Copy
Used in email to send a copy of the email to someone other than the recipient to who the email is addressed. Bcc means a copy is sent but the email address the recipient is concealed.
CEO
Cheif Executive Officer.
The highest-ranking officer in a company or business. Other executive title abbreviations include CFO – Chief Financial Officer. COO – Chief Operations Officer. CIO – Chief Information Officer.
COB
Close of Business
This abbreviation is used to indicate the end of the business day and is usually used as a deadline. Generally, COB is thought to be 5 pm. EOB – end of business, and EOD – end of day, are sometimes used as well.
Trying to work out abbreviations for business English can be a headache. Luckily we have rounded up some of the most common.
CR
Credit
Credit has different definitions in banking, accounting and general business.
DR
Debit
Debit has has different definitions in banking, accounting and general business.
ETA
Estimated Time of Arrival
The time at which someone or something is scheduled or due to arrive.
FYI
For Your Information
This abbreviation is used to draw attention to some piece of information. Originally used in written communication, today, it is sometimes used in spoken English as well.
HR
Human Resources
This business abbreviation is the designation for an organization’s human resources department which handles the administration of employees.
IMO
In My Opinion
An abbreviation most commonly used in informal written communication to indicate that some information is a personal view rather than fact.
IPO
Initial Public Offering
An IPO is the process by which a private company offers shares in the company to the public.
KPI
Key Performance Indicator
Metrics used to evaluate operations.
Make sure you are ready for meetings by ensuring you are familiar with abbreviations for business English
MoM
Month-on-month / Month-over-Month
Comparison of financial (or other figures) from one month to the next.
OoO
Out of Office.
This business acronym is often used with auto email reply to indicate you are not in the office and not currently attending to work-related tasks or emails.
P/E
Price to Earnings Ratio
Used by investors to evaluate share prices. This ratio shows the relationship between a company’s share price and a company’s income.
P&L
Profit and Loss Statement
Shows a company’s revenue and expenses over a given period.
PR
Public Relations
The management of communication between a company and the public.
R&D
Research and Development Department.
The department of a business involved in the development of new products and services.
ROI
Return-on-Investment
A measurement of the gain or loss of an investment relative to its cost.
SEO
Search Engine Optimization.
The practice of improving website visibility to search engines to increase and improve website traffic.
YoY
Year-on-year / Year-over-year.
Comparison of financial (or other figures) from one year to the next.
YtD
Year-to-date.
The period between the beginning of the calendar or fiscal year and the current date.
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Hopefully, you found this list of common business acronyms helpful! If you have a question or a comment about these abbreviations for business English, let us know below!
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If you would like to improve your business English? Get in touch with SpeakWell Business English today. We can create a custom-made course to specifically target your business communication skills today!
If you are looking to improve professional English communication for the workplace or career start with these simple tips to start building good habits!
Practice!
There is no magic formula (unfortunately). However, with regular and dedicated practice you can improve grammar, construction, and vocabulary for business English. Gradually you will improve professional English communication.
Practice the English tasks that you regularly have to do as part of your job. Send emails to yourself and reply to them. Practice running meetings in English. Rehearse giving speeches in English. Practice conducting interviews in English. Read news articles in English every day, especially articles that relate to your job to improve industry-specific vocabulary.
There is an idiom in English, ‘Practice makes perfect.’ Nothing can prepare you better than consistent, dedicated practice to improving your English for business.
Use Spell Check Software
Use software to check fluency and accuracy to improve professional English communication
Spell checkers are computer programs that can identify errors in your spelling, grammar, and more. Modern-day spell checkers are very sophisticated and go beyond making sure words are spelled correctly. Today’s software can correct grammar and even the tone of communication. Run your emails, speeches, letters, and any other business communication through spelling and grammar checking software to improve professional English communication.
Grammarly is a popular spell checker that can also check for grammar, fluency, clarity, conciseness, tone, and much more.
Work With a Coach
If you are preparing for an important business meeting, a speech, or an interview it may be useful to get a professional coach or tutor to help you work on your communication. Professional English tutors, especially those who specialize in business English, can be a wise investment when a promotion, new job, big meeting, or public speech is at stake. Tutors can help you prepare English communications, they can help you polish and improve your existing communications, or they can help you identify problems and weak points.
Learn Your Greetings
‘Hello, how do you do?’ Practice greetings to improve professional English communication
The first impression we make is often the most important. But, knowing how to begin is also often the hardest part of business communication. Make sure you have a list of greetings and openers at your disposal for written and spoken communication. Learn about appropriate ways to begin formal communication at work for any given scenario. Practice making small talk and transitioning into the main topic.
Prepare Your Signoffs
While a first impression may be the most powerful, the last impression is very important too! Get confident using standard signoffs for written and spoken communication. Make sure you understand how to conclude your conversations appropriately for a given recipient. You could start by learning how to end telephone conversations.
Work on Your Weak Spots
Is there a particular part of your professional English communication that you struggle with? Target these problem areas systematically by identifying them and addressing them one by one.
When you have identified a weak point in your communication, write down a list of helpful expressions for different scenarios and practice using them as much as possible. You could begin by practicing useful phrases for business communication.
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That’s all from me for today. Signing off and wishing you all the best in the world of English for business!
Yours Sincerely,
Eddie
Don’t forget to practice, practice, practice to improve professional English communication
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Do you have a question or a comment about these ways to improve professional English communication? Let us know in the comments below!
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If you would like to improve your professional English communication? Get in touch with SpeakWell Business English today. We can create a custom-made course to specifically target your business communication skills today!
Making phone calls in English can be daunting, especially if English isn’t your first language. Perhaps the hardest part of a phone call is ending it! Here are some simple English phrases to end a phone call.
“I will let you go.”
This phrase means, I know you are busy and I don’t want to keep you longer. It shows that you are interested in the conversation but you are conscious of the other person’s time.
“I appreciate you taking the time to speak to me today. I know you are very busy, I will let you go. Thanks again, bye bye.”
Similar phrases to end a phone call include:
“I had better let you go.”
“I have taken up enough of your time.“
“Thanks for your time.”
Once you have covered the important parts of your phone conversation it’s time to signal that the conversation is ending. If you have called someone and want to show appreciation and respect for their time, this is a great way to do it.
“I think that’s everything I needed to know. Thanks for your time today. Speak to you soon!”
Similar phrases to end a phone call include:
“I appreciate you taking the time to speak to me.”
English Phrases to End a Phone Call: “Thanks for your time”
“I have to run.”
If you want to let someone know you have to end the call because you have something else to do, try this phrase. Make sure that the conversation is complete so that this phrase doesn’t come off as blunt.
“Ok James, thanks for your call today, if you don’t have any other questions I have a meeting shortly so I have to run!
“No, that’s all, thanks for your help, bye.”
“Bye.”
Similar phrases to end a phone call include:
“I have to go.“
“I had better get going.”
“Is there anything else I can help you with?”
If someone calls you for assistance or information, this phrase can be used to signal that you believe you have answered the query and the conversation is complete. It also gives the caller the opportunity to ask any further questions.
“Is there anything else I can help you with?”
“No thanks, that’s all.”
“Great, have a nice day, good bye!”
Similar phrases to end a phone call include:
“Is that all you need from me?”
“Is there anything else I can do for you?”
Improve your English telephone calls with these English phrases to end a phone call
“Let’s come back to this another time.”
If you want to finish the conversation for now, but want to leave the door open to revisiting the discussion try this phrase.
“Well unfortunately I don’t have anymore information right now. I will hopefully know more at the end of the week. Let’s come back to this on Friday.“
“Ok that sounds good, speak to you then.”
“Ok, bye.”
Similar phrases to end a phone call include:
“I will have to follow up and come back to you.”
“Let’s schedule another call soon.”
“Can you put it in writing?”
If you have made some agreement, understanding, or important progress, ask that the contents of the conversation be put in a letter or email so you have a record of it.
“I’m really interested in your offer. Can you put it in writing and I can consider it further.”
“Sure I’ll email you now.”
“Ok thanks a lot. Speak soon.”
“Bye.”
A similar phrase to end a phone call could be:
“Can I have that in writing please.”
“It was great to talk to you.”
Signal that the conversation is ended or ending by using a past tense.
“Thanks Janice, it was great to talk to you.”
“Yes, lets catch up again soon. Goodbye.”
Similar phrases to end a phone call include:
“It was a pleasure speaking with you today.”
“I enjoyed talking this morning.”
“I hope you enjoyed these phrases to end a phone call. I have to run, I have an important meeting. Bye!”
Do you have a question or a comment about these English phrases to end a phone call? Let us know in the comments below!
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To start developing your English for business correspondence get in touch with SpeakWell Business English today. We can create a custom made course to specifically target improving your business communication skills today!
Business meetings can be challenging at the best of times, but if English is not your first language, phrases, idioms and words used in a business context can make things even more confusing.
Business meeting vocabulary has its own specific set of phrases, idioms and words. Learning useful phrases for business meetings can be helpful when developing your English for business and the workplace.
Here are ten commonly used and incredibley useful phrases for business meetings to get you started.
Get Down to Business
“Let’s get down to business and learn some useful phrases for business meetings!”
This idiom means to begin to work on or focusing on a particular job or task. It is often used outside of a business context to mean begin an activity or serious discussion.
In the context of a business meeting, people might use this phrase when they are ready to transition from small talk or less important matters to begin discussing the main reason for a business meeting.
“Thanks for being here today, let’s get down to business and address the first issue on today’s agenda.”
Circle Back
To revisit an idea or conversation after allowing some time for some development or change in a situation.
“That could be a great strategy! Why don’t you record your results and we will circle back to this in one month and see how it went!“
The Bottom Line
The bottom line is the last line on a financial statement that indicates if something is profitable or not.
“We have to look at the bottom line. Event though we are selling a lot of units our costs have risen and we aren’t making any profit.”
This idiom can also be used in the broader sense to draw attention to the most important aspect of something
“The bottom line is our costs are too high!”
Get the Ball Rolling
“We can get the ball rolling with some common and useful phrases for business meetings!”
Another idiom that can be used to encourage people to begin some task or activity. When we think about this idiom we can imagine the most effort is required to begin an acivity. After that the process should become easier. In this way, we are asking people to invest an effort in beginning something.
“Can your team get the ball rolling on this new marketing campaign by brainstorming some new slogans?“
Back to the Drawing Board / Back to Square One
Back to the drawing board to come up with more useful phrases for business meetings
To re-start something from the beginning or planning stage.
“Well, this solution didn’t work. Let’s go back to the drawing board and think of some other ideas.”
“I thought that the client would love our proposal, but they asked us to do the whole proposal again! We are back to square one.”
Hands are Tied
When our hands are tied we are prevented from doing or choosing what we want because of something out of control.
“I would love to increase the offer but our budget is exhausted so my hands are tied.“
Long Shot
A long shot is a goal, aim or opportunity that doesn’t have a high chance of success.
A long shot is a goal, aim, or opportunity that is difficultult to achieve and doesn’t have much chance of success. Sometimes it is also associated with a goal that will have a big payoff or reward.
“Signing this big client is a long shot in a competitive market, but if we can do it the pay off will be great!”
All on the Same Page
We agree that these are some very useful phrases for business meetings, so we are all on the same page.
To be all on the same page means that a group of people all have a shared understanding or agreement about something.
“Now that everyone has heard the proposal, are we all on the same page that this is the best way to move forward?”
Crunch the Numbers
To crunch the numbers means to do some calculations to better understand some figures, data or statistics.
“This cost analysis looks very thorough, give us some time to crunch the numbers and see if it is feasible.”
In a Nut Shell
This means to explain something in the simplest and shortest way possible.
“We have the results for the last quarter. There is a lot of information, but, in a nutshell, we need to increase our sales.”
Do you have a question or a comment about these useful phrases for business meetings? Let us know in the comments below!
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To start developing your English for business correspondence get in touch with SpeakWell Business English today. We can create a custom made course to specifically target increasing your business communication skills today!
