From Everyday English to Business English
For professionals, mastering Business English is no longer optional; it is an indispensable skill that can make or break career trajectories.
Whether you are drafting a report, writing a business email, leading a team meeting, or closing a deal with overseas clients, proficiency in Business English ensures clarity and minimizes the risk of miscommunication—an essential factor in achieving business goals.
Here is how to 'convert' your everyday English vocabulary into a professional one
Have a look at some very common words:
got – received
need – require
talk about – discuss
get in touch – contact
make sure - ensure
give – provide
let them / me know – inform
tell why - explain
talk more about - elaborate on
fix the problem – solve the problem/resolve the issue
ask for – request
ask about - enquire
By category:
Verbs
get → obtain/retrieve
ask → inquire/request
fix → resolve/remedy
start → commence/initiate
help → assist/support
go over → review
find out → determine
put off → postpone
Nouns
job → position/role
idea → initiative/proposal
bill → invoice
work → operations/tasks
deal → agreement/negotiation
Adjectives
big → significant/substantial
good → favorable/exceptional
bad → unfavorable/suboptimal
fast → efficient/expeditious
easy → straightforward/feasible
Modals & Politeness
can you → could you kindly
I want → I would like to request
you should → it would be
advisable to
we need to → it is imperative that we
maybe → potentially/is under consideration
Connectors & Transitions
so → therefore/consequently
but → however/nevertheless
also → moreover/additionally
first → initially/primarily
then → subsequently
Common Phrases
no problem → certainly, I'll address that
sorry, I'm late → my apologies for the delay
what do you think → I'd value your input on this matter
let me know → please keep me apprised
thanks → I appreciate your assistance
Transforming your everyday English into polished business communication is an investment that pays dividends. By consciously expanding your vocabulary, refining your grammar, and focusing on clarity and professionalism, you can unlock new opportunities and elevate your career.
Embrace the active process of learning, practice these element (see tips on both relevant pages), and watch your communication skills become a powerful asset in the business world.