Business English is one of the essential qualities you need to have a successful career. However, in an environment where many people can speak English at work and in their private lives, it is of great importance that you stand out. Some nuances that will make you look more professional and communicate more effectively with your foreign business partners will come in handy at this point. Learning the English phrases (i.e., idioms, expressions) that are commonly used in the business world is one of the best steps you can take to make the difference you want in your career. We have compiled some English phrases that will be useful for you in office life, sometimes in your e-mails, and sometimes in meetings.
Address an issue
- to acknowledge a problem and focus on it to find a solution
In the meeting, I will address the financial issues we’ve been facing lately. I think it’s time to address the fundamental issues about working conditions.
Go the extra mile
- to do more than what people expect
We take pride in going the extra mile for our customers.
Think outside the box
- to think creatively
We must think outside the box to come up with a successful marketing campaign.
Start from scratch
- to start from the very beginning, whether it refers to a brand new project or starting over
Nothing like this had ever been done before, so we had to start from scratch. It’s completely ruined, so we’ll have to start from scratch.
Close the deal
- to make an agreement official
We negotiated the terms of the agreement, and this afternoon we will close the deal.
On the same page
- to agree and understand each other
We’re on the same page, so we can close the deal soon.
Bottom line
- the least amount of money or another benefit the negotiator settles for
He says his bottom line is $500,000.
- in summary
The bottom line is that the management will change the manufacturing process.
Bring to the table
- to provide something that will be a benefit
What can you bring to the table?
Scale up
- to increase in size or number
The company has scaled up production to meet the demand.
Get back to someone
- to reply to someone
I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.
At stake
- to be at risk
Her job is at stake if she fails this.
By the book
- to do things “by the book” is to do things according to company policy or the law
The regular audits inspect whether we do everything by the book in the company.’
We have a great offer for your employees to speak English just like native speakers in their professional life! With Cambly’s training programs for employees who want to learn business English, your employees can attend one-to-one online lessons. They can work with native English-speaking instructors from any professional group and make the difference you want at work by practicing both speaking and listening in English.
You can contact the Cambly Corporate Team to take the first step in expanding your borders, taking advantage of the benefits of online education, and helping your employees improve their English.