Written by Gabriela Estrada

In the international workplace, it is common to encounter colleagues of different nationalities, cultural backgrounds, and ways of expressing themselves. English is often the common language.

But when we fail to communicate clearly or resort to overly colloquial language, we can compromise our image and the impact of our contributions. 

It is best to use specific, concise phrases with a professional tone that demonstrates mastery of the subject and the language. 

In this blog, I will share essential phrases in business English that will make your interventions more effective and have a greater impact in the office. 

Read along with me to the end and put them into practice for your next meeting!

English phrases that make a difference at work

1. When an idea is unclear and you want to intervene, don't say: "What?" or "I don't get it" (What? / I don't understand). This sounds rude or as if you weren't paying attention.

Consider the subtle question: Could you clarify that, please?Could you clarify that, please?).

This phrase is perfect for requesting more information or asking someone to repeat a point without interrupting abruptly or sounding aggressive.

Why does it make a difference? Using "Could you... please?" conveys respect and professionalism, inviting the other person to elaborate on their point, which encourages constructive dialogue rather than misunderstanding.

1. To express support for ideas, don't say: "I'm with you" or "Same here" (I'm with you / Me too). These are very informal phrases used between friends, which detract from the weight of your technical validation.

Think about positive language: I agree with that point.I agree with that point).

It is a professional and concise way to show support for an idea. Instead of using colloquial expressions, this phrase validates a colleague's proposal directly and effectively.

Why does it make a difference? The accuracy of "I agree with that point" is a statement of support that contributes to efficient decision-making, without ambiguity.

1. When it is necessary to clarify and bring the meeting to a close, don't say: "So, that's it?" or "To wrap up" (So, that's it? / To finish quickly). This may seem like you are in a hurry to leave or that you do not care about following up on tasks.

Think about: Summarize what we discussed - (Let's summarize what we discussed).

This phrase is ideal for take the initiative and wrap up part of the meeting. It ensures that all participants are on the same page and that the next steps have been clearly established.

Why does it make a difference? Taking the initiative to summarize demonstrates leadership and attention to detail (accountability). It ensures that conclusions are understood by everyone, preventing post-meeting follow-up errors.

These are just three phrases that will help you make yourself understood using professional and assertive English, but there is much more to learn.

Would you like to learn other phrases to stand out at work, in your studies, or when moving to other countries? At Planeta Immiland, we can help you, as we offer English courses focused on your goals.

Learn English with Planeta Immiland

At Planeta Immiland, we offer certified English and French courses from beginner to advanced levels. 

Our teachers are highly trained to guide your learning process according to your requirements, using effective methodology and the Languages Canada seal. 

Join our online academy: https://www.planeta-immiland-education.com/ and learn about our English and French programs designed to take your professional communication to the next level.

I hope these phrases are useful for your next work meeting. 

Thank you for reading. See you in the next blog!

With love,

Planeta Immiland Education