Top Must-Know Business English Phrases That Impress

By: Jonathan Levin Aug 10, 2025

You’ve nailed the basics, but slipping into awkward phrases in meetings or emails can still stall your progress. That’s where mastering the right business English phrases comes in.

You'll grab people’s attention, build trust, and speed up the decisions that matter to your professional career.

In this article, you’ll discover powerhouse expressions that make your messages clear, confident, and impossible to ignore.


Key takeaways

Further into this article, readers will find the following key takeaways:


The challenge of learning business English

You're swamped from dawn to dusk at work with back-to-back meetings, urgent emails, plus that ever-growing to-do list. Carving out time for language study feels impossible.

Even if you find ten spare minutes, the worry kicks in: what if you stumble over a phrase? What if your boss or client hears you slip up? That fear of judgment stops you before you start.

On top of time crunches, every mistake feels magnified at this level. You replay awkward moments in your head: the mispronounced words, emails that sounded unclear, or meetings where you froze.

Those doubts make you avoid the practice altogether. It's no wonder learning business English for meetings can feel like climbing a mountain in formal clothing.

The good thing is that recognizing these barriers is the first step to overcoming them. Knowing that time is tight and nerves run high lets you find smarter ways to learn and achieve learning success.


Overcoming barriers with Loora

You’re juggling a packed calendar, but Loora makes English practice fit into tiny gaps in your day. You can use the AI-powered application on your phone, pick a 5-minute lesson, and you’re learning while you wait for your coffee.

No long courses, no rigid schedules, just bite-sized exercises that slide easily into mornings, lunch breaks, or commutes.

Worried about making mistakes? Loora’s safe, judgment-free space has your back. Instant feedback points out small slips like a misused phrase without any embarrassment. You can repeat lessons as many times as you need, building confidence with every try.


Top 50 business English phrases you need to know

Here are Loora’s 50 common business phrases you need to know. They are split into ten everyday situations. Read on to see each phrase with descriptions, so you know exactly when and how to use them:


Emails: openers & closers

These business English expressions help you start and finish your emails in a friendly, professional way. Use them to set the right tone and make your requests clear.

“I hope you’re well.”

A friendly start that shows you care about the person behind the screen. It sets a warm tone before you dive into business.

“Thank you for your prompt response.”

A polite way to recognize someone’s quick reply. It encourages them to keep up that helpful pace.

“Please let me know if you have any questions.”

Invites follow-up and shows you're available to clarify. That reduces back-and-forth later on.

“I look forward to hearing from you.”

This phrase closes your message by clearly indicating the next steps and letting the reader know you're waiting for their input.

“Best regards,”

A professional, warm sign-off that works in almost any email. It leaves a positive, respectful impression.


Meeting Dialogue

These business expressions guide conversations in meetings, helping you join in smoothly and keeping discussions on track. They also help you speak up and confirm the next steps using the right English for meetings.

“Let’s get started.”

Signals: the meeting is officially underway. It helps everyone switch from small talk to focus mode.

“Could you clarify that point?”

Shows you're listening closely and want to avoid misunderstandings. It keeps the conversation on track.

“I’d like to add…”

It gives you a smooth, polite way to start the discussion and shows respect for what's been said.

“What’s our next step?”

This phrase ensures action items are clear before you finish. It turns talk into concrete plans in business English meetings.

“Thanks for your input.”

It shows genuine appreciation for others' ideas, keeping the mood positive and collaborative in a business English meeting.


Presentations

Use these business English sentences to structure your talk and keep your audience engaged. They signal transitions, highlight key points, and invite questions.

"Today, I'll cover three main points."

It prepares your audience for the flow of your talk, helps them follow along, and helps them remember key ideas.

“As you can see here…”

It guides listeners' eyes to a slide or chart, ensuring everyone is looking at the same information.

“To summarize…”

Signals, you're wrapping up a section so listeners can catch up. It highlights the main takeaway.

“Let me illustrate with an example.”

Turns abstract ideas into real-world scenes. Examples help people connect with your message.

“I’m happy to take questions.”

Opens the floor for audience interaction and shows you value their thoughts and feedback.


Negotiations

These phrases show your willingness to collaborate through a negotiation process while protecting your interests. They help you suggest compromises and push for creative solutions.

“We’re open to exploring options.”

Shows flexibility without giving away your position. It keeps talks cooperative.

“Can we meet halfway on this?”

Invites compromise and signals you value balance. It moves both sides closer to agreement.

“Let’s find a win-win solution.”

This phrase frames the discussion as a team effort. It reduces tension and builds trust.

“That’s outside our budget.”

The business phrase clearly states your limits without shutting down the conversation. It pushes toward creative fixes.

“How about we revisit this next week?”

Buys you time to think and gather more info. It shows you’re taking the decision seriously.


Networking

These openers and closers let you build real connections with new contacts. They show respect, spark conversation, and leave the door open for future chats.

“It’s great to connect with you.”

One of the more popular professional phrases for new contacts. It builds rapport from the first line.

“I’ve heard wonderful things about your work.”

Flattering and sincere, this phrase shows you’ve done your homework. It makes people more open.

“Could we set up a quick call?”

Moves from small talk to action. It respects their time while advancing your goal.

“I’d love your advice on…”

Engages their expertise and flatters at the same time. It sparks meaningful conversation.

“Let’s stay in touch.”

This phrase keeps the relationship open without pressure. It leaves the door wide for future chats.


Reporting Progress

Use these lines to provide clear, concise updates. They let you share facts, flag issues early, and lay out what's next.

“Here’s the current status.”

The phrase opens your update with clarity. It tells your audience exactly what to expect next.

“We’ve completed X% of the project.”

Gives concrete data to measure progress on a project. It builds confidence with real numbers.

“We’re on track to meet the deadline.”

Reassures stakeholders that things are moving smoothly. It reduces anxiety about timing.

“The main challenge is…”

This phrase flags issues early so you can tackle them together. It shows honesty and invites help.

“Next, we will…”

Sets clear upcoming tasks. It keeps the momentum going, and everyone is aligned.


Asking for Clarification

These questions help you avoid misunderstandings and obtain the details you need. They also show that you're listening and eager to learn.

“Could you expand on that?”

Politely seeks more detail. It shows genuine interest and careful listening.

“What do you mean by…?”

Zeroes in on unclear terms to avoid mistakes. It keeps communication precise.

“Can you give me an example?”

Helps you understand by turning theory into a real case. It makes complex ideas clearer.

“I’m not sure I follow.”

Honest and direct, this phrase prevents confusion from growing. It invites a simpler explanation.

“Could you repeat that?”

Essential on calls or noisy environments. It shows you want to get it right.


Giving Feedback

These phrases balance praise with constructive advice. They help you support others, point out areas for improvement, and collaborate on solutions.

“I appreciate your effort on…”

Starts with positive praise to set a supportive tone. It makes critique easier to hear.

“One area to improve is…”

Offers constructive critique without blame. It focuses on solutions, not faults.

“Could you try…”

This phrase suggests a clear action to fix or refine. It guides the next steps directly.

“That was very effective because…”

Explains what worked well to reinforce good habits. It balances praise and growth.

“Let’s work on this together.”

Shows you're on the same team. It improves a shared goal.


Phone Calls

These lines guide you through calls smoothly, from introducing yourself to closing the conversation. They help you respect others’ time and ensure follow-up.

“Hello, this is [Your Name] from [Company].”

Professional introduction that immediately sets the context. It avoids confusion on busy lines.

“Am I callingat a good time?”

Shows respect for their schedule and increases your chance of a focused chat.

“Could you speak more slowly, please?”

Helps with comprehension when accents or connection issues get in the way.

“I’ll follow up by email.”

Sets clear next steps so nothing falls through the cracks. It confirms your commitment.

“Thank you for your time.”

Polite close that leaves a positive final impression. It shows you value the receiver's schedule.


Closing the Deal

These direct, positive phrases move talks into action. They guide clients to a decision, confirm details, and celebrate new partnerships.

“Are you ready to move forward?”

A direct call to action that prompts a clear decision. It moves the conversation from talk to contract.

“When would you like to start?”

Locks in timing and shows you’re prepared to begin. It keeps excitement high.

“We can send the contract today.”

Creates urgency and shows you’re ready to deliver. It nudges the prospect to act now.

“Is there anything else you need?”

This phrase shows full support and thoroughness. It reassures the client you’ve covered all bases.

“Welcome aboard!”

A warm, positive handshake in words. It celebrates the new partnership and builds goodwill.


Tips on how to integrate business English phrases into your routine to improve your skills

Integrating new business English phrases into your workday doesn’t have to be hard. With small, simple habits, you’ll use these phrases naturally and improve English assimilation in every email, meeting, and call. Here are five practical tips to get you started:

Pick a "phrase of the day."

Each morning, choose one key business English phrase, write it on a sticky note, or set a phone alert. Use that phrase at least once before noon: you can slip it into a quick chat with Loora’s AI tutor feature, or just a voice note to yourself.

By the end of the day, you'll spot how it fits into real conversations and dread forgetting to use it.

Role-play in spare moments

When you’re waiting for your coffee or stuck in traffic, mentally act out a scene. It may be asking for clarification in a meeting or pitching an idea. Run through both sides of the dialogue using your chosen phrase.

This silent rehearsal builds confidence so that when the real moment comes, the words flow naturally instead of sticking in your throat. The results can even be more profound if you practice with the Loora AI tutor feature.

Write a micro-email

Once a week, draft a super-short email to a friend or colleague. Force yourself to include two or three new phrases.

You don’t even have to hit send. This private exercise turns writing into muscle memory, so real emails feel easy and polished.

Record yourself

Grab your phone and record a 30-second update or pitch using your target phrases. Play it back and listen for awkward pauses or mispronunciations. Alternatively, you can practice the phrases in the Loora application: read them out and get feedback on your pronunciation in real time.

Hearing yourself makes you your coach: you'll test and adjust your tone and pacing without any embarrassment.

Teach a buddy

Share one phrase a day with a coworker or friend. Explain where it fits, like in an email opener or meeting question. Teaching cements your learning and creates a mini “practice partner” who can quiz you later.


FAQs

What is the most overused business phrase?

"Think outside the box" tops our list. However, you hear it in meeting after meeting, and it's lost its punch. To stand out, swap it for something more specific, like "Let's try a different approach."

What English phrases should I avoid in a business setting?

Use popular buzzwords strategically for optimal results. They include “synergy,” “low-hanging fruit,” “at the end of the day,” and “touch base.”

However, older buzzwords like “run it up the flagpole” only add noise, not value. As a general rule in the workplace, avoid phrases that are negative, unprofessional, or unclear. Also avoid using phrases that you don't fully understand and tailor your language to your audience.


Can Loora tailor sessions to my specific job role?

Yes. When you download the Loora app from the App Store or Play Store, you can create a new account. Then, you tell Loora about your role and industry. Loora then suggests phrases and scenarios that match your daily tasks so you can practice what you really need.

How do I incorporate new phrases into emails and meetings?

Use small habits: pick one phrase each day, write a quick email draft, or drop it into a meeting question. The more you try them in real chats, the faster they become second nature in your vocabulary.

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