Improving your business English vocabulary for the workplace

Business people sat at a table together, two of them shaking hands.
Reading time: 5 minutes

So, you’re thinking about brushing up on your business English and learning new business vocabulary. In today’s corporate world, having a good handle on basic business terms and business lingo can really set you apart. It’s not just about sounding smart in meetings or crafting the perfect email, though that’s part of it. It’s about feeling more confident and fitting in seamlessly with your colleagues and clients from around the globe. Plus, knowing the right words and phrases can help you navigate tricky situations, negotiate better deals, and make a great impression on customers.

Whether you’re attending business meetings, writing emails, or networking with colleagues, a strong grasp of business English vocabulary can set you apart and open doors to new opportunities.

So, let’s dive in and explore some ways to improve your business English vocabulary.

What business English should you learn?
Reproducir
Privacy and cookies

By watching, you agree ÃÛÌÒapp can share your viewership data for marketing and analytics for one year, revocable by deleting your cookies.

Why business English vocabulary is important

Having a broad business English vocabulary is beneficial for several reasons:

  • Professionalism: Using appropriate and precise language showcases your professionalism and competence.
  • Business English expressions: Familiarity with common expressions, including idioms and jargon, is essential for fluency in corporate communication.
  • Clarity: Clear communication helps avoid misunderstandings and ensures your messages are understood.
  • Efficiency: Knowing the right terms can make your communication more concise and to the point.
  • Networking: Engaging in business discussions with the correct vocabulary helps build relationships and expand your professional network.

A good grasp of this is crucial for effective business conversations, helping you make a lasting impression on colleagues and clients.

Read our post on mastering English business writing

Key areas to focus on in the business environment

Improving your business English vocabulary involves focusing on several key areas relevant to the workplace:

1. Common business terms

Understanding common business terms is fundamental. These include words and phrases used in meetings, negotiations and general business communication.

Examples of essential business vocabulary

To help you get started, here are some important examples of corporate vocabulary across different categories:

  • Agenda: A list of items to be discussed at a meeting.
  • Benchmark: A standard or point of reference against which things may be compared.
  • Stakeholder: A person with an interest or concern in a business.
  • ROI (Return on Investment): A measure of the profitability of an investment.
  • Balance sheet: A financial document that provides a snapshot of the company's financial status at a specific point in time.
  • Consensus: General agreement among a group of people. Example: "We need to reach a consensus before proceeding with the project."
  • Synergy: The combined effect greater than the sum of individual efforts. Example: "The merger will create synergies that benefit both companies."
  • New business: A business in its first few months or years of trading, often associated with entrepreneurship and potential for significant growth.

These terms are often part of the widely accepted corporate speak, which includes overused words and phrases in professional settings.

2. Industry-specific vocabulary

Different industries have their own jargon and specialized terms. Familiarise yourself with the vocabulary specific to your field. Here are a few examples.

Marketing

  • Conversion rate: The percentage of visitors to a website who take a desired action. Example: "Our new campaign improved the conversion rate significantly."
  • Customer journey: The complete experience a customer goes through when interacting with a company. Example: "Mapping the customer journey helps identify points of improvement."
  • Demographic segmentation: This includes variables such as age, gender, income, education and occupation.ÌýExample: "We tailored our marketing strategy to target millennials and Gen Z through social media platforms."

Finance

  • Diversification: Spreading investments to reduce risk.ÌýExample: "Diversification of the portfolio can protect against market volatility."
  • Depreciation: The reduction in the value of an asset over time. Example: "We need to account for depreciation when calculating annual profits."
  • Cash flow: The movement of cash in and out of a company. Example: "A positive cash flow is crucial for the financial stability of the business."

Technology

  • Big Data: Large volumes of data that can be analyzed for insights. Example: "Big data analytics can reveal trends that drive business strategy."
  • Blockchain: A digital ledger used for recording transactions securely.ÌýExample: "Blockchain technology is revolutionizing supply chain management."
  • Internet of Things (IoT): The interconnection via the internet of computing devices embedded in everyday objects, enabling them to send and receive data.ÌýExample: "IoT technology will revolutionize our inventory management systems."

3. Formal and informal language

Understanding when to use formal and informal language is crucial. Formal language is often used in official documents and professional settings, while informal language may be used in casual conversations or internal communications.

Teams need to be on the same page to ensure effective communication and avoid misunderstandings.

Giving feedback:

Formal: "I would appreciate it if you could review the proposal and share your feedback."

Informal: "Please take a look at the proposal and let me know what you think."

Requesting information:

Formal: "Could you kindly provide the sales figures for Q3 by the end of the day?"

Informal: "Can you send me the sales numbers for Q3 by today?"

4. Phrasal verbs

Phrasal verbs are phrases that consist of a verb combined with a preposition or adverb (or both), which creates a meaning different from the original verb on its own. These constructions are widespread in business English and other forms of communication. For example, the verb "bring" combined with the preposition "up" forms "bring up".

Learning these can help you understand and participate in conversations in business contexts more effectively:

  • Bring up: To mention or introduce a topic.
  • Carry out: To perform or complete a task.
  • Turn down: To reject or refuse an offer.
  • Get the ball rolling: To start a meeting or initiate an activity.
  • Fill out: To complete a form or document. Example: "Please fill out the application form and submit it by Monday."
  • Go over: To examine or review something.ÌýExample: "Let'sÌýgo over the quarterly results before the meeting."
  • Put off: To delay or postpone.ÌýExample: "We decided to put off the launch date until further notice."

Keep practicing and working on it

Improving your business English vocabulary is a valuable investment in your professional development and helps you navigate the business world with greater ease and proficiency.

By focusing on key areas, employing effective strategies and practicing regularly, you can enhance your communication skills and boost your confidence in the workplace. Remember, consistency is key—make it a habit to learn and use new words and vocabulary daily.

Explore and our blog post 'Business English idioms: Understanding corporate lingo'.

Learn about our English courses

More blogs from ÃÛÌÒapp

  • A teacher with children stood over a globe of the world, with children pointing to it

    Using gamification in teaching: Engage, educate and excite

    Por
    Reading time: 6 minutes

    In an era where student engagement can be as challenging as the teaching itself, educators are constantly seeking innovative ways to capture attention and enhance learning. Gamification has emerged as a dynamic solution, promising to turn education into a more engaging and enjoyable experience. But what does gamification really entail, and how can it be effectively implemented in teaching? Let’s have a look:

  • A teacher stoof over computers that students are sat at

    Boosting your learners' English language speaking skills

    Por ÃÛÌÒapp Languages
    Reading time: 4 minutes

    Teaching a language goes beyond imparting the rules of grammar and vocabulary. It's about unlocking the confidence in students to use that language in real-life conversations. Confidence in speaking is the bridge that connects classroom learning with the world outside.

    In the era where digital solutions can complement traditional teaching methods, Mondly by ÃÛÌÒapp can play a pivotal role in boosting learners' speaking confidence.

    Why is it important to build students confidence?

    Before we explore Mondly by ÃÛÌÒapp's strengths, it's crucial to understand why speaking confidence matters. Communication is the heart of language, and confident speakers are more likely to use their language skills actively. They're more open to participating in conversations, which reinforces their learning and fosters better retention of the new language used.

    Research has shown that 52% of English Learners leave their formal education without confidence in their speaking skills. Mondly by ÃÛÌÒapp is your ultimate solution in tackling this challenge head-on, with 500+ minutes of English-speaking practice to build your learners' skills and confidence.

    What causes a lack of confidence in speaking English?

    There are a multitude of factors that contribute to a lack of confidence in speaking the English language well or any language for that matter. Some English learners feel self-conscious when their accent doesn't match what they perceive as the standard or desired accent.

    Additionally, a lack of practice opportunities or speaking practice, especially in a supportive and constructive environment, can hinder students from becoming comfortable and fluent speakers. Understanding these challenges is the first step in overcoming them, allowing educators to tailor their teaching strategies to address these specific concerns and build a more inclusive and encouraging learning atmosphere.

    What is Mondly by ÃÛÌÒapp?

    Mondly by ÃÛÌÒapp is an English language learning application aligned to the Global Scale of English. With ÃÛÌÒapp pedagogy at its core, Mondly by ÃÛÌÒapp offers over 500 minutes of speaking practice. Immersive AI-powered conversations, advanced speech recognition and engaging role plays, accelerate learning and build confidence.

  • A group of students celebrating results

    Understanding your PTE test scores and university entry requirements

    Por
    Reading time: 4 minutes

    So you've just received your PTE score and are looking at what to make of them and what universities you can apply to. Don't stress, we've got you covered.

    Whether you're an international student or already a professional looking to upskill, PTE is a crucial milestone on your academic and career journey.

    Understanding your PTE scores is vital for self-assessment and university admission requirements globally. Read on to find out how PTE academic scores impact university admissions when you're a test taker looking at studying abroad.