In the grand tapestry of business communication, the language we use can be a powerful tool for conveying ideas, fostering collaboration, and achieving success. Mastering business English phrases can help you navigate professional settings with confidence and clarity. Here are 40 essential phrases to enhance your communication in the workplace.
1. Moving you to BCC
This phrase is used when moving someone to the blind carbon copy field in an email, ensuring they stay informed without cluttering the main conversation.
Example: "I'm moving you to BCC to keep you updated without cluttering the main conversation."
2. I’m CC’ing somebody in an e-mail
Use this when adding someone to the carbon copy field in an email so they receive a copy of the communication.
Example: "I'm CC’ing Jane in this email to keep her in the loop."
3. Collaboration
Collaboration is key to achieving common goals through teamwork.
Example: "Our collaboration with the marketing team has yielded great results."
4. Start from scratch
To begin something anew without any prior work or preparation.
Example: "We need to start from scratch on this project due to the new requirements."
5. To give the greenlight
To approve or allow a project or activity to begin.
Example: "The manager gave us the greenlight to proceed with the new marketing campaign."
6. Behind schedule / ahead of schedule
Refers to running late or being ahead of the planned timeline.
Example: "We're behind schedule on the product launch but ahead of schedule with the development phase."
7. Elevator pitch
A concise, persuasive speech to spark interest in what your organization does, lasting about the duration of an elevator ride.
Example: "Prepare your elevator pitch for the networking event."
8. To catch up
To meet with someone to discuss recent developments or to make up for lost time.
Example: "Let's catch up tomorrow to review the project status."
9. Stay on budget / go over budget
To spend within the budget limits or exceed them.
Example: "We need to stay on budget for this quarter's expenses."
10. Sign off on (something)
To formally approve or agree to something.
Example: "The CFO needs to sign off on the budget before it’s finalized."
11. To be ahead of the curve
To be more advanced or innovative than others.
Example: "Our technology keeps us ahead of the curve in the industry."
12. A ballpark figure
An approximate number or estimate.
Example: "Can you give me a ballpark figure for the project's cost?"
13. To kick off
To start or begin an event or project.
Example: "We will kick off the new initiative next Monday."
14. White collar
Refers to employees who work in professional, administrative, or managerial positions.
Example: "White-collar workers typically have desk jobs."
15. To look at the big picture
To consider the overall perspective or larger context.
Example: "We need to look at the big picture before making a decision."
16. To play by the book
To follow the rules and regulations strictly.
Example: "Our company always plays by the book to ensure compliance."
17. To call it a day
To stop working for the day.
Example: "Let’s call it a day and resume our work tomorrow."
18. To corner the market
To dominate a particular market, making it difficult for others to compete.
Example: "Our new product could help us corner the market."
19. Get in on the ground floor
To become involved in a project or business at an early stage.
Example: "Investors are eager to get in on the ground floor of our startup."
20. To think outside the box
To think creatively and innovatively.
Example: "We need to think outside the box to solve this problem."
21. To touch base
To briefly make contact with someone to update them or check in.
Example: "Let’s touch base later this week to discuss the progress."
22. Word of mouth
Information passed through verbal communication.
Example: "Our sales have increased due to positive word of mouth."
23. A Yes man
Someone who always agrees with their superiors.
Example: "He's a yes man, never challenging the boss's decisions."
24. Red tape
Excessive bureaucracy or formalities.
Example: "We need to cut through the red tape to expedite the process."
25. To play hardball
To act aggressively or ruthlessly to achieve a goal.
Example: "Negotiations have reached a point where we need to play hardball."
26. Downsizing
Reducing the number of employees to cut costs.
Example: "The company is downsizing due to economic challenges."
27. To let go
To dismiss an employee from their job.
Example: "Several employees were let go during the restructuring."
28. To set one's foot in the door
To gain an initial, often small, opportunity that could lead to further opportunities.
Example: "This internship will help you set your foot in the door of the industry."
29. To be on the same page
To have a shared understanding or agreement.
Example: "Let’s make sure we’re all on the same page before moving forward."
30. To drop the ball
To make a mistake or fail to meet expectations.
Example: "We can’t afford to drop the ball on this important project."
31. To be in the black
To be profitable or financially sound.
Example: "Our company has been in the black for the past three years."
32. To be in the red
To be in debt or running at a loss.
Example: "We need to cut costs to avoid being in the red."
33. My hands are tied
To be unable to act due to restrictions or limitations.
Example: "I'd like to help, but my hands are tied by company policy."
34. Staff shakeup
Significant changes in the staff, often involving layoffs or new hires.
Example: "The recent staff shakeup aims to bring in fresh talent."
35. Target demographic
The specific group of people a product or service is aimed at.
Example: "Our target demographic for the new product is young professionals."
36. End user
The person who ultimately uses or is intended to use a product.
Example: "We need to design the software with the end user in mind."
37. Mission statement
A formal summary of the aims and values of a company or organization.
Example: "Our mission statement reflects our commitment to innovation and excellence."
38. Return on investment (ROI)
A measure of the profitability of an investment.
Example: "We need to analyze the ROI before committing to the new project."
39. From the ground up
To build or start something from the very beginning.
Example: "We developed this program from the ground up."
40. To get the ball rolling
To start an activity or process.
Example: "Let's get the ball rolling on the new marketing strategy."
Understanding and using these phrases can enhance your professional communication.
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