If you’re learning English and want to sound more professional in a business setting, you’re in the right place. In this post, we’re breaking down English for Work: Must-Know Business Phrases that you can start using right away — no awkward translation moments required.

For Emails and Written Communication

Emails are where tone and clarity matter most. Here are some phrases to keep your writing polite and professional:

• “I hope this message finds you well.”
  A formal and friendly way to open an email.
  
• “I’m writing to follow up on…”
  Perfect for checking in on a previous conversation.
  
• “Please let me know if you have any questions.”
  A great way to invite discussion or clarification.
  
• “Looking forward to hearing from you.”
  Wrap up your email on a polite and positive note.
  

For Meetings and Discussions

Sounding confident in a meeting is all about choosing the right phrases:

• “Let’s circle back to that.”
  A useful way to postpone a topic and return to it later.
  
• “I’d like to add something here.”
  A polite way to contribute to the discussion.
  
• “That’s a great point.”
  Shows you’re listening and appreciating others’ ideas.
  
• “To clarify…”
  Helps you explain or restate something to avoid misunderstandings.
  

For Presentations and Public Speaking

Whether you’re giving a sales pitch or leading a workshop, these phrases help you sound organized and engaging:

• “Today, I’ll be talking about…”
  A simple and clear way to start your presentation.
  
• “Let’s move on to the next point.”
  Keeps your talk flowing smoothly.
  
• “As you can see from this slide…”
  Great for guiding people through visuals.
  

“In conclusion…”
Helps signal you’re wrapping things up professionally.

For Professional Politeness

A few go-to phrases that make your communication sound smoother and more respectful:

• “Thanks for your time.”
  Always a winner, whether in a call or email.
  
• “I really appreciate your feedback.”
  Shows you value collaboration.
  
• “Let’s touch base next week.”
  A casual way to plan a follow-up.
  

Final Thoughts

Learning business English isn’t just about big vocabulary words — it’s about knowing the right phrase at the right time. Whether you’re writing emails, leading meetings, or presenting to a global team, these must-know phrases will help you sound more fluent, confident, and professional.

This is your starting point for mastering English for Work: Must-Know Business Phrases – and if you want to practice saying them out loud, there’s an app that can help.

Download ELSA Speak today to get real-time feedback and start practicing these phrases with your personal AI coach. Your next confident work convo starts now!

Explore More about ELSA:

• Check out Avoid These 10 Common Mistakes English Learners Make
• Discover why ELSA is rated the most effective English Speaking App!