Top Business Expressions in English You Must Know
There is no doubt that the world of business communication has revolutionised as the English language gained momentous significance. Terms like “… is on the table.” or “pull your weight around…” helps one express their feelings in an English professional environment.
If you are a business student, you must be aware of the management English that embraces a wide use of business expressions. It aids in establishing excellent communication between the two parties involved in any business activity.
For instance, we don’t just ‘ANNOUNCE’ a new product; we ‘LAUNCH’ it now. Business expressions help create a business environment where like-minded speakers can easily build groups. Like any group of people, you’re expected to talk in the same terminology as the majority.
Why Do You Need to Know Business Expressions in English?
Since English is a widely spoken international language, it is no surprise that expressions and idioms in the English language hold immense importance in the business sector. Its unique features give you all the right reasons to learn and use these business idioms.
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Makes You Look Professional
Using a widely accepted language to communicate a formal message makes you look professional and sound humble. Sometimes using a local language in front of foreign investors or clients can be considered rude.
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Appropriate to Express Opinion
English expressions like business terms are considered precise and appropriate to express one’s point of view. It is believed that decorum must be maintained in an office atmosphere. Using an informal language to express your emotions is considered unprofessional.
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Widely Accepted Medium of Interaction
Since English is much popular amongst the masses, using business terms in English is more of a norm and part of the day-to-day interaction. It enables individuals to develop their vocabulary and medium of communication, creating a personalised work environment.
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Attractive Vocabulary – Fluency
When one strives to learn English expressions, they enable themselves to improve their comprehension and speak with better fluency. This helps maintain efficiency while trying to communicate effectively.
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10 Common Business Expressions to Remember
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Get the Ball Rolling
Having the ball rolling means starting or starting something so that can make any progress. Typically, it means doing some hands-on work instead of just planning and discussing it before executing any project.
For example: “Who wants to get the ball rolling and place the first order?”
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To Cash On
This business expression defines a situation when an individual or business entity takes advantage of or exploits an opportunity that benefits them monetarily. It is mostly used when someone makes big money out of something unique, creating a monopoly for some time.
Example: Workers started to cash in on the boom of the construction industry.
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Heads Up
Heads up is a term used to inform or warn someone about something that is about to happen to prepare for it accordingly. The term is quite commonly used and a part of our day to day office conversations.
For example: “Just a heads up, the meeting is at 9 o’clock tomorrow.”
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Be on Top of It
It is an expression used to explain how well one controls a situation, takes charge and deals with the problem successfully with much authority. It is considered to be one of the most common business terms to define efficient team members effort.
For example: “You really have to be on top of things, if you want the new venture to work out.”
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By the Book
This means to abide by the law and not indulge in any illegal activity. One strictly conforms to the rules and regulations and choose not to go astray.
For example: “The new HR head likes to do everything by the book. Therefore, make sure to have your details submitted to the department before your shift ends today.”
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Eye on the Ball
The expression is used to motivate an employee or office colleague, stressing over the importance of focusing on the rewards/outcomes of your handwork and efforts. This business expression is used to highlight the importance of paying attention to the ultimate goal.
For instance: “He needs to keep his eye on the ball if he wants the head of the department’s position.”
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Hands are Tied
The term describes one’s inability to act freely due to certain rules and regulation or against someone with higher authority. It is mostly used in situations where one tries to explain their position for not taking definitive measures.
For example: “I wish I could stop your transfer to the head office, but try and understand, my hands are tied in this situation.”
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Turn Down
The term is used to reject or refuse something. It reflects disapproval of something. It’s a phrasal verb but also idiomatic.
For example: “They delivered my package 10 days late. I had no other option but to turn them down after such poor-quality service.”
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Brush Up
It can be a little disrespectful to say that one may lack the expertise to perform a particular task or job. Therefore, this phrasal verb which is also idiomatic is used to define the process of updating or improving a specific skill set. It is a softer way to encourage on to practice more and perfect themselves over time.
For instance: “I have to brush up on my French as I have a trip planned to Paris soon.”
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On Track
In a business, your planning and strategy are quite vital. You will need to ‘get back on track’ if you lose your train of thought. If everything is ‘on course,’ as it should be, it’s happening; there’s no problem at all. However, you will want to get back ‘on track’ if anything is not going as you expected and wished to go.
For example: “The new marketing budget will help us bring our sales back on track.”
Warp Up…
By now, the reader must feel enlightened with some of the most commonly used business terms and idioms in the English language. To maintain your market competitive qualities as a professional from the industry, it is better to stay updated with such business expressions and terminologies that enable you to communicate effectively and precisely.
