English business expressions

Formal speech can be more difficult to understand and reproduce, but it is simply necessary when it comes to working relationships. Negotiations or correspondence in a professional environment occupy a large place in the workflow of any organization, even the smallest one. Communication is the lion's share of success. 

That is why, if you suddenly decide to expand the scope of your activities and start working with foreign partners, you should take a closer look at some of the nuances of business communication. 

Business expressions 

In fact, business English is a very broad and widespread topic. There are a huge number of business expressions, and they are used depending on the purpose, which can be different. 

So, for an interview in English, you can use the following types of expressions: 

• I graduated from … university (college) in …  
• I manage my time well by planning out …  
• I handle stress easily.  
• I am a team player.  
• I should be hired because I’m …  
• I am good at multitasking. 
• I’m excited about this opportunity because … 
• I have … years’ experience in the field.  
• I am confident that I will be able to use my skills in … in the advertised post. 
• I’m very attentive to detail.  
• I want to further my career in …  
• I am sorry, could you repeat that please?  
• When do you want me to start? 

If you need to give a presentation, the following phrases will help: 

• Dear colleagues!  
• Let me introduce myself. My name is…  
• The topic of my presentation is…  
• I will take some… minutes of your time.  
• So, first/To begin with/Let’s start with…  
• That completes/concludes/covers the first part of my presentation… 
• Let’s move on to the next part, which is… 
• Now I want to describe the development of the idea.  
• That brings me to…/So now we come to…  
• I’d like to finish by emphasising the main point(s).  
• Now I’d be very interested to hear your comments.  
• Thank you for your attention!  

If you are going to talk with the interlocutor on the phone, remember the elementary expressions that will help you establish a connection: 

• Hello, this is …  
• Can I speak to …?  
• Would you ask him to call me back?  
• Can I have extension … ?  
• Would you repeat that number, please? 
• I’m phoning to arrange a meeting.  

Business language is somewhat different from everyday communication. Here you need to control everything that you say. Therefore, we advise you not to limit yourself to memorizing established phrases and expressions, but to take a full course in business communications in English in order to feel more confident when communicating with foreign partners. 

Business abbreviations 

ASAP — As soon as possible. Used to hurry. 

B2B — Business to Business. Indicates the type of cooperation between partners. 

B2C — Business to Consumer. Refers to the type of cooperation between the business and the buyer. 

CAO — Chief Accounting Officer.

CEO – Chief Executive Officer.

CFO – Chief Financial Officer. 

CRM — Customer Relationship Management. A system that prioritizes the client, his needs, needs. 

EXP – Export.

GDP – Gross Domestic Product. A term that is known, perhaps, to everyone and means the totality of all final goods and services produced in a year on the territory of the state. 

HQ – Head Quarters or main office.

LLC – Limited Liability Company.

NDA – Non-Disclosure Agreement.

RFP Request For Proposals.  

HR — Human Resources. The department that deals with the employees of the company. 

SEO — Search Engine Optimization.

P&L — Profit & Loss.

IPO — Initial Public Offering. The first time a company offers to sell its shares to the public. 

ISP — Internet Service Provider.

Phrases for the hospitality business 

If you are an employee of the hotel business, then you have probably already encountered the need for at least a minimum knowledge of a foreign language. Below we have collected the main phrases necessary for hotel and hotel employees in their work. 

• Please, fill this form 
• How may I call you? 
• Do you have a reservation? 
• Do you have any other preferences/requests? 
• Would you like to book a room 
• The price includes… 
• Could you, please, spell your name…? 
• Could I see your passport? 
• Could you please sign at the bottom of the form? 
• Would you like any help with your luggage? 
• Here’s your key. Room … on the … floor 
• Let me know if you need anything else 
• Is there a problem with your room? 
• Our specialist is on his/her way to help you 
• Your order will be delivered in ten minutes 
• Check-out time is 12:00 am 
• How would you like to pay? 

Despite the standard How can I help you? hospitality employees must have at least a basic level of language in order to successfully assist customers and be able to resolve conflicts that arise.