Category: Workplace English

Business English, professional communication, workplace idioms, and formal writing skills.

Writing Effective Email Subject Lines | Business English B1

Many mobile screens cut off anything longer. Count before you send.

Always link concessions: "If you can do X, we can do Y." Never give without getting.

Prepare a 2-minute verbal presentation of any data you know. Use at least 4 signposting phrases. Record yourself and listen back.

It signals uncertainty, softens strong claims, and shows professional or academic caution.

Always confirm the caller's name and number by repeating them back: "So that is James Hill, on 07 ..."

Write a polite request to your manager for two extra days to complete a project. Start with: "Would it be possible to..."

sharply · steadily · gradually · slightly · significantly · dramatically

Direct disagreement can sound rude even when it is not intended. These phrases let you push back professionally.

Match the greeting to your relationship. "Hey Mike" to your director is too casual. "Dear Sir or Madam" to a colleague of three years is too stiff.