“The way to get started is to quit talking and start doing.”
– -Walt Disney, Animator and film producer
Do you find yourself desperate to use key words and phrases in Business English?
Do you want to sound like a native speaker in the workplace?
Do you want to be head and shoulders above your colleagues?
This blog is for you!
In the world today there are more non-native speakers of English than native English speakers. This means that certain phrases and words have become so common place that to use them makes you sound like every other person on the planet.
It is time to learn how to be one step ahead of the rest and sound unique in English.
This is why I have written 10 overused phrases in Business English and what you can use instead to help you.
Let’s look at them:
“Think outside the box”
This has become so overused it is now a cliché.
Try these instead:
- Let’s explore unconventional solutions.
- Can we approach this from a different angle?
- What’s a fresh perspective we haven’t considered?
“Touch base”
This idiom has become so vague and to be honest a bit impersonal nowadays.
Why not say these instead:
- Let’s connect briefly.
- Can we catch up for a quick chat?
- I’d like to check in with you about this.
“Circle back”
Sadly this phrasal verb has been so used that it now feels robotic and overly corporate.
Instead say these:
- I’ll follow up with you soon.
- Let’s revisit this later this week.
- I’ll get back to you on that.
“Take it to the next level”
This is now so vague that it means nothing!
Use these phrases in place if it:
- Let’s enhance/improve this aspect.
- We’re aiming to elevate our results.
- Let’s build on what we’ve achieved so far.
“Win-win situation”
This is too generic now so best not to use.
Try:
- Mutually beneficial outcome
- Everyone walks away with value
- A result that supports both sides
“Leverage our resources”
This is simply a buzzword that now doesn’t mean much.
Use these instead:
- Make the most of our strengths/tools
- Use our capabilities effectively
- Maximize what we already have
“At the end of the day”
I admit I use this one but it is a habit I need to break as it is overused by so many people as such a filler phrase.
Instead let’s use:
- Ultimately
- When it comes down to it
- The bottom line is…
I hope this has helped you and that you will try to use the alternatives now in the workplace yourself.
If you would like to check the pronunciation of any of the phrases please check out my Ask Us Anything Live where I covered this topic:
Also, if you’re an Intrepid English Member be sure to check out our revised and refreshed Business English Basics course to help you in Business English today. Learn essential English skills such as how to handle meetings, how to negotiate the best deal, and how to deliver engaging presentations.
