The Ultimate List of Business English Phrases for Students
Help with English business expressions for students
In today’s world, mastering the English language is a must for anyone who wants to make it in the business world.
Whether you are a seasoned professional or just starting out, understanding and using the right business terms can make all the difference in your skills and success in the workplace.
That’s why studying business phrases is becoming increasingly popular among students of all levels, who want to sharpen their language skills and improve their chances of succeeding in competitive business environments.
From basic greetings and introductions to more complex business writing and communication, English for business is an essential skill that all aspiring professionals need to acquire.
With just a little bit of effort and commitment, anyone can learn the ins and outs of phrases used in sentences and develop strong skills in communication that are sure to impress colleagues, clients, and business partners alike.
So why not invest in yourself and take your business skills to the next level with the help of effective business phrases and English for business resources?
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Common Business Expressions
analysis - SWOT analysis
SWOT analysis is a method of analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of a business (called internal factors), and the external factors of opportunities and threats to the business.
analysis - TOWS analysis
TOWS analysis is an advanced way of considering methods to solve the issues identified in the SWOT analysis.
Aspirations
Aspirations are ambitions or hopes of what you want to achieve in the future.
Assets
Assets are things owned and have value
Business model
A business model is a company’s plan for making a profit from business, including what is the product or service, in what market, to which customers, and by what means (e.g. what are the expenses).
Business model canvas
A business model canvas is a visual tool used to help plan for several areas of a business that include resources, finances, customers, and product value.
Business opportunity
A business opportunity is a chance to take advantage of a business situation such as an opening or change in the market. For example, if a competitor moves location and leaves potential customers without your service.
Business plan
A business plan is a detailed plan of actions, goals and expectations for a business.
Capital
Capital is a financial asset.
Collaboration
Collaboration is a joint effort between two or more businesses, such as working together on a project
Competitive advantage
Competitive advantage is to have something that is better than your competitors have. For example, a product could be of greater quality, more suitable for a type of customer or more effective.
Concept
A concept is an Idea.
Critical thinking
Critical thinking is similar to problem solving, but solving problems in the best way.
Customers relations / service
customers relations or customer service is meeting customers needs, such as handling complaints, resolving issues and dealing with customers in a friendly and professional way.
Customers pain points
Customer pain points refers to problems that a customer is suffering. An area of a business that can be improved. For example, if during a busy time of day customers wait too long for service, customers may choose to leave. This could be resolved by adding more staff at this busy time.
Data analysis
Data analysis involves using data to find information that can improve a product or service.
Differentiation
Differentiation is the difference a product or service is from all of its competitors. For example, higher quality, lower price, better or more desirable design, last longer, easier to use, or just more suitable to customers.
Disruption
Disruption, related to innovation, is how the old is being constantly replaced by the new
Economic growth
Economic growth is the steady financial growth over time, such as for a country.
Economic of scale
Economic scale results in items being cheaper to produce when you make them in large quantities
Entrepreneur
An entrepreneur is someone that creates business, often new and different business, therefore often with more risk and rewards.
Evolve
To evolve is to change over time
Exploit
In business, exploit is to use something (or someone) in a way that makes gains for your own benefit
Fixed costs
Fixed costs are business costs that do not change, such as rent
Imitation
An imitation is a copy of something, or a version that is very similar
Innovation
Innovation is the process of making changes to something established by introducing something new
Insight
To gain insight is to gain an understanding of something. For example, analyzing data and finding new information from the data.
Intellectual property
Intellectual property protects a work that the creator & owner has rights such as copyright or a patent
Investment
An investment is when you put money into something with the hope that it will provide rewards in the future.
Invention
Invention is the creation of something new such as a new product, service, or way of dong something.
Examples include inventing the light bulb, the payment system using barcodes on your phone, and the razor subscription service in the startup called dollar razor club.
KPI – Key Performance Indicators
Measurable evaluation of performance.
Market
The area of a business where buying and selling goods and services takes place. For example, “are you in the property market?”, is a question asking if someone works, buys or sells property, such as houses or office buildings.
Market research
Gathering information of the area of business, called the market. This information may be used to analyze competitors, find trends or make predictions.
Market segment
A market segment is a class of customers that are similar, such as in their likes and preferences.
Market strategies
A plan is what a company expects to do, a strategy also includes the approach to achieve the plan successfully in the market.
MVP - Minimum viable product
A minimum viable product, also known as MVP, is a version of a product with the minimum amount of features for customers to be able to use the product and give feedback. This feedback is then used to develop and improve the product.
Novelty
Novelty is something new, rare or different.
Open innovation
Open innovation is where an organization doesn’t just rely on their own internal knowledge, sources and resources for innovation.
Organization chart ('org chart')
A diagram showing the staff or departments from the top to the bottom like a family tree.
Persona
Details concerning an imaginary person, used in business to give an example of potential customers or a type of customer.
Pivoting
Pivoting is making a major change in the direction of the business.
Product roadmap
An outline of the journey of a product from the vision to the end product, and how it develops over time.
Positioning Analysis
The position of a company in a market in respect to its competition and how customers view its brand and reputation.
Prototype
A prototype is an early and smaller version of a product (or system) used to help designers and users to visualize and test the product.
Startup
A startup is a new company in its first stage of business.
Strategic plan
A plan is what a company expects to do, a strategy also includes the approach to achieve the plan successfully.
subscription model
A subscription model refers to selling a product or service to receive a monthly or yearly subscription fee
Sustainable
Can continue for a long time.
Tangible
Easily recognizable or identified such as something that can be measured. In a business there are tangible valuables such as property, equipment and stock. But company reputation, even if it very valuable, is intangible, it is not easy to measure.
Target market
The target market is the part of the market (segment) with the customers that you want to attract, such as for a marketing campaign.
Technological advances
Technological advances are advancements of knowledge and understanding relating to technology.
Trends
Trends are patterns that continue over a period of time showing a direction of change.
USP – Unique Selling Point
What is different about a product or service from its competitors that is able to create sales.
Value proposition
The value a company promises to deliver to customers
Variable costs
Variable costs are business costs that change, such as an electricity bill
Venture
Starting a project, perhaps with risk, to gain profit such as turning an idea into a business
Please leave a comment if there are any other phrases that you would like to be included.
Business Idioms
We have several resources to help you with idioms. Here are links to some great resources for idioms and business in particular:
What is Business English?
Business English is the language used in business settings. It includes a wide range of terms and phrases that are specific to the business world. Learn more about Business English and how to use it effectively in your career.
Learn basic business terms relating to innovation, including;
- Entrepreneurship
- Business model
- Business plan
- Market research
- Competitive advantage
- Minimum viable product (MVP)
- Business startup
- Customer analysis
Other Common Phrases
Let’s learn some basic business English expressions and useful phrases that will help you communicate effectively in the workplace. These sayings can be used in meetings, conferences, or when you’re just having a conversation with your colleagues.
“Get the ball rolling”: This means to start something or initiate a task or project. For example, “Let’s get the ball rolling on the new marketing campaign.”
“Think outside the box”: This phrase encourages you to be creative and come up with new ideas or solutions. It means to think differently or unconventionally. For instance, “We need to think outside the box to attract more customers.”
“Interrupt”: This word means to stop someone while they are speaking or to interject during a conversation. For instance, “I’m sorry to interrupt, but I have a question.”
“Small talk”: This refers to casual or light conversation that helps build rapport with others. It often includes topics like the weather, hobbies, or weekend plans. For example, “Let’s make some small talk before we start the meeting.”
“Back to the drawing board”: This phrase means to start over or go back to the beginning because the previous attempt or idea wasn’t successful. For example, “The project didn’t meet our expectations, so we’ll have to go back to the drawing board.”
“Ballpark figure”: This term refers to an approximate or rough estimate. For instance, “Can you give me a ballpark figure of how much this project will cost?”
“Conference calls”: These are telephone or online meetings where multiple people can participate from different locations. For example, “We’ll have a conference call with our international partners tomorrow.”
“Next meeting”: This phrase refers to the upcoming or following meeting. For example, “We’ll discuss this topic in more detail in our next meeting.”
“Common business idioms”: Idioms are expressions that have a figurative meaning different from their literal interpretation. For instance, “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket” means not to rely on a single option.
“Communication skills”: These are abilities that help you convey information effectively, such as speaking, listening, and writing. Developing strong skills in communication is important in the business world.
By learning and using these phrases, you’ll be able to communicate more confidently and effectively in the workplace. Practice using them in your conversations and English lessons to improve your language skills and better understand native speakers.
Why learn Business English Vocabulary?
There are many reasons why you should learn business language. Here are a few of the most important reasons:
- To communicate effectively in the workplace: In today’s globalized economy, it is more important than ever to be able to communicate effectively with people from different cultures. Business language can help you to do this by providing you with the words and phrases you need to communicate your ideas clearly and concisely.
- To improve your job prospects: In many industries, being able to speak and write business language is a valuable skill that can give you a competitive edge in the job market. If you are looking for a job in a business setting, learning the language of business can help you to make a good impression on potential employers.
- To advance your career: If you are already working in a business setting, learning the correct terms can help you to advance your career. By being able to communicate effectively with your colleagues and clients, you can show your employers that you are a valuable asset to the company.
- To learn about different cultures: Business terms in English can also help you to learn about different cultures. By understanding the meaning of business phrases, you can gain a better understanding of how people from different cultures think and communicate.
If you are serious about your career, then learning English and the language of business is a must.
From chance meetings, informal talk with friends or official business meetings, your ability to be a speaker of a good range of English terms, phrases and expressions is important.
By taking the time to learn this important skill, you can improve your communication ability, increase your job prospects, and advance your career.
Here are some tips for learning the language of business:
- Start with the basics: There are many basic business words and phrases in English that you should learn first. Once you have mastered the basics, you can move on to more advanced vocabulary.
- Use a variety of resources: There are many resources available to help you learn business English. You can use books, websites, apps, and even online courses.
- Practice regularly: The best way to learn business English vocabulary is to practice regularly. You can practice by reading, writing, speaking, and listening to business English.
- Don’t be afraid to make mistakes: Everyone makes mistakes when they are learning a new language. Don’t let this discourage you. The important thing is to keep practicing and learning.
With hard work and dedication, you can learn business English and improve your communication skills.
Answers to Innovation questions
- vocab 1.Entrepreneur 2.Innovation 3. SWOT analysis 4. Differentiation 5 Collaboration
- open innovation 1. both 2. Advantage 3.closed 4. Crowdsourcing 5. intellectual property
- differentiation 1. different 2. vertical 3. horizontal 4. mixed differentiation 5. vertical
- analysis 1. strengths 2. Internal 3. External 4. Strengths 5. opportunities
- opportunities 1. both 2. Customers 3. Relationship 4. Networking 5. analytics
- organization 1. no 2. Wide 3. Research 4. Crowdsourcing 5. connect