Meetings & Email
Phrases for meetings, calls, emails and chat at work, with real examples and notes on tone.
Business English Phrases for Meetings: 40 Lines You’ll Actually Use
Most meetings in English run on the same 40 or so phrases: “Let’s kick off” to start, “I’d like to weigh in” to give your view, “Let’s take it offline” to protect the agenda, and “So, next steps” to close. Learn them by stage of the meeting, not alphabetically, and you’ll always have the next line ready.
Professional Email Phrases in English: What to Write (and What to Avoid)
A good work email in English needs five kinds of phrases: an opener (“As discussed…”), a clear request (“Could you send…by Thursday?”), context (“For context…”), a follow-up line (“Just checking in on…”) and a sign-off that matches the relationship (“Thanks” for colleagues, “Kind regards” for formal contacts). Swap stiff phrases like “Please find attached” for “I’ve attached”.
Small Talk at Work in English: Openers, Follow-ups and Graceful Exits
Small talk at work has three parts: an easy opener (“How’s your week going?”, “Where are you based?”), one follow-up question that shows you listened (“How did you get into product design?”), and a polite exit (“I should let you go, I know you have another call”). Keep answers short, ask back, and stick to safe topics: weekend, travel, work projects, the weather.
How to Disagree Politely at Work in English (Without Sounding Rude)
In English, polite disagreement has three moves: acknowledge (“I see your point” / “Fair point”), soften (“I’m not sure that…”, “I wonder if…”) and offer an alternative (“What if we…?”). Avoid flat lines like “You’re wrong” or “That won’t work”; “I see it a bit differently” says the same thing and keeps the conversation going.