Business English

​Business English

English writing comes in many styles: academic, creative, formal, business, and several others. Parts of each style can overlap, making it difficult to understand when and how to use each kind. Business English or business writing is the style used in the professional world. This style is needed to complete job applications, communicate with potential employers, create professional website bios, write emails to employers and supervisors, and compose other kinds of job-related writing as well. This handout is a general guide for how to use standard business English and etiquette when establishing a new professional contact.

​Business English Tone

Business English is direct and concise while still being friendly and cordial. During this lesson you will read some sample sentences that are too casual, too blunt, and just right for business writing.

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Writing an Email to a Potential Employer

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I think it’d be cool to work at your company. What do graphic designers do?

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Please tell me more about the graphic design position at your company.

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I am interested in pursuing a graphic design position at your company and would like to learn more about the job. Are you available to discuss this position? My availability is below.

Drag these tiles and drop them in the correct blank above

Casual

Blunt

Business

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Sending an Application to a Potential Employer

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I finished my app. It’s attached in this email. Thanks for your time.

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I have completed my application and attached it below. Thank you for your consideration, and I look forward to your response.

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My completed application is attached below.

Drag these tiles and drop them in the correct blank above

Casual

Business

Blunt

Match

Writing to a Potential Employer to Schedule an Interview on a Messaging App (e.g., LinkedIn)

• I am available on Friday at 1:00 pm. Does that time work for you?

• I am free on Friday. Let’s meet up around 1 pm.

• I am available on Friday. We can meet at 1 pm.

Business

Casual

Blunt

• Business

• Casual

• Blunt

Dropdown

Following-Up After a Meeting, Interview, Prior Discussion, or Other Interaction

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I submitted my hiring paperwork two weeks ago and haven’t received any updates yet, so I wanted to check in and ensure there haven’t been any issues. Please let me know if my paperwork has been processed or if there is anything I can do to help with the process.

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Select answer

I sent you my hiring paperwork last week, but you did not respond to me. What happened?

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Select answer

Hey, I gave you my hiring paperwork a couple weeks ago. How’s the processing going?

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Asking a Clarifying Question

Can I put the project I’m working on right now in the survey?

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Asking a Clarifying Question

You said to list all UX design projects. Explain if this means current projects, too.

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Asking a Clarifying Question

Your previous email says we should include all our UX design projects in the annual survey. If I am currently working on a project, should I include it in the survey?

Match

Asking an Employer About Wages

• If possible, I would like to discuss the hourly wage for this position.

• Let me know how much I will be paid.

• Tell me what the hourly wage for this position is.

Business

Casual

Blunt

• Business

• Casual

• Blunt

Multiple Choice

Following-Up After an Interview

Thank you for interviewing me. When can I expect to hear back from you?

• Buisness

• Casual

• Blunt

Multiple Choice

Following-Up After an Interview

Hey, thanks for the interview. When will you make a decision?

• Business

• Casual

• Blunt

Multiple Choice

Following-Up After an Interview

When will I know if I got the job?

• Business

• Casual

• Blunt

Dropdown

Contacting a Colleague for the First Time

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Select answer

Hey, it’s cool to be working with you.

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Hello, I look forward to working together.

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I will enjoy working with you.

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Asking for Feedback

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Give me feedback.

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Could you let me know what you’re thinking?

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I would appreciate your feedback on my project.

Drag these tiles and drop them in the correct blank above

Blunt

Casual

Business

Match

Requesting a Deadline Extension

• I will be unable to complete my report by Wednesday. Can I submit it on Friday instead?

• I will submit my report on Friday because Wednesday is not enough time.

• I can’t do my report by Wednesday. Is it cool if I finish it on Friday instead?

Business

Blunt

Casual

• Business

• Blunt

• Casual

​Helpful Words For Business English

Although speaking informally is acceptable in day-to-day situations, business English has a set of common words and phrases that are considered appropriate for professional settings.

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Casual ​

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Business ​

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get

need

talk about

receive

require

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Casual ​

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Business ​

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get in touch

make sure

discuss

contact

ensure

Dropdown

Casual ​

Select answer

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Select answer

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Select answer

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Business ​

Select answer

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Select answer

Dropdown

Casual ​

Select answer

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Select answer

Business ​

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​Convert Casual English into Business English

For each sentence below, find a more professional way to replace the underlined words.

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I have attached the document below. Give me a heads up if there are any issues.

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I got your email about the agenda for our next meeting.

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The Finance Department told me about my filing mistake.

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My coworker needs extra help with their presentation.

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I like the suggestions you gave me on my marketing ideas.

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I am not free at that time. Can we reschedule?

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I want to tell you that my schedule changed, and I can no longer attend the meeting.

Fill in the Blanks

I am searching a job at Google.