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Nick Blake

Do you need to improve your English for your job or career?

If so, English for Business is the course for you. It will help you communicate better in everyday professional situations.

This intermediate-level Business English programme contains 20 lessons focusing on essential vocabulary and useful phrases and expressions for the workplace.

English for Business includes: 

Read more

Do you need to improve your English for your job or career?

If so, English for Business is the course for you. It will help you communicate better in everyday professional situations.

This intermediate-level Business English programme contains 20 lessons focusing on essential vocabulary and useful phrases and expressions for the workplace.

English for Business includes: 

  • Over 300 useful business phrases and expressions for the workplace

  • 10 different accents in the listening activities (British, American, Canadian, Australian, Irish, Indian, Chinese and more)

  • Listen and repeat (with phrases spoken by Native English speakers)

  • Listening activities and realistic simulations

The course is divided into four sections:

Business English basics

  • Introductions for business

  • Making small Talk

  • Making phone calls

  • Attending job interviews

  • Networking for business

Business English essentials

  • Talking about your company and job

  • Expressing your opinions

  • Problems and suggestions

  • Apologising, making excuses and promises

  • Showing a visitor around

English for meetings

  • The language of business meetings

  • Diplomatic language

  • Leading business meetings

  • Business expressions and responses

  • Talking about errors and queries

Business communication skills

  • Describing charts and graphs

  • Business presentation skills

  • Negotiation skills

  • Professional Email structure

  • Email formality and style

    English for business also includes:

  • Regular quizzes to test your progress

  • End of course final test

  • Lessons on Business English idioms

  • English for business also includes:

  • Regular quizzes to test your progress

  • End of course final test

  • Lessons on Business English idioms

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Business english phrases for use during meetings, phone calls, presentations, negotiations and other professional situations.
  • Learn over 300 useful expressions for business and professional contexts.
  • Improve listening and comprehension through 10 different native and non-native accents (british, american, canadian, australian, indian, chinese and more).
  • Practise key business expressions for use in 20 different business and professional situations.

Syllabus

By the end of this section, learners will be able to confidently introduce themselves, make small talk and handle business situations such as networking events, interviews and telephone calls.
Read more

This lesson teaches expressions for first-time introductions. Through listening activities, students learn how to introduce themselves to new people, introduce a colleague or business associate and make appropriate small talk.

In the Listen and repeat section, learners can practise a total of 14 useful expressions to: 

- Introduce yourself

- Greet somebody

- Introduce a colleague

- Make small talk

- Talk about your job

- Show interest in what other people are saying


This lesson teaches expressions for making conversation in professional situations. Students will learn useful conversation openers, responses and phrases for making small talk with business associates.

In the Listen and repeat section, learners can practise a total of 12 useful expressions to: 

- Ask questions to make small talk

- Change the topic of discussion

- Use background knowledge to make small talk

This lesson teaches useful expressions for starting and ending telephone calls. Through listening activities, students learn a variety of ways to answer the phone, introduce themselves to the receiver, ask to speak to someone and end a phone call.

In the Listen and repeat section, learners can practise a total of 13 useful expressions to: 

- Answer a telephone call professionally

- Give your name over the phone

- Ask to be connected to someone

- Say the line is busy

- Say you will call back

- Offer to take a message

- End the telephone conversation

In this lesson, students learn useful vocabulary for attending a job interview in English. They will learn how to respond to a series of job interview questions and give professional responses.

In the Listen and repeat section, learners can practise a total of 18 useful expressions to: 

- Talk about your strengths

- Talk about your professional experience

- Say where you work at the moment

- Tell a prospective employer why they should hire you

- Talk about your goals for the future

- Talk about your weaknesses

In this lesson, learners will study a variety of phrases that can be used if they attend a business event or a conference. Students will be able to start conversations with new people, show interest in the other person, talk about their company and end the discussion politely.

In the Listen and repeat section, learners can practise a total of 10 useful expressions to: 

- Professionally start a conversation with someone new

- Ask questions about the other person

- Talk about your company

- End the conversation

This multiple choice quiz covers the content from lessons 1-5: 

- Introductions

- Small Talk

- Telephoning

- Attending a job interview

- Networking

Business English Essentials

In this video, students learn useful vocabulary to talk about their company and job, including expressions for describing a company’s history, location, size and turnover. Students listen to dialogues of three employees talking about their work, describing their job responsibilities and what they like/dislike about their work.

In the Listen and repeat section, learners can practise a total of 13 useful expressions to: 

- Say who founded a company

- Talk about a company's year of establishment

- Say how many employees a company has

- Describe job responsibilities

- Talk about what you like and dislike at work

This lesson teaches language for sharing opinions during business meetings and discussions. Students listen to a dialogue of a teleconference where employees discuss a proposal to expand their business.

In the Listen and repeat section, learners can practise 29 phrases for exchanging their own opinions and ideas: 

- Asking for opinions

- Expressing agreement

- Expressing disagreement

- Staying neutral

This lesson teaches useful expressions for discussing problems and possible solutions. Through listening activities, students learn how to make, ask for and respond to suggestions in a variety of ways.

In the Listen and repeat section, learners can practise a total of 30 useful expressions to: 

- Declare a problem

- Find out the details of a problem

- Diagnose a problem

- Ask for a suggestion

- Make a suggestion

- Accept a suggestion

- Reject a suggestion

This lesson teaches common expressions for making apologies, excuses and promises. Through listening to dialogues and learning key expressions, students learn how to apologise for something, accept or reject an apology, explain a problem or mistake and promise action.

In the Listen and repeat section, learners can practise a total of 21 useful expressions to: 

-Apologise

- Make an excuse

- Promise to take action

In this lesson, students learn vocabulary for describing areas of an office, shop or factory and practise giving a tour of their workplace using a variety of useful expressions.

In the Listen and repeat section, learners can practise a total of 18 useful expressions to: 

- Start a tour

- Direct a tour

- Point something out

- End a tour

- Ask questions to the tour leader

A multiple choice quiz covering lessons 6-10

Language of Meetings

This lesson teaches useful expressions for students who need English for business meetings and discussions. Through listening activities, students learn phrases as well as respond to opinions using a variety of techniques for agreeing and disagreeing.

In the Listen and repeat section, learners can practise a total of 24 useful expressions to: 

- Ask for an opinion

- Agree with someone

- Disagree with someone

- Interrupt someone

This lesson teaches learners how to avoid causing offence in professional situations by expressing themselves in a more tactful, diplomatic way. Students will learn how to use a range of ‘softening’ structures to take the 'heat' out of potentially offensive situations in business.

This lesson teaches useful expressions for students who need to lead meetings and discussions in English. Through listening activities, students learn useful expressions for managing a meeting, including welcoming and introducing participants, inviting opinions, widening the discussion, sticking to the agenda and summarising the discussion.

In the Listen and repeat section, learners can practise a total of 20 useful expressions to: 

- Welcoming participants

- Opening a meeting

- Establishing the agenda

- Sticking to the agenda

- Managing time

- Inviting contributions from participants

- Organising voting

- Dealing with conflict

- Closing a meeting

- Summarising

This lesson teaches 16 common business expressions that English speakers use in a variety of professional situations.

In this lesson, students learn how to report errors and query figures in English. A variety of vocabulary for describing different numerical mistakes is explored before students listen to a series of dialogues in which speakers report and explain errors.

In the Listen and repeat section, learners can practise a total of 13 useful expressions to: 

- Reporting an error

- Explaining an error

- Quoting a discrepancy

- Promising to take action


The language of meetings
Business English Communication Skills

In this lesson, students learn how to talk about statistics and describe trends using combinations of nouns, verbs, adverbs and adjectives.

In the Listen and repeat section, learners can practise a range of 46 words for describing: 

- Upward trends

- Downward trends

- Staying the same

- The speed of change

In this lesson, students learn how to structure a Business presentation, using the correct vocabulary.

In the Listen and repeat section, learners can practise a range of 24 phrases for: 

- Introducing a topic

- Giving an overview

- Making points in a presentation

- Summarising

- Handing questions

In this lesson, students learn how to negotiate in English. The lesson includes a series of short negotiation dialogues and focuses on vocabulary and listening comprehension.

In the Listen and repeat section, learners can practise 22 expressions for:  

- Discussing interests

- Bargaining

- "Playing for time" 

- Accepting a proposal

- Rejecting a proposal

- Closing a deal

This lesson teaches useful vocabulary for learners who need to write emails in English. The lesson introduces the five parts of an email so learners can apply a professional structure to their written communication.

The lesson presents 14 expressions used when: 

- Greeting someone in an email

- Writing pleasantries

- Explaining the reason for writing

- Giving a call for action

- Signing off

This lesson presents the differences between formal, informal and semi-formal email styles, introducing the "Formality Formula" for written communication. The lesson also introduces a variety of words and expressions that learners can put in order of formality. Learners get to match 9 formal verbs with their informal equivalents before re-writing an informal email in a more professional style.

Quiz covering lessons 16-20

Final Test
Bonus Idioms

In this lesson, students learn 12 common idioms used in Business English.


In this lesson, students learn 8 common idioms used in Business English.

Idioms Test

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in English for Business: Professional Business English course with these activities:
Review Basic Grammar
Strengthen your understanding of English grammar to improve clarity and professionalism in business communication.
Browse courses on English Grammar
Show steps
  • Review grammar rules related to tense, subject-verb agreement, and punctuation.
  • Complete online grammar quizzes to assess your understanding.
  • Practice writing short business emails and check for grammatical errors.
Read 'Business English for Dummies'
Enhance your understanding of business English fundamentals with this accessible guide.
Show steps
  • Read chapters focusing on business writing, presentations, and meetings.
  • Complete the exercises and quizzes provided in the book.
  • Apply the concepts learned to real-world business scenarios.
Write a Mock Business Email
Practice writing professional emails to improve your written communication skills.
Show steps
  • Choose a common business scenario, such as requesting information or making an inquiry.
  • Draft an email using appropriate business English vocabulary and tone.
  • Review and revise the email for clarity, grammar, and professionalism.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Role-Play Phone Calls
Improve your phone communication skills through realistic role-playing exercises.
Show steps
  • Pair up with a classmate or colleague.
  • Simulate common business phone calls, such as answering inquiries or making appointments.
  • Record and review the role-play to identify areas for improvement.
Review 'The Elements of Style'
Refine your writing style and grammar with this essential guide to English usage.
View Melania on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read the chapters on grammar, style, and composition.
  • Apply the principles to your business writing.
  • Focus on conciseness and clarity.
Create a Business English Glossary
Develop a comprehensive glossary of business English terms to enhance your vocabulary and understanding.
Show steps
  • Compile a list of common business English terms and phrases.
  • Define each term clearly and concisely.
  • Provide examples of how each term is used in context.
  • Organize the glossary alphabetically for easy reference.
Prepare a Business Presentation
Create and deliver a business presentation to practice your presentation skills and use of business English.
Show steps
  • Choose a relevant business topic.
  • Develop a presentation outline and create visually appealing slides.
  • Practice delivering the presentation using appropriate business English vocabulary and tone.
  • Record yourself and review the presentation for areas of improvement.

Career center

Learners who complete English for Business: Professional Business English course will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Business Development Representative
Business Development Representatives focus on building relationships and generating new leads, both of which rely heavily on effective communication. This course may help refine your professional English communication skills, especially in areas such as networking, making presentations, and negotiating. The lessons on introductions for business, describing charts and graphs, and negotiation skills may assist in making a strong first impression, conveying value propositions clearly, and closing deals. This course can prove particularly useful for those aiming to excel in client interactions and achieve business growth as a Business Development Representative.
Project Coordinator
A Project Coordinator facilitates communication among team members and stakeholders, making professional English skills critical. This course helps you improve your business communication skills, which may be very useful in project coordination. The lessons on leading business meetings, expressing opinions, and describing charts and graphs may be particularly helpful. With the skills you’ve learned, you may find yourself better able to articulate project goals, facilitate productive meetings, and present progress updates clearly as a Project Coordinator.
Sales Associate
Sales Associates need to communicate effectively with customers and colleagues. Sales roles depend on clear articulation and active listening skills. This course helps build a practical foundation in business English, focusing on essential vocabulary and phrases applicable to various workplace interactions. Modules on making small talk, expressing opinions, and negotiating may be especially beneficial for Sales Associates. The training on understanding different accents could also prove valuable when interacting with a diverse clientele as a Sales Associate.
Account Manager
Account Managers require strong communication skills to maintain relationships with clients and negotiate contracts. This course helps you enhance your professional English, with sections on making small talk, expressing opinions, and negotiation skills. These modules may be particularly useful in building rapport with clients, understanding their needs, and successfully closing deals. The module on diplomatic language may also be especially helpful when navigating difficult conversations as an Account Manager.
International Trade Specialist
International Trade Specialists require refined communication skills to navigate cross-cultural business interactions. This course helps strengthen your professional English, with a focus on vocabulary and expressions applicable in diverse workplace situations. Modules on making small talk, expressing opinions diplomatically, and understanding different accents may be especially valuable when interacting with international clients and partners. This nuanced approach to communication may lead to smoother transactions and stronger relationships as an International Trade Specialist.
Human Resources Assistant
As a Human Resources Assistant, you often need to communicate with employees at all levels of the organization, as well as external candidates. This course may help you to refine your business English skills, especially in areas such as conducting interviews, explaining company policies, and resolving conflicts. Specific modules on attending job interviews, expressing opinions diplomatically, and writing professional emails may be particularly beneficial. Clear and professional communication is essential for maintaining positive employee relations as a Human Resources Assistant.
Office Manager
The responsibilities of an Office Manager involve a significant amount of communication, both written and verbal. This course may help enhance your business English skills, particularly in areas such as making phone calls, arranging meetings, and writing professional emails. Lessons on apologizing, making excuses, and showing visitors around the office may also be very relevant. Improving your English communication can support smoother office operations as an Office Manager.
Marketing Coordinator
Marketing Coordinators often need to write compelling marketing materials, present marketing plans, and communicate with clients. This course may improve your business English skills, with sections on writing professional emails, describing charts and graphs, and delivering business presentations. The skills gained may help you create more effective marketing campaigns and communicate marketing strategies more persuasively as a Marketing Coordinator.
Administrative Assistant
The role of an Administrative Assistant often requires strong written and verbal communication skills in a business setting. This course may help improve your English communication skills, particularly in areas such as making phone calls, scheduling meetings, and writing professional emails. The section on email formality and style may be extremely useful in this role. Learning business idioms may also contribute to a more nuanced understanding of workplace communication, helping you become a more effective Administrative Assistant.
Customer Service Representative
As a Customer Service Representative, clear and effective communication is essential. This course may help you to improve your professional English, making it easier to understand and respond to customer inquiries. The course focuses on essential vocabulary and useful phrases for the workplace, which may be particularly helpful when dealing with customers from diverse backgrounds, as the course includes 10 different accents in the listening activities. Specifically, the segment on making apologies, excuses, and promises could be directly applicable to resolving customer issues.
Technical Writer
The work of a Technical Writer involves creating clear and concise documentation for technical products. This course might help improve your professional English, focusing on writing clear and effective emails, describing complex topics, and using formal language when appropriate. The modules on professional email structure, email formality and style, and describing charts and graphs, can be especially valuable. These capabilities build a foundation for effectively explaining technical information as a Technical Writer.
Proofreader
Proofreaders need a keen eye for detail and a strong understanding of English grammar and usage. This course may allow you to deepen your knowledge of professional English language conventions, particularly in areas such as email formality and style. Learning business idioms may also help you identify and correct errors in context. Strengthening your understanding of professional English communication may lead to increased accuracy and effectiveness in your role as a Proofreader.
Technical Support Specialist
Technical Support Specialists often need to explain complex technical issues clearly and concisely to customers who may not have a technical background. This course may help refine your communication skills in English for business settings. The lessons on describing problems and suggesting solutions, as well as apologizing and making promises, may be very helpful in this role. Improving your ability to communicate clearly and professionally ensures you can effectively assist customers with technical issues as a Technical Support Specialist.
Interpreter
Interpreters must communicate effectively with people from a variety of cultural backgrounds. The Interpreter role requires an active and adaptive knowledge base. This course may help improve professional communication skills, particularly in understanding different accents and using business idioms. The course emphasizes listening activities and realistic simulations, which may be very useful for developing interpretation skills. Understanding cultural nuances and professional language may support more accurate and effective communication as an Interpreter.
ESL Teacher
An ESL Teacher instructs non-native English speakers. This course may enhance your knowledge of business English, which may be useful for teaching professional communication skills to students. The course focuses on various business situations and includes a diverse range of accents, thus helping you prepare your students for real-world interactions. Familiarity with business idioms and expressions may also add depth to your teaching as an ESL Teacher.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in English for Business: Professional Business English course.
This classic guide to English usage is essential for anyone who wants to write clearly and effectively. While not specifically focused on business English, it provides invaluable advice on grammar, style, and composition. It is particularly helpful for refining your writing skills and ensuring that your communication is concise and impactful. is more valuable as additional reading than it is as a current reference.
Provides a comprehensive overview of business English, covering grammar, vocabulary, and communication skills. It's a helpful resource for those who need to improve their English for professional purposes. The book is particularly useful for understanding the nuances of business writing and speaking. It can serve as a useful reference tool throughout the course.

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