This is Part 1 of the series from A Business English Guide For Non-Native Professionals (2025)
Do you speak English well but feel lost in business meetings?
It is difficult!
Many people can chat with friends easily but struggle in professional situations.
The good news is that General English and Business English use the same grammar.
You just need to change your approach to using English.
The difference is in vocabulary, style, and situations where you use them.
What is General English?
General English is the English you use every day. It’s for talking with friends, shopping, or watching movies. You use it to:
- Chat with family and friends
- Order food at restaurants
- Ask for directions
- Talk about your hobbies
- Write personal messages
General English is relaxed and friendly. You can use simple words and don’t need to be too formal.
Example: “Hey, want to grab lunch? I know a great place nearby.” (Informal)
What is Business English?
Business English is the English you use at work. It’s more formal and uses special words that are common in business. You need it for:
- Meetings with colleagues
- Emails to clients
- Presentations
- Job interviews
- Writing reports
Business English sounds more professional and polite.
Example: “Would you like to schedule a lunch meeting? I can recommend an excellent restaurant in the area.” (Formal)
Key Differences
Different Words
The biggest difference is vocabulary. Business English uses special words that you don’t hear in everyday conversation.
General English: “We have a problem.”
Business English: “We’re facing some challenges.”
General English: “Let’s meet tomorrow.”
Business English: “Let’s schedule a meeting tomorrow.”
Different Style
General English is casual and personal. Business English is more formal and polite.
General English: “That’s a bad idea.”
Business English: “I have some concerns about that approach.”
General English: “I want you to do this.”
Business English: “Could you please handle this task?”
Different Situations
You use General English with friends and family. You use Business English with colleagues, clients, and bosses.
General English situations:
- Talking to friends
- Social media posts
- Text messages to family
- Casual conversations
Business English situations:
- Work emails
- Team meetings
- Phone calls with clients
- Job interviews
Common Business English Words
Here are some words you’ll hear often in business:
- Meeting (not “talk”)
- Schedule (not “plan”)
- Colleague (not “workmate”)
- Client (not “customer”)
- Deadline (time when work must be finished)
- Budget (money available for something)
- Project (specific work task)
- Target (goal you want to reach)
Email Differences
General English email: “Hi John! How are you? Can you send me that file? Thanks!”
Business English email: “Dear Mr. Smith, I hope this email finds you well. Could you please send me the quarterly report when convenient? Thank you for your assistance. Best regards,”
Speaking Differences
General English: Direct and simple
- “I don’t like this.”
- “That won’t work.”
- “You’re wrong.”
Business English: Polite and diplomatic
- “I have some reservations about this.”
- “That might be challenging.”
- “I see it differently.”
Grammar Differences
The grammar is the same, but Business English often uses:
- More formal words (“assist” instead of “help”)
- Polite questions (“Could you…?” instead of “Can you…?”)
- Passive voice (“The report was completed” instead of “I completed the report”)
Tips for Learning Business English
Start Small
Learn 5-10 business words each week. Practice using them in sentences.
Read Business Content
- Company websites
- Business news (simple articles)
- Work emails from English-speaking colleagues
Practice Polite Language
Instead of: “I want…” Try: “I would like…” or “Could I have…?”
Learn Email Phrases
- “I hope this email finds you well”
- “Please find attached…”
- “Thank you for your time”
- “I look forward to hearing from you”
Watch Business English Videos
YouTube has many simple Business English lessons for beginners.
Youtube. video: How to change from General English to Business English
https://youtu.be/_2ZDNgtAsbw?si=1eJCgdAC9jeBCHjm
Why Business English Matters
Good Business English skills can help you:
- Get better jobs
- Communicate with international colleagues
- Feel confident in meetings
- Write professional emails
- Make a good impression at work
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t use:
- “Hey” in work emails (use “Hello” or “Dear”)
- Casual words like “stuff” or “things” (be specific)
- Text speak like “u” or “2” in professional messages
Do use:
- Full sentences
- Polite language
- Professional greetings and closings
The Difference
General English and Business English aren’t completely different languages. They share the same grammar and many words.
The main differences are:
- Business English uses more formal vocabulary
- The tone is more polite and professional
- You use it in work situations
With practice, you can master both! Start by learning common business phrases and practicing polite ways to say things.
Remember: You don’t need perfect Business English to start. Even small improvements will help you feel more confident at work.
This blog post is part of a series from Business English Guide 2025 – more is coming soon.