3 Words and Phrases That Will Help You Speak English Better in an Office Environment

Being a non-native English speaker, it is important to know the various nuances of the language in official environments, especially when you are trying to blend in. Be it to yourself, or to others in a gathering (social, official, etc.), there are certain English words and phrases which make you seem less accomplished as a non-native English speaker.

In this blog, we will be talking about a few such words and phrases that will help you establish yourself better at work. If you want to learn English, adding these to your vocabulary will be counterproductive.

Here are 3 English words /phrases that will help you in your office environment:

1.     Use “and” instead of “but”

This whole sentence can be placed under famous proverbs. In an office environment, using the word “but” shows your hesitation in a particular topic, be it in a discussion or group meeting. For example, if you are explaining the pros and cons of time management, saying “there is a meeting in 10 minutes and I have work to do as well” sounds more positive than “There is a meeting in 10 minutes but I have work to do as well.” This gives your peers and leaders a positive impression about you and your balanced outlook, more so since you are a non-native English speaker with great hold over the language.

2.     Instead of saying“I’m sorry”, say “I will take care of it as soon as I can” or “I will make sure it is done as soon as possible.”

Failing to complete a certain task on time is totally normal. However, the way you show yourself when faced with such a situation matters a lot. The word “Sorry” projects a very immature and loathsome attitude which nobody likes to hear, especially your team leader or boss. But being a non-native English speaker, it can be difficult to realize. So, if you instead say “I will make sure it is done,” or “I will take care of it as soon as I can,” it will show that you accept your fault and are willing to rectify it. Moreover, it also helps you showcase that you know what to say at what moment. This will certainly get you noticed as a non-native English speaker.

3.     Instead of “fine”, use something more specific

Let us be frank, the word “fine” certainly sounds informal and perhaps rude. So, keep this point in mind when you plan to learn English words and phrases for such a purpose. Moreover, it is not an answer. It shows more of your disinterested attitude. Consider this,if your boss asks you, “How is the project going?” and you answer with “Fine, Sir”, does it sound nice? Rather, you can say, “It is on time, Sir,” or “It is on in full swing, Sir.” See how better it sounds. Or if the project has some problem, then you can share it and not just say that it isn’t fine. Moreover, that you are learning to make use of such favorable replies will definitely have a better impression on your boss.