Effective communication is crucial in the business world, and mastering Business English is a key component of this skillset. However, even proficient English learners often stumble over certain phrases that are commonly used in professional settings. These phrases can be tricky because they may not always align with literal translations from other languages or common conversational English. In this article, we’ll explore some of these business English phrases that language learners frequently get wrong and provide guidance on using them correctly.
1. “To touch base”
Common Mistake: Some learners might interpret this phrase literally, thinking it involves physically touching something.
Correct Usage: “To touch base” means to make contact or connect with someone, usually for a brief discussion or update on a particular topic. For example, “I’ll touch base with you next week to discuss the project’s progress.”
2. “To go the extra mile”
Common Mistake: Learners may take this phrase literally, thinking it involves traveling a longer distance.
Correct Usage: “To go the extra mile” means to put in extra effort or do more than what is expected in a particular task or situation. For instance, “She always goes the extra mile to ensure customer satisfaction.”
3. “To think outside the box”
Common Mistake: Some learners may struggle with the metaphorical nature of this phrase, taking it literally as thinking outside of a physical box.
Correct Usage: “To think outside the box” means to think creatively or innovatively, coming up with new and unconventional solutions to problems. For example, “Our team needs to think outside the box to address these market challenges.”
4. “To touch on”
Common Mistake: Learners might mistake this phrase for physically touching something briefly.
Correct Usage: “To touch on” means to briefly mention or discuss a topic without going into great detail. For instance, “During the presentation, I’ll touch on the key points of our new marketing strategy.”
5. “To get the ball rolling”
Common Mistake: Some learners may interpret this phrase literally, thinking it involves physically starting a game with a ball.
Correct Usage: “To get the ball rolling” means to start or initiate a process or activity. For example, “Let’s schedule a meeting to get the ball rolling on this project.”
6. “To play it by ear”
Common Mistake: Learners may take this phrase literally, thinking it involves playing a musical instrument by ear.
Correct Usage: “To play it by ear” means to make decisions or take actions based on the circumstances at the time, without having a fixed plan. For instance, “We’ll see how the situation develops and play it by ear from there.”
7. “To touch base offline”
Common Mistake: Some learners may struggle with the addition of “offline,” thinking it implies a physical meeting.
Correct Usage: “To touch base offline” refers to having a conversation or discussion outside of written or online communication. It can involve phone calls, face-to-face meetings, or any form of non-digital communication. For example, “Let’s touch base offline to discuss this sensitive matter.”
8. “To wrap one’s head around”
Common Mistake: Learners might find it challenging to grasp the figurative nature of this phrase.
Correct Usage: “To wrap one’s head around” means to understand or comprehend something, often when it’s complex or difficult to grasp. For instance, “It took me some time to wrap my head around the new software system.”
9. “To get the hang of”
Common Mistake: Some learners may interpret this phrase literally, thinking it involves physically getting a grip on something.
Correct Usage: “To get the hang of” means to become skilled or proficient in something after practice or experience. For example, “She quickly got the hang of using the company’s accounting software.”
10. “To hit the ground running”
Common Mistake: Learners may struggle with the imagery of hitting the ground.
Correct Usage: “To hit the ground running” means to start a new project or job with a high level of energy, enthusiasm, and effectiveness from the beginning. For instance, “Our new team member is ready to hit the ground running and make an immediate impact.”
11. “To touch a nerve”
Common Mistake: Learners may interpret this phrase literally, thinking it involves physically touching a nerve.
Correct Usage: “To touch a nerve” means to mention a sensitive or emotionally charged topic that elicits a strong reaction from someone. For example, “Bringing up layoffs in the meeting really touched a nerve with some employees.”
12. “To run something by someone”
Common Mistake: Some learners may take this phrase literally, thinking it involves physically running with an object to show someone.
Correct Usage: “To run something by someone” means to share or present an idea, plan, or proposal to get their input or approval. For instance, “I’ll run the project timeline by the team before finalizing it.”
13. “To be on the same page”
Common Mistake: Learners might struggle with the figurative meaning of being on the same page.
Correct Usage: “To be on the same page” means to have a shared understanding or agreement about something. For example, “Let’s make sure everyone is on the same page regarding the project’s objectives.”
14. “To touch wood” (also “To knock on wood”)
Common Mistake: Some learners may not be familiar with this superstitious expression.
Correct Usage: “To touch wood” or “To knock on wood” is used when discussing something positive to ward off bad luck. For instance, “Our sales have been great this quarter, touch wood.”
15. “To break the ice”
Common Mistake: Learners may struggle with the metaphorical nature of this phrase.
Correct Usage: “To break the ice” means to start a conversation or social interaction in a friendly and relaxed manner, especially in a new or uncomfortable situation. For example, “I told a joke to break the ice at the networking event.”
16. “To throw in the towel”
Common Mistake: Some learners may interpret this phrase literally, thinking it involves physically throwing a towel.
Correct Usage: “To throw in the towel” means to give up or surrender in the face of a challenging situation. For instance, “After numerous failed attempts, they decided to throw in the towel and stop pursuing the deal.”
17. “To keep someone in the loop”
Common Mistake: Learners might not fully understand the idiomatic nature of “in the loop.”
Correct Usage: “To keep someone in the loop” means to inform or update someone regularly about a project, situation, or development. For example, “Please keep me in the loop regarding any changes to the schedule.”
18. “To get down to business”
Common Mistake: Some learners may take this phrase literally, thinking it involves physically getting down to work.
Correct Usage: “To get down to business” means to start focusing on the important tasks or discussions at hand, often after dealing with less important matters. For instance, “Let’s get down to business and discuss the budget.”
19. “To call the shots”
Common Mistake: Learners may not grasp the figurative meaning of “calling the shots.”
Correct Usage: “To call the shots” means to make the decisions or have the authority to control a situation. For example, “In this company, the CEO calls the shots when it comes to major decisions.”
20. “To turn a blind eye”
Common Mistake: Some learners may interpret this phrase literally, thinking it involves physically turning one’s eye.
Correct Usage: “To turn a blind eye” means to ignore or pretend not to notice something, often because it’s uncomfortable or inconvenient to address. For example, “The manager decided to turn a blind eye to the minor rule violations.”
Mastering these business English phrases and using them correctly will not only enhance your professional communication skills but also help you convey your ideas and intentions more effectively in the workplace. Remember that language is not just about words; it’s about understanding the nuances and idiomatic expressions that make communication more efficient and culturally appropriate. So, keep practicing and refining your language skills to excel in the business world.
