Speak Like a Pro! Top 5 Mistakes in Business English Even Advanced Professionals Make

Many advanced English speakers think their level is high enough, but small mistakes in tone, vocabulary, and grammar can still damage professional impact. Here are the five most common mistakes and how to avoid them.

Mistake 1: Being Overly Formal

Using very formal English may sound professional in theory, but in reality it can make you sound detached or inexperienced. The best Business English uses a balance of formal and informal tone.

Examples of better alternatives:

• Instead of I would like to inquire about → Can I ask about…

• Instead of Kindly find attached → I have attached…

• Instead of Please do not hesitate to contact me → Feel free to reach out

Pro Tip: Match the tone of your colleagues. Let their style guide yours.

Mistake 2: Avoiding Phrasal Verbs

Advanced learners often avoid phrasal verbs, but they are essential for fluency in the workplace.

Examples:

• Bring up — introduce a topic

• Look into — investigate

• Follow up — continue communication

At an advanced level, you need at least 500 phrasal verbs to fully understand real-world business English.

Mistake 3: Using the Wrong Collocations

Saying do a mistake instead of make a mistake is a clear sign of non-native fluency. Learn and practice collocations such as: make a decision, meet a deadline, close a deal, raise funds, conduct research.

Mistake 4: Translating Idioms Incorrectly

Idioms often cannot be translated directly from your native language. Stick to idioms that are widely used in international business English.

Examples: Get the ball rolling, think outside the box, on the same page, raise the bar, game changer.

Mistake 5: Small Grammar Slips

Articles, prepositions, and verb patterns cause problems even at high levels.

• Correct: He is the manager of the company.

• Correct: Let’s discuss the issue.

• Correct: She suggested attending the meeting.

Final Tip: Small grammar corrections make a big difference to how professional you sound.

Visit www.duartebusinessenglish.com  for masterclasses, books, and resources to improve your Business English.