Do you want to sound more confident and natural when you speak English at work?

In meetings, discussions, and everyday workplace communication, native speakers rely on simple, practical phrases that help them sound clear, polite, and professional. In this article, you’ll learn 10 must-know English expressions that are commonly used in modern workplaces.

1. Here’s the thing…

We use “here’s the thing” to introduce a key point, especially when we want to clarify something or gently challenge expectations.

Examples:

• Here’s the thing. The deadline was never confirmed.
• Here’s the thing. This solution won’t scale long-term.

2. Let me point out…

This phrase is useful when you want to highlight something important without sounding aggressive or confrontational.

Examples:

• Let me point out a small detail we might be missing.
• Let me point out why this approach could be risky.

3. What I’m trying to say is…

Use this phrase when you feel your message isn’t being fully understood and you want to clarify your meaning.

Examples:

• What I’m trying to say is that the issue isn’t technical.
• What I’m trying to say is we need better communication.

4. Let me rephrase that…

This is a natural way to correct yourself or make your point clearer.

Examples:

• Let me rephrase that so it’s clearer.
• Let me rephrase that. This isn’t a blocker, but it is a concern.

5. I see where you’re coming from…

This phrase shows understanding before you disagree. It’s similar to saying “I understand your point.”

Examples:

• Thanks for explaining this to me. I now see where you’re coming from.
• I see where you’re coming from, but we need to consider the timeline.

6. The bottom line is…

We use this phrase to summarize the most important point.

Examples:

• The bottom line is that we’re over budget.
• The bottom line is — this solution works.

Why “bottom line”?
In accounting, the final profit or loss appears on the last line of a financial report (aka the bottom line). Today, the phrase means “the most important result” or “what really matters.”

7. Can you stay back…?

This is a polite way to ask someone to remain for a quick follow-up.

Examples:

• Can you stay back for a quick chat?
• Can you stay back so we can clarify one thing?

8. If that’s okay

This phrase softens requests and suggestions. In English-speaking workplaces, politeness and checking in with others is very important.

Examples:

• I’ll follow up tomorrow, if that’s okay.
• I’d like to leave a bit earlier today, if that’s okay.
• Can we discuss this after the meeting, if that’s okay?

9. I’m not sure I can answer off the top of my head

Use this when you need time to think or check information.

Examples:

• I’m not sure I know this off the top of my head. Let me look it up and get back to you.
• I can’t answer that off the top of my head, but I can check.

10. Noted!

“Noted” is a short and efficient way to say “I understand” or “I’ve acknowledged this.” It’s very common in emails, Slack, and chat tools.

Examples:

• Noted, thanks for the update.
• Noted, I’ll take care of it.

Want to learn more useful phrases for work communication and level up your grammar? Check out our course English For Tech.

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