Understanding and using business English phrases is more than just helpful. It’s necessary. When you’re part of a meeting, making a proposal, or discussing a project timeline, knowing the right phrases for negotiation can help you sound professional, calm, and confident.
For many ESL learners, the challenge is not knowing what to say, but how to say it. Using the right tone, vocabulary, and structure makes your point stronger and helps you build trust with your business partners. This is where English for professionals becomes crucial.
2. Opening the Conversation: Start with Clarity and Respect
How you begin sets the tone. Polite and direct openers show respect and professionalism:
- “Thank you for taking the time to meet today.”
- “Let’s begin by reviewing our shared objectives.”
- “Before we dive in, can we confirm the agenda?”
These business English phrases help create a professional and friendly environment from the start.
3. Expressing Intent: Say What You Want Clearly
When you state your goals clearly, people understand you better and respect your position. Here are good phrases for negotiation:
- “Our main goal is to establish a long-term partnership.”
- “We’re hoping to complete the agreement by Friday.”
- “We need a solution that fits within our Q2 budget.”
Avoid vague phrases. Clear, confident language shows you’re serious about doing business in English.
4. The Power of Polite but Firm Language
In negotiation in English, it’s possible to disagree without sounding rude. Try these polite but firm expressions:
- “We see where you’re coming from, but we’d like to explore another option.”
- “Would you consider a different approach?”
- “We understand your concerns; however, here’s our suggestion.”
This kind of tone is an important part of English for professionals.
5. Making Offers: Use Language That Builds Trust
When you propose something, make it sound fair and specific:
- “We’re offering a 10% discount for upfront payment.”
- “If you can agree to the new deadline, we can include additional support.”
- “Our proposal includes full training at no extra cost.”
These business English phrases build credibility and encourage positive responses.
6. Responding to Offers: Accepting, Rejecting, or Countering
Good responses can move the negotiation forward:
To accept:
- “That works well for us.”
- “We’re happy to proceed on those terms.”
To reject:
- “Unfortunately, that falls outside our budget.”
- “That may not be possible at this stage.”
To counter-offer:
- “What if we agreed to split the difference?”
- “Could we explore a revised payment schedule?”
Such phrases for negotiation help you stay polite while still protecting your interests.
7. Persuasive Language: Guide the Discussion
To persuade someone, highlight benefits and outcomes. This is where negotiation in English becomes strategic:
- “This option will save your team time and resources.”
- “We’ve seen excellent results with similar companies.”
- “Our service reduces risk and increases ROI.”
These are strong business English phrases that help influence decisions.
8. Showing Flexibility: Compromise with Confidence
Compromise is a normal part of any business deal. Here’s how English for professionals handles it:
- “We can be flexible on delivery times.”
- “Let’s try to find a solution that benefits both sides.”
- “We’re open to adjusting the scope of work.”
Showing flexibility shows strength, not weakness.
9. Expressing Doubt Tactfully
There may be moments when you disagree or need more time. Use these phrases for negotiation to slow things down without causing tension:
- “I’m not entirely comfortable with that clause.”
- “Could we revisit this point later?”
- “There may be risks we haven’t discussed yet.”
These phrases keep you in the conversation while expressing hesitation.
10. Reaching Agreement: Confirming the Details
Once you’re close to agreement, use clear business English phrases to finalise the deal:
- “Just to confirm, we’re agreeing to the price and delivery schedule as discussed?”
- “Great. I’ll send the revised contract this afternoon.”
- “Let’s move ahead with this.”
This is when negotiation in English moves into action.
11. Closing the Discussion on a High Note
Always finish with appreciation, even if there’s no agreement:
- “Thanks for your openness. We made great progress today.”
- “I look forward to working together in the future.”
- “Let’s keep the door open for future opportunities.”
These are standard English for professionals ways to leave a good impression.
12. Negotiating as a Buyer
Becoming skilled at negotiation presents extra challenges when English isn’t your first language. The right negotiation in English terminology helps you express your position effectively—from asking for better terms to handling objections with professionalism.
Key phrases to request better terms
- “We’re looking for a partnership that benefits both sides.”
- “What I’m looking for is…”
- “My biggest concern is…”
Use phrases that show collaboration, not confrontation. For example:
- “I’d like to propose that…”
- “How about we do the following…”
- “Would you think about…”
To politely decline or reset expectations:
- “I’m afraid that’s not going to work for me.”
- “I’d like to push back on that timeline and propose a more feasible one.”
- “With all due respect, I must decline your offer.”
Set clear boundaries to avoid confusion:
- “We can accept that if you could…”
- “My bottom line on this issue is…”
- “This is where we need to draw the line.”
Clarify final points with:
- “Just to clarify, we said the trial period would be for six months, correct?”
- “You’re suggesting a 10% discount for a year-long contract, right?”
- “Can we arrange on this? I believe it’s the best approach.”
13. Negotiating as a Seller
As a seller, you need to highlight the value of your product or service and use effective business English phrases to manage pushback.
Presenting value persuasively
- “This solution would allow you to reduce processing time by 30%.”
- “Our implementation team ensures you’ll see results within the first quarter.”
- “What makes us different is our dedicated support team.”
Use the problem-solution-benefit method to connect with clients. Incorporate storytelling when possible:
- Keep stories in present tense
- Share real examples
- Focus on measurable results
Precise language builds trust. Instead of saying “we’re the best,” explain why:
- “Clients have saved an average of $10,000 a year using our platform.”
Handling objections with confidence
- Listen first and avoid interrupting.
- Use reflective phrases like: “It sounds like the value just isn’t there for you.”
- Mirror language to uncover more: “Some time to think about it?”
Understanding what’s behind an objection leads to stronger resolutions.
14. Negotiating as an Employee
Employee negotiations differ from business deals. Still, English for professionals applies.
Phrases for salary and benefit discussions
During interviews:
- “I’d prefer to focus on whether this position is the right fit before discussing compensation.”
- “I’m confident we can work out fair compensation when the time comes.”
- “Could you share the budgeted range for this role?”
After receiving an offer:
- “I would be more comfortable if we could start at $65,000 given my experience.”
- “Could we discuss additional benefits like increased paid time off or flexible hours?”
Approach salary talks with confidence and respect.
15. Common Mistakes to Avoid in Negotiation
Even skilled English learners make mistakes. Watch out for these:
- Using very direct language like “No, that’s not okay.” Instead, soften with phrases like “That might not work for us.”
- Forgetting to confirm details. Always repeat important points.
- Not asking questions. Good negotiators ask a lot of questions.
Avoiding these will make your phrases for negotiation sound much more natural.
16. Bonus: Idioms Common in Business Negotiation
Idioms are often used in English for professionals. Learn a few at a time:
- “Let’s get the ball rolling.” (Start the project)
- “That’s a deal-breaker.” (A condition that ruins the agreement)
- “We’re on the same page.” (We agree)
Idioms make your speech sound fluent and natural.
17. Practice Makes Progress
Learning business English phrases takes time. Practice role plays. Record yourself. Try using these expressions in low-pressure conversations first.
As you become more confident, your ability to manage negotiation in English will grow. You’ll sound like someone who belongs at the table—because you do.
For more lessons on English for professionals, explore our other articles and practice tools.
