When we think about learning English for work, people often become too focused on learning business English. However, it’s actually more efficient to combine it with learning general English to feel confident using English in all work-related situations.
What are the differences between business English and general English?
There are several differences between business English and general English:
- Purpose: Business English focuses on the language and skills needed in specific business contexts, such as negotiations, presentations, and meetings. General English is used for daily communication covering a wide range of topics and situations.
- Vocabulary: Business English covers industry-specific jargon and terminology. General English encompasses a broader range of vocabulary.
- Tone and Formality: Business English often leans toward a more formal tone, especially in written documents such as emails, however some situations require more semi-formal or informal English. General English can range from formal to very informal depending on the context and relationship between the speakers.
- Cultural and Idiomatic Nuances: Business English has a smaller selection of idioms of idioms and phrasal verbs that are specific to business scenarios. General English covers all of the idioms and phrasal verbs needed for business English plus a wide range of others.
- Grammar Structures: Business English may emphasise certain grammar structures particularly those relevant to making proposals, giving opinions, agreeing and disagreeing, or making predictions (e.g., future forms ‘will and ‘going to’). General English covers a wide variety of grammatical structures which again, include those needed for business English.
- Skills Emphasis: Business English focuses on more specialised skills such as presentation techniques, networking skills, and negotiation tactics. General English focuses on broader language skills - speaking, listening, writing etc.
Why is learning business English with general English important?
While it is necessary to learn industry-specific terminology, phrases, and culture to feel confident speaking English in a variety of work-related scenarios. It's
vital to create a solid foundation of general English, especially as some work situations, for example - a networking event, a business dinner or lunch, team-building activities, brainstorming sessions, travelling for work - will require you to use and understand general English. It’s important to have a wide knowledge of vocabulary to
ensure you feel confident to communicate in any situation. Adaptability is one of the top skills employers and companies look for in a person.

How can we combine learning business English with general English?
Learning both Business English and General English gives you a
strong base for understanding English in every situation. Here are some ideas for activities you do to combine learning the two:
➤ Courses with Combined English: Choose a platform, academy, private tutor that provides a course and classes that combine both business English and general English. professional scenarios with everyday conversational contexts, providing a comprehensive understanding of the language. We can help you with this!
➤ Real-life Practice: Engage in different activities that use both forms of English. For example, attend a business seminar or workshop, and also participate in social gatherings, local clubs, or community events where casual conversations are prevalent. Everything is an opportunity!
➤ Language Exchange Partners: Find someone either in person or online who's also learning English and have sessions together to practice role-playing different business scenarios or practicing daily conversation.
➤ Continuous Feedback: Whether through a teacher, mentor, language partner, or online platform, seek feedback on both your business and general English communication skills. This will help you understand areas of improvement in both areas.
➤ Cultural Immersion: Whenever possible, spend time in English-speaking countries. This immersion will expose you to both business environments and everyday situations, providing a practical arena to apply both types of English. Also, take any opportunity you can to use English whilst travelling abroad.
➤ Watch and listen to varied content: Podcasts are a great way to pick up intonation, pronunciation and vocabulary. Listen to podcasts about a combination of both business and general topics. Also, there are many YouTube channels and Ted Talks that are great for picking up both types of English.
So, to
wrap it up, while business English provides the technical know-how for professional communication, general English enriches it, making interactions more genuine, relatable, and effective. Together, they form a comprehensive communication toolkit for the modern professional to feel confident using English.

Exercise - Dialogue Practice
Here is a
dialogue for you to practice using both
business English and
general English.
Can you tell which is which?
Alex: Hi, I'm Alex. I work in product development at InnovateTech. How about you?
Jamie: Hey Alex! Nice to meet you. I'm Jamie. I'm with ClearSky, heading up the Sales Department.
Alex: Ah, ClearSky! I've come across your quarterly reports in industry magazines. Your market penetration strategies are impressive.
Jamie: Thanks for the compliment! Yeah, it's been a roller coaster, but we've got a great team backing those strategies. By the way, how's the event treating you?
Alex: It's been insightful. I attended a workshop on user experience earlier. But honestly, the best part of these events is meeting folks like you.
Jamie: Couldn't agree more. And speaking of user experience, our target demographic seems to align. Perhaps there's potential for collaboration between our companies?
Alex: Definitely! We're always open to strategic partnerships. We should set up a meeting to explore this further.
Jamie: Absolutely. But on a lighter note, have you tried the snacks here? The chocolate éclairs are to die for!
Alex: Oh, I haven't. You've got a sweet tooth, I take it?
Jamie: Guilty as charged! But hey, a good dessert can seal a deal just as well as a business proposal, right?
Alex: Couldn't have said it better! Let's grab those éclairs and discuss this more.
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