How to Learn Business English: Vocabulary, Resources, and More

As an English teacher something I quickly recognised was that it can be very difficult for people to go from Intermediate to Advanced levels of English, and even more difficult to find good resources to help you improve your English.

Nowadays most English teaching platforms focus on beginner levels, and for me realising how many intermediate level students needed help, pushed me to create my youtube channel for intermediate - advanced level learners.

In this article I will give you some good advice, great resources and helpful tips to improve your intermediate and Business level English.

Books and tools for learning business English

Build Your Business English Vocabulary

A solid vocabulary is the foundation of effective communication in business. Here are some ways to expand your business English word bank:

• Use specialised vocabulary lists

Look for curated lists of business English terms online. Websites like the British Council and Cambridge Dictionary offer business-specific vocabulary sections. Focus on words related to finance, marketing, management, and negotiation.

• Create flashcards

Write down new words and phrases on flashcards with their meanings and example sentences. Review them regularly to reinforce your memory.

• Learn phrases, not just words

Understanding Corporate Jargon

Business English often uses set phrases or collocations, such as "make a proposal," "reach an agreement," or "conduct a meeting." Practice these phrases to sound more natural. Again, looking for lists like 'Essential Business English Phrases', or '10 expressions to improve your Business English' will be more effective than just looking up vocabulary.

• Read business news daily

Reading articles from reliable sources like The Financial Times, The Economist, or Bloomberg helps you see vocabulary in context. Highlight unfamiliar words and look up their meanings. My personal recommendation is Engoo Daily News, it is a news article service but specifically targeting Non Native English speakers, so very helpful if you are still learning!

Find Articles That Help You Learn

Reading business-related articles improves your understanding of how language is used in real situations. Here are some recommended sources and tips:

• Choose articles that match your level

Start with simpler business news websites like BBC Business or Reuters. As you improve, move to more complex publications.

• Focus on different topics

Read about various industries such as technology, finance, and retail. This broadens your vocabulary and knowledge - often when we conduct Business meetings the topics are not just related to our industry, so expanding your vocabulary in an area of topics will be very helpful.

• Use online tools

Tools like LingQ or Readlang allow you to read articles with instant translations and vocabulary tracking.

• Summarise what you read

After reading, write a short summary or discuss the article with a friend or tutor. This practice helps reinforce new vocabulary and improves writing skills. I often work through articles with my students and ask them their opinion, and follow up questions to encourage their speaking skills. Feel free to contact me for English lessons.

Listen to Podcasts for Business English

Podcasts are an excellent way to improve listening skills and learn business English on the go. Here are some popular podcasts and tips for using them effectively:

• Recommended podcasts

- Business English Pod: Focuses on business vocabulary and real-life scenarios.

- The English We Speak by BBC: Covers useful phrases and idioms.

- HBR IdeaCast: Offers insights into business trends and leadership, useful for advanced learners.

Advanced English Topics and Listening Practice

• Listen actively

  Take notes on new words or expressions. Pause and repeat sections to improve pronunciation and comprehension - In my most recent youtube videos I cover advanced topics and give you tips and ideas on how to use the vocabulary and expressions in the videos. This can be extremely helpful when studying alone.

• Use transcripts

Many podcasts provide transcripts. Reading along while listening helps connect spoken and written forms.

• Practice speaking

Try to repeat phrases or summarize podcast episodes aloud to build confidence.

Practice Writing and Speaking Regularly

Improving business English requires active use, not just passive learning. Here are ways to practice:

• Write emails and reports

Use templates available online to practice writing professional emails and reports. Focus on clarity and formal tone.

• Join language exchange groups

Find groups or online communities where you can practice speaking business English with others.

• Role-play business scenarios

Practice common situations like negotiations, presentations, or interviews with a partner or tutor.

• Record yourself

Listening to your own speech helps identify areas for improvement in pronunciation and fluency - it can feel strange to record yourself at first but you will quickly notice some areas for improvement, and any repeated mistakes.

You can always book a single lesson with a tutor to get an idea on how to improve, areas to focus on and resources appropriate for your level of English.

Use Apps and Online Courses

Technology offers many tools to support your learning journey:

• Apps like Memrise and Anki

These apps help you memorise vocabulary through spaced repetition.

• Online courses

Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and edX offer business English courses tailored to different levels. I have a couple of courses myself on Udemy which you can find here.

• Interactive exercises

Websites such as EnglishClub and FluentU provide quizzes and videos focused on business English. If you are interested in improving your grammar I highly recommend Test English as it is full of short tests and explanations that you can do on the train or in your lunch break.

Stay Consistent and Set Goals

Consistency is key to mastering business English. Set clear, achievable goals such as:

• Learning 10 new words per week

• Reading one business article daily

• Listening to a podcast episode every other day

• Writing one business email per week

  
  

Track your progress and adjust your goals as you improve - and as always you can hire a tutor for assistance wherever you need it! Feel free to contact me with any questions - catherine@theenglishcat.com