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10 Essential Business English Phrases for Managers to Lead and Motivate Teams
- Erin West
- Jul 9
- 4 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
As a manager, the way you communicate with your team matters. Using the right words can motivate people, help solve problems faster, and make you a stronger leader.
When you use clear and common business English phrases for managers, it’s easier to guide your team and build trust. In this article, you’ll learn 10 useful phrases that will help you lead with confidence and keep your team moving forward.
What Would You Do in This Situation?
Imagine this:
Your team is working on a new product launch. Sales aren’t as strong as you hoped at first. Instead of giving up, you decide to double down on your marketing efforts. You put in more energy, focus, and resources to make sure the product succeeds.
What does "double down on something" mean?
DOUBLE DOWN ON something
phrasal verb
to work even harder on something you already started
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Business English Phrases for Managers — Using "Double Down On" to Talk About App Ads
Listen to the dialogue and complete the gaps with the missing words.
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ANSWER KEY
Emma: Did you see the new download numbers for our app?
Ryan: Yes! They went up a lot last week.
Emma: That’s great news. I think we should double down on our social media ads.
Ryan: I agree. The last campaign brought in so many new users.
Emma: Exactly. If we double down now, we can keep this growth going.
Ryan: Should we also increase our budget, you think?
Emma: I believe we should.
Ryan: Okay, I’ll talk to the marketing team today.
Emma: Perfect. Let me know what they say.
Ryan: Will do. I’ll update you after the meeting.
Learn More Business English Phrases for Managers to Lead and Motivate Teams
Learn more Business English phrases for managers to lead and motivate teams. These phrases will help you connect with your team and keep them inspired.
Please follow the steps below.
Step 1. Match the halves of each sentence.
| a) the shots. |
| b) down on marketing efforts. |
| c) the bar for the whole company. |
| d) to the table? |
| e) rolling on the new plan this afternoon. |
| f) of the mistake and explained it to the client. |
| g) mile to help her coworkers. |
| h) page. |
| i) the box and found a better solution. |
| j) back during the call. |
Scroll down to the bottom of the page to see the answers.
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Step 2: Read the Business English phrases for managers, check their definitions, and see how they’re used in example sentences.
Double Down on Something
to work even harder on something you already started
We decided to double down on our marketing campaign to reach more customers this quarter.
to take full responsibility for something and make sure it is done well
Bill took ownership of the new client project and finished it early.
Get the Ball Rolling
to start something
Let's get the ball rolling. We need to stay on schedule!
Bring to the Table
to give or share something useful (ideas, skills)
She always brings new ideas to the table.
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Go the Extra Mile
to do more than what is expected
Tom went the extra mile to make sure the client was happy.
Raise the Bar
to set a higher standard
This new project raised the bar for our whole department.
Think Outside the Box
to find new and different ideas instead of using the usual ones
We need to think outside the box because the regular approach isn’t working anymore.
Call the Shots
to be the person who makes the important decisions
As project manager, Lisa calls the shots on all design changes.
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Have Someone’s Back
to support someone and help them if needed
Don’t worry, I’ll have your back during the presentation tomorrow.
On the Same Page
to understand and agree on something together
Let’s make sure we’re all on the same page before the meeting with the client.
Step 3. Choose the correct option to complete each sentence.
Check out more Business English quizzes here.
Step 4. Leave us a comment! Write a sentence using one of the phrases from Step 2.
ANSWER KEY
Step 1.
1c)
2e)
3a)
4d)
5b)
6g)
7j)
8f)
9h)
10i)
Step 3.
1. We need to get the ball rolling and start the project today if we want to finish on time.
A) call the shots
B) get the ball rolling
C) take ownership
The correct answer is B) get the ball rolling.
2. Jane always goes the extra mile to make sure every client feels special.
A) goes the extra mile
B) brings to the table
C) gets the ball rolling
The correct answer is A) goes the extra mile.
3. Tom’s new design raises the bar for the whole team. It's exceptional!
A) brings to the table
B) raises the bar
C) thinks outside the box
The correct answer is B) raises the bar.
4. As the manager, Jenny usually calls the shots when there’s a big decision to make.
A) calls the shots
B) brings to the table
C) doubles
The correct answer is A) calls the shots.
5. Let’s talk first to make sure we’re all on the same page before the big meeting.
A) taking ownership
B) thinking outside the box
C) on the same page
The correct answer is C) on the same page.
These phrases are a great way to connect with your team and show strong leadership. Try using them in your daily work!
Thanks for learning with us!
