10 Real-Life Business English Phrases for Meetings

Erin West
6 days ago
4 min read

Updated: 6 days ago

Business meeting in a glass-walled conference room—team discussing agenda with laptops and coffee.

Running meetings in English can feel intense when people rely on you for direction. From project updates to client calls and quick check-ins, your words count. With the right Business English phrases, you’ll sound clear, confident, and in control.

You’ll learn 10 Business English phrases for meetings that professionals use every day. They’ll help you start the meeting clearly, keep everyone focused, and finish with real decisions.

Common Business English Phrases for Meetings

1. Let’s get started

Let's get started = Let's begin now.

Jorge (Manager):	Hi, Anna. Can you hear me?
Anna:	Yes, I can hear you clearly—ready to start.
Jorge (Manager):	Great—let’s get started.

Listen: let's get started

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2. Here’s the goal for today

Here's the goal for today = This is what we want to achieve today.

Manager:	Morning, everyone. Thanks for joining. So, here’s our goal for today — we need to confirm the launch date and finalize the marketing plan.
David:	Sounds good. I’ve got the latest updates ready.

Listen: here's our goal for today

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3. That's out of scope

That's out of scope = It’s not part of the current project or plan.

Frank:	Should we also redesign the login page while we’re at it?
Manager:	Good point, but that’s out of scope for this phase. Let’s focus on the dashboard first.

Listen: that's out of scope

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4. I’m not comfortable with that timeline

I'm not comfortable with that timeline = I don’t agree with these dates; I don’t think we can meet this deadline.

Project Manager:	So the plan is to launch in six weeks.
Legal Counsel:	I’m not comfortable with that timeline—legal review alone takes three.
Project Manager:	What would be realistic?
Legal Counsel:	Ten weeks, with a two-week buffer.
Project Manager:	What’s the buffer for?
Legal Counsel:	Testing, approvals, and any last-minute fixes.

Listen: not comfortable with

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5. Can you take ownership of this?

Can you take ownership of this? = Can you take full responsibility for this task and make sure it’s completed properly?

Marketing Manager:	We’re still missing the final numbers for the report.
Marketing Analyst:	I think Finance was supposed to send those over.
Marketing Manager:	Okay, but can you take ownership of this? Just make sure we get everything by tomorrow.
Marketing Analyst:	Sure, I’ll follow up with them.

Listen: take ownership of

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6. I just want to make sure we’re all on the same page

I just want to make sure we're all on the same page = I want to be sure everyone understands and agrees before we continue.

Manager:	So, I just want to make sure we’re all on the same page — the client wants the updated proposal by Monday, right?
Account Manager:	Yeah, and they asked us to include the revised pricing and a short summary of the new features.
Manager:	Perfect. Has the design team sent their part yet?
Account Manager:	Not yet, but they’ll have it ready later today.
Manager:	Okay, great. Once you get it, can you send me a quick preview?
Account Manager:	Sure, no problem.

Listen: on the same page

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7. Let’s park that

Let's park that = Let’s set that topic aside for now and come back to it later.

Account Manager:	The client asked if we can lower the retainer next quarter. Should we discuss that now?
Consultant:	Hmm, I’d rather not until we see the final numbers.
Account Manager:	They’re pushing for an answer this week though.
Consultant:	I get it, but let’s park that for now and wait until finance confirms the margins. No point negotiating blind.
Account Manager:	Fair enough. I’ll tell them we’ll get back to them once the numbers are in.

Listen: let's park that

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8. I see where you’re coming from, but...

I see where you're coming from = I understand your point, but ...

Daniel:	The new hires need more help; I want three office days next month.
Chloe:	I see where you’re coming from, but a lot of us have long commutes and daycare pickup.
Daniel:	What if everyone comes in on Wednesday, 10 a.m.–2 p.m., for hands-on help?
Chloe:	Midweek is already busy, and there aren’t enough desks. That won’t work.
Daniel:	Okay—send me what would work for your team, and I’ll change the plan.

Listen: I see where you're coming from

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9. Let’s be realistic about what we can deliver

Let's be realistic about what we can deliver = Let’s be honest about what’s possible within the time or resources we have.

Marcus:	The client wants the dashboard and the export tool by Thursday.
Nina:	Ok, here's the thing. Let’s be realistic about what we can deliver—dashboard is fine, but the export still has bugs.
Marcus:	Okay. What can we release without breaking things?
Nina:	The dashboard plus a basic CSV download. The rest needs another week.
Marcus:	Got it. I’ll tell the client: dashboard now, export next week (Thursday or Friday).

Listen: Let's be realistic about what we can deliver

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10. Quick check

Quick check = I just wanted to ask.

Ryan:	Morning. Quick check — did the Dallas shipment go out yesterday?
Catherine:	Not yet. They held it because the address on the order didn’t match the delivery address.
Ryan:	Really? I thought we fixed that on Monday.
Catherine:	Yeah, they updated it, but it’s only going out today.
Ryan:	Okay, thanks. Just let me know once it’s on the road.

Listen: quick check

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Real meetings rarely go exactly as planned — someone’s late, the agenda drifts, or deadlines change. That’s normal. What matters is how you handle those moments. These phrases give you the language to do it naturally — to guide the conversation, push back politely, or wrap things up with confidence.

Start using just one or two of them this week. You’ll notice your meetings feel smoother — and you’ll sound more like the professional you already are.

Erin West is a Business English educator, writer, and founder of RealBusinessEnglish.com. She creates practical lessons, quizzes, and learning materials that help professionals use clear, natural, and confident English at work — with just the right amount of fun.