Writing in English at Work: The right tone for 2024
How to write in English professionally? In the modern age, this question is more important than ever. We are all connected digitally, meaning that a lot of workplace communication happens via instant chat. What’s the right tone of English in this format? It must be the perfect balance of sounding professional-but-friendly when sending quick messages to your everyday workmates. Follow along here, and explore 8 everyday work scenarios and how to write in English professionally.
01- Greet your colleagues
To you greet your colleagues, I recommend:
- Hi there / Hi everyone
Although simple, this is a good way to write in English professionally.
02- Chit Chat before work
Before immediately talking about your tasks and projects, it’s nice to chitchat.
- Hope your day / everyone’s day is going well.
- Hope you /you all had a nice weekend.
These will help you create a friendly atmosphere in your English conversation at work.
03- Request information
Often, the real reason you’re writing to your colleagues is because you need something from them! Try writing:
- If you / anyone has a moment, could you please …
And now you make the request!
04- Give updates
If you need to update your colleagues on the status of a project or a task or you need to share any information in general, it’s possible to use this phrase and write in English professionally:
- Just to let you know…
Although casual, it’s perfectly appropriate for everyday English conversation at work.
05- Attach documents
In a quick message to your colleagues, these English expressions works well:
- Here is / are the document(s)
This is better than the formal email expression “please find attached” – and you will still write in English professionally.
“These aren’t formal English expressions, but they are ideal for casual English conversation at work. “
06- React to another message
Maybe you’re acknowledging some information another person has shared. For a fast message to your colleagues, use one of these English expressions:
- Sounds good.
- Thanks for letting me know.
- Thanks, all clear.
07- Give your input
For a suggestion, message:
- I have some ideas about….
To express your decision, say:
- Let’s go for…
These aren’t formal English expressions, but they are ideal for casual English conversation at work.
08- End the conversation
If you want to close down the conversation, try this:
Thanks everyone! That was really helpful.
And then a quick, well-wishing comment like:
- Take care!
And possibly even:
- Enjoy the rest of your day! Enjoy the weekend!
That’s all you need in the digital age to write in English professionally!
How to improve your English conversation at work
The way that we work and interact is constantly changing, so it’s important to keep your language skills updated too! To keep improving your ability for English conversation at work, I recommend that you:
- Immerse yourself in everyday English through TV series, the news, podcasts, social media.
- Take advantage of every opportunity to speak English. It’s normal to feel shy, but focus on the learning benefits and remember that making mistakes will help you advance.
- Search for places that specifically help you speak English at work. My website has lots of resources dedicated to mastering English for the workplace – I strongly recommend browsing learning options!
You are doing the right thing for your English and your future by taking the time to invest in your language skills. And one thing is for sure – for English conversation at work in the digital age, you can be sure that you know how to write in English professionally.
Susie Shields
I train people to use English in a professional context. In my one-to-one sessions, online course and social media platforms, you’ll master tools to flourish in your English-speaking workplace. From job interviews to work meetings to presentations and more, you’ll prepare for professional challenges and speak with success.
