23 Business English Phrases Every Indian Professional Needs
Ravi, a senior developer in Bengaluru, recently emailed his project manager in Chicago about a server migration: “Dear Mark, I have done the migration. Please do the needful and revert at the earliest regarding the same.” Mark’s response? A polite but confused silence. In his world, “revert” means to roll back a software version, and “do the needful” sounds like a command from a 19th-century clerk. Ravi isn’t weak in English; he’s simply using Indian English—perfect for a local chat, but a barrier in global workplaces.
To bridge this gap, you don’t need a new accent. You just need to replace a few localised phrases with natural, professional alternatives. Here are 23 essential shifts every Indian professional should master.
Replace Vague Requests with Clear Actions
“Do the Needful”
This phrase is vague and sounds robotic in global settings. Always specify the action you want.
| ❌ Avoid | ✅ Use Instead |
|---|---|
| Please do the needful. | Could you please update the report by EOD? |
| Could you please send the signed contract to the client? |
“Revert”
In India, “revert” often means “reply.” In global English, it means to return to a previous state (e.g., a software version).
| ❌ Avoid | ✅ Use Instead |
|---|---|
| Please revert at the earliest. | Please get back to me as soon as possible. |
| I look forward to hearing from you. |
“The Same”
Using “the same” as a pronoun sounds outdated. Replace it with “it,” “them,” or “this.”
| ❌ Avoid | ✅ Use Instead |
|---|---|
| I have received the laptop and will return the same tomorrow. | I have received the laptop and will return it tomorrow. |
Avoid Common Grammatical Slips
“Discuss About”
You discuss a topic; you don’t discuss about it.
- ❌ Let’s discuss about the budget in the meeting.
- ✅ Let’s discuss the budget in the meeting.
“Prepone”
While “prepone” (the opposite of “postpone”) is logical, it isn’t used in standard global English.
- ❌ Can we prepone the meeting to 2 PM?
- ✅ Can we move the meeting up to 2 PM?
- ✅ Can we bring the meeting forward?
When rescheduling, always add a reason for clarity: “Due to a scheduling conflict, can we move this up?”
“Pass Out” vs. “Graduate”
In global English, “pass out” means to faint. Use “graduate” instead.
- ❌ I passed out from IIT Delhi in 2018.
- ✅ I graduated from IIT Delhi in 2018.
“Updation” and “Informations”
“Update” is both a noun and a verb. “Information” is uncountable—never plural.
- ❌ I will send the updations and informations soon.
- ✅ I will send the updates and information soon.
Modernise Your Professional Emails
Indian business emails often sound overly formal or stiff. Global communication prefers a natural, conversational tone. Here’s how to upgrade common phrases:
| Context | ❌ Avoid | ✅ Use Instead |
|---|---|---|
| Following up | I am gently reminding you... | I’m following up on the email I sent Tuesday. |
| Requesting status | What is the status of the same? | Could you give me a quick update on this? |
| Sending an attachment | Please find attached herewith... | I’ve attached the report for your review. |
| Giving a reason | Due to some personal work... | Due to a personal commitment... |
| Ending an email | Please acknowledge receipt. | Please let me know once you’ve received this. |
| Asking for time | I have some work; call you later. | I’m in the middle of something; can I call you back? |
| Closing | Thanking you and awaiting your reply. | Best regards, or Best, |
| Correcting someone | You are wrong on this point. | I have a slightly different perspective on this. |
| Clarifying | I didn’t get you. | Could you please elaborate on that? |
| Scheduling | I will intimate you about the time. | I will let you know the schedule by EOD. |
Adopt Global Business Phrases
Softening Requests
Directness can sound rude in global settings. Use softeners to sound polite and professional.
- ❌ I want this by tomorrow.
- ✅ It would be great if we could have this by tomorrow.
- ✅ Would you mind sending the report by EOD?
“Bandwidth”
In corporate settings, “bandwidth” is commonly used to signal capacity. Both options below are correct English — the second is simply more in line with modern professional jargon.
- I have too much work today. (clear and direct)
- ✅ I don’t have the bandwidth to take on a new task right now. (preferred in corporate contexts)
“Circle Back”
Use this to postpone a discussion or return to it later.
- ✅ That’s a great point, Priya. Let’s circle back to that after we finish the budget review.
“Deep Dive”
Use this for detailed analysis or investigation.
- ✅ We need to do a deep dive into the Q3 churn rates to understand what’s happening.
Disagreeing Politely
Avoid blunt statements like “You are wrong.” Instead, use phrases that keep the conversation constructive.
- ❌ No, that is not correct.
- ✅ I see where you’re coming from, but have we considered...
- ✅ I’m not sure I agree with that approach; perhaps we could try...
Final Thought
Mastering global business English isn’t about changing who you are—it’s about making sure your ideas are understood. Replace vague or localised phrases with clear, natural alternatives. Be specific, modernise your language, and soften your tone. Remember: clarity beats formality every single time in the global workplace.