Introduction:

In the world of business, effective communication is key to success. An essential, yet often overlooked, aspect of business English is the use of collocations – those natural word pairings that native speakers use without a second thought. Understanding and correctly employing business collocations can significantly enhance clarity and professionalism in communication, especially for non-native English speakers.

The Importance of Business Collocations:

Collocations are combinations of words that frequently go together and sound ‘right’ to native speakers. In business contexts, using the correct collocations can make communication clearer and more precise. It also helps non-native speakers sound more natural and confident, enabling them to engage more effectively in business negotiations and presentations.

Examples of Common Business Collocations with Illustrative Sentences:

“Conduct a meeting” (not make a meeting)

• Example: “We will conduct a meeting next week to discuss the quarterly goals.”

“Launch a product” (not start a product)

• Example: “The marketing team is preparing to launch a new product in the spring.”

“Meet a deadline” (not catch a deadline)

• Example: “It’s crucial that we meet the project deadline to satisfy our client’s expectations.”

“Make a decision” (not do a decision)

• Example: “After reviewing all the proposals, the board will make a decision by tomorrow.”

“Provide feedback” (not give feedback)

• Example: “Please provide feedback on the presentation so I can make necessary improvements.”

“Achieve a target” (not hit a target)

• Example: “Our sales team is working hard to achieve this year’s sales target.”

“Close a deal” (not finish a deal)

• Example: “We are close to closing a deal with a major overseas client.”

“Establish a partnership” (not make a partnership)

• Example: “Establishing a partnership with local suppliers will enhance our distribution network.”

Conclusion:
The ability to use business collocations correctly is an invaluable skill in the corporate world. These collocations not only make your language more professional and precise, but they also help in building rapport with native speakers, ensuring that your business communications are effective and impactful. At our AI-powered English Institute, we emphasize the importance of these collocations, preparing you to excel in the global business environment with confidence and fluency.