Many people interested in taking English lessons ask about the differences between business English and general English.
In fact, some mistakenly enroll in General English courses when they need Business English for their jobs. On the other hand, others sign up directly for Business English without a good base of General English. Let us know definition of business English and general English.
What is the business English?
Business English is formal, is a part of English for specific purposes and can be considered a specialism within English language learning and teaching, or a variant of international English. Many non-native English speakers study the subject with the goal of doing business with English-speaking countries, or with companies located outside the English-speaking world but which nonetheless use English as a shared language or lingua franca.
What is the general English?
General English is informal, is a non-technical term for English when the language at large is contrasted with a usage, variety, dialect, or register.
Anything informal such as sitting with friends, family and relatives, in the clearest sense any speaking outside the framework of work.
When writing formal e-mail correspondence you should use plain English terminology only. While informal writing may contain slang and non-slang terms. So see what are difference between business English and general English.
See: Full Guide to Write a Formal Business Email
Writing in Business English and General English
When writing formal e-mail correspondence you should use plain English terminology only. While informal writing may contain slang and non-slang terms.
Be aware that in formal or business writing you should avoid using abbreviations, such as:
- Won't, can't, don't, shouldn't, haven't, etc..
It can be written abbreviated in writing e-mail or informal correspondence. These expressions must be written in their full form in a formal or business communication, such as:
- Will not, cannot, do not, should not, have not, etc..
Phrases showing the differences between general and business English
The following differences appear by changing words in general and business English, here are some useful sentences:
1- When you ask for something...
- Please make sure you arrive on time. General English
- Please ensure that your arrival is on time. Business English
- Please give him your travel plans. General English
- Please provide him with your itinerary. Business English
2- When using Get and Receive, such as:
- When will I get the package? General English
- When will I receive the email? Business English
- Will I get the reports back? General English
- Would I receive the reports? Business English
3- When using Talk & Discuss, such as:
- Let's talk about it now. General English
- Let's discuss it now. Business English
4- When using Need & Require, such as:
- I need some help. General English
- I require some assistance. Business English
5- When using Tell & Explain, such as:
- Please tell why you are late. General English
- Please explain why you are late. Business English
6- When using Talk more & Elaborate, such as:
- Let's talk more about this topic. General English
- Let's elaborate on this topic. Business English
See: 131 Business English Vocabulary With Meanings and Examples
Vocabulary in Business English and General English
Terms or vocabulary used in Business English are mostly formal and are used mostly to increase their effectiveness and improve the quality of business dealings. Business English also contains a set of acronyms, such as:
- FYI: (for your information)
- PR: (public relations)
- AGM: (Annual general meeting)
- Attn: Attention
- B/E: Bill of exchange
- CWO: Cash with order
- D/A: Documents against acceptance
See: 300+ Business English Acronyms
Courses in Business English and General English
There are actually some differences between General English courses and Business English courses, in terms of level requirements, content and usage. Examples:
- The difference in level requirements
- Differences in content
- Which one do you need?