B2English

In Meetings

These phrases are essential for smoothly navigating professional meetings, from asking for updates to respectfully disagreeing with colleagues.

Key Phrases

Voice
Asking for updates · 2 ways to say it

Could you give us a quick update on where we currently stand with the project?

polite

Use this polite phrasing when addressing senior colleagues or clients.

So, where are we at with the new marketing campaign right now?

casual

Informal and direct; perfect for regular team check-ins.

Giving updates · 2 ways to say it

Since the new budget was approved, I've been focusing on the design, and everything is on track.

neutral

Things are ticking along nicely on my end, although we're still a bit swamped.

casual

'Swamped' is a very common casual way to express that you are extremely busy.

Agreeing · 2 ways to say it

I completely agree; if we went with that option, it would definitely solve our problem.

neutral

Yeah, absolutely, I'm completely on board with that approach.

casual
Disagreeing · 2 ways to say it

I see your point, although I feel we might be overlooking some potential risks.

polite

A respectful way to present an opposing view without causing offense.

To be honest, I'm not really sure that approach is gonna work for us.

casual
Asking to clarify · 2 ways to say it

Could you possibly elaborate a bit more on what you mean by that last point?

polite

Sorry, just to clarify, are you suggesting that the product launch should be delayed?

neutral
Suggesting · 2 ways to say it

Perhaps we could try a slightly different approach, which might save us some valuable time.

neutral

Why don't we just reach out to them directly and see what they say?

casual
Summarizing actions · 2 ways to say it

So, to recap the main points, I'll draft the report, and you'll contact the vendors.

neutral

Right, so just to sum up: I'm on the report, and you've got the vendors.

casual
Scheduling a follow-up · 2 ways to say it

I'll go ahead and put a follow-up meeting on the calendar for next week.

neutral

US English — 'calendar' is the standard term used for scheduling meetings at work.

I'll pop a quick follow-up meeting in the diary for next Tuesday.

casual

UK English — 'diary' is the standard term, and 'pop in' makes it casually conversational.

Practice Dialogue

Project Manager
So, where are we at with the new app update right now?
Lead Developer
Things are ticking along on my end. The backend is done, but the frontend team is a bit swamped.
Project Manager
Right. If we pushed the deadline back a week, would that give them enough time?
Lead Developer
Yeah, absolutely, I'm completely on board with that idea. It would definitely take the pressure off.
Project Manager
To be honest, I'm not really sure the client is gonna go for a delay.
Lead Developer
Well, perhaps we could propose a phased rollout, which might keep everyone happy.
Project Manager
Sorry, just to clarify, are you suggesting the core features should be released first?
Lead Developer
Exactly. They get the main app now, and we push the remaining updates next week.
Project Manager
I see your point, although I feel we might be overlooking the extra testing time needed.
Lead Developer
True, but I still think it's our best option given the current circumstances.
Project Manager
Okay, let's write up the proposal. So, to recap, I'll draft the phased release plan, and you'll brief the team.
Lead Developer
Sounds good. I'll go ahead and put a follow-up meeting on the calendar for tomorrow morning.

More Work & Study (B2)

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