Work English in the UK has its own rules
British people communicate disagreement, urgency, or frustration in a far more indirect way than in other countries. "That's quite interesting" can mean the opposite. "Could you possibly..." is not a suggestion — it is a polite instruction. Knowing these conventions is just as important as vocabulary.
The English you learned in class is not the same as what you will hear in a London office. Professional English in the UK has its own rules: it is more indirect, more formal in writing, and more loaded with idiomatic expressions than you might imagine. This guide covers the real phrases that UK interviewers, managers, and colleagues use every day.
What English changes for work in the UK
70% vs 50% employment
In the UK, almost 70% of migrants with good English are employed or self-employed, compared with just 50% of those who do not speak English well. Language is one of the biggest factors separating those who find work from those who do not.
Source: Migration Observatory, University of Oxford (Census 2021).
+18-20% earnings with fluency
A study of migrants in the UK found that English fluency raises the likelihood of being employed by 22 percentage points and boosts earnings by 18% to 20%. Work English is not just politeness: it is money and opportunity.
Source: Dustmann & Fabbri, IZA Institute of Labor Economics.
1 million residents without solid English
According to the 2021 census, more than one million residents in England and Wales do not speak English well or do not speak it at all. A significant share are of working age: professional English is exactly what unlocks better jobs.
Source: ONS, Census 2021 (ons.gov.uk).
Job interviews
The most commonly used phrases in UK job interviews, with notes on the cultural differences that make all the difference.
Introduce yourself professionally.
Háblame de ti.
The most common opening question in UK interviews. Prepare a 60-90 second answer about your career journey, not your personal life.
La pregunta de apertura más común en entrevistas en UK. Prepara una respuesta de 60-90 segundos sobre tu trayectoria, no tu vida personal.
In the UK, modesty is expected. Avoid sounding too boastful. "I've had the opportunity to..." sounds better than "I'm an expert in..."
Tell me about yourself.
Introduce yourself professionally.
Háblame de ti.
The most common opening question in UK interviews. Prepare a 60-90 second answer about your career journey, not your personal life.
La pregunta de apertura más común en entrevistas en UK. Prepara una respuesta de 60-90 segundos sobre tu trayectoria, no tu vida personal.
In the UK, modesty is expected. Avoid sounding too boastful. "I've had the opportunity to..." sounds better than "I'm an expert in..."
I want to grow professionally in this field.
Estoy buscando desarrollar mi carrera en...
Ideal for answering "Why do you want this job?" It shows ambition without sounding desperate.
Ideal para responder "¿Por qué quieres este trabajo?" Muestra ambición sin sonar desesperado.
I'm looking to develop my career in...
I want to grow professionally in this field.
Estoy buscando desarrollar mi carrera en...
Ideal for answering "Why do you want this job?" It shows ambition without sounding desperate.
Ideal para responder "¿Por qué quieres este trabajo?" Muestra ambición sin sonar desesperado.
This is how I describe what I did at my last job.
En mi puesto anterior, era responsable de...
The standard way to describe previous experience. Always more effective than "I worked at..." because it specifies responsibilities.
La forma estándar de describir experiencia previa. Siempre más efectivo que "I worked at..." porque especifica responsabilidades.
In my previous role, I was responsible for...
This is how I describe what I did at my last job.
En mi puesto anterior, era responsable de...
The standard way to describe previous experience. Always more effective than "I worked at..." because it specifies responsibilities.
La forma estándar de describir experiencia previa. Siempre más efectivo que "I worked at..." porque especifica responsabilidades.
What would a typical day in this role involve?
¿Cómo es el día a día en este puesto?
An excellent question to ask the interviewer. It shows genuine interest and gives you practical information about the role.
Una pregunta excelente para hacer al entrevistador. Muestra interés genuino y te da información práctica sobre el puesto.
UK interviewers highly value candidates who ask questions at the end. Always prepare 2-3 questions.
What does the day-to-day look like?
What would a typical day in this role involve?
¿Cómo es el día a día en este puesto?
An excellent question to ask the interviewer. It shows genuine interest and gives you practical information about the role.
Una pregunta excelente para hacer al entrevistador. Muestra interés genuino y te da información práctica sobre el puesto.
UK interviewers highly value candidates who ask questions at the end. Always prepare 2-3 questions.
I can perform effectively in stressful or high-demand situations.
Trabajo bien bajo presión.
Useful phrase but always follow it with a concrete example. Without one, it sounds hollow in UK interviews.
Frase útil pero siempre acompañarla con un ejemplo concreto. Sin ejemplo, suena vacía en entrevistas en UK.
I work well under pressure.
I can perform effectively in stressful or high-demand situations.
Trabajo bien bajo presión.
Useful phrase but always follow it with a concrete example. Without one, it sounds hollow in UK interviews.
Frase útil pero siempre acompañarla con un ejemplo concreto. Sin ejemplo, suena vacía en entrevistas en UK.
When do you need me to begin the role?
¿Cuándo les gustaría que empezara?
A positive signal at the end of an interview. It shows you are already seeing yourself in the role. Only use it if the interview has clearly gone well.
Señal positiva al final de una entrevista. Muestra que ya te estás viendo en el puesto. Úsala solo si la entrevista ha ido claramente bien.
When would you like me to start?
When do you need me to begin the role?
¿Cuándo les gustaría que empezara?
A positive signal at the end of an interview. It shows you are already seeing yourself in the role. Only use it if the interview has clearly gone well.
Señal positiva al final de una entrevista. Muestra que ya te estás viendo en el puesto. Úsala solo si la entrevista ha ido claramente bien.
I can give you contact details of people who can vouch for my work.
Estaré encantado/a de proporcionar referencias.
In the UK, references are a standard part of the hiring process. Have at least two professional contacts ready who can speak to your work.
En UK las referencias son parte estándar del proceso de contratación. Prepara al menos dos contactos profesionales que puedan hablar de tu trabajo.
In the UK they typically ask for "two references" — one from your most recent direct manager and one from a colleague or client.
I'd be happy to provide references.
I can give you contact details of people who can vouch for my work.
Estaré encantado/a de proporcionar referencias.
In the UK, references are a standard part of the hiring process. Have at least two professional contacts ready who can speak to your work.
En UK las referencias son parte estándar del proceso de contratación. Prepara al menos dos contactos profesionales que puedan hablar de tu trabajo.
In the UK they typically ask for "two references" — one from your most recent direct manager and one from a colleague or client.
Now you know what's holding you back. Time to live it.
Carlos's first story is free — his English at the start is yours right now. In twelve minutes, something shifts.
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Professional emails
Written English at work follows specific conventions. These phrases will help you sound professional from your very first email.
A polite email opener that shows courtesy before getting to the point.
Espero que este correo te encuentre bien.
The most common opener in UK professional emails. It is a social convention, not a genuine inquiry about the person's state.
La fórmula de apertura más usada en emails profesionales en UK. Es una convención social, no una pregunta real sobre el estado de la persona.
In the UK, professional emails are more formal than in Latin America. Always start with a polite opener before getting to the point.
I hope this email finds you well.
A polite email opener that shows courtesy before getting to the point.
Espero que este correo te encuentre bien.
The most common opener in UK professional emails. It is a social convention, not a genuine inquiry about the person's state.
La fórmula de apertura más usada en emails profesionales en UK. Es una convención social, no una pregunta real sobre el estado de la persona.
In the UK, professional emails are more formal than in Latin America. Always start with a polite opener before getting to the point.
I am checking in because I have not received a reply yet.
Solo hago seguimiento de mi correo anterior.
The polite way to remind someone who has not replied. In the UK this is not considered aggressive — it is a normal part of professional communication.
La forma educada de recordar a alguien que no ha respondido. En UK no se considera agresivo — es parte normal de la comunicación profesional.
Just following up on my previous email.
I am checking in because I have not received a reply yet.
Solo hago seguimiento de mi correo anterior.
The polite way to remind someone who has not replied. In the UK this is not considered aggressive — it is a normal part of professional communication.
La forma educada de recordar a alguien que no ha respondido. En UK no se considera agresivo — es parte normal de la comunicación profesional.
I have attached a document to this email for you to review.
Por favor, encontrarás adjunto/a...
Standard formula for indicating an attachment. Always specify what it is: "Please find attached the report you requested."
Fórmula estándar para indicar que hay un adjunto. Siempre especifica qué es el adjunto: "Please find attached the report you requested."
Please find attached...
I have attached a document to this email for you to review.
Por favor, encontrarás adjunto/a...
Standard formula for indicating an attachment. Always specify what it is: "Please find attached the report you requested."
Fórmula estándar para indicar que hay un adjunto. Siempre especifica qué es el adjunto: "Please find attached the report you requested."
Please share your thoughts, feedback, or expertise on this matter.
Agradecería tu opinión/aportación sobre esto.
An elegant way to ask for feedback or approval without sounding demanding. Widely used when you need someone to review something.
Manera elegante de pedir feedback o aprobación sin sonar exigente. Muy usada cuando necesitas que alguien revise algo.
I'd appreciate your input on this.
Please share your thoughts, feedback, or expertise on this matter.
Agradecería tu opinión/aportación sobre esto.
An elegant way to ask for feedback or approval without sounding demanding. Widely used when you need someone to review something.
Manera elegante de pedir feedback o aprobación sin sonar exigente. Muy usada cuando necesitas que alguien revise algo.
Referring back to what we discussed verbally or in a previous meeting.
Tal y como hablamos / Como acordamos...
Useful for confirming in writing what was agreed in a meeting or call. It creates a formal record of what was discussed.
Útil para confirmar por escrito lo que se acordó en una reunión o llamada. Crea un registro formal de lo hablado.
In the UK it is common practice to send an email after a meeting summarising what was agreed. "As per our conversation" kicks off that summary.
As per our conversation...
Referring back to what we discussed verbally or in a previous meeting.
Tal y como hablamos / Como acordamos...
Useful for confirming in writing what was agreed in a meeting or call. It creates a formal record of what was discussed.
Útil para confirmar por escrito lo que se acordó en una reunión o llamada. Crea un registro formal de lo hablado.
In the UK it is common practice to send an email after a meeting summarising what was agreed. "As per our conversation" kicks off that summary.
I need your response or action completed before this date.
¿Podrías avisarme antes del [fecha]?
A direct but polite way to set a deadline. In the UK, clarity around dates and deadlines in written communication is valued.
Forma directa pero educada de establecer un plazo. En UK se valora la claridad sobre fechas y plazos en comunicación escrita.
Could you please let me know by [date]?
I need your response or action completed before this date.
¿Podrías avisarme antes del [fecha]?
A direct but polite way to set a deadline. In the UK, clarity around dates and deadlines in written communication is valued.
Forma directa pero educada de establecer un plazo. En UK se valora la claridad sobre fechas y plazos en comunicación escrita.
A professional and warm sign-off for business emails.
Un cordial saludo, / Saludos cordiales,
The standard sign-off in the UK for professional emails. "Best regards" is also correct. "Regards" alone can sound cold. Avoid "Cheers" in formal emails.
El cierre estándar en UK para emails profesionales. "Best regards" también es correcto. "Regards" a secas puede parecer frío. Evita "Cheers" en emails formales.
UK email sign-off formality hierarchy: "Yours sincerely" > "Kind regards" > "Best regards" > "Many thanks" > "Cheers" (informal only).
Kind regards,
A professional and warm sign-off for business emails.
Un cordial saludo, / Saludos cordiales,
The standard sign-off in the UK for professional emails. "Best regards" is also correct. "Regards" alone can sound cold. Avoid "Cheers" in formal emails.
El cierre estándar en UK para emails profesionales. "Best regards" también es correcto. "Regards" a secas puede parecer frío. Evita "Cheers" en emails formales.
UK email sign-off formality hierarchy: "Yours sincerely" > "Kind regards" > "Best regards" > "Many thanks" > "Cheers" (informal only).
I am keen to receive your reply and will be waiting.
Quedo a la espera de tus noticias / Espero tu respuesta.
A very common close before "Kind regards". It communicates that you expect a reply without sounding impatient. Always follow with your sign-off.
Cierre muy común antes de "Kind regards". Comunica que esperas respuesta sin sonar impaciente. Siempre sigue con la firma.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
I am keen to receive your reply and will be waiting.
Quedo a la espera de tus noticias / Espero tu respuesta.
A very common close before "Kind regards". It communicates that you expect a reply without sounding impatient. Always follow with your sign-off.
Cierre muy común antes de "Kind regards". Comunica que esperas respuesta sin sonar impaciente. Siempre sigue con la firma.
Now you know what's holding you back. Time to live it.
Carlos's first story is free — his English at the start is yours right now. In twelve minutes, something shifts.
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Meetings
Actively participating in meetings in English is one of the biggest challenges. These phrases give you a voice in the room.
Shall we start the meeting now?
¿Empezamos?
An informal and energetic way to start a meeting. Used mainly by whoever is leading it.
Manera informal y energética de comenzar una reunión. La usan principalmente quien dirige la reunión.
"Kick off" comes from football and is everywhere in UK business language. "Kickoff meeting" = the first meeting of a project.
Shall we kick off?
Shall we start the meeting now?
¿Empezamos?
An informal and energetic way to start a meeting. Used mainly by whoever is leading it.
Manera informal y energética de comenzar una reunión. La usan principalmente quien dirige la reunión.
"Kick off" comes from football and is everywhere in UK business language. "Kickoff meeting" = the first meeting of a project.
I would like to add a point or gently interrupt the conversation.
¿Puedo interrumpir un momento? / ¿Me permites añadir algo?
A very British way to ask for the floor without rudely interrupting. It shows politeness and social awareness — both highly valued in UK workplaces.
Manera muy británica de pedir la palabra sin interrumpir bruscamente. Muestra educación y conciencia social, dos cosas muy valoradas en el trabajo en UK.
Directly interrupting in UK meetings is perceived as rude. Always ask permission to speak. This phrase is your best friend.
Could I just come in here?
I would like to add a point or gently interrupt the conversation.
¿Puedo interrumpir un momento? / ¿Me permites añadir algo?
A very British way to ask for the floor without rudely interrupting. It shows politeness and social awareness — both highly valued in UK workplaces.
Manera muy británica de pedir la palabra sin interrumpir bruscamente. Muestra educación y conciencia social, dos cosas muy valoradas en el trabajo en UK.
Directly interrupting in UK meetings is perceived as rude. Always ask permission to speak. This phrase is your best friend.
From this point on, this is how we will do things.
A partir de ahora / De aquí en adelante...
A transition phrase to move from discussing the past to talking about the future in meetings. Very common when announcing process changes or new decisions.
Frase de transición para pasar de hablar del pasado a hablar del futuro en reuniones. Muy usada para cambios de proceso o nuevas decisiones.
Going forward...
From this point on, this is how we will do things.
A partir de ahora / De aquí en adelante...
A transition phrase to move from discussing the past to talking about the future in meetings. Very common when announcing process changes or new decisions.
Frase de transición para pasar de hablar del pasado a hablar del futuro en reuniones. Muy usada para cambios de proceso o nuevas decisiones.
This topic is too detailed for the whole group — let's discuss it separately.
Hablemos de esto fuera de la reunión / Continuemos esto aparte.
Used when a topic is running too long and is not relevant to everyone present. It is a sign of respect for others' time.
Se usa cuando un tema se está extendiendo demasiado y no es relevante para todos los presentes. Es una señal de respeto al tiempo de los demás.
"Offline" in this context has nothing to do with the internet — it means "outside of this meeting". It is very common UK business jargon.
Let's take this offline.
This topic is too detailed for the whole group — let's discuss it separately.
Hablemos de esto fuera de la reunión / Continuemos esto aparte.
Used when a topic is running too long and is not relevant to everyone present. It is a sign of respect for others' time.
Se usa cuando un tema se está extendiendo demasiado y no es relevante para todos los presentes. Es una señal de respeto al tiempo de los demás.
"Offline" in this context has nothing to do with the internet — it means "outside of this meeting". It is very common UK business jargon.
I will come back to this point or get back to you with an answer.
Vuelvo a eso / Te respondo sobre eso más tarde.
Useful when you do not have the answer at that moment but commit to following up. It avoids awkward silences and demonstrates professionalism.
Útil cuando no tienes la respuesta en ese momento pero te comprometes a responder. Evita silencios incómodos y demuestra profesionalismo.
I'll circle back on that.
I will come back to this point or get back to you with an answer.
Vuelvo a eso / Te respondo sobre eso más tarde.
Useful when you do not have the answer at that moment but commit to following up. It avoids awkward silences and demonstrates professionalism.
Útil cuando no tienes la respuesta en ese momento pero te comprometes a responder. Evita silencios incómodos y demuestra profesionalismo.
Let me make sure we all understood the same thing / summarise the key points.
Solo para aclarar / Para resumir...
"Just to clarify" = to confirm you understood correctly. "To recap" = summarise key points before closing the meeting. Both signal active engagement.
"Just to clarify" = para confirmar que entendiste bien. "To recap" = resumir los puntos clave antes de cerrar la reunión. Ambas son señales de participación activa.
Just to clarify / To recap...
Let me make sure we all understood the same thing / summarise the key points.
Solo para aclarar / Para resumir...
"Just to clarify" = to confirm you understood correctly. "To recap" = summarise key points before closing the meeting. Both signal active engagement.
"Just to clarify" = para confirmar que entendiste bien. "To recap" = resumir los puntos clave antes de cerrar la reunión. Ambas son señales de participación activa.
Office small talk
Informal office English is just as important as formal English. Connecting with colleagues through small talk opens many doors.
Would you like a cup of tea (or coffee)?
¿Quieres una taza de té?
One of the most iconic phrases in British English. "Cuppa" is short for "cup of tea". Declining a tea offer can feel unusual in some offices.
Una de las frases más icónicas del inglés británico. "Cuppa" es abreviatura de "cup of tea". Rechazar un té puede resultar extraño en algunas oficinas.
Tea in the UK is not just a drink — it is a social ritual. Offering tea is a way to connect. Learn your preference: "milk and two sugars", "just black", etc.
Fancy a cuppa?
Would you like a cup of tea (or coffee)?
¿Quieres una taza de té?
One of the most iconic phrases in British English. "Cuppa" is short for "cup of tea". Declining a tea offer can feel unusual in some offices.
Una de las frases más icónicas del inglés británico. "Cuppa" es abreviatura de "cup of tea". Rechazar un té puede resultar extraño en algunas oficinas.
Tea in the UK is not just a drink — it is a social ritual. Offering tea is a way to connect. Learn your preference: "milk and two sugars", "just black", etc.
A standard Monday morning conversation opener with colleagues.
¿Qué tal tu fin de semana?
The Monday morning conversation in any British office. The expected answer is brief and positive: "Good, thanks. Quiet one — you?" It is not a deep question.
La conversación del lunes por la mañana en cualquier oficina británica. La respuesta esperada es breve y positiva: "Good, thanks. Quiet one — you?" No es una pregunta profunda.
How was your weekend?
A standard Monday morning conversation opener with colleagues.
¿Qué tal tu fin de semana?
The Monday morning conversation in any British office. The expected answer is brief and positive: "Good, thanks. Quiet one — you?" It is not a deep question.
La conversación del lunes por la mañana en cualquier oficina británica. La respuesta esperada es breve y positiva: "Good, thanks. Quiet one — you?" No es una pregunta profunda.
I am stepping out briefly to get lunch.
Voy a salir un momento a comer.
"Pop out" means to step out briefly. It is much more common in the UK than "I'm going out". Use it for any short absence from the office.
"Pop out" significa salir brevemente. Es mucho más común en UK que "I'm going out". Úsalo para cualquier salida corta de la oficina.
"Pop" is a very British verb. "Pop in" (stop by briefly), "pop round" (visit someone's home), "pop to the shops" (nip to the shops quickly).
I'm popping out for lunch.
I am stepping out briefly to get lunch.
Voy a salir un momento a comer.
"Pop out" means to step out briefly. It is much more common in the UK than "I'm going out". Use it for any short absence from the office.
"Pop out" significa salir brevemente. Es mucho más común en UK que "I'm going out". Úsalo para cualquier salida corta de la oficina.
"Pop" is a very British verb. "Pop in" (stop by briefly), "pop round" (visit someone's home), "pop to the shops" (nip to the shops quickly).
Shall I boil water to make tea or coffee for everyone?
¿Pongo a calentar el agua / preparo el té?
Offering to boil the water — the foundation of tea. This phrase is a way to be a good office companion.
Ofrecerse a poner a hervir el agua — la base del té. Esta frase es una manera de ser un buen compañero de oficina.
Shall I put the kettle on?
Shall I boil water to make tea or coffee for everyone?
¿Pongo a calentar el agua / preparo el té?
Offering to boil the water — the foundation of tea. This phrase is a way to be a good office companion.
Ofrecerse a poner a hervir el agua — la base del té. Esta frase es una manera de ser un buen compañero de oficina.
That is great, thank you very much!
¡Genial, gracias!
"Brilliant" is the British informal equivalent of "great" or "awesome". "Cheers" is "thank you" in an informal context. Together they form a very natural UK response.
"Brilliant" es el equivalente británico informal de "great" o "awesome". "Cheers" es "thank you" en contexto informal. Juntos forman una respuesta muy natural en UK.
"Cheers" has three uses in the UK: thank you (informal), a toast, and a farewell. Context always makes it clear.
That's brilliant, cheers!
That is great, thank you very much!
¡Genial, gracias!
"Brilliant" is the British informal equivalent of "great" or "awesome". "Cheers" is "thank you" in an informal context. Together they form a very natural UK response.
"Brilliant" es el equivalente británico informal de "great" o "awesome". "Cheers" es "thank you" en contexto informal. Juntos forman una respuesta muy natural en UK.
"Cheers" has three uses in the UK: thank you (informal), a toast, and a farewell. Context always makes it clear.
I am doing okay. How about you?
No me puedo quejar, ¿y tú?
Classic UK response when someone asks "How are you?" or "Alright?". In the UK "Not too bad" is actually positive — it does not mean you are doing badly.
Respuesta clásica en UK cuando alguien pregunta "How are you?" o "Alright?". En UK "Not too bad" es en realidad positivo — no significa que estás mal.
In the UK "Alright?" (without a rising intonation) is a greeting, not a real question. The correct response is also "Alright?" or "Yeah, good thanks".
Not too bad, yourself?
I am doing okay. How about you?
No me puedo quejar, ¿y tú?
Classic UK response when someone asks "How are you?" or "Alright?". In the UK "Not too bad" is actually positive — it does not mean you are doing badly.
Respuesta clásica en UK cuando alguien pregunta "How are you?" o "Alright?". En UK "Not too bad" es en realidad positivo — no significa que estás mal.
In the UK "Alright?" (without a rising intonation) is a greeting, not a real question. The correct response is also "Alright?" or "Yeah, good thanks".
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What NexSpeak teaches differently
Reading lists of phrases is not enough. To use work English fluently, you need to have heard it in real context — not in isolated sentences, but inside situations with tension, humour, and emotion that give them meaning.
NexSpeak stories are set in real UK contexts: offices in London, interviews in Manchester, coffee shops in Glasgow. When you hear “Let's take this offline” said by a character in a tense meeting, your brain files it differently than if you see it in a list.
After each story, key structures and phrases become spaced repetition flashcards. You review them exactly before your brain would forget them. In weeks, not years.
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Conclusion
Professional English in the UK has its own logic: it is more indirect, more polite, and richer in set phrases than you might expect. It is not just about correct grammar — it is about sounding appropriate in each situation.
The phrases in this guide cover the four pillars of work English: interviews, emails, meetings, and colleague relationships. Mastering them does not require years of study — it requires having heard and used them in context enough times.
That is exactly the problem NexSpeak solves.
Work English is full of phrasal verbs. If you want to master them, we have a complete guide: the 25 most common phrasal verbs in English.
If you have just arrived in the UK or want to understand your options for learning English here, we also have a general guide: how to learn English in the UK as a Spanish speaker.
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