Business English for Project Managers - Must-Know Phrases for Work

The English Coach
Aug 24
2 min read

Man presents to three people in a conference room. A screen shows charts labeled "Summary." Text reads "English for Project Managers." — *Master the English phrases every project manager needs — for emails, meetings, and stakeholder updates.*

If you’re a project manager working in English, you know that clarity, tone, and timing are everything. Your role depends on moving projects forward, coordinating with stakeholders, and making sure nothing slips through the cracks.

In this post, we’re breaking down Must-Know Phrases for project managers you can start using right away. No second-guessing or awkward pauses required.

Wompan Project Manager writing emails at her laptop — *A collaborative team meeting in a modern office.*

For Emails and Written Updates

Project managers spend a huge part of their day writing status updates, reminders, and follow-ups. The right phrase keeps your communication clear, polite, and professional.

“Just to keep everyone aligned, here’s where we stand…”
Perfect for weekly updates or project recaps.
“I wanted to confirm our next steps are…”
Keeps responsibilities crystal clear.
“Please share any blockers you’re facing.”
Encourages transparency and problem-solving.
“Looking forward to your feedback so we can move ahead.”
A professional way to push for action.

Three people in business attire discuss a document at a table. A woman points with a pink marker. A laptop and pens are visible. — *Woman Project Manager, leading a meeting*

For Meetings and Team Discussions

Whether you’re leading or participating, these phrases show confidence and leadership:

“Let’s park that for now and revisit later.”
Helps keep meetings on track without dismissing ideas.
“Before we move forward, I’d like to hear from…”
Ensures quieter voices in the room get heard.
“That’s a valid concern—here’s how we can address it.”
Balances empathy with solutions.
“To clarify, what we’ve decided is…”
Summarizes and avoids confusion about decisions.

Smiling woman in a white top presents in a meeting room, with a brainstorming board behind her. A man listens attentively, laptop open. — *Woman Project Manager making a presentation*

For Presentations and Stakeholder Updates

Clear, structured language makes your updates easier to follow and builds credibility:

“Today’s update will cover three main areas…”
Sets expectations right from the start.
“If you look at this timeline, you’ll see…”
Guides attention to key visuals.
“This risk could impact delivery, so here’s our mitigation plan.”
Shows foresight and control.
“In summary, the project is on track / at risk due to…”
Closes with authority and clarity.

Two men in suits shake hands outdoors against a city skyline. One holds a black briefcase. The mood is professional. — *Two Business Professionals shaking hands.*

For Professional Politeness

The way you phrase things can build trust and long-term working relationships:

“Thanks for flagging this issue.”
Acknowledges input without judgment.
“I appreciate everyone’s effort on this.”
Keeps morale up when deadlines are tight.
“Let’s touch base before the next milestone.”
Schedules alignment without micromanaging.

Final Thoughts

For project managers, English isn’t just about grammar — it’s a leadership tool. Using the right phrase at the right moment helps you:

✔ keep projects on track

✔ build strong relationships

✔ present updates with confidence

Master these phrases, and you’ll sound more fluent, more professional, and more like the leader your team needs.

👉 Want to go beyond phrases and truly transform your communication?

That’s exactly what we do inside the Fluency Accelerator — my 12-week program designed for international project managers who want to lead meetings, present with confidence, and communicate across cultures without second-guessing their English.

📌 Learn more and apply here: The Fluency Accelerator