Many language learners get caught up in the maze of grammar rules, verb tenses, and vocabulary. After years of learning grammar rules in education, it's the perspective most people have of what a language "is".

While these elements are essential, mastering English for business goes beyond the technicalities. It's about understanding the functions of language and knowing what to say in specific situations.

• Having a deep knowledge of the Present Perfect Continuous won't necessarily help you in dealing with an angry client!

• Knowing how to use the 3rd Conditional correctly is not key to closing that deal you've been negotiating for weeks!

• Your extensive study on Relative Clauses won't help you to break the ice at a networking event!

English as a practical tool

I prefer to think of English as a toolkit, with each tool serving a unique purpose. In the business world, these tools are the functions of language.

Let's look at a few examples of the kind of "functions" I mean.

Here is a list of just a few of the typical functions in a business interaction:

• Breaking the ice

• Presenting an idea

• Persuading people

• Dealing with conflict

• Disagreeing politely

• Changing the subject

• Contrasting ideas

• Making counter offers

• Apologising

• Ending the conversation

• ....and many more!

Knowing the specific expressions to use in each of these situations will empower you to communicate your message with confidence and clarity in any professional setting.

In my business English coaching programs we focus on the practical, functional language you really need for doing business in English.

If you'd like to make the shift from studying grammar to really communicating effectively in business English take a look at my website here: www.chrisbate.es