How to Convert Informal English to Business English

In professional settings, your language reflects your competence and credibility. Informal English may work in casual conversations, but when it comes to business emails, meetings, or reports, using precise and respectful language makes all the difference.

This blog post will show you how to elevate your communication with 25 examples of how to convert informal English into polished, business-appropriate sentences.

Why Upgrade to Business English?

Business English emphasizes clarity, professionalism, and diplomacy. Even if your ideas are strong, the way you express them determines how seriously you're taken. Upgrading informal expressions makes your tone more respectful, avoids ambiguity, and improves your impact.

25 Informal Sentences and Their Business English Equivalents

1. Informal: I want to know if we can move the meeting.
   Business: I would like to inquire whether it would be possible to reschedule the meeting.
   

2. Informal: Can you send me the report?
   Business: Could you please forward the report to me at your earliest convenience?
   

3. Informal: I don’t get what you mean.
   Business: I’m not sure I fully understand your point. Could you clarify?
   

4. Informal: You need to finish this by Friday.
   Business: Please ensure that this is completed by Friday.
   

5. Informal: I think we should change the plan.
   Business: I believe it would be beneficial to revise the plan.
   

6. Informal: Let me know what you think.
   Business: Kindly inform me of your thoughts when convenient.
   

7. Informal: Sorry, I can’t join the call.
   Business: I’m afraid I am unable to attend the call.
   

8. Informal: I’ll get back to you soon.
   Business: I will follow up with you shortly.
   

9. Informal: That’s not my problem.
   Business: That falls outside my area of responsibility, but I’d be happy to direct you to the appropriate person.
   

10. Informal: It’s not good enough.
    Business: Unfortunately, this does not meet the required standard.
    

11. Informal: We messed up the delivery.
    Business: We encountered an issue with the delivery process.
    

12. Informal: We’re on it.
    Business: We are currently addressing the matter.
    

13. Informal: I don’t care about that.
    Business: That is not within our current priorities.
    

14. Informal: What’s up?
    Business: I hope you are doing well.
    

15. Informal: Talk to you later.
    Business: I look forward to speaking with you again soon.
    

16. Informal: Send it to me ASAP.
    Business: Please send it to me as soon as possible.
    

17. Informal: Just checking in to see if you saw my email.
    Business: I’m following up to see whether you had the chance to review my previous message.
    

18. Informal: Here’s the stuff you asked for.
    Business: Please find attached the requested materials.
    

19. Informal: No worries about the delay.
    Business: There is no issue regarding the delay. Thank you for your update.
    

20. Informal: I need this now.
    Business: Your prompt attention to this matter would be appreciated.
    

21. Informal: That’s crazy.
    Business: That’s quite surprising.
    

22. Informal: Let’s fix this quickly.
    Business: Let’s work together to resolve this promptly.
    

23. Informal: I don’t agree with you.
    Business: I see things differently and would like to propose an alternative perspective.
    

24. Informal: Tell me more about the issue.
    Business: Could you please elaborate further on the issue?
    

25. Informal: Not sure what happened there.
    Business: I’m uncertain about what occurred and would appreciate some clarification.

Final Thoughts

Shifting from informal to business English is about more than changing words — it’s about adjusting tone, structure, and intent. With consistent practice, you’ll sound more polished, persuasive, and professional in every workplace interaction.

Would you like these examples in a downloadable handout or slideshow format? I can prepare that for your next training or workshop.