Plain English at Work: Pro Tips to Cut Jargon

If there’s one skill that makes workplace communication stronger across cultures, it’s mastering plain English at work. Clear, direct language helps you get your point across without confusion, especially when working with international teams or colleagues for whom English is a second language.

Speaking English so non-native colleagues understand – Great article by Josh Lamar

Why Plain English at Work Builds Respect

Complex words and jargon often create barriers instead of showing professionalism. By using plain English at work, you show respect for your colleagues’ time and understanding. It’s not about “dumbing down” your message — it’s about making sure everyone feels included and can respond without hesitation.

Office Email Jargon: Common Phrases and What They Really Mean

Replace Idioms With Clear Verbs

Idioms and slang can confuse even advanced ESL speakers. Swap them out for verbs or simple phrases:

• ❌ “Let’s circle back later.”

• ✅ “Let’s discuss this again tomorrow.”

• ❌ “This issue fell through the cracks.”

• ✅ “We forgot to finish this task.”

When you use this style of English, your meaning is never lost. But just do not forget to use please and thank you.

A2 to B1 And How to Increase Your English Level

Rewriting Emails in Plain English at Work

Here are five quick examples of how plain English at work transforms everyday emails:

1. Too formal/jargon-heavy:

“Please be advised that the meeting has been postponed until further notice.”

Plain English:

“The meeting is postponed. I’ll send a new date soon.”

2. Overly complex:

“I am reaching out to ascertain whether you have had the opportunity to review the report.”

Plain English:

“Did you have a chance to review the report?”

3. Unclear idiom:

“Let’s touch base offline to sync up on this.”

Plain English:

“Let’s have a private chat to review this.”

4. Cold tone:

“This needs to be done ASAP.”

Plain English:

“Please finish this today if possible.”

5. Too wordy:

“We are in the process of finalizing the strategy document.”

Plain English:

“We are finalizing the strategy document.”

Plain English at Work Creates Inclusion

When you simplify your writing, you give everyone — especially ESL colleagues — a fair chance to participate. Meetings become smoother, emails require fewer clarifications, and misunderstandings are reduced. This builds trust and improves teamwork.

100 Email Phrases To Improve Business Communication

Learn Laugh Speak and Workplace Communication

At Learn Laugh Speak, we work with professionals in more than 30 countries, helping them improve their English in real workplace settings. With 12 CEFR-aligned levels, our platform helps you move beyond textbooks and into authentic communication, including how to use plain English at work.

Get started learning here  – www.learnlaughspeak.com/pricing

Final Thought from Learn Laugh Speak & Our Teachers

Using plain English at work doesn’t mean oversimplifying — it means making communication clear, respectful, and effective. Cut jargon, write directly, and watch how much smoother your professional conversations become.