General Business English

General Business English Course Online

10,000+ professionals coached Teaching since 2007 4.9/5 on Google Native teachers experienced in business English Free trial, no credit card

If your goal is to discuss general business topics in English with colleagues or clients, this course is for you. You learn one-to-one with native-English teachers by Zoom, Google Meet, Teams or phone, who have first-hand knowledge of commercial English as well as real professional experience.

Built for: professionals who use English at work | managers leading meetings and calls in English | teams working with international clients and partners | anyone who wants to refresh their business English and rebuild confidence

Why focus on general Business English?

Business English is used across almost every professional field, and it is quite different from everyday English. Focusing on business topics helps you gain confidence while interacting with colleagues or clients in English.

This track is also flexible. You can spend part of the time on work-related English and dedicate some lessons to general English, to refresh the basics. After all, to be fluent in business English you also need a solid base in grammar and general vocabulary.

Try a general Business English lesson, free.

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What is included in the general Business English course

When you choose the Business English course, you get access to native-English teachers who specialise in this field. That is a real asset: you learn with teachers who are also active users of this particular branch of the language.

We also give you materials to grow your command of English applied to your professional field, plus general Business English resources in the Study Box that help you improve your vocabulary, grammar and fluency.

Business topics you can cover

Lessons are built around the situations you actually face at work, so you practise the exact English you need. Common topics include:

Topic What you practise
Meetings Opening, leading and summarising a meeting, agreeing and disagreeing politely
Presentations Structuring a talk, presenting data and handling questions with confidence
Telephone and video calls Sounding clear and natural on calls, checking understanding and following up
Emails and writing Writing professional emails, reports and messages that get a reply
Negotiations Discussing terms, prices and timelines, pushing back without losing the relationship
Networking and small talk Introducing yourself, building rapport and keeping a conversation going

Who is the general Business English course for?

If you are a professional who needs English for work, this course is for you. A good command of commercial English supports your career, your success in a company and the opportunities open to you, whatever your field. If you want to work internationally, business English is the key that opens most doors today.

Your career advancement depends on the value you bring to your company, and a strong command of English in business situations adds clear value, because it is essential to your communication with clients, partners and colleagues. Business English lessons are one of the best investments you can make in your career.

Live English Club

On top of individual lessons, the Business English course also includes access to our Live English Club sessions, guided by one of our teachers, because practice matters. Once a month the Club covers a business topic, such as ethical business, managing stress at work, marketing your business in English and more.

Free Business English workbook from Live English

Free Business English workbook

Enrolling in the Business English course gives you free access to a workbook that covers 20 business topics through key vocabulary, questions on each topic and a practical case study to apply what you have learned. You can also use the online workbook in your lessons if you want to cover a broad range of Business English topics.

Fill in your details below to get a free sample unit from the workbook. We respect your privacy and are GDPR compliant.

Business English blog

Check out our Business English blog to keep improving: different topics are covered through videos and articles that help you build your vocabulary and fluency.

Frequently asked questions

What level of English do I need to start?
B1 is a comfortable starting point. Below B1, we usually recommend building a general base first, then moving into the business focus. Not sure of your level? Take our free English level test.
How long does it take to see progress?
Most learners notice clearer, more confident communication within 3 to 6 months at one to two lessons a week. Faster progress is realistic with two to three lessons a week, especially when you are preparing for a specific event.
Are lessons one-to-one or in a group?
Your lessons are one-to-one, so the content is tailored to your role, your sector and your current level. The Business English course also includes access to Live English Club group sessions for extra practice.
How is this different from general English?
Business English focuses on the language of meetings, calls, emails, presentations and negotiations. You can still dedicate part of your lessons to general English to refresh grammar and everyday vocabulary whenever you need.
Do I really get a free workbook?
Yes. Enrolling gives you free access to a workbook covering 20 business topics. You can also request a free sample unit using the form above before you start.
Which plan includes the Business English course?
You can take Business English on our standard plans. Compare options on our pricing page.
Is there a free trial?
Yes. You can book a free trial lesson with no credit card required and experience a Business English lesson before you commit.

Ready to take your business English to the next level?

Book your free trial lesson No credit card required