At B1 level, your emails need to sound genuinely professional — not just correct. This lesson focuses on the vocabulary that distinguishes competent business writers: words for managing correspondence, structuring communication, and handling workplace situations with the right level of formality.
recipient(noun)The person or group who receives an email or document.
"Ensure the recipient is correct before sending sensitive information."
salutation(noun)The formal greeting at the opening of a professional email, such as Dear Mr Singh.
"The salutation you choose signals the level of formality in your email."
enclosure(noun)A document or item included with a letter or email. Often noted as Enc. at the bottom of formal letters.
"Please see the enclosure for full terms and conditions."
notation(noun)A short note or mark added to a document or email to provide additional information, such as cc: or Enc.
"The cc notation at the bottom shows who received a copy."
disclaimer(noun)A statement, usually at the bottom of an email, limiting the sender's legal responsibility.
"The disclaimer states that the email may be confidential."
protocol(noun)The accepted rules or procedures for how something should be done in a professional context.
"There is a protocol for escalating complaints to senior management."
etiquette(noun)The conventions of polite and professional behaviour in a given context, such as email etiquette.
"Good email etiquette includes responding within 24 hours."
query(noun)A question or request for clarification, typically raised in a professional context.
"I have a query regarding the invoice you sent last week."
correspondence(noun)The exchange of letters or emails between two parties; also refers to the emails themselves.
"Please keep all correspondence related to this matter on file."
follow-up(noun)An action or communication that continues or checks on a previous one.
"I sent a follow-up email after hearing nothing for a week."
escalation(noun)The process of referring an issue to a higher level of authority when it cannot be resolved at the current level.
"The complaint required escalation to the regional director."
turnaround(noun)The amount of time needed to complete a task or respond to a request.
"Our standard turnaround for client queries is two working days."
acknowledge(verb)To confirm that you have received something and are aware of it.
"Please acknowledge receipt of this email by return."
outline(verb)To give a summary or overview of the main points of something.
"I will outline the key changes in the next section."
summarise(verb)To state the main points of something briefly and clearly.
"Could you summarise the discussion from yesterday's meeting?"
escalate(verb)To refer an issue to a higher authority or to increase the urgency of a matter.
"If the problem continues, I will need to escalate it to management."
liaise(verb)To communicate and cooperate with another person or team in order to achieve something.
"Please liaise with the finance team to confirm the budget."
follow up(verb)To take further action or make further contact after an initial communication.
"I will follow up with the supplier if I hear nothing by Friday."
circulate(verb)To send something to a number of people, often by email.
"Could you circulate the agenda to all team members before the meeting?"
action(verb)To take the necessary steps to deal with a task or request. Note: used as a verb in business English.
"Please action this request by end of day."