7 Everyday Phrases You’re Probably Misusing in English (And How to Fix Them) 💼

Intermediate Level | January 11, 2026

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You can have strong grammar and still sound “a little off” at work—usually because you’re misusing English phrases people say every day. These phrases show up constantly in meetings, emails, and small talk, so one small mistake can repeat daily (like a calendar invite you can’t escape).

Why Misusing English Phrases Happens

Most of these mistakes happen for one simple reason: people translate directly from their first language, or they copy a phrase without fully understanding the “real-life” meaning. The good news? Once you fix these seven, you’ll instantly sound more natural and more professional.

The 7 Phrases (and the Fix)

1) “I’m agree” → “I agree.”

“I’m agree” is a very common learner mistake. In English, agree is a verb, so you don’t need “I’m.”
Business example: “I agree with your plan, and I think we can start next week.”

2) “I look forward to meet you” → “I look forward to meeting you.”

After look forward to, you use a noun or -ing form.
Business example: “I look forward to meeting you on Thursday.”

3) “Let’s discuss about it” → “Let’s discuss it.”

Discuss already includes the idea of “about,” so adding about is extra.
Business example: “Let’s discuss it after the client call.”

4) “Please kindly…” → Use either “please” or “kindly,” not both.

“Please kindly” sounds overly formal and unnatural in modern business English. Keep it simple and direct.
Business example: “Please review the document by 3 p.m.” / “Kindly confirm your availability.”

5) “I will check it and reply you” → “I’ll check and reply to you.”

In English, reply usually needs to. Also, native speakers often shorten this for speed.
Business example: “I’ll check the details and reply to you by the end of the day.”

6) “I’m so busy” → Try a more professional version.

“I’m so busy” can sound like you’re complaining (even if you’re not). A smoother option is to be honest but calm.
Business example: “It’s a busy week, but I’m making good progress.”

7) “It depends of…” → “It depends on…”

This is a preposition issue. In English, the standard phrase is depends on.
Business example: “It depends on the timeline and the budget.”

Wrap-Up

If you master these seven fixes, you’ll sound more natural in emails, meetings, and quick hallway chats. More importantly, you’ll stop misusing English phrases that can quietly weaken your message at work. Pick two phrases from today and use them this week—small upgrades like this create big results over time.

Vocabulary List

misuse (verb) — to use something in the wrong way
Example: Many learners misuse common phrases in emails without realizing it.
natural (adjective) — sounding normal and comfortable, like a fluent speaker
Example: That sentence sounds more natural with “I agree.”
direct (adjective) — clear and not confusing
Example: Direct language helps people understand you faster.
translate (verb) — to change words from one language to another
Example: If you translate word-for-word, the sentence may sound strange.
phrase (noun) — a short group of words used together
Example: “Look forward to” is a useful phrase for business emails.
formal (adjective) — polite and official
Example: “Kindly confirm” is more formal than “Please tell me.”
professional (adjective) — suitable for work settings
Example: A professional reply is short, polite, and clear.
confirm (verb) — to say something is true or correct
Example: Please confirm the meeting time.
availability (noun) — the times when you are free
Example: Share your availability for a quick call.
timeline (noun) — a schedule that shows when tasks will happen
Example: The timeline changed after the client gave new feedback.

5 Questions About the Article

Why do many learners misuse everyday phrases in English?
What is the correct form: “I’m agree” or “I agree”?
Why is “look forward to meeting you” correct?
What is wrong with “discuss about it”?
How can you say “I’m busy” in a more professional way?

5 Open-Ended Discussion Questions

Which English phrase do you personally struggle with the most? Why?
Where do you use English most: emails, meetings, calls, or small talk?
What’s one phrase you want to sound more natural using this month?
How do you feel when you make a small English mistake at work?
What’s a polite but direct way to ask someone to respond faster?

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