Outdated language can make our communication seem old-fashioned.

Want to add some energy to your English emails?

Use clear, simple words that everyone can understand easily.

Here are some examples of how to update those old business phrases:

• Instead of: “In response to your inquiry, I am writing to inform you that …,” try: “Thank you for your message. I’m happy to let you know that …”
• Instead of: “Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions,” say: “Feel free to reach out if you have any questions.”
• Instead of: “I would be grateful if you could send me the report by the end of the day,” go for: “Can you send me the report by the end of the day, please?”
• Instead of: “Enclosed, please find the document you requested,” write: “I’ve attached the document you asked for.”

Don’t you think these phrases sound a lot fresher?

Embrace these tips and infuse a breath of fresh air into your business communication.

Your readers will thank you.

You’ve just booked the all-inclusive holiday of your dreams. Amid the euphoria, you cheer, “Thanks God it worked!“

But wait! Was that correct or was it an embarrassing mistake in your English? 

The English language can be tricky, even for native speakers. With its irregular verbs, prepositions in unexpected places, and expressions that sometimes defy logic. 

The correct phrase is ”Thank God”—an expression of gratitude often used to express relief or joy:

1. Relief: When we feel relieved or thankful that something positive has happened, especially after a worrying or challenging situation. For example, “The test results came back negative. Thank God!”
2. Joy: When expressing joy for something good that has occurred or acknowledging a positive outcome. For instance, “Thank God for the support of my friends during tough times.”

Have you ever said “Thanks God” and not realised that it’s not fully correct?

Emails are becoming more casual in today’s fast-paced business world, where remote work and mobile devices are the norm.

So, what does this mean for your email endings?

Well, you can still use a formal ending like “Sincerely” or “Best regards” if you’re writing to a client or someone you don’t know well.

But if you’re writing to a colleague or business friend, you might like to use a more informal ending.

Something like:

• “Cheers!”
• “Best wishes”
• “Talk to you soon”
• “Thanks again”
• “Best of luck”
• “Talk to you later”
• “See you soon”
• “Have a great day!”

You can even come up with your own unique ending. Just make sure it’s appropriate for the situation.

Something like:

• “Cheers to a great week ahead!”
• “Best wishes, and thanks for your help.”
• “Talk to you soon, and let me know if you have any questions.”
• “Thanks again for the opportunity to work with you.”
• “Best of luck with your presentation tomorrow!”
• “Talk to you later, and have a great weekend!”
• “See you soon, and I’ll bring the coffee!”
• “Have a great day, and enjoy the sunshine!”

Next time you’re writing an email, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. A friendly and informal ending can make your email more engaging and relatable. 

One of my favourite email endings is “Talk to you soon!” It’s short, sweet and to the point. And conveys a sense of familiarity and friendliness.

So what’s your favourite informal email ending?

You might think, “Google Translate will surely know!” But what if Google’s suggestion doesn’t quite fit, and you want to express it differently?

The most obvious translation for “am Stück” or “in Folge” is “consecutively.”

However, there are times when this expression may sound a bit too formal.

But don’t worry, the English language offers a wealth of alternatives—suitable for both informal and formal contexts. 

Let’s take a look:

• On the trot: This idiomatic expression is mainly used in British English. (The team won seven games on the trot.)
• In a row: This phrase is very common and often sounds more natural than “consecutively.” {The company has made a profit for five years in a row.}
• Back-to-back: This expression is particularly useful when you want to convey that something happens without a break or interruption. (I have back-to-back meetings all day.)
• In succession: This phrase sounds a bit more formal and can be used in written texts to describe a series of events. (The company has acquired several startups in succession.}

Other ways to say “am Stück” or “in Folge” include: ”one after the other,” “non-stop” or “without a break.“

Which of these alternatives do you like best?

Brownie points (perhaps best translated in German as “Pluspunkte”) are invisible rewards you earn for doing good deeds. They don’t have monetary value, but they make people like and appreciate you more.

They’re like a pat on the back. Or words of praise.

To earn brownie points, you simply need to be kind and helpful. Do small things to brighten someone’s day, like holding the door open, letting someone go ahead of you in line or offering to help with the groceries.

These small acts of kindness can make a huge difference in our daily lives! You know: Give, and you shall receive.

Here are some examples of how to use the term “brownie points” in a sentence:

• My husband is working extra late all week to earn brownie points with the boss so he has a better chance of getting a promotion.
• I’m volunteering my time to help the homeless because it’s the right thing to do. But it’s also nice to earn some brownie points.

So, have you earned any brownie points today?

Don’t you find Germans seem to have an unexplained love for commas? 

They scatter them around like confetti at a child’s birthday party. 

In German, it’s perfectly normal to put a comma here:

”Ich weiß, dass du beschäftigt bist.“

But in English, we’d simply write:

“I know that you’re busy.“

No comma needed!

And here are more examples of German sentences:

• “Ich hoffe, dass das nicht wahr ist!”
• “Ich habe eine Schwester, die in Bonn wohnt.”
• “Wir besuchen oft den Park, wo wir unser erstes Picknick hatten.”

The case is clear in English: The comma waits outside, possibly looking in through the window. 

• “I know that it’s not true!“ 
• “I have a sister who lives in Bonn.”
• “We often go to the park where we had our first picnic.”

In German, the comma provides a pause. It lets thoughts unfold, breathe and resonate.

But English likes to jog along briskly. No time for pausing!

Yes, we use commas more sparingly. Less is more perhaps? 

What are your biggest challenges when writing? Do you have any advice for others?