Business Email Phrases Exercises - Part 2

Diplomatic business email phrases help you decline requests, give bad news, hedge suggestions, and follow up without creating unnecessary tension. Instead of writing a blunt negative sentence, professional emails often acknowledge the reader first, then give the decision, reason, or alternative. Phrases such as I am afraid..., Unfortunately..., I regret to inform you..., and This falls outside the scope of... soften difficult messages while keeping the meaning clear.

Hedging is also important in B1-B2 business writing. Expressions like It seems that..., It might be worth..., and Perhaps we could... present ideas as possibilities rather than demands. This is useful when you are disagreeing, raising a problem, or suggesting a change to a client or senior colleague. Good follow-up language works in the same way: I was wondering if... and I just wanted to check... remind the reader without implying blame. The aim is clear, respectful communication that keeps the working relationship intact.