Negotiation English
Make offers, counter-offers, and compromises. Sound firm without burning bridges.
According to Adair and Brett (2005), word choice accounts for up to 35% of perceived cooperativeness in cross-cultural negotiations — meaning the phrases you use matter as much as the deal you offer.
What Are the Best English Phrases for Business Negotiations?
Successful negotiation in English requires phrases that are firm but diplomatic. The language of compromise — "Would you be open to...", "What if we were to..." — lets you push for your position without damaging the relationship. Non-native speakers who master these set phrases negotiate as effectively as native speakers.
6 function groups, 27 ready-to-use phrases. Each phrase shows its register — Formal, Neutral, or Informal.
Tip: In negotiations, tone is everything. The same words can sound collaborative or aggressive depending on how you deliver them. The Tone Thermometer game below trains you to find the professional sweet spot — firm but not hostile.
Games
Reading phrases is not the same as knowing them. These games put you in the situation and make you perform under pressure — without the real-world consequences.
The Negotiation
A timed negotiation scenario. Make offers, respond to counter-offers, and close a deal — all under pressure.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you make a counter-offer in English?
Use conditional language to make counter-offers: "If you could offer [X], we would be happy to agree to [Y]", or "What if we were to split the difference?". Avoid flat rejections like "No, that does not work" — instead, reframe as an alternative: "That is not quite what we had in mind. Would you consider...?". This keeps the negotiation moving forward while showing flexibility.
How do you say no diplomatically in a business negotiation?
Diplomatic refusals in English use hedging and redirection: "I am afraid that would not be possible at this stage", "Unfortunately, that falls outside our budget", or "I appreciate the offer, but we would need to see movement on [specific point]". The word "unfortunately" signals a refusal without sounding confrontational. Always follow a "no" with an alternative or next step.
What is the difference between hard and soft negotiation language?
Hard language is direct and assertive: "We need this by Friday" or "That price is not acceptable". Soft language uses hedges and conditionals: "It would be helpful if we could have this by Friday" or "We were hoping for something closer to [amount]". In English-speaking business culture, soft language is generally more effective because it preserves the relationship while still communicating your position clearly.