S3Corp. Tech Blog

Mastering English is a critical skill for professionals worldwide. Whether you are new to the workforce or climbing the career ladder, a strong command of business English can set you apart from your peers and open doors to countless opportunities. This guide explores the best free resources to help you learn business English effectively, covering online courses, mobile apps, and audio-based tools to suit different learning preferences.

Learning Business English Online

Online platforms provide a convenient way to improve your language skills at your own pace. They offer structured courses, interactive exercises, and assessments designed to enhance your understanding of business terminology and communication.

Alison

Alison is a popular platform offering free courses in partnership with industry leaders like Microsoft and Google. Their Introduction to Business and Travel English Language Skills course is a standout option. Divided into three modules, including an assessment, this course covers essential business communication skills. It requires only 1–2 hours to complete, making it perfect for busy professionals. Upon completion, learners have the option to purchase a diploma as a testament to their newfound skills.

BusinessEnglishSite.com

BusinessEnglishSite.com provides focused lessons and exercises tailored to real-world business scenarios. The platform offers categories such as General Business Terms and Grammar Exercises, along with specialized quizzes on job interviews, negotiations, and project management. This variety allows learners to target specific areas of improvement and test their progress.

Video Vocab by BusinessEnglishPod

Video Vocab features concise, under-10-minute lessons focused on specific industries like human resources, accounting, marketing, and technology. Each video teaches essential vocabulary and usage, making it a time-efficient way to grasp the language nuances of different fields.

TalkEnglish.com

TalkEnglish.com offers practical lessons covering office basics, presentations, and other essential workplace communication scenarios. Its free tutorials include audio links to help learners with pronunciation and contextual usage. For those seeking a more comprehensive experience, the site also provides downloadable courses at an affordable price.

Blair English

Blair English caters to non-native speakers by providing lessons on topics like email etiquette, telephone communication, and general business interactions. Each course is supplemented with examples, quizzes, and clear explanations, making it an excellent resource for mastering professional communication.

Mobile Apps for Business English

For professionals with busy schedules, mobile apps provide a way to learn business English during short breaks or while commuting. These apps are designed for flexibility and on-the-go learning, helping users make the most of their spare time.

FluentU

FluentU for iOS or web application development combines video, audio, and flashcards to teach business English. The app includes interactive features like subtitles and pause options, allowing users to focus on specific words or phrases. With a 15-day free trial, FluentU is an engaging option for visual and auditory learners.

Grammar and Practice for Business

This app from HarperCollins Publishers provides over 800 activities covering verbs, nouns, sentence structure, and other grammar essentials. Suitable for learners at all levels, it includes 144 units of content. You can try out the mobile application development, with additional features available through in-app purchases.

Real English Business Course

The Real English Business Course offers lessons on meetings, presentations, negotiations, and telephone communication. Each module includes vocabulary, practice exercises, and quizzes. Free to download, the app allows users to purchase specific lessons for targeted learning.

Business English – Vocabulary and Lessons in Contexts

This app offers video and audio lessons on topics like business conversations, job interviews, and industry-specific expressions. While the free version provides access to basic lessons, the Pro version offers an ad-free experience for just $2.99.

Business English Free

Ideal for testing grammar and vocabulary, Business English Free presents sentence-completion activities to help users refine their skills. While the app is free, paid versions for iOS and Android remove ads for an uninterrupted learning experience.

Improving Business English Through Podcasts

Podcasts are an excellent way to learn business English while multitasking. They allow you to absorb language skills during activities like exercising, commuting, or relaxing.

Business English App by Business English Pod

This app provides audio lessons on topics such as business strategies, communication skills, and handling feedback. Each episode includes a transcript for reference and allows users to save their favorite lessons for easy access.

Down to Business English

Down to Business English delivers episodes based on current business news. Topics range from grammar and vocabulary to global business trends, making it a valuable resource for staying informed while improving language skills. The podcast is available on iTunes and as downloadable MP3s from its website.

Manager Tools

Manager Tools goes beyond language to provide insights into practical workplace scenarios, such as conducting interviews or declining requests professionally. With over 300 episodes, this podcast is a versatile resource for enhancing communication and management skills.

HBR IdeaCast

From Harvard Business Review, the HBR IdeaCast focuses on professional growth and effective communication. Episodes tackle topics like asking for help, managing workload, and giving feedback, combining language learning with actionable career advice.

The Public Speaker’s Quick and Dirty Tips

This podcast series teaches workplace communication skills such as maintaining conversation flow, adjusting tone, and influencing others without authority. It is a practical resource for developing both language and interpersonal skills.

Additional Resources

Beyond courses and apps, additional tools can help you refine your business English by exposing you to real-world usage. Platforms like TEDTalks and The Economist provide insights into professional language in context. For subscription-based resources, Newsmart by The Wall Street Journal offers interactive learning opportunities. BBC Business Daily is another excellent resource for staying updated on global business trends while expanding your vocabulary.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

These tools and resources cater to different learning styles and schedules, ensuring there is an option for everyone. Whether you are a recent graduate seeking a competitive edge, a non-native speaker improving workplace communication, or a professional aiming for career growth, these free tools will help you master business English. Start exploring them today and unlock new opportunities for success.