25 Essential Business Collocations

Sep 02, 2023

25 Useful Business Collocations

When it comes to business communication, using the right collocations can make a significant impact on how your message is perceived. Collocations are combinations of words that naturally go together and are commonly used by native English speakers. In this blog post, we will explore 25 useful business collocations that will help you sound more fluent and professional in your conversations and writing.

1. Close a deal

This collocation is often used when referring to finalizing a business agreement or contract. For example, "We are confident that we can close the deal by the end of the week."

2. Gain traction

When a business starts to gain traction, it means that it is making progress and becoming more successful. This collocation is commonly used in startup or marketing contexts. For instance, "Our new marketing campaign has helped us gain traction in the market."

3. Cut costs

In today's competitive business environment, it is essential to find ways to cut costs without compromising quality. This collocation is often used when referring to reducing expenses. For example, "We need to find ways to cut costs in order to improve our profit margins."

4. Meet deadlines

Meeting deadlines is crucial in any business setting. This collocation is commonly used when discussing project management or time-sensitive tasks. For instance, "We have to work extra hours to meet the deadline for this project."

5. Boost sales

Every business aims to boost sales and increase revenue. This collocation is often used when talking about strategies or initiatives to improve sales performance. For example, "Our new marketing campaign has helped us boost sales by 20%."

6. Establish a partnership

Collaborating with other businesses can be beneficial for growth and expansion. This collocation is commonly used when referring to forming alliances or joint ventures. For instance, "We are excited to establish a partnership with a leading industry player."

7. Take the lead

In a competitive market, it is important to take the lead and stay ahead of the competition. This collocation is often used when discussing market dominance or leadership positions. For example, "Our company aims to take the lead in innovation and customer satisfaction."

8. Drive growth

Driving growth is a key objective for businesses of all sizes. This collocation is commonly used when discussing strategies or initiatives to expand the business. For instance, "Our new product line is expected to drive growth in the coming year."

9. Gain a competitive edge

In a crowded marketplace, it is important to find ways to gain a competitive edge. This collocation is often used when discussing strategies or advantages that set a business apart from its competitors. For example, "Our superior customer service gives us a competitive edge over other companies."

10. Build brand awareness

Establishing brand awareness is crucial for businesses looking to attract customers and build a strong reputation. This collocation is commonly used when discussing marketing or advertising efforts. For instance, "We have launched a new campaign to build brand awareness among our target audience."

11. Increase market share

Expanding market share is a common objective for businesses aiming for growth. This collocation is often used when discussing market dominance or capturing a larger portion of the market. For example, "Our aggressive pricing strategy has helped us increase our market share."

12. Conduct market research

Before launching a new product or entering a new market, it is essential to conduct market research. This collocation is commonly used when referring to gathering information about consumer preferences and market trends. For instance, "We need to conduct market research to better understand our target audience."

13. Make a profit

Ultimately, the goal of any business is to make a profit. This collocation is often used when discussing financial performance or success. For example, "Our company has managed to make a profit despite the challenging economic conditions."

14. Improve customer satisfaction

Customer satisfaction is key to building long-term relationships and ensuring repeat business. This collocation is commonly used when discussing strategies or initiatives to enhance the customer experience. For instance, "We are implementing new measures to improve customer satisfaction and loyalty."

15. Manage risk

Businesses face various risks, and it is important to manage them effectively. This collocation is often used when discussing risk assessment or mitigation strategies. For example, "Our risk management team is constantly monitoring and managing potential risks."

16. Expand into new markets

Expanding into new markets can open up new opportunities and drive business growth. This collocation is commonly used when discussing geographical or demographic expansions. For instance, "We are planning to expand into new markets in Asia."

17. Streamline operations

Efficient operations are crucial for businesses to stay competitive and maximize productivity. This collocation is often used when discussing process improvements or organizational efficiency. For example, "We have implemented new software to streamline our operations and reduce costs."

18. Foster innovation

Innovation is vital for businesses to stay ahead in a rapidly changing market. This collocation is commonly used when discussing a culture of creativity and idea generation. For instance, "We encourage our employees to think outside the box and foster innovation."

19. Develop a strategic plan

A strategic plan provides a roadmap for businesses to achieve their long-term goals. This collocation is often used when discussing planning or goal-setting processes. For example, "We are currently developing a strategic plan for the next five years."

20. Enhance productivity

Improving productivity is essential for businesses to optimize resources and achieve better results. This collocation is commonly used when discussing efficiency or performance improvements. For instance, "We have implemented new productivity tools to enhance our team's performance."

21. Foster a collaborative environment

A collaborative environment promotes teamwork, creativity, and productivity within a business. This collocation is often used when discussing company culture or team dynamics. For example, "We strive to foster a collaborative environment where ideas can flourish."

22. Implement a marketing strategy

Having a well-defined marketing strategy is crucial for businesses to reach their target audience effectively. This collocation is commonly used when discussing marketing plans or campaigns. For instance, "We are planning to implement a new marketing strategy to attract younger demographics."

23. Optimize performance

Optimizing performance involves maximizing efficiency and achieving better results. This collocation is often used when discussing process improvements or performance evaluations. For example, "We are constantly seeking ways to optimize our team's performance."

24. Secure funding

Securing funding is often necessary for businesses to start or expand their operations. This collocation is commonly used when discussing investment or financing opportunities. For instance, "We have successfully secured funding from several venture capitalists."

25. Establish a strong presence

Establishing a strong presence in the market is crucial for businesses to attract customers and build credibility. This collocation is often used when discussing branding or market positioning. For example, "We aim to establish a strong online presence through social media and digital marketing."

Using these 25 useful business collocations in your conversations and writing will help you communicate more effectively and sound more fluent in English. Remember to practice using them in context to become more comfortable and confident in your business communication skills.