How to Write Like a Native English Speaker

Written English has become the global lingua franca of business communication.
As global economies become more interconnected, English has emerged as the standard for international communication. Even if you're comfortable speaking English in daily conversations—perhaps even on a regular basis—writing it can be a completely different challenge. Spoken language vanishes after it's spoken, but written words remain. In other words, a mistake in printed text is much more likely to be scrutinized or—even in the age of social media—ridiculed.

How to develop writing skills in English
English as a second language poses unique challenges, partly due to the nature of the language itself, and partly because so many people around the world speak it. Here are four practical tips to help you improve your business English writing skills.

1. Understand that Standard English is an Oddity

Over centuries, English has been influenced by many languages, which makes its grammar and spelling highly irregular. It’s full of quirks and exceptions that are difficult to master unless you’ve been exposed to the language for a long period. Even native speakers often find it challenging to explain why something is right or wrong—they just know what “sounds” natural to them.

Tip: Does "She very much loves to play the piano" sound correct? In English, we typically place adverbs in the proper order. The correct phrase would be "She loves to play the piano very much."

2. Call on an Expert

If you have native English speakers around you, ask them to help proofread your text. Don’t take offense if they suggest multiple revisions. If you have the time, ask them to explain their changes so you can improve your fluency in English.

If you don't have access to a native speaker, or if your document is too long for a colleague to review, you may want to turn to a professional editor.

Tip: Use an English corpus to help make your writing sound more natural. This tool can help identify common phrases and word combinations used by native speakers.

3. Keep It Simple and Clear

English is rich in vocabulary and flexible in structure, which may tempt you to write creatively. However, when writing in a non-native language, it's best to keep things straightforward and simple. Avoid overcomplicating your sentences. Stick to short, direct sentences, and express your thoughts in the clearest way possible. Whenever possible, have a native speaker or editor review your text before sending it out.

Tip: Nobody wants to hunt for meaning in a text. Stick closely to the principles of clear, simple English.

4. The Thesaurus Isn’t Always Your Friend

While a thesaurus can be a useful tool to find synonyms for overused words, be cautious when using it in non-native writing. English offers a wide range of synonyms, but each word often carries a subtle nuance that might make it inappropriate for your specific context.

For example:

“I would be most delighted to express to you regarding a contemporary and revolutionary idea I am contemplating for our forthcoming collaboration."

This is an exaggerated example of overuse of a thesaurus. The intended message would be much simpler and clearer:

“I would like to share a new idea I have for our upcoming collaboration.”

Tip: If you’re unsure about which words to use, consult a collocation dictionary to make sure your word choices are appropriate for your context.

Grammar Tips & Tricks

Here’s a quick list of things to avoid when writing in a non-native language:

• Colloquialisms and Slang: Avoid using these, as they don’t translate well across cultures. Even common slang can sound out of place if used incorrectly.
• Similes, Idioms, and Metaphors: Use these only if you're sure they will be understood by your target audience.
• Long Sentences: While some long sentences are necessary, be aware that they are more prone to structural errors. Aim to keep your sentences concise and to the point.
• Phrasal Verbs: Only use phrasal verbs if you're very familiar with their usage and they fit the context clearly.
• Humor: Humor doesn’t always translate well across cultures. A joke that’s popular in British English might not be understood in American English or Australian English. Humor can sometimes misfire, so be cautious and consider your audience carefully.

If you work with a native speaker, these types of language elements can enhance your text and help you better connect with your audience.

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