Effective workplace communication is critical to your career growth. When you communicate well at work, you’ll get more things done and rise the corporate ladder faster.

Even the most seasoned professionals can undermine themselves by not choosing the correct phrases. It can inadvertently happen when you don’t choose your words carefully.

There are specific phrases that scream inexperience. They come across like you are the new kid on the block. You sound like you lack worldly wisdom.

There are seven common phrases that make you sound naive at work. Find out what you should say instead. These minor tweaks will go a long way in making sure you are more well-respected at work.

1. I Could Be Wrong, But

This phrase is used to shield yourself from negative feedback. It seems like it could be an excellent approach to avoid conflict. It can do more damage than good.

You may have good intentions to use this phrase, so you don’t appear too bossy at work and want to be less direct. This type of communications set yourself up for failure.

Instead, say:

Based on what I hear from [insert anonymous or actual source], I suggest [insert idea].

2. I Don’t Know How To Do That

We are not experts in everything. That’s okay. The key is not whether you know how to do something, but that you can be resourceful to learn how to do it. Not everyone expects you to know how to do everything.

Don’t admit that you don’t know how to do something. Instead focus on your curiosity and enthusiasm for finding out how to do it. Don’t answer with an “I don’t know how to do that” statement because it looks like you are not cut out for the job. Your delivery is as important as the outcome.

Instead, say:

I haven’t done that before, but I’m excited to learn, so if you have tips or resources that are helpful, I would really appreciate it.

3. I’m So Busy

In today’s age, busyness is perceived as a sign of success. People today respond when asked, “how are you?” by answering, “good, but busy.” It can be easy to brag about how busy you are.

Research says that a constant state of activity is not productive. It’s not ideal to tell your colleague about how busy you are because it can come across negatively and that you are too important for them.

Instead, say:

What is the deadline for this project? I want to make sure I can meet that expectation and prioritize what’s on my plate right now.

4. I Have to Ask My Boss

There are certain things in your career that you will have to run by your boss. It doesn’t matter what level you are on the corporate ladder.

Even chief executive officers (CEOs) need to ask the board of directors to approve critical company matters. That doesn’t mean you have to say the phrase to others that you can’t make the final decision.

Instead, say:

All of these ideas sound great. Let me run this conversation by my colleagues before we move ahead.

5. I Am the [Insert Junior Job Title]”

Remember that a job title is just a title. It doesn’t mean you are not a leader. You don’t have to tell everyone that you are low on the totem pole at work.

If you are talking to customers, prospects, or partners, you need to make sure you come across that you have your circle of influence under control. It doesn’t matter if you are talking to people with better or more senior job titles.

Instead, say:

I work in [insert department] at [insert company], and the purpose of this email is to [insert why you are talking].

6. I Hope to Hear from You Soon!

Don’t end your emails with a “hope and pray” approach. You’ll come across like the chances are low that they will respond.

The words “hope” and “hear from you” show that you are not confident with this communication. If you think it, how is the recipient going to perceive the message?

Instead, say:

I look forward to setting up a time to discuss [insert topic].

7. I’m Available at Whatever Time Is Convenient for You

This statement says that the other person is in control. Are you really available all the time? What if the person says, “how about 2:00 a.m. on Thursday?” You’ll probably be sleeping.

This phrase looks like you only care about work and don’t have a personal life. It would help to show you have an important schedule too.

Instead, say:

Tuesday and Thursday mornings work well for my schedule this week. However, I’m available to meet on some other days.

Bringing It All Together

It’s essential to think about the phrases you use at work. Keep these alternatives in mind, so you don’t come across as naive, inexperienced, and junior in the workplace. You’ll become better at workplace communication in no time if you pay attention to the words you use and choose them carefully.

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