We’ve all heard them—the overused, awkward workplace phrases that somehow sneak into everyday conversations. At first, they might seem harmless, even professional. But in reality? They could be making you sound anything but polished.
The way we communicate at work shapes how people see us. And while no one expects perfection, certain cringey phrases can unintentionally make you come across as unprofessional, insincere, or even out of touch.
The tricky part? Most of us don’t even realize we’re saying them.
If you want to make a stronger impression and build better connections in the workplace, it’s time to ditch these eight phrases—starting now.
1) “Let’s circle back on this”
At first glance, this phrase seems harmless—maybe even efficient. But let’s be honest, how often does “circling back” actually lead to real progress?
More often than not, this is just a vague way of pushing something off without taking real action. It can make you sound like you’re avoiding responsibility or just filling space with corporate jargon.
If you really want to sound professional, be direct. Instead of saying, “Let’s circle back,” try something like, “Let’s set a time to revisit this with a clear plan.” It shows initiative and makes it clear you’re moving things forward, not just talking in circles.
2) “Touching base”
I used to say this all the time. I thought it made me sound professional—like I was staying on top of things and keeping communication open. But then a colleague jokingly asked, “Are we playing baseball or having a meeting?” That’s when it hit me: this phrase is just corporate fluff.
The problem with “touching base” is that it’s vague and doesn’t actually say anything. Are you following up on a deadline? Asking for an update? Trying to schedule a meeting? If people have to guess what you mean, you’re wasting their time.
Now, instead of saying, “Just touching base,” I make it clear what I need: “Hey, I wanted to check in on the status of this—do you have an update?” It’s direct, professional, and actually moves things forward.
3) “It is what it is”
This phrase might seem harmless, but it can actually come across as dismissive and unprofessional, especially in a workplace setting. It signals that you’ve given up on finding a solution or don’t care enough to explore alternatives.
Studies have shown that the language we use influences our mindset. When people use passive phrases like “it is what it is,” they’re more likely to accept problems rather than look for ways to solve them. In a professional setting, this can make you seem indifferent or unwilling to take initiative.
Instead, try reframing your response to show adaptability and problem-solving: “This is a challenge, but here’s what we can do next.” It shifts the focus from resignation to action—and that’s what true professionals do.
4) “No worries”
On the surface, “no worries” sounds friendly and laid-back. But in a professional setting, it can sometimes send the wrong message—especially in response to an apology or a request.
When someone says, “Sorry for the delay,” and you reply with, “No worries,” it can unintentionally downplay the situation. While this might be fine in casual conversations, in the workplace, it’s often more professional to acknowledge the situation and respond with something more constructive.
Try saying, “I appreciate you letting me know—thanks for following up.” It keeps things professional while still maintaining a positive and understanding tone.
5) “Just checking in”
I used to think this was a polite way to follow up on something without being too pushy. But over time, I realized it often made me sound hesitant—like I wasn’t confident enough to ask for what I actually needed.
The problem with “Just checking in” is that it feels passive. It doesn’t clearly state what you want, and it can even make you sound like you’re apologizing for following up. In a professional setting, clarity is key.
Now, instead of saying, “Just checking in on this,” I say, “I wanted to follow up on this—do you have an update?” It’s direct, respectful, and makes it clear why I’m reaching out. No unnecessary fluff.
6) “I’ll try”
At first, this phrase might seem responsible—like you’re making an effort without overpromising. But in reality, it can make you sound uncertain or even unreliable.
Saying “I’ll try” leaves too much room for doubt. It doesn’t give a clear indication of whether you actually plan to complete the task or if you’re just hoping for the best. In a professional setting, people want confidence and clarity.
Instead of “I’ll try,” say, “I’ll get this done,” or if you’re unsure, “I’ll look into this and update you.” This way, you’re setting clear expectations while still being realistic.
7) “Does that make sense?”
On the surface, this phrase seems like a good way to check for understanding. But in a professional setting, it can unintentionally make you sound unsure of yourself—like you don’t trust that what you just said was clear or valuable.
Instead of asking, “Does that make sense?” try something more confident, like “Do you have any questions?” or “I’d love to hear your thoughts on this.” This shifts the focus from whether you explained something correctly to encouraging engagement and discussion.
Confidence in how you communicate makes a big difference in how others perceive you. Small tweaks like this can help you come across as more self-assured and professional.
8) “At the end of the day”
This phrase gets thrown around so often that it’s almost meaningless. It’s usually just filler—something people say to sound conclusive without actually adding anything valuable.
The problem? It can make you seem vague or even lazy in your communication. Instead of relying on a generic phrase like “At the end of the day,” get straight to the point. Say exactly what you mean without unnecessary padding.
Clear, direct communication is one of the most underrated professional skills. The fewer pointless phrases you use, the more confident and credible you’ll sound.
Why the words you choose matter
If you’ve read this far, you’ve probably realized that the way we speak at work shapes how others see us—sometimes in ways we don’t even notice.
Because professionalism isn’t just about knowing your job. It’s about how you communicate, how you carry yourself, and how you make others feel when they interact with you.
Small changes in the way you speak can make a big difference in how confident, capable, and respected you come across. And at the end of the day, the fewer meaningless phrases you rely on, the more powerful your words become.
