Work is a delicate dance of saying the right things at the right time. But there are some phrases that can unintentionally make you look, well, not so great. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about being intentional with your words. If you’ve ever cringed after saying something in a meeting, you’re not alone. Here are 16 phrases to avoid at work if you want people to take you seriously (and actually like working with you).
1. “That’s Not My Job”
Even if it’s technically true, saying this makes you sound unhelpful and, let’s be honest, kind of lazy. No one’s asking you to take on the world, but you can still show some initiative. Instead, try something like, “I’m not the best person for this, but I can help you find who is,” or “I can pitch in after I wrap up X.” It’s all about showing you’re part of the team, not just clocking in and out.
2. “I Don’t Know”
Everyone gets stumped, but leaving it at “I don’t know” just doesn’t cut it. Instead, show you’re engaged by saying, “I’m not sure, but I’ll find out,” or “Let me check and get back to you.” This tiny tweak shows you’re curious and willing to follow through, instead of throwing your hands up and walking away. Nobody has all the answers, but effort speaks volumes.
3. “I’m Just Saying…”
This phrase is the ultimate way to say something passive-aggressive without actually owning it. If you’ve got something to say, just say it. For example, instead of, “I’m just saying this deadline is unrealistic,” try, “Let’s talk about how we can make this timeline work.” See the difference? The first one throws shade; the second one starts a conversation. Own your words, and people will respect you more for it.
4. “I Think” or “I Feel” (When You Don’t Need It)
Starting every sentence with “I think” or “I feel” can make you seem like you’re unsure of yourself. If you’re making a suggestion, just state it. Instead of “I think we should try this approach,” go with “We should try this approach.” It’s not about bulldozing over others—it’s about sounding confident in your ideas. Save the qualifiers for when you genuinely need them, not as a default.
5. “That’s Impossible”
Saying this shuts down the conversation faster than any mic drop, but not in a good way. Even if something feels way out of reach, try saying, “Here’s what it would take to make that happen,” or “That’s a challenge, but let’s brainstorm some options.” You’ll look like someone who tackles problems, not someone who throws up a wall at the first sign of difficulty. Problem-solvers win points; naysayers don’t.
6. “I’ll Try”
“I’ll try” is like saying, “Don’t hold your breath.” It’s vague and doesn’t exactly inspire confidence. Swap it for something like, “I’ll do my best” or “I’ll make this a priority.” Even if you’re unsure, this subtle shift makes you sound capable and reliable. Nobody wants to hear “I’ll try” when they’re counting on you—they want to know you’ve got it handled.
7. “It’s Not Fair”
Life isn’t fair, and unfortunately, neither is work sometimes. But saying “It’s not fair” makes you sound whiny, even if you’re 100% justified. Instead, focus on what needs to change: “Can we talk about how we’re dividing this workload?” or “I’d like to discuss how we can make this more balanced.” It keeps the conversation constructive and takes you from complaining to problem-solving. Big difference.
8. “Sorry, But…”
Why are you apologizing before you’ve even made your point? Starting with “Sorry, but…” undercuts whatever you’re about to say. Drop the apology and get to the point: “I think we should go in a different direction,” or “I have some concerns about this approach.” If you’re not actually sorry, don’t say you are—it’s a habit that makes you seem less confident than you are.
9. “I’m So Busy”
We get it, you’re swamped—but… aren’t we all? Saying “I’m so busy” repeatedly can come across as dismissive or even a little self-important. Instead, communicate your workload in a way that keeps things professional: “I’m working on X right now, but I can make time for this later,” or “I’d love to help—can we prioritize what’s most urgent?” It’s all about showing you’re managing your time, not just drowning in it.
10. “That’s How We’ve Always Done It”
If there’s a phrase that screams resistance to change, it’s this one. Even if the old way works, saying this makes you seem stuck in the past. Instead, try, “This approach has worked well, but I’m open to trying something new,” or “Let’s discuss how we can build on what’s already working.” It keeps the door open for innovation without dismissing the current process.
11. “I Didn’t Have Time”
We’ve all been there, but saying “I didn’t have time” comes off as an excuse. Own it instead: “I wasn’t able to get to this, but it’s next on my list,” or “Here’s where I’m at, and I’ll prioritize this moving forward.” Accountability goes a long way, and framing it this way shows you’re taking charge, not just throwing your hands up in defeat.
12. “This Might Be a Stupid Idea, But…”
Why put down your idea before it’s even out there? This phrase tells people not to take you seriously, and that’s the last thing you want. Instead, lead with confidence “Here’s a different idea we could explore,” or “What about this approach?” Even if your suggestion doesn’t land, presenting it confidently makes you look thoughtful and engaged, not self-doubting.
13. “I’ll Get to It When I Can”
This phrase is like nails on a chalkboard to anyone relying on you. It’s vague and noncommittal, leaving people unsure if you’ll actually follow through. Instead, give a clear timeline: “I’ll have this done by Friday,” or “I can start on this after finishing X.” Specificity shows you’re on top of it, even if it’s not immediate. Ambiguity is really not a good look.
14. “I Didn’t Know”
This is the verbal equivalent of a shrug. It’s okay not to know everything, but stopping there makes it seem like you don’t care. Instead, take ownership: “I wasn’t aware of that, but I’ll make sure to get up to speed,” or “Let me check on that and follow up.” It shows initiative and keeps the ball rolling, instead of letting it fall flat. Nobody expects perfection, but effort? That’s non-negotiable.
15. “That’s Not My Fault”
Pointing fingers rarely ends well, even if you’re not the one to blame. Instead of deflecting, focus on solutions: “Let’s figure out how to fix this and make sure it doesn’t happen again.” This approach shows maturity and accountability, even if the issue wasn’t directly your doing. Blame shifts responsibility; ownership builds trust. Choose the latter.
16. “Let Me Know If You Need Anything”
This phrase might seem helpful, but it’s so vague it often falls flat. Instead, offer specific support: “Would it help if I handled X?” or “I can take care of Y to free you up for Z.” Concrete offers show you’re genuinely ready to pitch in, not just tossing out a polite but empty gesture. Small tweaks like this make a big impact on how you’re perceived.
This content was created by a real person with the assistance of AI.
