The quickest way to lose credibility is by talking like you’ve been asleep since 1998.
You might be great at your job, full of experience, and totally competent—but drop the wrong phrase in a meeting, and suddenly, your coworkers are side-eyeing you like you’re someone’s confused uncle who wandered into the wrong Zoom room. The language we use at work matters more than we think. It’s not just about sounding smart—it’s about sounding present, connected, and relevant in a workplace that’s constantly evolving.
Saying something outdated doesn’t mean you’re old, but it can make you seem disconnected from how things actually function in today’s work culture. Younger coworkers might not say anything, but they’ll quietly take note. And higher-ups might start wondering if you’re keeping pace with more than just your inbox. It’s not about chasing trends or being fake—it’s about ditching stale habits that make you sound like you’re stuck in a bygone office sitcom. These common phrases might feel harmless or even “professional,” but if you’re still using them, it’s probably time for a refresh.
1. ‘Let’s circle back on that.’
Once a staple of corporate lingo, this phrase now lands like a bad voicemail from a 90s sales rep, according to Travis Campbell at AOL. It’s vague, noncommittal, and often just a polite way to delay a decision or avoid saying no. People hear it and think, “So… never?” It doesn’t build trust or clarity—it buys time in a way that sounds more tired than thoughtful.
If you need to revisit something, just say what you mean. Try “Can we reconnect about this Thursday afternoon?” or “Let me gather more info and follow up tomorrow.” That feels present, grounded, and intentional. It shows you’re organized, not just defaulting to old playbook language. In a fast-paced, feedback-heavy world, precision is more respected than polish.
2. ‘That’s above my pay grade.’
This one might feel self-aware or humble, but it almost always shuts down curiosity or accountability, as reported by Ella Roilo at Clever Dude. It signals detachment and makes it seem like you’ve mentally checked out instead of leaning in to understand the bigger picture. Worse, it tells others you’ve stopped learning or problem-solving before you even tried.
People appreciate those who take initiative, not those who deflect with a shrug. If you truly aren’t authorized to make a call, say, “That’s something I’ll have to run by the leadership team,” or “I’m not the final decision-maker, but I’ll do the legwork.” That tone shows maturity instead of avoidance—and positions you as a teammate who still adds value, regardless of hierarchy.
3. ‘Because that’s how we’ve always done it.’
No faster way to shut down innovation than clinging to habit like it’s a sacred relic, as stated by Joan Feldman at Attorney At Work. When someone hears this, it feels like permission to stop thinking critically. Even if you mean it as context, it sounds rigid and outdated—especially to younger or more adaptive coworkers who expect work to evolve.
A better move is to explain the logic behind the process while staying open. Say something like, “This is the method we’ve used, and it’s worked well, but I’m open to adjusting it if there’s a better way.” Now you sound like someone who values both experience and progress, which is a rare and respected combo in most offices.
4. ‘I’m not a tech person.’
This might be true, but saying it outright in a workplace that relies on digital tools just makes you sound unwilling to grow. It’s not about being an engineer—it’s about showing you’re still curious and open to learning. Leading with that phrase puts you on the defensive before the conversation even starts.
Instead, try “I’m still learning this tool—can you walk me through it?” That wording frames you as a participant, not a bystander. No one expects you to master everything overnight, but they will appreciate that you’re game to try. Plus, tech evolves too quickly to ever sit still. Stay flexible, and you stay relevant.
5. ‘It is what it is.’
That phrase belongs in a breakroom sigh, not a strategy meeting. It sounds fatalistic, like you’ve already given up on solving anything or taking ownership. At best, it communicates resignation. At worst, it makes people feel like you’re passively watching problems unfold without a shred of engagement.
There are better ways to acknowledge complexity or frustration. Say, “It’s not ideal, but here’s what we can control,” or “Let’s figure out the next best step.” That tone still recognizes limits, but it also signals action. It invites others to move forward with you instead of emotionally checking out.
6. ‘To be honest…’
This one feels innocent but often backfires. It suggests whatever you were saying before wasn’t honest, or that what’s coming next is somehow a deviation from your usual tone. People don’t need your honesty flagged—they expect it baked in. Saying this can make you sound unsure, even if that’s not your intent.
Instead, just be direct. Say, “I’m concerned about this,” or “My take might be unpopular, but here it is.” That’s clear, confident, and cuts through fluff. In a work world that prizes authenticity, over-introducing your opinion actually weakens its impact.
7. ‘I’ll try my best.’
Most of the time, this just sounds like a soft no. It’s vague and unspecific, and while the intent might be good, it lacks commitment. In group projects or fast-moving deadlines, people want to know what they can count on—not just that you’ll give it the old college try.
Instead of falling back on “try,” focus on what you can realistically do. Say, “I can have a rough draft by end of day,” or “This might take a bit longer, but I’ll keep you posted as I work through it.” That kind of clarity builds trust and keeps things moving without ambiguity.
8. ‘I don’t get involved in office politics.’
On paper, this sounds noble. In practice, it can signal naïveté or a lack of awareness about how influence and relationships actually work. Every workplace has its dynamics, and ignoring them doesn’t make them disappear—it just leaves you vulnerable to being left out or underestimated.
You don’t need to be manipulative, but you do need to be observant and engaged. Instead of distancing yourself, say something like, “I try to focus on shared goals even when personalities clash,” or “I want to keep the focus on the work, not the drama.” That frames you as someone grounded, not oblivious.
9. ‘I’m just the [insert role here].’
Downplaying your job title might feel modest, but it sends the message that you don’t see your role as meaningful. In collaborative environments, every part matters—and if you don’t believe yours does, why should anyone else? People who undervalue themselves unintentionally invite others to do the same.
Try rewording that to reflect ownership. Say, “I handle [responsibility], and here’s what I’m seeing,” or “Here’s my perspective based on [task or insight].” That small shift signals confidence and professionalism, no matter where you sit in the hierarchy.
10. ‘We need to drill down and gain synergy.’
This kind of jargon may have once impressed people in boardrooms, but now it just makes eyes glaze over. These buzzwords have become so diluted they’re meaningless. When you toss them around, it sounds like you’re reciting corporate Mad Libs instead of actually engaging.
Say what you mean. Do you want to focus on one aspect of a problem? Say that. Are you trying to get people aligned? Spell out the common goal. Plain language always beats corporate-speak. It shows you’re thinking for yourself and trying to be understood—not just trying to sound important.
11. ‘I sent the email—didn’t you get it?’
This one is laced with defensiveness, and it usually comes off as blaming. Communication breakdowns happen, but pointing fingers rarely fixes them. Instead, it makes you sound more interested in protecting yourself than solving the issue or clarifying the message.
Instead, try “I sent it yesterday—let me know if it didn’t land, and I’ll resend.” That shows accountability without guilt-tripping the other person. It also signals that you’re proactive and flexible, which makes people more inclined to work with you again in the future.
12. ‘At my last company, we always…’
A little context is fine. Constant comparisons are not. If you bring up your old job too often, people start to wonder why you didn’t just stay there. It can also feel dismissive of the culture or systems your current team has worked hard to build.
Use your experience to inform your ideas, not overshadow others. Say, “In the past, I saw X approach work well—could that be helpful here?” That’s collaborative rather than competitive. It shows you’re integrating old knowledge, not clinging to it like a security blanket.