#61 Follow-Up After a Business Deal｜English Business Phrases
Izumi English Morning
#92 Reviewing a Project Budget｜English Business Phrases
Izumi
In project management, reviewing the budget on a regular basis is one of the most important responsibilities.
When discussing budgets in English, it is essential to maintain a calm and objective tone based on facts and numerical data.
In this article, I explain useful English expressions for discussing a project budget with colleagues or supervisors, along with practical conversation examples.
Contents
Dialogue
Do you have a moment? I’d like to check the budget for the current project.
Sure. Is there any concern about the costs?
Yes, we’ve spent more than expected on external services this month.
How much are we over budget at this point?
We’re about 10% over, but the overall budget is still manageable.
Okay. Do you think we need to adjust the budget or cut costs elsewhere?
I think we can reduce some internal expenses and stay within the original budget.
1. Bringing Up the Topic of the Budget
Budget-related discussions can be sensitive, so it is important to start with neutral and calm expressions.
Example
- Do you have a moment? I’d like to check the budget for the current project.
The phrase “check the budget” means “to review the current budget situation” and is suitable for routine checks or status updates.
By starting with “Do you have a moment?”, you show consideration for the other person’s availability, making the request more polite and professional.
Related Expression
- When you have time, I’d like to review the budget.
2. Explaining the Current Situation
When explaining the budget status, it is important to describe the situation by comparing it with the original expectations.
Example
- We’ve spent more than expected on external services this month.
The word “expected” refers to the amount that was anticipated in advance and is commonly used in budget management, progress reports, and sales discussions.
If you want to say that the situation is still within expectations, you can use the following expressions:
Examples
- We’re within the expected range.
- The costs are in line with our expectations.
The phrase “in line with” means “in agreement with” and gives a formal impression, making it suitable for business communication.
3. Describing a Budget Overrun Clearly
To describe a situation where spending exceeds the budget, the expression “over budget” is commonly used.
Example
- We’re about 10% over budget.
Including specific numbers or percentages helps convey the situation objectively and prevents misunderstandings.
If you want to emphasize that the situation is not yet critical, you can add a clarifying statement:
Example
- The overall budget is still manageable.
Here, “manageable” means that the situation is still controllable and not serious at this stage.
4. Discussing Next Steps
When reviewing a budget, it is important not only to understand the current situation but also to discuss possible next actions.
Example
- Do you think we need to adjust the budget or cut costs elsewhere?
The phrase “adjust the budget” means to revise the budget, while “cut costs elsewhere” means to reduce expenses in other areas.
When sharing your own opinion, the following expression is useful:
Example
- I think we can reduce some internal expenses and stay within the original budget.
“I think we can ～” allows you to make a suggestion without sounding too assertive, which is appropriate in professional discussions.
Summary
Key English Phrases
- I’d like to check the budget for ～
→ A polite way to introduce the topic of the budget. - more than expected / within expectations
→ Useful expressions for comparing actual spending with initial estimates. - over budget / manageable
→ Ways to describe a budget overrun and its level of seriousness. - adjust the budget / cut costs
→ Common phrases for discussing possible actions and next steps.
