Business English | Reporting Verbs

Three years ago, we covered the basics of reported speech, but asked, told, and said aren't the only reporting verbs in English. A shout out to my former student Jasmine D-M who inspired this post🍻.

Phrasal Verbs: Make

I haven't added to this blog in a long time. I'm going to make up for that now😁 with a post on phrasal verbs with make.

Idioms & Phrasal Verbs - What's The Difference?

We're back with more phrasal verbs, but, this time, we're adding idioms to the mix😆!

A Brief Look At Idioms

Idioms are tough because they are from English pop culture, history, and folklore. It's hard to really get their meaning by just looking at them. The best way to get the meaning is to look at the situations they are used in, and the "image" they put in your mind.

Grammatical Correctness VS Conversational English

First, let's me just say: having good grammar is important, but, in the goal in learning and using any language is communication. So, today, we're going to look at examples of where conversational English isn't always grammatically correct but is still okay.

The Sound of English

 Ever have to be part of a conversation in your second language?

The video below is more for new ESL instructors and native-English speakers. The next time you're trying to communicate with a non-native speaker of English, remember what you learn from the video below.

Business English: Explaining Your Business Culture

Are you going to do business overseas? International business is challenging because you have to know the culture of the country (and company) you are going to visit. You should also be familiar with the culture and customs of any overseas visitors to your office.

In today's post, we're going to look at language to explain rules, customs, and guidelines to people from other countries using modal verbs of obligation 

 must, mustn't (must not)

can't (cannot)

 have/has to
need to

ought to/ought not to

should/shouldn't (should not)

can

don't/doesn't have to (do not/does not)

                                 don't/doesn't need to (do not/does not)


 Let's look at an example of how to use these words.

Business English: Fast Talkers On The Phone

Using the phone in a second language is very difficult, especially at work. Today, we'll look at how to handle fast talkers on the phone.

Fast Talkers

First, politely ask the caller to slow down.  Use indirect questions to help you with the problem (see post).

Situation 1: The Caller is talking too fast.


Excuse me. _______________________

a) Slow down. You're talking too fast.

b) Speak slowly!

c) Speak slowly, please.

d) Could you speak more slowly, please?

Think about the answer then click "read more" to learn the answer.