English for Business Blog
Use won’t, can’t or never for what’s impossible
When we need to explain there are zero possibilities, we can apply the auxiliaries won’t or can’t—or the adverb never. We won’t allow it. That can’t be done. She never agrees to my proposals. Have a look at Andrew’s book on how to improve your business...
Better Listening: Avoid Background Noise
If you have listening comprehension problems try to meet foreign people in quiet places. Many tapas bar are picturesque and foreigners love them, but understanding is a nightmare. Avoid street-level terrazas, crowded restaurants, noisy pubs and music bars. The secret?...
Use Could for What Is Possible
Do you need to explain that there’s about half the chance of something happening? Use the auxiliary could or the adverbs perhaps, possibly, and maybe. He could arrive in the next few minutes. Maybe she’ll lend you the money. The story behind this tip It was 1991. I...
Help Others Understand You
Don’t use slang, abbreviations or ironical phrases · Irony doesn’t travel well from language to language and brings confusion, so avoid it. · Foreigners will not recognize slang or informal expressions; it’s better to use formal English....
Profit from In-Company Classes
English for Business offer in-house language lessons for our students. How to profit from them? Stop work ten minutes before and go for a walk to let your mind drift from working to learning mode. Turn your phone off and don’t let anyone interrupt your class. Don’t...
Bring Images to Meetings
The old adage is true: pictures are often worth one thousand words. If your English is not so good, bring samples, pictures, graphs or charts to meetings. They will help people understand you. If listeners cannot follow your words, at least they will remember your...