Business English: key points

1 Tenses

• Present simple (habits, facts, timetables) ≠ present continuous (now, arrangements).
• Past simple (finished time: yesterday, ago) ≠ present perfect (yet, already, since, for) ; past perfect = before another past action.
• Future: will (decision, promise), going to (plan), present continuous (arrangement).

• Reported speech: one tense back (is → was, will → would) ; today → that day.

2 Modals and small words

• Uncountable: information, advice, equipment, furniture, news, money (much / a piece of) ; look forward to + -ing.

3 Meeting people and telephoning

• How do you do? (formal) / Nice to meet you ; I'm a / an + job ; I work for + company ; I'm in + department.
• Could I speak to…? / Hold on, please / I'm afraid she's out. Can I take a message? / Could you spell that?
• Numbers in groups of three ; read back important information.

4 Business letters and e-mails

• Reference (With reference to…) → reason (I am writing to…) → request (I would be grateful if you could…) → closing (I look forward to hearing from you).
• Enquiry, offer, order, complaint, apology, payment reminder ; « Please find attached ».

5 Socializing, arrangements, meetings

• Would you like…? — Yes, please / I'd love to, but… ; Can you make Thursday? — That suits me / I'm afraid I can't make it.
• I think… / I agree / I'm not sure about that ; Why don't we…? ; Sorry to interrupt, but… ; Could you explain what you mean?
• Closing: summarize → actions → next meeting → thanks → close.

6 Trends and travel

• rise / increase / go up ↔ fall / decrease / drop ; dramatic(ally), sharp(ly), steady (steadily), slight(ly) ; rise by 8 %, from 10 to 12.
• book, check in, board, gate, luggage, stopover, cancel, hire a car.