Tenses
Is the sentence correct? Why/why not?
We're only letting the world know that there's a better alternative available on the market.
correct
We use Present Continuous to talk about the events around the moment of speech. Let isn't a state verb.
Why is Passive voice used in emails?
for distancing yourself, avoiding finger-pointing
Which option is correct?
a. Why don't we talk food first?
b. Why not talk food first?
both ;)
What are three rules of a small talk?
1. establish an eye-contact, use strong tonality
2. make an observation + open-ended questions
3. grab and run
Which tense should be used here? Why?
How long _____ (you/work) on this project?
Present Perfect Continuous
How long have you been working on this project?
(to talk about an action that started in the past and lasted up to now)
What's wrong with these phrases?
I can't help you with this feature.
The report isn't ready for distribution.
That's not my duty. You need to go to the support.
Unfortunately, / I'm afraid/ I regret to inform you I won't be able to help you with implementing this feature.
Because of/ Due to (a technical glitch in the computer system), one of the reports is not ready for distribution.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact our support department.
Are the sentences correct? Why/why not?
1. We'd better not to go out.
2. I suggest we booking a table.
3. How about we head over to the cafeteria?
1. We'd better not go out.
2. I suggest we book a table.
3. correct
Tell 3 phrases to exit a conversation.
1. Unfortunately, I need to run now.
2. Thanks so much for your time. It was lovely talking to you.
3. Excuse me, I see an old friend and I need to say hello.
4. There is someone I need to go talk to before they leave.
5. It's been great talking to you.
6. Hope we cross paths again sometime.
7. Let me introduce you to someone.
What is the difference between these sentences?
1. I'm having a guided tour tonight.
2. I'm going to have a guided tour.
3. Then I'll have a guided tour.
1. a personal arrangement
2. a plan, not necessarily arranged
3. a spontaneous decision/reaction to sb's words or actions
Connect these sentences in 3 different ways (not using 'because')
We asked the team lead to explain the procedure. We didn't understand the procedure.
1. We asked the team lead to explain the procedure since we didn't understand it.
2. We asked the team lead to explain due to the fact we didn't understand it. (due to the misunderstanding we faced)
3. We didn't understand the procedure; therefore, we asked the team lead to explain it.
4. We didn't understand the procedure; consequently, we asked the team lead to explain.
Transform the sentences into a passive voice:
We are performing the test.
We may find another solution.
The test is being performed.
Another solution may be found.
Tell 3 phrases to disagree politely
1. I take a different view.
2. That's not a bad idea but...
3. I feel otherwise.
4. You have a point but...
Are the sentences correct? Why/why not?
We were in need of one more developer because one of them left the project. We also worked in a hurry at that time.
We were in need of one more developer because one of them had left the project. We were also working in a hurry at that time.
Past Perfect is needed to show that the action happened before not after the key point, Past Continuous is needed to show that the action was at the same time not after the key point.
What's the alternative to this phrase?
That's a bad idea. It wouldn't work.
We could work out a more productive idea.
I'm a bit concerned about this idea. Wouldn't ___ be a better solution here?
Is this question polite if you are talking to a job candidate? Why/why not?
Have you ever managed to resolve a conflict at work?
Would you mind telling me if you have ever managed to resolve a conflict at work?
Give 3 synonyms to the phrase "I agree".
1. That makes sense.
2. That's a thought.
3. That'be a good solution.
Which tenses should be used here and why?
If he _____ (allocate) his time wisely, he _____ (fall) behind the schedule.
If he had allocated his time wisely, he wouldn't have fallen behind the schedule.
(imaginary past, regrets about past)
What kind of effect might Past Continuous have on a target reader?
Sometimes we use a past verb form when we refer to present time, in order to be more polite or less direct. We often do this with verbs such as hope, think, want and wonder. The verb may be in the past simple, or, for extra politeness, in the Past Continuous.
Which of these verbs are used with gerund?
advise
aim
persuade
suggest
can't stand
fail
Gerund: advise, can't stand
Infinitive: aim, persuade, fail
Both: suggest (if suggest is followed by a subject - I suggest we meet for a drink)
Which phrases can be used to ask about updates?
1. Could you fill us in on...?
2. Could you bring us up to date?