Business Idioms
What does “think outside the box” mean?
To think creatively or in a new way.
Client vs. Customer
Client = professional or long-term service (a lawyer’s client)
Customer = person buying a product (a supermarket customer)
“Let’s ___ the meeting.” (delay)
put off
Spot the mistake: “He don’t agree with the plan.”
don’t → doesn’t
More polite way to say “I want the report tomorrow.”
Could you please send me the report by tomorrow?
“We need to get the ball rolling.”
To start a project or process.
Job vs. Work
Job = a position or occupation (I have a new job.)
Work = tasks or effort (I have a lot of work to do.)
“I need to ___ with the client.” (check status)
follow up
Choose correct: “I look forward to hear / hearing from you.”
hearing
Which phrase sounds better in a formal email?
a) “Sorry, I’m busy.”
b) “I’m afraid I won’t be available at that time.”
“I’m afraid I won’t be available at that time.”
Explain “a win-win situation.”
A situation where all parties benefit.
Make vs. Do
Make = create or produce something (make a decision, make a product)
Do = perform a task (do business, do research)
“Please ___ this form before the interview.” (complete)
fill out
Correct this: “She has went to lunch.”
has gone
Complete: “I’m writing to ___ about…”
inquire / follow up / confirm / ask
Selling like hotcakes.
Sell very quickly and easily
Agenda vs. Schedule
Agenda = list of topics for a meeting
Let’s review the meeting agenda.
Schedule = a timetable of events/tasks
I’ll check my schedule and get back to you.
“In the meeting, she ___ as very confident and prepared.” (appear/seem)
came across
Fill in: If I ___ more time, I’d help you.
had
Rewrite: “Can you do it fast?” (more professional)
Would you be able to complete this as soon as possible?
What does “I had to rewrite the report from scratch” mean?
From the beginning, without using anything that already exists or is prepared.
Economic vs. Economical
Economic = related to the economy (economic growth)
Economical = saves money or resources (an economical solution)
“Can you help me ___ a way to reduce production costs?” (find/figure out)
work out
Spot and fix: “We discussed about the contract yesterday.”
discussed → remove “about”
What does FYI mean in an email?
For your information