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In the previous article, we introduced 10 workplace business English idioms featuring verbs. In this article, we’ll explore workplace idioms featuring nouns and adverbs to further strengthen your English communication skills in the office.
In the previous article, we introduced 10 workplace business English expressions that use verbs.
➡️【Business English Communication】20 Business English Phrases for the Workplace: Communicate with Confidence in the Office (Part 1)
In this article, we’ll introduce useful workplace English expressions that use nouns and adverbs, helping you develop more comprehensive English communication skills for the workplace.
1: customer base | Customer base
A: Peter, before we begin the campaign for expanding our customer base, we should set up a consumer hotline. Could you arrange that?
Peter, before we launch the campaign to expand our customer base, we should set up a customer service hotline. Could you arrange that?
B: Absolutely. We’ll ask the marketing team to arrange that before the campaign launch.
Absolutely. We’ll ask the marketing team to have the customer service hotline ready before the campaign launch.
2: down the road | In the future; Later on
A: I think we should consider updating the design of our website.
I think we should consider redesigning our website.
B: Good idea. We’re working on a lot of urgent projects at the moment, so let’s consider this down the road.
Good idea. We’re working on a lot of urgent projects at the moment, so let’s discuss this down the road.
3: due diligence | Careful investigation; Thorough review
Due diligence combines the words “due” and “diligence.” Here, “due” means “proper” or “appropriate,” while “diligence” refers to careful and thorough effort. Together, the term describes the careful investigation and review carried out to protect assets, minimize risks, or ensure the success of a business transaction.
A: Before we enter the South Korean market, we will need to prepare well.
Before we enter the South Korean market, we need to make thorough preparations.
B: Yes. The legal affairs department will also need to do due diligence to make sure we don’t break any laws in Korea.
Exactly. The legal department will also need to conduct due diligence to make sure we comply with all applicable laws in South Korea.
4: an ad hoc meeting | An impromptu meeting; A meeting arranged for a specific purpose
Ad hoc is a Latin phrase meaning “for this purpose.” It is commonly used to describe something that is specially arranged, improvised, or created for a particular situation. Two common uses are:
■ an ad hoc + (n.): a temporary or specially arranged (something)
■ on an ad hoc basis: as needed; depending on the situation
A: We need to discuss this issue with our manager before the next weekly meeting. What do you suggest?
We need to discuss this issue with our manager before next week’s meeting. What do you suggest?
B: How about we arrange an ad hoc meeting for tomorrow? That would give us more time to prepare.
How about we arrange an ad hoc meeting for tomorrow? That would give us more time to prepare.
5: a brainstorming meeting | A brainstorming meeting
A: Our present approach in this market doesn’t appear to be very effective.
Our current approach in this market doesn’t seem to be very effective.
B: Well, we could arrange a brainstorming meeting to generate fresh ideas. What do you think?
Well, we could arrange a brainstorming meeting to come up with some fresh ideas. What do you think?
6: sales figures | Sales figures; Sales data
A: In tomorrow’s meeting, I hope you can update everyone on the monthly turnover for last month.
In tomorrow’s meeting, I hope you can update everyone on last month’s sales figures.
B: Sure. I will explain the sales figures in detail.
Sure. I’ll go over the sales figures in detail.
7: cost analysis | Cost analysis
A: Have you heard back from the marketing manager on when exactly the new sales campaign will start?
Have you heard back from the marketing manager about exactly when the new sales campaign will start?
B: Not yet. She says she is still waiting for the finance and accounting department to conclude the cost analysis. She expects to hear from them later in the week.
Not yet. She says she is still waiting for the finance and accounting department to complete the cost analysis. She expects to hear back from them later this week.
8: a learning curve | The process of becoming proficient
We often use be on a steep learning curve to describe a situation in which someone is learning and improving rapidly.
A: The new sales people are fast learners.
The new salespeople are learning very quickly.
B: That is true, but let’s remember there is still a learning curve to get used to our sales process, so the sales manager will need to make sure their training is very thorough.
That’s true, but let’s remember that there is still a learning curve when it comes to getting used to our sales process, so the sales manager will need to make sure their training is thorough.
9: SOP (standard operating procedure) | Standard operating procedure
A: Jim, what exactly is the standard operating procedure for applying for access to the server?
Jim, what exactly is the standard operating procedure for requesting access to the server?
B: Well, it’s quite simple. Just send an email to IT@bigcompany.com, place ‘Request for Access to Server’ as the subject line, followed by a brief explanation.
It’s quite simple. Just send an email to IT@bigcompany.com with “Request for Access to Server” as the subject line, followed by a brief explanation.
