ESL BUSINESS ENGLISH

Using Tense Appropriately

Usesimple past tenseto describe something that wholly occurred at a specific time in the past:

I graduated from NYU in 1998.

NOT: I have graduated since 1998.(That's when the ceremony occurred.)

(Incorrect!)

I finished the Hollins project last week.

I have finished the Hollins project last week.(Specific time)

(Incorrect!)

Usepresent perfect tenseto describe something that has been in effect from a certain point in the past until now. Be careful! Some verbs are used for specific actions; others are used for conditions that cover lengths of time.

ImetMr. Flinders last year at a Convention in Little Rock.

I have met him since last year.

Ihave knownhim since last year.(Specific time)

(Incorrect!)

(Correct!)

Usesimple present tenseto describe facts.

I work for IBS Corporation.

He's a sanitation engineer.

I am responsible for orienting new employees.

She answers company correspondence.

Usepresent progressive tenseto describe ongoing projects.

I am developing new software.

She is teaching the hearing-impaired.

We are building a new mall in East Heights.

Welcoming Visitors

WelcomingWelcome to Cando Enterprises.

Welcome to London. I'm John Taylor.

Meeting someone you don't know1.A: Patricia Murphy?

B: Yes.

A: Hi, I'm Kevin Chen of Myotex Industries.Welcome to Taiwan.

2.A: Are you Mr. Blanks?

B: Yes, I am.

A: I'm Jane Placid. (We talked by telephone.)Welcome to Sydney.It's nice to meet you in person.

B: Nice meeting you too.

A: How was your flight?

B: Okay, but very long.

3.A: You must be Ms. Terius.

B: That's right.

A: It's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Brad Wilson.Welcome to Suntech.

B: Thank you

A: Did you have any problem finding this place?

B: No, your directions were very clear.

Apologizing

I'm sorry.

I made a mistake.

Please accept my apologies.

I'm sorry. I didn't mean to . . .

(I'm) sorry. I didn't realize that . . . .

That's okay.

No problem.

Prefacing bad newsI'm sorry (I have) to tell you this, but . . .

I hate to tell you this, but . . .

I don't know how to tell you this, but . . .

I have some bad news.

(Formal) written apologiesWe regret to inform you that . . .

Regretfully, . . .

Unfortunately, . . .

Asking For Help

Could you . . . . (for me) ?

Would you please . . . ?

Would you mind V+ing . . . .?

Could you possibly . . . ?

Okay, no problem.

Sure, I'd be glad to.

Sorry, I'm (kind of) busy now.

I'm sorry. I don't have time right now.

Do you have a minute?

Can you spare a few minutes?

Could you do me a favor?

Could I ask you a favor?

Can I ask you to . . . ?

I need some help (if you have time).

(If you're not busy) I could use your help.

Business Introductions

Informal

This is my boss, Mr. Stratford.

Jared, this is my secretary, Barbara.

Good to meet you.

Nice to meet you too.

I'd like you to meet my co-worker, Collin Beck.

Collin, this is Susan Palmer.

Nice to meet you.

My pleasure.

Have you met, Jason?

Jason, this is Teresa.

Hi, I'm Jill Watson.

I don't believe we've met. I'm Greg.

Formal

I'd like to introduce you to my dear friend, Mrs. Pleasant.

Allow me to introduce myself/my colleague, Ms. Winters

Let me introduce you to my colleague, Dean Richards.

Mr. Richards, this is David Porter from Aerospace Inc.

How do you do?

How do you do?

It's a pleasure meeting you.

Important body language to remember:Smile, eye contact, firm handshake.

Company Description

What company do you work for?

Which company are you with?

Who do you represent?

I work for ABC Company.

I'm with ABC.

I represent (the) XYZ (company).

What is the name of your company?

Where are you located?

The name of our company is . . . .

Our company is located in . . . .

Our headquarters is in . . .

What (type of business) do you do?

What business are you in?

We are in the computer business.

We're in computers

We sell . . .

We produce . . .

We manufacture . . .

Our major products are . . .

Describing Business Activities

What do you do at ABC Company?I am in charge of marketing.

I'm responsible for sales.

I program computers.

I recruit and train employees.

What does your company do?We design software.

We build storage units.

We produce small appliances.

We're in the insurance business.

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