BUSINESS EXPRESSIONS

Apologizing
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 news

I'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 apologies

We 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?

What does your company do?

Describing Jobs

What do you do?
What do you do for a living?
What is your occupation?
What type of work do you do?
Where do you work?

What do you do there?
What do you do at Bellwest?

Date: 2016-01-05; view: 997