English Grammar and Vocabulary Exercises for Business Communication

A. Choose and Circle the Correct Alternative

1. He says the booking was confirmed ____a____.
   1. yesterday
   2. tomorrow
   3. the following day
2. It's best __a_____ late.
   1. not to arrive
   2. to not arrive
   3. don't arrive
3. The Finance Director ___a____ that I should chair the meeting.
   1. suggested
   2. told
   3. wanted
4. I'd go to the meeting if I __a____ you.
   1. were
   2. would be
   3. am
5. Who is going to take __a_____? Could you do it, Ursula?
   1. the minutes
   2. the agenda
   3. the diary
6. Would you mind ___b___ that again?
   1. explain
   2. to explain
   3. explaining
7. ___b___ we started a little late, I suggest we cut the coffee break.
   1. Since
   2. As
   3. So
8. ___c___, I must apologize for being late.
   1. Firstly
   2. Let me start
   3. First of all
9. That ____c__ to my next point.
   1. brings
   2. takes
   3. brings me
10. Is there __c____ you need?
    1. any
    2. else
    3. anything else

B. Look at Questions 1-2.

In each question, which sentence is correct?

For each question, mark the correct letter A, B, or C.

1. Office Staff Required

   Experience Essential

   Full Training Given (Leading to Recognised Qualifications)

   Applicants must have

   1. relevant qualifications.
   2. previous experience.
   3. recognised training.

2. THE AIRPORT EXPRESS DEPARTS FROM PLATFORM 3 EVERY 20 MINUTES

   DURING THE DAY (EVERY 30 MINUTES AT NIGHT)

   1. The train service to the airport runs 24 hours a day.
   2. Airport trains leave Platform 3 at 20 minutes past the hour.
   3. The airport express takes half an hour at night.

3. Could all speakers please produce summaries of the sessions they gave?

   The speakers should write

   1. full details of what is in their session.
   2. A brief report about their session.
   3. A proposal for their session.

C. Complete the Following Discussion Using Phrases from the List. Use Each Phrase Only Once.

1. can we hear what she has to say?
2. that's a good point
3. what do you think?
4. I'm not sure what you're saying
5. I think
6. we're running short of time
7. we're getting off the point
8. hasn't finished
9. we'll have to leave it to another time
10. in my view

Paul: Well, __6__ so I'd just like to hear your views on the cover photo for our new brochure. Alex, __3__.

Alex: __10__ it's great. It's just the right image for us - modern, serious, hi-tech.

Simone: Oh, come on, Alex. It's virtually the same as last year.

__5__ we need something more colorful and abstract...

Paul: Just a moment, Simone. Alex __1__. __8__.

Alex: Well, I was just going to say that the photo should say clearly what it is we do.

Simone: Yes, I agree, __2__, but it has to be attractive, exciting - it has to make people want to know about us. Think of some other companies' brochures - Microdata, for example. It's full of brilliant graphics, the text is really clear and simple, there are some stunning photos inside...

Alex: I'm sorry, Simone, but __4__.

Paul: I think __7__. It's the cover photo we need to make a decision about. Anyway, it's almost six o'clock, so __9__.

D. You had arranged to meet Christine Hendrikson on Friday, August 10, but had to cancel the meeting at short notice. Write a fax to her:

• apologizing for canceling the meeting
• giving a reason for the cancellation
• offering a new date and time
• asking her to confirm the new date and time

Dear Christine Hendrikson,

I am writing to apologize for having to cancel our meeting on Friday, August 10. Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, I am unable to make it at that time.

I would like to reschedule our meeting at your earliest convenience. Would [insert new date and time] work for you? Please let me know if this time works for you, or if you would prefer a different time.

Thank you for your understanding. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

E. Farewell Speech

You want to say goodbye to all your colleagues as you are going to move to the USA.

Dear colleagues,

As many of you know, I will be moving to the USA soon. I wanted to take this opportunity to say goodbye to you all and to thank you for everything.

It has been a pleasure working with all of you. I have learned so much and made some great friends along the way. I will miss you all dearly.

I will try to stay in touch and visit as often as I can. In the meantime, please don't hesitate to reach out if you'd like to connect.

All the best,

Franca Grau