Essential English Grammar and Business Communication Skills

English Verb Patterns: Gerunds and Infinitives

Verbs Followed by the Gerund (VERB + -ING)

These verbs are followed by the gerund form of another verb:

• admit, adore, allow, avoid, can't stand, carry on, consider, deny, delay, mind, enjoy, fancy, finish, give up, imagine, involve, keep, postpone, practice, put off, recommend, risk, suggest.

Verbs Followed by the To-Infinitive (TO + INF)

These verbs are followed by the full infinitive (to + verb):

• afford, agree, allow, appear, arrange, ask, attempt, choose, dare, decide, expect, fail, forget, help, hope, learn, manage, offer, plan, pretend, promise, refuse, seem, tend, threaten, want, would like.

Verbs Followed by Object + To-Infinitive

These verbs require an object before the full infinitive:

• advise, allow, ask, beg, encourage, expect, force, invite, order, permit, persuade, recommend, remind, teach, tell, want, warn, would like.

Verbs Followed by the Bare Infinitive (INFINITIVE without TO)

These verbs are followed by the bare infinitive:

• help, let, make.

Ambiguous Verbs (Gerund or To-Infinitive)

These verbs can be followed by either the gerund or the to-infinitive with little or no change in meaning:

• begin, continue, intend, start.

Business English Vocabulary and Idioms

Key Terms and Phrases

• There’s no time for small talk; we have important business.
• Let’s toast for the success of our company! Cheers!
• The candidate was happy and surprised she was **shortlisted**.
• In our company, we try to create a **non-judgmental** environment.
• The new employee was under a **probationary period**.

Vocabulary Equivalents

• **Vacancy** (POST)
• **Cope with** (DEAL WITH)
• **Curriculum Vitae** (RÉSUMÉ)
• **Covering letter** (COVER LETTER)
• **Assess** (EVALUATE)

Idioms in Context

• At the party, I didn’t know how to **break the ice** with people.
• He **got into hot water** over his comments.
• I was worried that they **got on like a house on fire**.
• I am **like a fish out of water** at my new job; I don’t know what to do.
• The talk was a **real eye-opener**; I learned lots of new things.

The Recruitment Process Steps

1. Advertise a new job position and shortlist the candidates.
2. Assemble an interview panel and call the candidates for an interview.
3. Check the references once the panel is satisfied.
4. Make a job offer.
5. Conduct induction sessions and provide training.

Conversational Etiquette and Responses

Reviewing appropriate (R) and inappropriate (W) responses:

1. Sorry! I am glad to hear that you are having a baby. (W)
2. ‘I’m sorry, I haven’t seen you. Don’t worry, after you.’ (R)
3. I’m scared that I can’t accept this job; thank you. (W)
4. ‘Dinner was 40€ - here is my 20€’. ‘No, it's on me.’ (R)
5. Please, do you know what time it is? (W)
6. Welcome to my house! Come, make yourself at home. (R)
7. Please help yourself to some more cake. (R)
8. I don't mind telling people about my allergies. (R)
9. I heard you failed your driving test. Bad luck! (R)
10. Cheers? I didn't hear you. Could you please repeat that? (W)