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Author Archives: barnabyharward
Example voicemail messages
Standard messages Hi. You’ve reached [company name]. Please leave your name, number and a brief message after the tone and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible. Hi. You have reached [company name]. I’m sorry that no one … Continue reading
How to talk on the phone
Here are a few examples of phrases commonly used in telephone conversations. Obviously the people’s names and the company name are invented. Introducing yourself If an assistant answers the phone: They say: Good morning, Company X, How can I help you? … Continue reading
Posted in Uncategorized
Tagged British/US English, polite expressions, Useful everyday phrases
2 Comments
How to use “provided that”
The phrase “provided that” has numerous possible meanings, which can result in ambiguity if it is not used properly. First of all, “provided that” can simply be a verb + conjunction combination. This is a common structure in legal … Continue reading
How to use “provide for”
“Provide for” can be a phrasal verb or simply a verb + preposition combination. Here are some examples of “provide for” as a verb + preposition combination: I will provide the wine for the meal. We care about the service … Continue reading
The difference between “arrange” and “arrange for”
We use “arrange for” when we talk about making arrangements, often when we ask someone else to deal with something, e.g.: Please arrange for the issuance of a new invoice. (I don’t expect you to do it yourself – ask … Continue reading
The difference between “principal” and “principle”
These words are pronounced the same way, but their meanings are different. “Principal” can be an adjective and a noun. It is most commonly used as an adjective, meaning “main” or “most important”: Her principal area of responsibility is economic … Continue reading
How to use initials and acronyms
Non-native English speakers often find it difficult to know when to use “a”, “the” or no article with initials and acronyms. The key is to know what the initials mean. If the initials are a proper noun (name), then you … Continue reading
How to be polite in English
Non-native English speakers sometimes sound abrupt and impolite to native English speakers. This is because they often use language that is too direct, and does not have the correct “distance” from the hearer or reader. It is therefore important to use … Continue reading
Posted in Uncategorized
Tagged Conditionals, Modal verbs, Passive voice, polite expressions, Verbs
3 Comments
The differences (and similarities) between “compose” and “comprise”
Non-native speakers of English are not the only ones who regularly confuse these words or use them incorrectly. Unfortunately, native speakers are equally guilty of mistakes. Here’s how to use them correctly: “compose” – to make up, i.e. the parts … Continue reading
The difference between “consist of” and “consist in”
Until relatively recently I was not aware of the difference between “consist of” and “consist in”. This is probably because among native English speakers “consist in” is very infrequently used in comparison to “consist of”, which is relatively common. In … Continue reading
Common Mistakes in Business English 