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Tag Archives: Useful everyday phrases
The difference between “in possession of” and “in the possession of”
Somebody is in possession of something. Something is in the possession of somebody. So for example: The passenger was in possession of a very large dog. A very large dog was in the possession of the passenger. Mistakes can sound … Continue reading
How to write dates
There is a difference between how dates are written in British and American English. In British English dates are usually written in the day-month-year format, for example: 6 October 2017 In American English dates are usually written in the month-day-year … Continue reading
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Tagged abbreviations, British/US English, Numbers, Useful everyday phrases
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How to use the word “holiday”
WRONG I am currently on holidays. He is on his holidays now and will be returning to the office next week. RIGHT I am currently on holiday. He is on holiday now and will be returning to the office next … Continue reading
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Tagged Adjectives, British/US English, Nouns, Useful everyday phrases, Verbs
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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
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Tagged British/US English, polite expressions, Useful everyday phrases
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The difference between “in case” and “in the case”
“In the case” means “if”. For example: In the case the Lessee fails to undertake reparations within this period, the Lessor may terminate the Lease. = If the Lessee fails to undertake reparations… You may also use this phrase with … Continue reading
How to end emails
Here are the basic rules for starting and ending correspondence: START END Formal Dear Sir, Dear Madam, Dear Sir or Madam, Formal Yours faithfully, (UK) Sincerely (yours), (US) Yours truly, (US) Formal / Standard Dear Mr Smith, (UK) Dear Ms … Continue reading
How to start emails
If you don’t know the name of the person you are writing to, start business emails with either of the following: Dear Sir, Dear Madam, Dear Madame, is wrong. If you don’t know whether you’re writing to a man or … Continue reading
How to translate “dziś rano”
“Dziś rano” CANNOT be translated as today morning. Similarly, today afternoon and today evening are WRONG. Say this morning / this afternoon / this evening. But remember that yesterday morning / afternoon / evening and tomorrow morning / afternoon / evening are correct.
Attached or enclosed?
WRONG Please find the template agreement enclosed to this email. RIGHT Please find the template agreement attached to this email. Emails have attachments – an attachment is attached to an email. Letters, or anything else sent by post or courier, … Continue reading
Common Mistakes in Business English 