6. Acknowledgements
Thank you Anu — my companion throughout, for occasionally sitting
through my writing with your sweet smile and cups of milk and tea.
Thank you my sweet daughters Shy and Neha who laughed and
continued to entertain me through my writing with their sweet, naughty
and often miraculously thought-provoking questions.
Thank you all my friends from different professions, either in
academics or in the corporate world. Your observation propelled new
thoughts in me. Often your tips and pragmatic attitude towards managing
things impressed me, and I felt greatly aided in writing a book of this kind.
Thank you Shri Mahendra Jain for being encouraging all through, and
taking an active interest in getting across to readers a unique and friendly
book like this.
7. Introduction
The language of the corporate world is different from what we speak in our day-
to-day l ife. Sometimes a few words communicate the message quite effectively.
Communication is also possible through body language.
But when a good gesture is blended with relevant words,
communication is impressive.
What matters in the corporate world is the flow and
continuity in what you say. The sentences given in the
book set your mood for the spontaneous flow of English
language in different situations. An idea can be expressed
in different ways. The need is to have the knowledge of
various sentence structures. Read every sentence a
number of times until you feel comfortable and confident
enough while speaking it naturally. Also, see for yourself whether you can use the
same expression for other situations. Read aloud the sentences given in the book.
The vibration of sound has a deep impact on your mind and you begin to pick up the
colour of the language in its natural spirit.
Have a dynamically positive mindset while reading the book and practising the
different sentence structures. Keep thinking of the challenging opportunities coming
your way. Brainstorm ideas. Act upon what you feel you need to do. Stay upbeat and
ambitious, and put your energy wholeheartedly in what you plan to do. Feel
energetic and happy about your career. That will take the tension off your head and
you will move with added enthusiasm and vigour.
With best wishes.
—Sunil Ranjan
8. Contents
Corporate English
1. Corporate Culture…………………………………………………………………… 3–5
2. Specific Occasions…………………………………………………………………… 6–9
3. Situational Expressions…………………………………………………………… 10–12
4. Corporate Language………………………………………………………………… 13–21
5. Language : Flow and Continuity…………………………………………………. 22–29
6. Multiple Expressions………………………………………………………………. 30–37
7. Phrasal Verbs………………………………………………………………………… 38–43
8. Idiomatic Temper……………………………………………………………………. 44–50
9. Discourse Markers…………………………………………………………………… 51–62
10. Over the Telephone…………………………………………………………………. 63–66
11. Contextual English…………………………………………………………………. 67–96
— Office Work……………………………………………………………………… 67
— Business Operations…………………………………………………………. 69
— Investment……………………………………………………………………… 71
— Sales……………………………………………………………………………… 73
— Marketing………………………………………………………………………… 75
— Salary……………………………………………………………………………… 77
— Committee………………………………………………………………………. 80
— Money……………………………………………………………………………. 82
— Job………………………………………………………………………………… 85
— Problems………………………………………………………………………… 87
— Mail, Phone, Cell phone, E-mail and Fax………………………………… 91
Personality Dynamics
1. Personality Dynamics……………………………………………………………… 99–105
2. The Philosophy of Work…………………………………………………………… 106–107
3. Accept Challenges…………………………………………………………………… 108–112
4. Time Management………………………………………………………………… 113–117
5. Conversational Skills………………………………………………………………. 118–120
6. Public Speaking……………………………………………………………………… 121–124
7. Dress Sense & Grooming………………………………………………………….. 125–127
8. Corporate Etiquette………………………………………………………………….128–131
9. Dare to take Risk……………………………………………………………………. 132–132
10. Continental Dining Manners………………………………………………………133–135
11. Tips to Stay Ahead………………………………………………………………….. 136–136
10. Corporate English | 3
Corporate
Culture
Corporate culture refers to the is highly charged with speed, quality
personality of a company. It is a and accuracy. The system is work
system of shared values and beliefs and result oriented. The cut-throat
that interact with a company’s peo- competition in corporate sector
ple, organizational structures and prompts companies to manage their
control system to produce behavi- manpower effectively to achieve the
oural norms. Professionalism is its maximum in the minimum possible
hallmark, and time, its compulsion. time.
With an eye on quality control and Communication plays a vital role
achieving the target within a planned in the functioning of an organization.
timeframe the mechanism is geared The better the communication, the
to produce results. Every company brighter the future prospects. The
develops its own style of setting pri- language used in the corporate
orities and functioning. The working sector has its own distinct colour
environment in the corporate world that sets it apart from the language
11. 4 | Corporate English
spoken in day-to-day life. Words objective. A sound knowledge of
sound a little different and carry a current national and international
different appeal. Mood is set to a affairs makes you feel comfortable
different surrounding. Certain tech- with your colleagues and clients. It
nical words communicate the mess- makes you feel having an edge over
age much faster. Corporate language them. Personal magnetism is neces-
has its own terminology and often a sary for success in corporate world.
few words are enough to communi-
At the top and middle level
cate the message.
English has virtually been accepted
Lifestyle in corporate world has a as the language of business commu-
few common factors such as punctu- nication. In business you have to
ality, proper dress sense, discipline, move with remarkable speed and
work and result orientation, and accuracy. Along with work, your
business etiquette. In some compa- language should be smart and effec-
nies certain codified manners have to tive enough to communicate faster.
be observed. The language of com- When you are moving with your boss
munication is usually a mix of the or your colleagues, your interaction
local language and English. A com- needs to be energetic and full of
pany operating in Chennai has the enthusiasm. When you have to dine
mix of English and Tamil whereas out or arrange a business meeting, it
the one operating in Hyderabad has is your professional etiquette blended
the blend of Telugu and English. with a natural and easy flow of
English has begun to show its impor- words that sets the ambience and
tance, as multinational companies mood. Straight and to-the-point exp-
have begun to set their foot on the ressions appeal and do the job. You
Indian soil. come across vibrant and highly moti-
vated workforce. The current of
In business world, fluency of
technologically driven life flows all
expression is necessary. Professional
around.
expertise needs to be combined with
effective communication. People The company may send you
around begin to judge you from your overseas on important business
way of speaking and the words you assignments. Unless you are dyna-
use. With you tone and accent you mic you will not be able get on well
may impress your way up the career with the task assigned to you. Your
ladder. In corporate world you need vocabulary should be good enough to
to have a dynamic personality to get express your views. You should be
things done and achieve the set infused with a sense of achievement
12. Corporate English | 5
and fluent in talking while dealing let you down. Brush with realities is
with your clients. Business sense necessary to sense the pulse of the
should be your top priority as that is fast changing modern technology
what you are paid for and sent on oriented society.
such an important mission. You have
In corporate life you may have to
to convey maximum in the minimum
receive guests, draft letters, make
possible time. That is the essence of
national and international calls.
management. A winning attitude
Unless you practise handling them,
should guide all your actions.
you will not be able to develop the
professional temper that is essential
Various essentials of language
in business life. Avail of every
such as phrasal verbs, idiomatic
opportunity that comes your way to
expressions add colour to your deal-
deal with different levels of people.
ing and at the same time carry a
Enjoy the variety that business-life
general impression about your com-
offers you.
pany. Your company’s image begins
to show through your behaviour. If You move up the corporate
you execute the task well, better ladders of success if you have
future prospects open to you. You dynamism, enthusiasm and a highly
are given more important assign- positive outlook on life. Examine your
ments in future and doors of prospe- strengths and weaknesses. Take
rity open to you. You carry a hand- steps immediately to over-come your
some pay package and enjoy the shortcomings, and be ever eager to
luxury of life. Stay positive and think learn and grow. Think intelligently
dynamically with an eye on quality in along the line of achievement and
your work. Promotion and prosperity growth. Visualize a bright and pros-
come running to dynamic and talen- perous future, backed by strong
ted people. Develop your professio- determination and willingness; act
nal skill as the competitiveness of whole heartedly to realize your poten-
corporate life many a time tends to tial and get ahead of others.
13. 6 | Corporate English
Specific
Occasions
Introductions Note : ‘How do you do?’ is not a
question, and the normal reply is
Ramesh, do you know Simran? ‘How do you do ?’
Simran, this is my friend Ramesh.
Seema, I don’t think you’ve met Greetings
Farzana.
When you meet people (formal) :
I don’t think you two know each
Good morning !
other, do you ?
Good afternoon !
When people are introduced, they
Good evening !
usually say :
How do you do ? (formal) When you meet people (informal) :
“Hello” or “Hi” (very informal), Hello !
Americans often say “How are you ?” Hi ! (very informal)
14. Corporate English | 7
When you leave people : Formal answers :
Good morning ! Very well, thank you. And you ?
Good afternoon !
Fine, thank you.
Good evening !
Informal answers :
Good night !(formal)
Fine/Great, thanks.
Good bye ! (less formal)
Not too bad.
Bye ! (informal)
Pulling on.
Bye-bye ! (often used to and by
OK.
children)
So - so.
See you ! (informal)
All right.
See you later / tomorrow / next
(It) Could be worse.
week / etc. (informal)
Cheers ! (informal - British only) Special greetings
Take care ! (informal)
Happy birthday !
It was nice to meet you.
Many happy returns !
Note : Goodnight is used only Happy New Year !
when leaving people, not when meet-
Happy Holi !
ing them.
Happy Diwali !
When you ask about Happy Id !
health, etc. Happy/Merry Christmas !
When you meet people you know, Small talk
you often ask politely about their “Nice day, isn’t it ?”
health or their general situation :
“Lovely.”
How are you ?
“Quite a cool evening , isn’t it ?”
How are things ? “Sure.”
How’s things ? (very informal)
How’s it going ? (informal)
Getting people’s
attention
How (are) you doing ? (especially
American) Excuse me !
15. 8 | Corporate English
I beg your pardon ! When you ask people to
Yes please ! repeat
Asking for things Sorry ?
What ? ( informal )
Could you lend me your pen ?
I beg your pardon ?
Would you mind helping me for a
Pardon me ? (USA)
few minutes ?
You had better go now. Journey etc.
You are kindly requested not to Have a good trip !
smoke.
Have a good journey !
Carry this for me, please.
Safe journey home.
Please answer by return post.
Did you have a good journey/trip/
flight ?
Offers and Replies
How was the journey/trip/flight ?
Offers :
If somebody is leaving for
Would you like to have coffee ? an evening out or some kind
of pleasant event, you may
Can/May I get/offer you a lift ?
say :
Replies : Have a good time !
Yes, please. Enjoy yourself !
No thank you. Enjoy !
I’d love to. Good luck !
Have a good time !
That’s very kind/nice of you.
Did you have a good holiday ?
When you apologise
Meals
Excuse me. Could I get past ?
There are no fixed expressions
Oh sorry, did I step on your foot?
for the beginnings and ends of
Excuse me, could you tell me the meals. Some complimentary express-
way to the station ? ions about the food during the meal
I beg your pardon. I didn’t realize are quite common.
this was your seat. This is very nice.
16. Corporate English | 9
That was lovely/delicious; thank Invitations and visits
you very much.
Enjoy your meal. Would you like to.......?
Possible formal replies :
Drinking
Thank you very much.
When people begin drinking alco-
holic drinks socially, they often raise That would be very nice.
their glasses and say something. Sorry.
Cheers ! I’m afraid I’m not free.
Your health !
Here’s to Radheshyam. When you want to thank
Here’s to the new job !
Here’s to the happy couple ! Thank you very much.
Thanks (a lot).
When you send good
Oh , thank you so much !
wishes
That’s very kind/nice of you !
Give my best wishes/regards/
Replies :
greetings/love to Reena.
Remember me to Sanjay. Not at all.
Say hello to Preety for me. (USA) Don’t mention it.
Firoz sends his best wishes/ That’s OK.
regards etc.
You’re welcome.
When you sympathise That’s (quite) all right.
I was very /terribly/extremely My pleasure.
sorry to hear about ...... Note : People do not always reply
Please accept my deepest sym- to thanks, especially thanks for small
pathy. things.
17. 10 | Corporate English
Situational
Expressions
When you meet and Hello ! She is Aparna Gupta. She
introduce is a business executive here.
Hello ! Have you met our new
Hello ! sales representative Mr. Prakash
Hi ! Tripathi ?
Good morning ! (before 12 noon)
When you take leave
Morning ! (casually)
Good afternoon ! (12 noon to 6 See you.
p.m.) See you later.
Good evening ! (after 6 p.m.) See you soon.
Hello ! Pleased to meet you. Good bye.
Hello ! Myself Govind Arya. Take care.
Hello ! I’m Govind Khurana. I am I must go now.
a senior manager here. It was nice meeting you.
18. Corporate English | 11
I’d better be going. I doubt it.
It was nice talking to you. I have my doubts.
I’ve got to go. I’m sorry.
I’m afraid I have to leave.
See you tomorrow/next week, When you apologize
etc. (saying sorry)
When you have to say In formal situations (especially in
‘yes’ writing), we often use apologize and
apology.
Definitely.
I must apologize for coming late.
Of course.
She apologized to the members
That’s right.
for the delay.
Yeah.
Why don’t you apologize to him ?
I think so.
Please accept my apologies for
Probably.
not keeping the appointment.
Oh yes.
I’m sorry. It was my fault.
Sure sure.
I beg your pardon.
I guess so.
I’m very/terribly/awfully sorry.
I think so.
Oh, I’m so sorry !
When you have to say I’m sorry. It was all my doing.
‘no’ I’m really sorry to keep you
waiting so long.
Definitely not.
Of course not.
When you make excuses
Not at all.
and promises
No way.
Sorry for disturbing you but I
Not possible.
can’t help.
Not really.
I’m sorry I’m late, but I was held
I’m afraid not. up/delayed in the heavy traffic.
I don’t think so. I’m sorry about the mess in here.
Probably not. Don’t worry. I’ll clear it up.
19. 12 | Corporate English
I’m so sorry about the confusion! No problem.
But I'll sort it out. Don’t worry.
I’m sorry I didn’t inform you I’ll manage.
before the flight took off for Chicago
When you thank
When you reassure
people Oh, thank you.
Oh, thank you so much for doing
I’m sorry I kept you waiting so
me kind favour.
long !
Thanks a lot/very much.
Oh sorry , you had to wait !
Thank you for taking so much
Reply (when you reassure) : interest in our product.
That’s OK. Oh, thank you.
Don’t worry. That’s very kind of you.
Never mind. You’ve been very kind.
It doesn’t matter. Oh, thank you for managing the
That’s OK. affairs.
20. Corporate English | 13
Corporate
Language
Corporate Language 1 6. We acknowledge receipt of your
letter.
1. We have enclosed a cheque for 7. I called him back so that I could
40 thousand rupees. confirm one or two details.
2. This is an urgent document. 8. The consignment was delivered
Send it by courier instead of by while you were very busy.
mail.
9. Call her urgently if you have
3. Remember to put the zip code anything to report.
on a letter to the USA.
10. The goods were repacked so
4. Have you put the post code on quickly that they had no time to
the letter to the UK ? inspect them.
5. If you sign a letter on someone 11. We want to confirm one or two
else’s behalf, add the letters P.P. details. That is why we have
before the other person’s name. called them back.
21. 14 | Corporate English
12. The consignment will be delive- 6. In spite of the fog at the airport,
red next Monday. During that our plane landed safely.
time we’ll be very busy. 7. Check their order again.
13. The car did not sell so well as
8. The reason why Mani sent me a
they had expected. Consequently
fax was to give me the informa-
they had to stop its production.
tion at once.
14. We have computerized the whole
procedure so as to save time and 9. Because your letter to us and
money. our letter to you were both
posted yesterday, the letters
15. Never sign a letter before you
crossed in the post.
have read it through.
16. I often choose to write although 10. The new team is trying to
a phone call is quicker. modernize the company’s image.
17. Megha usually telephones in 11. I am sending you our latest cata-
order to save time. logue, as you requested, and I
18. Please check his in-tray while feel sure it contains plenty to
she is away at the conference. interest you.
19. I shall be able to confirm this 12. Can I draw your attention to our
after I have checked our stock new range of water purifiers ?
position. 13. Please contact me personally as
20. Let me consult my works mana- soon as possible.
ger first. 14. You can reach me by telephone
at any time this afternoon.
Corporate Language 2 15. Our office hours are 9.30 to 5.
1. Please reply at once so that we You can leave a message for me
can order the supplies we need. to call you back if necessary.
16. Thank you very much for your
2. Your order has arrived late, still
we will try to supply the goods. letter and the enclosed litera-
3. There was some mistake in hotel ture, which we received on
booking. Friday 27 June.
4. So that he could earn more 17. Thank you very much for the
money, Mona applied for a job order.
abroad. 18. Our prices have risen since you
5. The package is very heavy-you placed an order with us two
can’t lift it alone. weeks ago.
22. Corporate English | 15
19. You will be pleased to hear that 12. Please enclose the payment with
we will supply your current your order.
order at the old price. 13. If I call you before 5 pm, will
20. I enclose our new catalogue and you still be in your office ?
price lists, which contain several 14. They are going to ask the boss
exciting new products and our for a rise and that’s definite.
latest prices.
15. The letter you were waiting for
has arrived at last.
Corporate Language 3 16. It wasn’t done intentionally, it
happened accidentally.
1. There has been a gradual rise in
17. The phone is ringing. Why don’t
sales this year.
you pick up the receiver ?
2. Loan is the money you borrow
18. I’m afraid Sakshi isn’t available
from a bank for your business.
at the moment. Can you call back
3. You have to pay interest if you later ?
borrow money.
19. Can you look up her number in
4. Fortunately our company is the directory, please ?
doing well now and it’s growing
20. I’m afraid Mr. Pasricha’s with a
very quickly.
client, shall I put you through to
5. Prices have gone up by 10%. his secretary ?
6. There had been a dramatic rise
in inflation last year. Corporate Language 4
7. If a company does not make a
1. Hello? Are you still there? I think
profit or loss, it breaks even.
we were cut off for a moment
8. Maruti is the market leader in (on phone).
the Indian car industry. 2. Mr. Ambani never seems to be
9. Maruti has been working very in his office. I’ve been trying to
hard in recent years to maintain get through to him all morning.
its market share. 3. Could you hold on for a moment?
10. Do you know Hero Honda’s I’ll just find out for you.
approximate market share ? 4. I’m sorry I’ve dialled the wrong
11. The image of a product/ com- number.
pany is very important in sales 5. Just listen to me before you
and marketing. hang up (on phone).
23. 16 | Corporate English
6. ‘Are you through ?’ means ‘Is Corporate Language 5
your call over ? ’
1. They may have notified her
7. File the documents here and
before the invoice arrived.
send the copies to head office.
2. They have enlarged the premises
8. She lives in Kolkata but spends
since his last visit.
every other week in Maryland,
USA. 3. They produce the components at
their Noida factory.
9. While Pranay is looking for
accommodation, he’s staying 4. They have installed fax machine
with them. in their office.
10. The market outlook for India is 5. They will make further modifica-
getting better. tions to this service to other
customers.
11. I realize that their product costs
less than ours. 6. Even ordinary office staff can
easily operate the systems.
12. Normally Ms. Das calls back
straight away. 7. The new software can be maste-
red easily in a couple of days.
13. Next week she’s assisting the
Personnel Director with the 8. Using better trained staff has
interviews. achieved increased productivity.
14. Just look up her number in the 9. They now send out invoices a
phone book. week earlier.
15. Unfortunately, we were obliged 10. Anita wishes she had not had to
to sell the goods at a loss. take the place of the Sales Mana-
ger in Wipro.
16. There are at least ten good rea-
11. The newly restructured company
sons why she shouldn’t do that.
had a good year.
17. You’re making up the order this
12. Production facilities have been
week, I gather.
improved lately.
18. They always deliver the goods
13. The success of the company is
promptly, I believe.
connected to the change in the
19. We enclose payment together business climate.
with our order.
14. Of late Relaxo have expanded
20. They must receive the delivery the number of new designs of
by Friday. shoes.
24. Corporate English | 17
15. We are likely to do less well in 8. While she was having lunch, Mr.
Germany in the future than we Singh called.
have this year. 9. She used to work in Lucknow,
16. A a special favour, we can supply but then she moved to Varanasi.
the goods at cost price. 10. In 2000 he joined Bharti Group
17. Please reply at once by fax/ as a computer engineer.
e-mail. 11. Travelling abroad is sometimes
18. We have booked a hall/room at exhausting.
the Taj Hotel for the 20th Nov. 12. Arriving in a new city can be
19. We’ve yet to sign the contract exciting.
with LG. 13. Getting from the airport to the
20. I’ve invited Subhash Chandra city is easy.
over for lunch to talk about the 14. I’m looking forward to visiting
new site plans in Gurgaon. the USA next summer.
15. I can’t get used to living in a
Corporate Language 6 different time zone.
1. We dispatched the shipment as 16. There’s no hurry, you can let us
requested. know by letter.
17. Please return the goods and they
2. They interviewed Smriti Kataria
will be repaired at our expense.
for the job, but she didn’t get it.
18. Living in hotels can be lonely.
3. Because Khaitan Group did a lot
19. Make sure you have confirmed
of advertising, they sold a lot of
your reservation by evening
products last year.
flight.
4. Have you been to the interna-
20. He’s trying to give up smoking.
tional trade fair yet ?
5. Did you see anything worth buy- Corporate Language 7
ing ?
6. Mr.Upadhyaya has travelled all 1. She avoids going by car on busi-
over the world, but now he’s work- ness.
ing for our office in Brussels. 2. She dislikes having to wait in
7. I’ve been trying to get through to airport lounges.
personnel department all morn- 3. I always enjoy trying unusual
ing. foreign food.
25. 18 | Corporate English
4. I can’t afford to stay at the 18. Our leaflet describes our new
Oberoi. product.
5. I didn’t mean to hurt her. 19. They plan to launch a few new
6. He began to make/making enqu- products shortly.
iries. 20. The average consumer is un-
7. I hate to sit/sitting alone in aware of marketing.
restaurants.
8. I want to be early enough to be Corporate Language 8
sure of getting a good seat on
1. We have put up our new poster
the train.
on the wall outside.
9. She was very annoyed to find
2. Pepsi and Coca Cola are both
out that customs formalities took
famous trademarks.
so long. I am looking forward to
having a drink, a shower and a 3. We’ve been placing our adverti-
rest. sements in the electronic media.
10. Would you like to spend the 4. Our product compares very
evening with me and my family ? well with nationally advertised
brands.
11. There’s a disco in the hotel. The
5. The machine is exactly the
music started playing at 10 pm
same, but the case is a comple-
and it stopped me sleeping/
tely new design.
getting to sleep till 2 am.
6. Our products sell best in the
12. It was very kind of you to see/
Northern region.
invite me.
7. I saw the product advertised in
13. Would you like me to give you a a fashion magazine.
lift to the station in my car ?
8. Demand for many products may
14. We’ve agreed to meet in the fluctuate according to the sea-
hotel lobby at 7 o’clock. son.
15. The 6.30 am train is too early 9. I think she subscribes to The
for me to catch. Economic Times.
16. We will certainly supply you with 10. We need not waste money on
these goods at a good price. radio commercials.
17. The goods will be collected from 11. We had better withdraw from
the airport by our agent. our contract.
26. Corporate English | 19
12. We believe our product is supe- 7. This information is interesting.
rior to theirs. 8. Meetings have to have an
13. I would love to share some of agenda.
this work with you.
9. The trouble with large meetings
14. I’ll take over from you if you is that they go on for a longer
need a break. time than small ones.
15. Consumers must be fully aware 10. You seem to be more interested
of the features and benefits of a in sport than in business.
product.
11. Could you give me some infor-
16. I hope your office is at my dis- mation about the venue of the
posal while I am here. meeting ?
17. Please send the papers to us by 12. I don’t enjoy talking on the
return of post/mail. phone, rather I prefer to send
18. She has some proposal to make. an e-mail or write a letter.
19. The chairperson led the discu- 13. Switch the machine on by
ssion. pressing this key.
20. A majority have voted in favour 14. I’m sorry, could you explain that
of flexible working hours. part again ?
15. Make sure you remember to put
Corporate Language 9 the switch off after you are
finished with your work.
1. We have to see that the motion
16. We can’t say anything as the
is passed at the meeting to
talks are still in progress. We
approve the plans.
have to request payment in
2. What was the outcome of the
advance for all orders under
meeting anyway ?
20,000 rupees.
3. Most of the members attended
17. Please treat this information in
the meeting.
confidence until the entire
4. No one voted against—the deci- operation is over.
sion was unanimously taken.
18. Tanya may finish it by tonight.
5. Rahul Ganguly addressed the
meeting on Ms. Rai’s behalf. 19. Things change, she might even
lose her job.
6. Thank you very much, ladies and
gentlemen. I think that conclu- 20. It can be possible if I personally
des our meeting. go there.
27. 20 | Corporate English
Corporate Language 10 15. We need a fully automated asse-
mbly line if we want to compete
1. That could be one reason why on the world market.
they separated. 16. We’re not able to help you this
2. You could ask them to help, I time.
suppose. 17. Amrendra has been in charge of
3. They might change their decision our Nasik sales office since last
at the last moment. year.
4. May I walk around and get to
know things. Corporate Language 11
5. Couldn’t you ask them to report 1. Your suggestion sounds great,
strictly on time ? I’ll try it.
6. One must learn to remain calm 2. I’m not sure that’s such a good
under pressure. idea.
7. You’ll have to spend a lot of 3. We’ll send you a sample of our
money if you want to buy an product.
American machine. 4. We must do something to boost
8. You’ve got to concentrate very our sales.
hard if you want to finish the 5. Have you noticed the latest
work early. trend towards ordering later ?
9. Shouldn’t we call a meeting to 6. There is an enormous market for
discuss the problem ? Japanese cameras worldwide.
10. Oughtn’t we to phone for the 7. I anticipate high volume of sales
doctor ? in that region.
11. Someone ought to do something 8. A great deal of goodwill needs to
about it. be built up first.
12. We are considering changing 9. The TV report gave us a lot of
some outdated machines. good publicity.
13. I think it is right for the com- 10. Gone are the days of monopoly
pany to pay more for overtime. of one company in any particular
industry.
14. It’s not right for regular custo-
mers to wait for their service 11. They have unexpectedly increa-
visits. sed their profits.
28. Corporate English | 21
12. The corporate headquarters re- 17. They check their inventory
cently moved from Jabalpur to weekly.
Pune.
18. The MD has just announced the
13. They have always rewarded good export team for the Berlin
work. project.
14. The order book is currently
stagnating. 19. Do you think the company will
ever get an order from France ?
15. The customer delivered the
cargo punctually. 20. If you follow the correct pro-
16. We would have certainly accep- cedure you will hardly ever have
ted the offer. a break-down.
29. 22 | Corporate English
Language :
Flow &
Continuity
Sentences : Flow & 6. She said she didn’t feel cooking
that night and suggested getting
Continuity 1 a takeaway.
1. She usually stays in when it 7. Let’s go for a movie tonight. How
rains hard. about Chicago ?
2. I like watching TV when I have 8. It was her birthday, so we went
nothing important to do. out to dinner at The Oberoi.
3. Do you like listening to western 9. I know well you haven’t been to
music, especially the country the cinema for ages.
numbers ? 10. I am going swimming. Are you
4. Megha is down in her room play- coming along ?
ing computer games. 11. What about going clubbing to-
5. Rachna spends a lot of her free night ?
time reading science fiction 12. They have gone shopping in
novels. Linking Road.
30. Corporate English | 23
13. I go for a run every morning 7. When I am free I usually hang
with my friends. out with my friends.
14. Do you walk your dog every 8. I have started learning French,
morning? and I’m really into it.
15. She cares not to have friends 9. How about having our friends
over/round when she is at her over/ round for dinner ?
job. 10. Beautiful and smiling she looked
very attractive.
16. I love having my friends over
sometimes for dinner at my 11. Shreedhar doesn't smoke. He
house. doesn't drink either.
17. Come over to my residence some 12. She’d better come now, other-
day. wise she’ll miss the train.
13. Hari’s in a bad mood, so there's
18. Let’s arrange a party next week.
no point in asking him to lend
19. It was a warm evening, so we all his car.
decided to have a barbecue.
14. Boss is out, so come later.
20. She met up with me outside Mc 15. I have some very important assi-
Donald’s, and we both went for gnments today, so I have agreed
the evening show. to have a few appointments only.
16. I need to exercise more to lose
Sentences : Flow & weight.
Continuity 2 17. She’s saving up so (that) she
could go to the concert.
1. I know you hung out with your
friends all day yesterday. 18. They are waiting at the airport
for the plane to come.
2. You know, my hobbies are writ-
19. Mumbai is a city on the west
ing songs and singing.
coast of India.
3. Aquil is into all sports, especially
20. Our office is up there on the
badminton and cricket.
seventh floor.
4. Alex first took up boxing at
school but later changed.
Sentences : Flow &
5. The man had a valuable collec- Continuity 3
tion of foreign coins.
6. She likes playing squash on wee- 1. I think he is living these days on
kends. his farm.
31. 24 | Corporate English
2. She stayed in bed all day and 20. She came up to me and asked
watched TV. the way to Greater Kailash.
3. He’s never in when I call.
4. On a sunny day like this he Sentences : Flow &
doesn’t stay indoors. Continuity 4
5. When it got colder, we went
1. He drove up in a green Zen and
back indoors.
parked it in front of the house.
6. Let’s go outside and sit on the
patio. 2. He broke his leg when he jumped
from an upstairs window.
7. Hey, look outside ! It’s snowing.
3. She turned her back on me and
8. Ask him to get the photocopies
walked away.
of the papers.
4. Keep away from the edge of the
9. There’s someone outside the
cliff - it’s dangerous.
door. Just look out.
5. Raveena got into her car and
10. Manjeet likes eating outdoors on
drove off.
Saturday evenings.
6. Akshay hopped on his bike and
11. The school encourages outdoor
rode off.
activities such as skiing and
climbing. 7. The referee had/sent him off the
field.
12. Check her whether she’s still out
in the lane. 8. The singer bowed to the audi-
ence and walked off the stage.
13. It’s cold out here.
9. What a beautiful ring shining on
14. The outside of the apartment
your finger !
needs painting.
10. Your scarf is there on top of the
15. From the outside, it looks like an
cup-board.
ordinary townhouse.
16. The house has an outside toilet 11. The boxes were stacked one on
too. top of the other.
17. Our apartment at Juhu faces 12. He wore a black coat over his
towards the sea. sweater.
18. Guests have started moving in 13. She put a blanket over the child-
the direction of the dining hall. ren’s legs to keep them warm.
19. She ran up smiling and hugged 14. He stood right next to me at the
him. counter.
32. Corporate English | 25
15. Every morning Aishwarya walks 10. The car in front started to slow
beside the sea with her dog. down.
16. There is a beautiful hotel by the 11. She parked the car right in front
sea. of the main entrance.
17. She has promised to meet me by 12. The car ahead of us had three
the hotel entrance. young girls sitting inside.
18. I love to move along the sea and 13. I shouted at him but he was far
play with the waves. too ahead and didn’t hear me.
14. The road was closed because of
19. All along the street I could see a
an accident.
good number of STD kiosks.
15. The sun disappeared behind a
20. He left his Honda at the side of
cloud.
the road and walked to the field.
16. The minister came; his security
guards followed on behind.
Sentences : Flow &
17. They have a small garden at the
Continuity 5 back of their house.
1. They were walking along slowly, 18. Karnal is situated halfway be-
side by side. tween Delhi and Chandigarh.
2. The apartment belongs to one 19. See the photo of my family-I am
Mr. Bhattacharya. in the middle.
20. Her parents sat at either end of
3. The girl next door is very beauti-
the sofa with her in the middle.
ful and charming.
4. There is a bookshop next to the
bank.
Sentences : Flow &
5. Avinash is my next door neigh-
Continuity 6
bour.
1. Kanchan quietly came and sat
6. The Khannas live just opposite. among us.
7. There is a department store 2. The film star was surrounded by
right/ just/immediately opposite teenagers who wanted his auto-
the bank. graph.
8. Did you see anyone walk past on 3. All of us were sitting around the
the opposite side of the road ? fire talking.
9. Let’s sit across the table and 4. We drove through Mumbai on
plan. our way to Goa.
33. 26 | Corporate English
5. I could see him through the win- Sentences : Flow &
dow. Continuity 7
6. As she looked down, she screa-
med. 1. Do you hear anyone moving
7. Go up the stairs and turn right. around upstairs ?
8. Richa heard the music coming 2. I think it is a downstairs bed.
from the room above. 3. She looked up and laughed at
9. Looking down from above, I was me.
thrilled to see the whole island 4. He looked down and smiled at
spread out like a map. her.
10. Black clouds hanging over the
5. From there it was downhill all
valley looked very beautiful.
the way to the beach.
11. We saw the American planes
6. The path continues uphill for
flying over us.
another half a kilometre.
12. Riot police fired over the heads
of the demonstrators. 7. The monkey suddenly jumped
upwards onto the tree.
13. When Poonam looked up she
saw a large number of mosqui- 8. They climbed up a tree to get a
toes over-head. better view of the cricket match.
14. I think this room would be 9. The actor came up onto the stage
better lit if it had overhead light- to receive the award.
ing. 10. Up above they felt safe from the
15. I saw his car parked outside a wild animals.
high-way motel.
11. Tears ran down her face as she
16. As I had lost my key, I got into told about her suffering.
my room through an upstairs
12. Most plants grow upwards.
window.
13. Monica signalled with an upward
17. The path below his bedroom
movement of the arm.
window looked deserted.
14. It’s hard work biking uphill.
18. I found my wallet on the sofa,
underneath a cushion. 15. It’s so easy biking downhill.
19. The militants stored the explosi- 16. She said goodnight to her child-
ves underground in big boxes. ren and went downstairs.
20. Nobody knew about the under- 17. Alice leaned forward to speak to
ground passage. me.
34. Corporate English | 27
18. The old man sat facing forwards 13. There’s some oil left in the
with his legs stretched out. bottom of the bottle.
19. It was difficult to see ahead 14. At the foot of the mountains in
through the smoke. Pokhra there are very good
hotels.
20. When Samita came to the cross-
roads, she drove straight on. 15. Shalu stopped at the foot of the
stairs and looked back at me.
16. Charu searched through the
Sentences : Flow &
bottom drawer of her desk.
Continuity 8 17. The American tourists drove onto
1. Please step back to let her go. the lower deck of the ferry.
18. The front of the house has been
2. Police pushed the crowd back,
painted white.
away from the entrance to the
hall. 19. The highjacker walked down to
the front of the plane.
3. As I took a step backwards, I
stood on someone’s toe. 20. Nupur spilt soup all down the
front of her dress.
4. As Santwana heard the news,
she fell backwards on to the bed.
Sentences : Flow &
5. Write your name at the top of
the page.
Continuity 9
6. When he is painting a wall, he 1. Kajal entered the classroom
always starts at the top. quietly and sat at the front.
7. As we live on the 21st floor, we 2. His picture has appeared on the
get a wonderful view of the sea. front of Time.
8. Her upper lip seemed to say 3. I was sitting in the front row
something. with my colleagues.
9. As the ship came in, I could see 4. The front room serves as office.
Anjali waving from the upper
5. Your front teeth look very beau-
deck.
tiful.
10. There is a crack along the bot- 6. The dog had a bone of mutton in
tom of the pillar. his front legs.
11. She kept waiting for him at the 7. We got in from the front entra-
bottom of the stairs. nce.
12. You can see the hints given at 8. Write your name on the back of
the bottom of the page. the envelope.
35. 28 | Corporate English
9. Nilofer would often walk past the 3. The boat swayed from side to
back of the shopping complex. side leaving all of us frightened.
10. If you sit at the back you won’t 4. The phone’s over there, in the
hear clearly. corner.
11. I found him sleeping in the back 5. Why don’t we pitch the tent in
of the car. the corner of the field ?
12. At the back of the drawer Mihir 6. The shop on the corner sells
found his wallet. liquor.
7. Abha is standing on the corner
13. When she turned the photo over,
of the street waiting for Neeraj.
she saw his signature on the
back. 8. The petrol station is just around/
round the next corner.
14. The back page of the magazine
always carries advertisements. 9. You know, my house is a long
way from my office.
15. There’s a lane along the side of
the house. 10. Medicine shops are not far from
here.
16. The side view of the valley offers
11. Children often run across the
a breathtaking view.
road without caring for traffic.
17. I often retire to the back room of
12. There was a large dog on the
the house to study.
back seat.
18. I saw her applying lipstick in the 13. I felt someone shouted my name.
rear glass of my car.
14. You seem very tired !
19. A van crashed into the side of
15. Whatever you say, I am not
the bus, damaging the door on
going, and I mean it.
the driver’s side.
16. Members of the Italian delegate
20. Maneesha glanced sideways out arrived in India last week.
of the corner of her eye.
17. Pramila has had several jobs in
the past five years.
Sentences : Flow &
18. How long have you been learning
Continuity 10 English ?
1. Vipul looked sideways to his 19. I’ve been expecting you to arrive
right. since last Monday.
2. Lift your arm sideways and hold 20. I’d like to have a hot coffee,
that position. please.
36. Corporate English | 29
Sentences : Flow & 11. She was about to go when some-
Continuity 11 one knocked on the door.
12. We’re leaving on Friday evening
1. She has known me for a long with all our belongings.
time.
13. They’re having a cocktail party
2. I haven’t met the Managing next week.
Director in person so far.
14. The next plane to London leaves
3. Haven’t you decided yet ?
at 5.45.
4. When he was at university he
15. I’ll call back if something hap-
used to play tennis a lot.
pens.
5. The hotel used to be very
fashionable. 16. Could I leave early today ?
6. Priyanka didn’t use to like spicy 17. You must finish your assignment
food. today.
7. Priyanka used not to like spicy 18. This letter says they will arrive
food. next week.
8. I think it’s going to rain shortly. 19. I would leave tomorrow if they
9. Watch out - You’re going to hit came today.
the milestone ! 20. You shouldn’t say things like
10. I feel I’m going to be sick. that.
37. 30 | Corporate English
Multiple
Expressions
Multiple Expressions 1 3. Simi bowed politely and asked
us to move in.
The language used in corporate 4. Sort out the neatly written appli-
sector has its own colour and charm.
cations.
Certain expressions have an imme-
diate and direct impact upon the 5. The stage has been beautifully
people you come across. That is the designed.
language of the corporate world that 6. The apartment has been aesthe-
sounds smart, clear and effective. tically designed.
However, take care that you use
them correctly. 7. See how beautifully the boats
are sailing slowly on the waves !
1. She quickly put the file in the
drawer, picked up her keys and 8. You don’t have any option but to
went out. wait patiently in the queue.
2. She has bravely withstood the 9. Drive carefully else we may meet
odds that came her way. with an accident.
38. Corporate English | 31
10. She waved goodbye sadly with 7. Mr. Sinha plays golf quite skill-
tears rolling down her cheeks. fully.
11. All are doing their work quietly. 8. What I don’t like about her is
that she often behaves very sel-
12. He has decided wisely not to
fishly.
interfere in their work.
9. If he continues to behave fooli-
13. I hope you are sitting comforta-
shly, the company may kick him
bly here.
out any time.
14. Don’t you yell loudly in the
10. She is always fashionably dres-
office!
sed.
15. Preeti angrily looked at him and
11. You need to look at the problem
gave him a hard slap.
differently.
16. I think you are happily adjusted 12. She looked cautiously round the
here. corner and took off her glasses.
17. Rachna yawned sleepily and 13. The Chairman nodded thought-
refused to leave her seat. fully at the loss the company
18. Don’t talk so noisily here—let’s had incurred.
move out. 14. Akshat hastily put the papers
19. They have easily got ahead of back into his folder.
us. 15. See that the terms and condi-
20. Alka frowned gloomily when she tions are explained clearly.
read the report. 16. Would you please speak clearly?
17. The application is not legibly
Multiple Expressions 2 written.
18. You should closely examine the
1. Manage your room tidily.
documents before you do any-
2. She talked merrily about her
thing.
stay in Paris.
19. You have judged the person
3. Cross the road safely.
correctly.
4. Suddenly a man in black suit
20. It’s possibly to buy anything
appeared at the door.
cheaply at Sadar Bazaar.
5. Your failure only goes on to show
that the work you had been given Multiple Expressions 3
has been done very carelessly.
6. He drove speedily up the road. 1. The meeting went off peacefully.
39. 32 | Corporate English
2. How can he say so accurately Multiple Expressions 4
what may happen next month ?
1. If you go upstairs you’ll meet one
3. Make the advertising hoarding
Mr. Mehra.
shine brightly.
2. The boss is downstairs.
4. Imported tools are freely avail-
able in the market these days. 3. Someone is waiting outside for
you.
5. Even in office sometimes she
behaves very playfully. 4. Let’s stay indoors. It’s hot out-
side.
6. He got back yesterday only.
5. They are going outdoors on some
7. It feels so warm today. important work.
8. What time are you calling tomo- 6. Reach here before the shutters
rrow? are down.
9. We had a few problems last 7. Your seat is over there.
year, but things are better this
8. Nimi lives somewhere in Colo-
year.
rado.
10. We may set up another unit in 9. The papers were nowhere to be
Bangalore next year. found.
11. What did you do last night ? 10. Such things happen everywhere.
12. It’s fine this morning. 11. Have you seen my wallet fallen
anywhere ?
13. I think I must leave now.
12. Get the rubbish moved away.
14. I have still a lot of works to do.
13. She’ll be flying abroad next Mon-
15. It would be better if you reached
day.
there early.
14. Don’t go too near ! The animal is
16. Why are you so late today ? dangerous.
17. I’ll see you soon after I am back 15. Gul always asks about you.
from Frankfurt.
16. Often such problems occur with
18. Oh my ! The plane has just taken old machines.
off.
17. The buses run less frequently on
19. You can’t help ! The train has Sundays.
already left.
18. I usually go to my job in my own
20. I haven’t decided yet. car.
40. Corporate English | 33
19. My wife normally goes shopping 17. She talked on the phone for ten
on the way home. minutes.
20. Sometimes you have to stand 18. I may have to stay awake all
fools. night.
19. All day she was busy receiving
Multiple Expressions 5 the guests.
1. We occasionally meet at parties. 20. Believe me, I won’t be away long.
2. I exercise regularly; it keeps me
fit. Multiple Expressions 6
3. This kind of problem seldom 1. You have been away a very long
occurs. time.
4. Have you ever been to Australia?
2. Rehana stopped briefly to look in
5. Well, this kind of accident has a shop window.
never happened here before.
3. The telephone is temporarily out
6. The radio broadcasts news of use.
hourly.
4. Smoking is likely to damage your
7. I work seven hours daily. health permanently.
8. We have weekly meetings to dis-
5. For the time being you may use
cuss our progress.
my phone.
9. We have to submit our work
6. She stood still for a moment
report every week.
before getting in.
10. The Managing Director makes
fort-nightly visit to the factory. 7. I think we haven’t met for ages.
11. They go for outings every six 8. I think I had better give up
months. smoking for ever.
12. The report is made annually. 9. He is really an outgoing person
13. I am supposed to report to the and manages things very well.
head office every three months.10. Women at the reception usually
14. I hope you won’t make the same behave very nicely.
mistake twice. 11. Oh ! She is extremely difficult to
15. I haven’t seen her for a year. manage.
16. The problem kept us busy for 12. He is fairly smart at mixing with
five days. people easily.
41. 34 | Corporate English
13. Suruchi has been doing quite 9. You can do it part-time if you
well in her new job. wish.
14. What you say is completely 10. She’s interested in working full-
untrue? time.
15. The news is simply unbelievable! 11. Regardless of strong opposition
16. I am absolutely sure that Manhar by a few members, the Directors
is not coming tonight. announced closure of the factory.
17. I can’t believe it. It’s utterly im- 12. Secretly recorded video clippings
possible. prove that a good amount of
money was paid to strike the
18. I admit it was entirely my fault.
deal.
19. She was totally disappointed with
13. We may have it wholesale.
her performance.
14. A good number of foreigners
20. It has been a truly memorable
enter the country illegally.
experience for me.
15. She’s not very mechanically min-
21. The conditions she lived in was
ded.
just terrible.
16. You have to concentrate very
hard on learning to drive—it
Multiple Expressions 7 doesn’t come naturally to any-
one.
1. It’s an exceedingly silly sugges-
tion. 17. They carried him bodily up
the stairs.
2. We’ll have to see whether the
project is commercially viable. 18. We must discuss our reserva-
tions about the contract quite
3. The company is jointly managed
openly.
by the two brothers.
19. He wants a job which is a little
4. I think he is personally taking
more demanding intellectually.
interest in the new scheme.
20. The meeting seems to have been
5. Legally speaking, you may lose a
rather hurriedly arranged.
major share.
6. Their salaries should increase
automatically every two years.
Multiple Expressions 8
7. Rakesh always thinks very indi- 1. Inform me after you have reac-
vidually and it often shows. hed Nagpur.
8. Get it retail no matter how much 2. He heard voices as soon as he
it costs. rushed the door open.
42. Corporate English | 35
3. I know well that long before I 17. I had read of her elopement
return she will have forgotten while at Shantiniketan.
me. 18. He has previously spoken seldom
4. Khushbu had no sooner checked and then only when necessary.
into the hotel, than he arrived 19. It pays to speak the truth when-
with the appropriate documents. ever possible.
5. Lily had hardly settled in her 20. Don’t bring her unless she is
chamber before Uday told her sober.
that they were leaving.
6. Hardly had he got out of his car Multiple Expressions 9
when he was surrounded by
1. If a man looks at her, she is
angry workers.
flattered.
7. She has been in politics since
2. If it was raining, she usually
she was at university.
stayed indoors.
8. The company’s been making
3. Should they decide to come this
money ever since it opened.
week, they’re most welcome.
9. Until they come I’ll be staying
4. Were it all true, it would still not
here.
excuse his actions.
10. He promised he’d support me till
5. Were they to allow more free-
I find work.
dom, employees would become
11. Tell them I won’t discuss any- lazy.
thing until I’ve spoken to my
6. Had I known that here were
husband.
never to be another opportunity,
12. They came back six months I would have filmed the occa-
later, by which time the Indians sion.
had decided to say no. 7. If in doubt, feel free to talk to
13. The factory closed, whereupon me.
he returned to Jabalpur. 8. Whether Sushma goes to a laun-
14. Mr. Kumar more or less implied drette or does her washing at
that we did, upon which Ms. home, the routine is the same.
Sen flew into a great rage. 9. Whoever plays well will win a
15. She watched me while pretend- free trip to Australia.
ing not to. 10. That is one possible solution to
16. She has not spoken a word the problem. However, there are
since leaving the party. others.
43. 36 | Corporate English
11. Wherever it is, I aren’t going. 4. Maya, I am here just in case
12. W h a t e v e r brand we use, i t anything out of the ordinary
doesn’t make much difference. happens.
5. Gunjan had consented to take
13. Whichever way you go, it’ll take
an overcoat in case the wind
you more or less the same time.
rose.
14. Their aim is to recruit the best
6. Anwita is in a difficult situation
person for the job, no matter
in that she has been offered two
where they are from.
jobs and they both sound intere-
15. Be as clear and factual as possi- sting.
ble in order that there may be 7. Cigarette smoking is injurious in
no misunderstanding. as much as it does not protect
16. They were shoving each other you.
out of the way in order to get to 8. Insofar as change has occurred,
the front. it has been because of the appli-
17. Why don’t you fix up a screen so cation of modern technology.
as to let in the fresh air and 9. I feel myself to be dependent to
keep out the flies. the extent that I’m not free to
18. Kumud trod with care in order question decisions affecting my
not to spread the dirt. daily life.
19. Drive in your lane so as not to 10. Seeing that you are new in this
brush against the cars in other company, shall I offer a few
lanes. suggestions to you ?
20. Haldiram bought nine cows so 11. Such willingness only can get
that he should have some milk you far ahead.
to sell. 12. Such is the power of money that
multinationals too keep exploring
Multiple Expressions 10 new markets.
13. Whilst/While I fully appreciate
1. I don’t feel anger against her your point of view, I have a very
because I like her very much. different opinion.
2. I don’t know that he has been 14. They are making huge profits
married, since he seldom talks whereas we are struggling to
about himself. survive.
3. As she is too busy these days, 15. Though he is highly qualified, he
let’s drive out ourselves. is rude.
44. Corporate English | 37
16. Much as she admired his looks 18. In India, wherever you go, you
and manners, she had no wish come across celebration of festi-
to marry him. vals.
17. While I do concede the impor- 19. Much discouraged, I moved back
tance of freedom of speech, I to Rewari.
believe it must be exercised with 20. Neeta’s manner was hurried yet
sensitivity and responsibility. painstakingly courteous.
45. 38 | Corporate English
Phrasal
Verbs
Phrasal Verbs 1 Smarten up before you leave for
doing business in Singapore.
Phrasal verbs are verbs combined
Manisha had smartened up a lot
with an adverb or a preposition, or
since I had last seen her.
sometimes both, to give a new mean-
ing. They add colour and charm to 3. Run into : meet by chance;
expressions. collide with; encounter; add up to
1. Meet with : encounter I ran into Maya at the Mall.
The Chairman met with a warm His Santro ran into a milestone
reception at the airport. and he got a few bruises.
You are likely to meet with such
Saumya’s salary will run into five
eventualities if you are a foreigner
in Germany. figures from next month.
2. Smarten up : become smart or 4. Freshen up : become fresh or
smarter fresher
46. Corporate English | 39
The weather has freshened up When should we kick off with our
after the rain. new plan ?
I must go and freshen myself up 2. Switch over : convert or transfer
before the guests arrive.
Samita switches over from
5. Cross out : delete from a sheet of Punjabi to English without any
paper hesitation.
Leena crossed the word out and They have switched over to
wrote in another. making air conditioners.
Don’t cross it out until you are 3. Ring off : close a telephone con-
sure you don’t want it. versation
6. Rope in : persuade; bring He was talking with the recep-
We must rope him in to help us. tionist but as he saw the boss
Some members suggested roping coming he rang off.
in fresh graduates for the job. He rang off and asked us to come
7. Turn up : arrive to his chamber.
They may turn up any time. 4. Kick up : cause
A few celebrities also turned up They may kick up a fuss here any
at the function time, so stay alert.
8. Wind up : close; bring to an end There is no point in kicking up a
Why don’t you wind up your busi- fuss here.
ness here and move to Pune ? 5. Write off : write quickly; clear
She is thinking of winding up her from the records
account with the bank. She wrote off whatever she had
9. Pin down : restrict; locate been dictated.
I hate being pinned down to a They have written off his 20
promise like that. thousand rupees.
They have not yet been able to 6. Settle down : calm down;
pin them down in Delhi. become reasonable
The situation will soon settle
Phrasal Verbs 2 down.
1. Kick off : begin Let the things settle down first
before we call another meeting.
The welcome address kicked off
in great style. 7. Roll in : come in, in quantities
47. 40 | Corporate English
In electronic media once you are 5. Get on : manage; to continue
successful money comes rolling with someone
in. How are you getting on in your
Problems have been rolling in for new job ?
the past two weeks. It’s difficult to get on with her for
8. Tax away : reduce by taxing long.
Much of what he earns is taxed 6. Jot down : write down in a short
away. quick note
The government seems intent on If any idea strikes me I immedia-
taxing everything away. tely jot it down in my pocket note-
book.
Phrasal Verbs 3 Let me jot down your telephone
and e-mail number.
1. Keep away : abstain 7. Zoom : move in a long sweep
Abhinay keeps away from alcohol with direction
and tobacco. The Jet Airways plane zoomed
It’s difficult for men to keep away down at Indira Gandhi Interna-
from wine and women in tional airport at 12.30 p.m.
European way of life. They zoomed off in their new
2. Press for : demand; insist on Qualis. The TV camera zoomed
The workers are pressing for in for a close-up of the young
bonus. lovers.
Members have lately begun 8. Drive on : continue to drive;
pressing for revising their pay incite
scale. Natasha drove him on to commit
3. Cook up : invent; fabricate the crime.
He cooked up an excuse about Sometimes I love driving on
being ill to avoid going to the through the night when every-
meeting. body is sleeping.
The plan is all their cooking.
4. Look out/Watch out : be careful
Phrasal Verbs 4
Look out ! There’s a car coming. 1. Sound off : boast about
Watch out ! Anything may happen They sounded off their exploits in
any moment here. the U.S.A.
48. Corporate English | 41
Every salesperson sounds off The functioned livened up when a
about the quality and durability of few celebrities came.
their products. 8. Log on : (Computer : begin work)
2. Round off : finish off well He usually logs on at 9 a.m.
I have to round off my task by Log on quickly and get on their
Monday next. web-site.
The meeting was rounded off by
the speech of the Marketing Phrasal Verbs 5
Manager.
1. Bring in : introduce
3. Zip : move very quickly, with
direction They are bringing in a new law
against aiding the criminals.
She zipped out of the cafe with
her colleagues. Some changes need to be brought
in to increase production.
He zipped towards the room with
a CD in his hand. 2. Come about : happen
4. Put aside : abandon; save How did that problem come about?
Put aside your anger and learn to If something untoward comes
be tactful. about, ring me.
Madhu puts aside money for tak- 3. Fall out : quarrel
ing a course in computer progra- Nishu isn’t speaking to Sameer.
mming. They seem to have fallen out.
5. Go off : ring; explode; go bad Because of her nature she keeps
Set the alarm clock to go off at 5. falling out with others over petty
The dynamite will go off at 6.45. things.
The fish will go off if your don’t 4. Fix up : arrange
put it in the fridge. They have fixed up a meeting for
6. Catch up : succeed in pursuing next Tuesday.
These days Anu is catching up on They have fixed up a party at a
lost time by working harder. five star hotel.
Megha says she is busy catching 5. Go away : disappear
up with her work. I had a pain in my left leg, but
7. Liven up : become lively now it’s gone away.
She livened up when her friends She had some problem with her
appeared. boy friend, but it’s gone away.
49. 42 | Corporate English
6. Work out : calculate 5. Fight off : manage to stop
Let’s work out how much money The company fought off a take-
we’ve spent during our stay in over by IBM.
Italy.
6. Get through : make contact
We’ll have worked out the details
I tried to ring Shalu, but I
of the investment by evening.
could’t get through.
7. Held up : delayed
7. Lay off : dismiss
The traffic seems to have been
The company has laid off fifty
held up by road works.
workers because of its plan to
I am late because I got held up at decrease production.
the bank.
8. The computer will print out the
8. Hand over : give; surrender
details of the programme.
The commandos handed over the
9. Put forward : suggest
criminal to the police.
The consultants put forward a
She wants to hand over her pro-
proposal to go in for expansion.
perty to a trust.
10. Ring back : phone again
Phrasal Verbs 6 When I get the information, I’ll
ring you back in half an hour.
1. Cut back : to spend less
11. Sort out : put right
I think we’ve been spending too
We whould pay a visit to our
much money, we’ll have to cut
clients to try to sort out the diffi-
back.
culties.
2. Draw up : to write
12. Step down : leave the job
We have asked our lawyers to
drawn up a new contract. The Chairman has stepped down
after being in that position for
3. Fall behind : be slowes than
well over thirty years.
others
13. Take on : accept
Be watchful not to fall behid in
the race to develop new pro- We are taking on the challenge
ducts. of expanding overseas.
4. Fall through : fail to happen 14. Take over : take control of
We got close to an agreement Large companies sometimes take
with Philips, but it fell through. over smaller ones.
50. Corporate English | 43
“Vista Chief Executive Prakash formed poorly and has fallen behing
Chandra has put forward a new plan in the race for market share.
designed to sort out the company’s Managing Director Rajendra Kishore
problems. It is only ten months since has had to step down, and Prakash
Vista tried to strengthen its position Chandra has taken on the task of
by taking over Nutech. But the deal rescuing the company. There are
fell through, and Nutech managed to fears that the new plan will mean
fight off Vista’s attempts to take laying off staff in order to reduce
control. Since then Vista has per- expenditure.”
51. 44 | Corporate English
Idiomatic
Temper
Idiomatic Temper 1 Before you take an internet con-
nection you need to know about
Idiomatic Expressions are phrases its ABC.
that carry a very different meaning
and sometimes it is difficult or 2. Back down : withdraw a state-
impossible to guess by looking at the ment, claim or accusation
meanings of the individual words When the management agreed,
they contain. Idiomatic Expressions
the workers backed down over
are very different phrases which are
their threat to go on strike.
used to communicate effectively in
different situations. She is too proud to back down
1. The ABC of something : the and accept her mistakes
basic facts of a subject 3. Create a ripple : cause some
Get to know the ABC of computer talk, interest, surprise etc. in an
before you buy one. audience, a group or the public
52. Corporate English | 45
The management’s decision not to Australia. Oh ! It’s the chance of
give bonus created a ripple. a lifetime.
The visit of the minister created a It’s really the chance of a lifetime
ripple at the hospital. if you have been asked to join
4. Come clean : tell the truth about Microsoft.
something 2. A burning question : A very
“Come clean if you want to stay important question that needs to
safe”, said the investigating offi- be answered
cer. Whether they review their plan or
Samita decided coming clean continue with the old one in the
about her bank accounts. light of facts today remains a
5. Draw a blank : fail to obtain or burning question.
discover something you are Partnership with Infosys is a
searching for burning question.
They knew well the police would 3. Carried away : getting highly
draw a blank if they raided his emo-tional
office. She got carried away with enthu-
She searched every inch of the siasm when she learnt that she
house for the cheque but drew a had been promoted to manager.
blank. Don’t get carried away unnece-
6. To the effect that : having a ssarily; in business you have to
basic meaning or purpose stand such odds.
Some more transfers are being Romola got rather carried away in
planned to the effect that fresh one shop and came out with two
candidates may be asked to join western albums of John Denver.
in here.
4. Come into effect/bring some-
He is learning French to the thing into effect:begin to operate
effect that he may get overseas
The new rules will come into
transfer to Paris.
effect from Monday next.
Idiomatic Temper 2 They have notified to bring the
new policy into effect from the
1. The chance of a lifetime : a great next financial year.
opportunity 5. Have the guts to do something :
Karim has been invited by the have enough courage to do some-
Chairman to accompany him to thing
