Teacher Jota Business Dictionary

1- Apologizing 

I'm sorry.
I made a mistake.
Please accept my apologies.
I'm sorry. I didn't mean to . . .
(I'm) sorry. I didn't realize that . . . .

 Prefacing bad news

 
I'm sorry (I have) to tell you this, but . . .
I hate to tell you this, but . . .
I don't know how to tell you this, but . . .
I have some bad news.


 - (Formal) written apologies
 
We regret to inform you that . . .
Regretfully, . . .
Unfortunately, . . .

..........................................................................
2 - Expressing Appreciation
 
Thanks.
Thank you.
I appreciate it.

Thanks for the tour.
Thank you for the nice gift.
I appreciate your hospitality.
I appreciate your lending me the chain saw.
..........................................................................
3 - Asking for Help

Could you . . . . (for me) ?
Would you please . . . ?
Would you mind V+ing . . . .?
Could you possibly . . . ?




Do you have a minute?
Can you spare a few minutes?
Could you do me a favor?
Could I ask you a favor?
Can I ask you to . . . ?
I need some help (if you have time).
(If you're not busy) I could use your help.

..........................................................................
4- Forward-Looking Statements

 
What are your plans for the future?
What are your projections for the next quarter?
What do you expect to achieve (in the near future)?
What are your (sales) projections for next six months?
What are your goals for the coming year?

We expect . . . We plan to . . . We project . . . We hope to . . . We should . . . We will be (V+ing) . . . If all goes as planned, Our projections are . . . According to our projections, ............................................................

5 - Informal
 
This is my boss, Mr. Santana.
Leo, this is my secretary, Nilta


I'd like you to meet my co-worker, J.B..
J.B., this is Susan Palmer.


Have you met, Fernanda?
Fernanda, this is Teresa.

Hi, I'm Jill Watson.
I don't believe we've met. I'm Greg.

Formal
 
I'd like to introduce you to my dear friend, Mrs. Pleasant.
Allow me to introduce myself/my colleague, Ms. Winters
Let me introduce you to my colleague, Dean Richards.
Mr. Richards, this is David Porter from Aerospace Inc.




Important body language to remember: Smile, eye contact, firm handshake. 

..............................................................................................