
Let's explore ten common Business English expressions featuring nouns. Practice, download, and leave us a comment!
Step 1. Match the two parts of each expression. Then, find the definition in the third column. The downloadable worksheet and the answers are at the bottom of the page.
Example:
1.keep something + E. in check = to keep something under control
1. keep something | A. lead | (informal) having information about something that others may not have |
2. there's no immediate/ quick | B. don'ts | the problem cannot be resolved easily |
3. have your | C. a firm stand | Choose! |
4. do's and | D. say | to try it (=give it a shot) |
5. give it | E. in check | to increase control over something |
6. in the | F. the grip on something | to keep something under control |
7. take the | G. a try | to state your beliefs clearly and not be persuaded to change them |
8. take | H. pick! | to express your opinion about something |
9. tighten | I. fix | to be most active in doing something, to set the pace and direction for others to follow |
10. Take your | J. know | things that should and shouldn't be done |
Step 2. Complete the gaps using the expressions from Step 1. The downloadable worksheet and the answers are at the bottom of the page.
1. Her confidence and experience helped her _____ the lead and guide the team through the challenging times.
2. We need more time to research this problem. There’s no immediate _____.
3. This new app is a lifesaver. Give it a _____, you won’t regret it.
4. The government decided to tighten its _____ on cybersecurity measures.
5. As a senior advisor, he was always in the _____ about upcoming policy changes.
6. Here are some dos and _____ of telephone etiquette: express empathy and do not interrupt the caller.
7. There are many great options here. Take your _____!
Step 3. Make a sentence with one of the expressions. You can leave it in the comments section.
Answers
Step 1.
1. keep something | E. in check | to keep something under control |
2. there’s no immediate/ quick | I. fix | the problem cannot be resolved easily |
3. have your | D. say | to express your opinion |
4. do’s and | B. don’ts | things that should and shouldn’t be done |
5. give it | G. a try | to try it (= give it a shot) |
6. in the | J. know | (informal) having information about something that others may not have |
7. take the | A. lead | to be most active in doing something, to set the pace and direction for others to follow |
8. take | C. a firm stand | to state your beliefs clearly and not be persuaded to change them |
9. tighten | F. the grip on something | to increase control over something |
10. Take your | H. pick! | Choose! |
Step 2.
1. Her confidence and experience helped her take the lead and guide the team through the challenging times.
2. We need more time to research this problem. There’s no immediate fix.
3. This new app is a lifesaver. Give it a try, you won’t regret it.
4. The government decided to tighten its grip on cybersecurity measures.
5. As a senior advisor, he was always in the know about upcoming policy changes.
6. Here are some dos and don’ts of telephone etiquette: express empathy and do not interrupt the caller.
7. There are many great options here. Take your pick!