Choose one of the sentences below and read it out to your partner with a blank instead of an article (a/ an/ some/ any) or instead of a preposition (“at”, “without”, etc) and see if they can guess the missing word. If they get it wrong, give them other hints such as other sentences with the same missing word, a first letter, or the meaning of the missing word. Then take turns doing the same.
- As long as you do your part, I’m willing to consider that
- Can I begin by explaining our position?
- Can I just go over what we’ve discussed again?
- Can I suggest we start by clarifying the situation?
- Can we start by hearing your initial offer?
- Did you have a good journey?
- Did you have anything to add?
- Do you think we could have that in writing by the end of the week?
- First of all, may I introduce myself? My name is George Gatsby, and I am the regional director of sales for Asia and the Middle East.
- Great. I’ll get my secretary to fix the next meeting for as soon as possible.
- Have I missed anything out?
- I can’t compromise on this point
- I don’t think there’s anything more to say
- I don’t think we’re making any progress here
- I look forward to doing business with you again soon.
- I might be willing to concede on that point
- I think I can see a way out of this
- I think we’ve found some common ground
- I understood that a discount was available
- I was hoping for something considerably better
- I’d like to start by setting out the basic facts.
- I’ll get back to you on that
- I’ll think about it
- I’m going to have to insist
- I’m going to stand my ground
- I’m not really very satisfied with that offer
- I’m not willing to haggle
- I’m really not in a position to be able to do that
- I’m sorry, but we’re not very happy with this offer
- I’m standing firm on this
- I’m willing to be flexible
- It’s a great pleasure to welcome you to our Boston office today.
- Let me begin by welcoming you to our new offices.
- Let’s try to find a middle way
- Okay. So, the goods will arrive by Friday as we agreed.
- Our main aim today is to find a way to cut costs.
- Right, let’s get down to business shall we?
- Shall we start by introducing ourselves?
- Thank you for coming all this way on such a cold morning.
- That doesn’t seem like a serious offer
- That is my last word on this matter
- That wouldn’t go down well at head office
- That’s a bit high
- This is a matter of principle
- To sum up, the supplies will be at a 2.5% discount as compared to the last order.
- Under duress…
- Unfortunately, I’m unable to accept that
- We would find this somewhat difficult to agree to
- Welcome to Jansen Electronics.
- Well, I guess that about wraps it up.
- Were there any final questions before we finish?
- Would anyone like a drink before we begin?
When your teacher stops you, ask about any phrases above which you don’t understand, etc.
Test each other on the phrases:
- say a phrase with a different kind of missing word for your partner to complete
- choose a phrase, say what situation it would be used in, and help your partner make a suitable phrase by giving them key words, etc
- say a phrase and see if your partner can say slightly different version back (e.g. “That’s a little high” or “That’s a bit low” for “That’s a bit high”)
- say a phrase and see if your partner can respond
- say a phrase, listen to your partner’s response, then roleplay the rest of the conversation together
- use as many of the phrases above as you can while you roleplay a negotiation or other meeting
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Related pages
Meetings and negotiations page
Prepositions and articles guessing game page
Over 300 pages of meetings photocopiables here.
