Common communication patterns in the workplace

Common communication patterns in the workplace

If you are working with foreign colleagues or partners, you will certainly encounter the following common English communication sentences.

1. How long have you been working here? 

(How long have you worked here?)

This structure is used to ask about how long someone has been with their job, company or department.

For example:

- How long have you been working here?

- I’ve been working here for five years.

2. How long does it take you to get to work? 

(How long does it take you to go to the office?)

This sentence is used to ask about the time it takes to get to a colleague's office. Alternatively, you can use the structure "How long does it take somebody to do something?" to ask colleagues how long it takes them to complete a certain task.

For example:

- You’re late again. How long does it take you to get to work?

- About one hour.

- How long does it take you to get this done?

- I’m not entirely sure. At least half an hour.

3. That sounds like a fine ideaorThat sounds like a good idea 

(It seems like a good idea)

You will use this sentence pattern when you want to agree or agree with the ideas and opinions of your colleagues.

For example:

- I think we should have more data for the project.

- That sounds like a good idea.

- How about shortening the presentation a bit? We won’t have that much time.

- That sounds like a fine idea.

4. Sorry to interrupt, but can I ask you something quickly? 

(Sorry to bother you, but can I ask something quickly?)

When you have questions and want to ask a colleague about a problem, you can say the sentence above or "Sorry to trouble you, can I ask you something?" or "I have a question that I would like to ask you".

For example:

- Sorry to interrupt, but can I ask you something quickly?

- Sure, go ahead

5. In my opinion,...

(In my opinion,...)

You can use the phrase "In my opinion,..." before giving your opinion, expressing your opinion politely. You can also say "To my mind" or "It seems to me that..." or "I think" or "I believe..." or "I suppose..."

For example:

- In my opinion, we should not launch this product at this time. It’s a bit risky

- It seems to me that we need more people to work on this project

- I suppose that if we give ourselves enough time, we’ll be able to run a successful marketing campaign

6.You’re absolutely right 

(You're absolutely right)

You will use this sentence pattern when you want to emphasize that your colleague's opinion is correct and you completely agree with them.

For example:

- You’re absolutely right. We should invest more in advertising.

- You’re absolutely right. We should know our target audience better before designing the product.

- You’re absolutely right. Probably I should ask for help.

7. I’m not so sure about that 

(I'm not sure about that.)

When you are still hesitant or unsure about a certain issue or decision, say "I'm not so sure about that" or "I'm not entirely sure about that".

For example:

- I’m not so sure about that. How about asking our manager for advice?

- I’m not so sure about that. Should we think of a different plan?

- I'm not sure about that. What’s your opinion on this?

8. I’m very pleased to meet you 

(It's an honor to meet you)

You will say "I'm very pleased to meet you" or you can say "I'm honored to meet you" when meeting customers, to show your respect and pleasure to work and cooperate with Surname.

For example:

- Good morning ma’am. I’m very pleased to meet you.

- Hello Hoang. Pleased to meet you too!

9. Sorry for keeping you waiting

(Sorry for making you wait)

At work, sometimes customers have to wait, and this is a polite way of speaking that you need to remember to avoid losing sympathy with them. You can also say "I'm sorry I kept you waiting".

For example:

- Sorry for keeping you waiting. My bus was 5 minutes late

- Sorry for keeping you waiting. Should we start the meeting now?

10Here’s my (business) card 

(This is my business card)

"Here's my business card" is how you leave your contact information for customers, in case they need help or support from you.

For example:

- If you have any questions, please contact me. Here’s my business card

- By the way, here’s my card. Don’t hesitate to contact me any time!