EN: Use 'Do you have...?' to ask if someone possesses something or if something is available at the moment.
Do you have time for a quick meeting?
EN: In many English-speaking workplaces, 'Do you have time for lunch?' is a common way to initiate a casual meeting or a break with a colleague. It is polite and direct.
EN: The Past Continuous tense (was/were + verb-ing) is used to describe an action that was happening at a specific time in the past.
I was reading a book when you called.
EN: In Western workplace culture, saying 'I was waiting for you' in response to a lunch invitation is a friendly way to show that you value the person's company and were looking forward to the break.
EN: Use 'need to + verb' to express a requirement or a strong desire to do an action.
I need to buy some milk.
EN: In English-speaking workplaces, 'I need to talk about something' is a common, direct way to initiate a discussion. It signals that the speaker has a specific topic in mind.
EN: The phrase 'on your mind' is used to ask what someone is thinking or worrying about.
You look sad. What is on your mind?
EN: In Western culture, 'What's on your mind?' is a common way to show empathy and openness to listen to someone's problems or thoughts.
EN: Use 'is' + 'time expression' to talk about scheduled events in the future.
The meeting is tomorrow.
EN: In many English-speaking workplaces, a 'performance review' is a formal meeting where an employee and manager discuss work goals and progress.
EN: Use 'Did' at the beginning of a sentence to ask a question about the past. After 'Did', use the base form of the verb (without -ed).
Did you watch the movie yesterday?
EN: In many Western workplaces, a 'self-evaluation' is a standard part of the performance review process where employees reflect on their own achievements before meeting their manager.
EN: Use the Past Simple tense (verb + ed) to talk about actions that started and finished at a specific time in the past.
I watched a movie last night.
EN: In professional settings, being honest about your progress (like saying 'Not yet') is better than making excuses. Adding 'I started it' shows you are taking initiative.
EN: To ask a question about a past action, we use 'did' + the base form of the verb (stop).
Why did you call?
EN: In a workplace context, asking 'Why did you stop?' is a common way to show interest in a colleague's progress or to identify obstacles they might be facing.
EN: Use 'be not sure about' to express uncertainty or doubt regarding a specific topic or thing.
He was not sure about the meeting time.
EN: In professional settings, it is common and encouraged to admit when you are unsure about your goals during a performance review process so that your manager can provide guidance.
EN: Use 'can' followed by a base verb to express ability or offering help.
I can open the door for you.
EN: In a professional or friendly context, 'I can help you with that' is a common way to show support and build rapport when someone expresses uncertainty.
EN: Use 'will be' to talk about a future result or a reaction to a plan that hasn't happened yet.
If you come to the party, it will be fun.
EN: In English-speaking cultures, showing enthusiasm when someone offers help is considered polite and builds good rapport.
EN: Imperative sentences start with a verb to give instructions or suggestions. 'First' is used as a transition word to show the sequence of steps.
First, open the window.
EN: In Western workplace culture, self-evaluations often focus on specific achievements and measurable improvements. Using words like 'improvement' shows a growth mindset.
EN: Use the past tense 'led' (the past form of 'lead') to talk about completed actions or achievements in the past.
I led a small team last year.
EN: In performance reviews, it is common to use strong action verbs like 'led', 'managed', or 'created' to demonstrate your contributions clearly.
EN: Imperative sentences (commands or suggestions) start with a base verb and do not need a subject like 'you'.
Open the door.
EN: In Western workplace culture, it is common to encourage colleagues to document their achievements for performance reviews. 'Write that down' is a supportive suggestion.
EN: Use the past tense (verb + ed) to talk about completed actions or achievements in the past.
I finished the report yesterday.
EN: In performance reviews, using specific numbers (like 'three') and action verbs (like 'trained') is a standard way to demonstrate your value to the company.
EN: Use 'Let us' (or 'Let's') followed by a base verb to suggest an activity or to invite someone to do something together.
Let us start the meeting.
EN: In professional settings, 'feedback' is a neutral term used to describe performance reviews or constructive criticism. Using 'let us' makes the suggestion sound collaborative rather than demanding.
EN: Use 'be good at' followed by a noun or a verb ending in -ing to describe something you do well.
He is good at cooking.
EN: In professional settings, 'presentations' often refer to formal talks given to a group, which is a highly valued skill in many companies.
EN: Use 'Anything else?' as a short way to ask if there is more information or more items to discuss.
I have your keys. Anything else?
EN: In professional settings, 'feedback' is a common term used to describe helpful information or criticism given to someone to improve their performance.
EN: Use 'be better at' followed by a noun or an -ing verb to talk about improving a skill or ability.
I want to be better at cooking.
EN: In performance reviews, managers often use 'can be better at' or 'room for improvement' as a polite way to give constructive criticism without being too harsh.
EN: Use 'can be' to talk about a possibility or a potential future state.
This can be a good chance for you.
EN: In professional settings, turning feedback into a 'goal' is a common way to show a positive attitude toward self-improvement.
EN: Use 'will' + 'base verb' to talk about a promise or a decision made at the moment of speaking.
I will call you later.
EN: In professional feedback sessions, 'work on that' is a very common and positive way to accept constructive criticism. It shows a growth mindset.
EN: Use 'do you think' followed by a normal sentence to ask for someone's opinion or belief.
Do you think it will rain today?
EN: In Western workplace culture, it is common to discuss career growth and promotions with trusted colleagues or mentors before formal reviews.
EN: Use 'I think so' to agree with a question or statement without repeating the whole sentence.
Is it going to rain? I think so.
EN: In Western workplace culture, colleagues often provide emotional support and positive reinforcement before a performance review to build confidence.
EN: Use 'will' to talk about a decision or promise made at the moment of speaking.
I will call you later.
EN: In professional settings, showing a proactive attitude by 'setting goals' is highly valued during performance reviews.
EN: Imperative sentences start with a verb to give advice or instructions. Use 'too' at the end of a sentence to mean 'also'.
Read this book too.
EN: In Western workplace culture, self-evaluations are not just about admitting mistakes; it is crucial to highlight your own achievements and 'improvements' to show growth.
EN: Use 'the best' + noun to describe something or someone that is the highest quality or your favorite among all others.
This is the best pizza in town.
EN: The word 'buddy' is an informal and friendly way to say 'friend'. In a workplace, having a 'lunch buddy' implies a close, supportive relationship beyond just being colleagues.
EN: Use 'Good luck with + [something]' to wish someone success in a specific event or task.
Good luck with your exam tomorrow!
EN: In Western workplace culture, colleagues often use 'Good luck' to show support before important events like performance reviews or presentations, even if they aren't close friends.
Key vocabulary words with IPA pronunciation, definitions, example sentences, and interactive quizzes.
Phrases with type tags, bilingual definitions, usage notes, and example sentences.
To be worrying or thinking about something.
To record something on paper or digitally.
To be able to do something well.
A formal assessment in which a manager evaluates an employee's work results and behavior.
A process where an employee assesses their own performance and achievements before a formal review.
Information or comments about how well someone is doing a task, used as a basis for improvement.
A formal talk or speech given to a group, often using slides or visual aids.
An advancement to a higher rank or position in a company.