In today’s post we will focus on verbs & expressions in the form of collocations used in Business English. Let us also consider the meaning of Business English.
Business English: What exactly does business English mean to you? How is it different from the regular English? The basis of communication remains the same in both cases. It is the essence of any relationship, personal or professional. Business English is a formal form of communication typically used in meetings, interviews, group discussion, speeches, presentations etc.
Now, let us look at two verbs, do & make, that are commonly used, however, the usage is sometimes confused. Here is the difference between the two:
When to use ‘do’: It is used when you are talking about some task, job or work, it does not produce a physical product. E.g.: Would you like to do this job for me?
It is also used to refer to activities in general. E.g. Please do something.
Lastly, it is used to replace a main verb when the meaning is obvious. E.g.: Please do the assignment
When to use ‘make’: It is used when specifying the ‘making’ of something. It includes building, constructing, creating or producing. E.g.: The shoes are made in Paris
It is used when expressing an emotion: E.g. He makes me happy
Now, let us look at how these two verbs can be used in different collocations in Business English
| Do | Make |
| To do a project | To make a booking |
| To do the accounts | To make a decision |
| To do research | To make a difference |
| To do the math | To make a fortune |
| To do the paperwork | To make a point |
| To do your duty | To make a presentation |
| To do the task | To make a remark |
| To do the maximum/minimum | To make a fool of yourself |
| To do good | To make amends |
| To do damage | To make a suggestion |
| To do nothing | To make arrangements |
| To do everything | To make a choice |
| To do a good job | To make a plan |
| To do your chores | Made in China |
| To do your work | Made of Gold |
Hope you can now use these two verbs effectively in your business communication. In our next post we will look at some more verbs and expressions.