Issue #40

Learn English Here!

Tips and Tricks for Business English Language Learners (B.E.L.L.)

Photo by leah hetteberg​

American Football

Each week I will send out some handy tips and useful exercises for adults learning to navigate and use the English language. Please feel free to share this newsletter with friends and colleagues. For more in-depth language coaching, use the link below to schedule a 1:1 consultation.

Americans love their version of football. It’s the biggest sport franchise in the U.S., and fall is the time for the kickoff.

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Vocabulary

Let’s look at some popular football idioms used in business:

1. Move the goalposts – To change the goal or target of a plan or process in a way that makes success more difficult for the other party.

Example: It’s not going to be possible to deliver on this project if the client keeps moving the goalposts like this.

2. Keep your eye on the ball – To give your full attention to what you are doing or what you want to achieve.

Example: Béatrice could have won us that contract if she hadn’t taken her eye off the ball last summer.

3. Know the score – To be aware of the reality of a particular situation and how it affects you, even though you may not like it.

Example: He knows the score. Things have been tough in the industry this past year and layoffs are a real possibility.

4. Be on the ball – To be attentive, responsive and quick to take action.

Example: We really have to be on the ball when it comes to anticipating our clients’ needs.

5. To blow the whistle – To report or expose illegal activity or wrongdoing within an organization.

Example: He blew the whistle on his entire department for corruption.

6. Have a game plan – To have a carefully thought-out strategy or course of action.

Example: If we stick to our original game plan, we have the potential to increase our sales by 15% over the next twelve months.

7. Game changer – A new person, idea or event that has the potential to change a situation or activity in a significant way.

Example: The new exchange rate could be a real game changer for us.

Grammar

Use the video below to learn and practice the verb modal “can.”

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Reading

Read about the differences between American football and European football is this article here: https://nfldraftdiamonds.com/2023/03/american-football-6/#:~:text=American%20football%20is%20characterized%20by,into%20the%20opposing%20team’s%20goal.​

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Weekly Challenge

Correct the sentences below:

1. She recommended me that I take a few days off from work.
   1. I tried to explain him the problem, but he had difficulty understanding me.
   2. I don’t know why you didn’t go. If I were you, I should have gone.
   3. Kate claims that if she got an MBA after finishing her bachelor’s degree, she might have been considered for the position.
   4. Kevin says he stopped to travel internationally because of his family.
   5. We regret informing you that your application has been denied.
   6. The interview was broadcasted live over the internet.
   7. I’m so glad that he spoke in my behalf because I felt awful that I couldn’t make it to the event.
   8. At first I studied engineering in college, but I ended getting a marketing degree.
   9. It was a frustrating situation because we were uncapable of helping.

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