Nouns 'in disguise': 10 common Business English expressions with nouns (often mistaken for verbs)

10 expressions with nouns often mistaken for verbs

Let's explore ten common Business English expressions featuring nouns. Practice, download, and leave us a comment!

Step 1. Match the two parts of each expression. Then, find the definition in the third column. The downloadable worksheet and the answers are at the bottom of the page.

Example:

1.keep something + E. in check = to keep something under control

1. keep something	A. lead	(informal) having information about something that others may not have
2. there's no immediate/ quick	B. don'ts	the problem cannot be resolved easily
3. have your	C. a firm stand	Choose!
4. do's and	D. say	to try it (=give it a shot)
5. give it	E. in check	to increase control over something
6. in the	F. the grip on something	to keep something under control
7. take the	G. a try	to state your beliefs clearly and not be persuaded to change them
8. take	H. pick!	to express your opinion about something
9. tighten	I. fix	to be most active in doing something, to set the pace and direction for others to follow
10. Take your	J. know	things that should and shouldn't be done

Step 2. Complete the gaps using the expressions from Step 1. The downloadable worksheet and the answers are at the bottom of the page.

1.      Her confidence and experience helped her _____ the lead and guide the team through the challenging times.

2.     We need more time to research this problem. There’s no immediate _____.

3.     This new app is a lifesaver. Give it a _____, you won’t regret it.

4.     The government decided to tighten its _____ on cybersecurity measures.

5.     As a senior advisor, he was always in the _____ about upcoming policy changes.

6.     Here are some dos and _____ of telephone etiquette: express empathy and do not interrupt the caller.

7.      There are many great options here. Take your _____!

Step 3. Make a sentence with one of the expressions. You can leave it in the comments section.

WORKSHEET Nouns 'in disguise' 10 expressions with nouns that Business English learners oft

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Download • 125KB

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Answers

Step 1.

1. keep something	E. in check	to keep something under control
2. there’s no immediate/ quick	I. fix	the problem cannot be resolved easily
3. have your	D. say	to express your opinion
4. do’s and	B. don’ts	things that should and shouldn’t be done
5. give it	G. a try	to try it (= give it a shot)
6. in the	J. know	(informal) having information about something that others may not have
7. take the	A. lead	to be most active in doing something, to set the pace and direction for others to follow
8. take	C. a firm stand	to state your beliefs clearly and not be persuaded to change them
9. tighten	F. the grip on something	to increase control over something
10. Take your	H. pick!	Choose!

Step 2.

1.      Her confidence and experience helped her take the lead and guide the team through the challenging times.

2.     We need more time to research this problem. There’s no immediate fix.

3.     This new app is a lifesaver. Give it a try, you won’t regret it.

4.     The government decided to tighten its grip on cybersecurity measures.

5.     As a senior advisor, he was always in the know about upcoming policy changes.

6.     Here are some dos and don’ts of telephone etiquette: express empathy and do not interrupt the caller.

7.      There are many great options here. Take your pick!