In this post, we share 100 common phrasal verbs for Business English and show you how to master them. What Are Phrasal Verbs? A phrasal verb is made up of a verb + a particle or two particles, which can be prepositions or adverbs, that work together to create a meaning different from the individual words.
Phrasal verbs are widely used in business English and make conversations more concise, natural and professional. For example:
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Mastering phrasal verbs will help you understand more of what you hear & read, and make you a better, more professional English speaker. Whether you’re “following up” on an email or “taking over” a project, phrasal verbs are everywhere in the business world.
Phrasal verbs can be classified as separable or inseparable based on whether the verb and the particle (preposition or adverb) can be split by an object. It is estimated that about 60% of phrasals are separable (= can be separated). The rest cannot, and are therefore classified as “inseparable.”
Examples:
Write down:
Please write down the address.
Please write it down. (Correct)
Please write down it. (Incorrect)
Call off:
They called off the meeting.
They called it off. (Correct)
They called off it. (Incorrect)
Examples:
Look into:
We’ll look into the issue.
We’ll look into it. (Correct)
We’ll look it into. (Incorrect)
Run into:
I ran into an old colleague.
I ran into her. (Correct)
I ran her into. (Incorrect)
Importantly, the stress falls on the preposition rather than the verb – “write DOWN”, “call OFF”, “look INTO”. Secondly, although separated by a space, phrasal verbs are pronounced like a single unit, so “get around” sounds like “geddaROUND”. Practice saying these aloud, minding both the stress and the linking.
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Here are 5 essential phrasal verbs for the workplace:
For the complete list of 100 phrasal verbs, keep reading below.
We’ve compiled a list of 100 essential phrasal verbs that are frequently used in professional settings, organized by situation to help you learn and use them like a native speaker!
These phrasal verbs are essential for discussing preparation, organization, and strategic thinking in a business context.
These phrasal verbs are commonly used in professional conversations, meetings, and written communication.
These phrasal verbs are useful for discussing relationships and working together in a team.
These phrasal verbs are useful for discussing tasks, responsibilities, and decision-making in a business context.
These phrasal verbs are often used when addressing challenges or making decisions in a professional setting.
These phrasal verbs are relevant for discussing tasks, processes, and operational matters.
These phrasal verbs focus on money, budgeting, and financial management.
These phrasal verbs are helpful for discussing compromises, agreements, and resolving disputes.
These phrasal verbs relate to personal or professional growth, as well as business expansion.
These phrasal verbs are related to achieving goals, measuring success, or evaluating outcomes.
Learning and using phrasal verbs effectively in the workplace requires a combination of understanding their meanings, practicing their usage, and applying them in real-life situations. Here are some tips to help you master phrasal verbs and use them confidently at work:
Be Patient and Consistent
Learning phrasal verbs takes time, especially since they can be tricky. Focus on a few at a time, practice consistently, and gradually expand your vocabulary.
Focus on Context
Phrasal verbs often have multiple meanings depending on the context. For example, “take off” can mean removing something (e.g., “Take off your jacket”) or achieving success (e.g., “The project really took off”). Pay attention to how phrasal verbs are used in workplace conversations, emails, or meetings to understand their specific meanings.
Create Flashcards or Use Apps
Write down phrasal verbs with their meanings and example sentences on flashcards or use language-learning apps. Review them regularly to reinforce your memory.
Listen and Imitate
Pay attention to how native speakers use phrasal verbs in professional settings. Watch business-related videos, listen to podcasts, or observe colleagues. Try to imitate their usage to improve your fluency and confidence.
Ask for Feedback
If you’re unsure about using a phrasal verb correctly, ask a colleague, teacher, or mentor for feedback. This will help you refine your understanding and avoid common mistakes.
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“100 Phrasal Verbs for Business English” by A Roberts & Brenda de Jong-Pauley MA, Director, The English Center, 2025
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Struggling with English pronunciation? This big guide to Pronunciation for ESL (English as a second language) discusses tricky English sounds such as the terrible “th,” the lazy schwa, and the very confusing “i” and “ee”. (Ship or sheep, you say?) Plus it outlines common mistakes by several language groups. Whether you’re aiming for just being understood or seeking the ultimate near-native sound, these tips will help.
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Pronunciation is the bridge between knowing a language and being understood when you speak that language. And while pronunciation is a skill that we are built to effortlessly acquire as children, for adults trying to speak a second language, good L2 pronunciation does not come easily.
Even L2 speakers who have an advanced vocabulary and perfect grammar will struggle and encounter frustration when their intended message does not arrive as intended. What did you say? Excuse me? Can you repeat that?
In business settings, the stakes are even higher. Mispronunciation can make you seem less competent or knowledgeable. That’s not fair, but it‘s a reality. For those who decide to tackle the issue of “better pronunciation,” which we can generally describe as accent reduction, the task is primarily one of creating new habits.
The simple truth about your English pronunciation is that it’s based on your first language: your L1. As you learn your L2, your L1 programming informs your L2 sound production. So if you are Dutch and you see a TH (a sound that does not exist in Dutch) you’ll substitute it for something you do know. How about a T? Or a D? “And dat’s how it’s done” ;-). If “r”s are trilled in your language, when you read an R, you will, in your mind, trill it. And when you speak it, a trilled “r” will be produced. And if your language does not contain a schwa, you will clearly pronounce all the vowels you see. Except that we don’t do that in English. 🙁
So the trick is to learn the rules of English pronunciation – what we say, how we say, and what we omit! And then practice this new way of speaking until it becomes a habit. If you do that very well, you might be called a near-native speaker. But don’t worry about that goal – in fact, please don’t lose all your accent! All you have to do is correct the things that are confusing your listeners. Remove the obstacles that keep them from understanding you. So what are some of the most common communication killers?
From vowels to consonants there’s a lot to think about when it comes to pronunciation. Let’s begin with the schwa.
The schwa (ə) is the most common sound in English. It’s that relaxed “uh” sound in unstressed syllables, like the first syllable of “about” (ə-BOUT) or the second syllable of “sofa” (SO-fə). Mastering the schwa will make your speech sound more natural and fluent.
The schwa is especially important in reducing the stress on less important words in a sentence. For example, in the phrase “I can do it,” the word “can” is often pronounced with a schwa: “I kən do it.”
Practice sentence: “I’m going to the cinema to watch a movie.” (Notice how “to” and “a” are reduced to the schwa sound.)
English has two “th” sounds that don’t exist in many languages:
These sounds are challenging for many learners because they require a specific tongue placement that might feel unnatural at first. However, with practice, they’ll become second nature.
Practice sentence: “This Thursday, I think I’ll breathe deeply and relax.” (This sentence includes both voiced and unvoiced “th” sounds.)
English has both short and long vowel sounds, and distinguishing between them is essential for clear communication. For example:
Mixing these up can lead to misunderstandings. For instance, saying “I saw a ship” instead of “I saw a sheep” could confuse your listener.
Another tricky pair involves the short “oo” sound (as in “book”) and the long “oo” sound (as in “moon”). These words can be especially confusing because they often look similar in spelling but are pronounced differently:
Practice sentences:
“The book is on the moon, and the food is in the school.” (This sentence contrasts short and long “oo” sounds.)
“The sheep is on the ship, eating chips.” (This sentence contrasts short and long vowels.)
“I beat the drum a bit before I left.” (This sentence contrasts “beat” and “bit.”)
Pro Tip: If you’re struggling with the “i” sound in words like “ship”, “bit” and “sit”, try replacing the “i” with a schwa.
When adding “-ed” to regular verbs (e.g., “edit” → “edited” or “watch” → “watched”), the pronunciation changes based on the final sound of the verb. Similarly, the pronunciation of “-s” or “-es” in plurals depends on the final sound of the noun. This is just a summary, so check out our post all about pronouncing word endings for more!
Pronounce as “t”
When the verb ends in a voiceless sound: P, K, F, S, SH, CH, TH.
help → “helpt”
watch → “watcht”
Pronounce as “d”
When the verb ends in a voiced sound: B, G, V, Z, J, M, N, L, R, and vowels.
play → “playd”
call → “calld”
Pronounce as “əd” (extra syllable)
When the verb ends in T or D, an extra syllable is added.
want → “wantəd”
need → “needəd”
Pronounce as “s”
When the noun ends in a voiceless sound: P, K, F, TH (as in “thick”), SH.
cats → “cats”
books → “books”
cliffs → “cliffs”
Pronounce as “z”
When the noun ends in a voiced sound: B, D, V, TH (as in “this”), M, N, L, R, and vowels.
dogs → “dogz”
pens → “penz”
Pronounce as “əz” (extra syllable)
When a noun ends in S, Z, SH, CH, X, or J, the plural adds an extra syllable.
boxes → “boxəz”
judges → “judgəz”
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English learners often notice that British and American English sound quite different. While both are correct, here are three general differences to keep in mind:
Vowel sounds: In British English, some vowels sound longer or more rounded. For example, the word “bath” is pronounced more like “bah-th” in British English, while in American English, it sounds like “ba-th” (with a shorter “a” sound, like in “cat”).
R sounds: In both British and American English, initial “r”s are pronounced clearly, in the same way. However, the two diverge when we consider mid and final position “r”s. In American English, the “r” is pronounced clearly in all words, like in “car” or “hard.” In British English, the “r” is often silent unless it’s followed by a vowel. For example, “car” might sound more like “cah.” Note that the technical term for the expression of “r”s in English is “rhoticity“.
T sounds: In both British and American English initial “t” sounds are pronounced clearly and in the same manner. For example, “Ted and Tina have time for tea”. In American English, however, the middle “t” sound in words like “butter” will generally sound like “d” meaning that “butter” will sound like “budder”. So in British English we say “Betty Botter bought a bit of butter”, while in American we say “Beddy Bodder boughda bidda budder.”
Note that in Standard Southern British English all “t”s are clearly pronounced regardless of position. However, mid position “t”s in certain British English dialects such as Cockney are often dropped altogether, so that a “bottle of water” is pronounced as, “bo-’l a wa-ah”. This phenomenon, known as the glottal stop (ʔ), happens when airflow is interrupted in the vocal tract.
While the two dialects certainly have their differences, they actually have a lot in common. If your goal is to speak with a particular accent, then these differences must be observed. However, if your goal is simply to sound better in English, we suggest that you don’t worry too much about it. Just accept that your English may sound rather international, combining elements of both British and American English.
The first step to correcting your mistakes is identifying them. Here are just a few examples of common English pronunciation mistakes made by speakers of different languages.
Intonation refers to the rise and fall of your voice when speaking. It’s what makes English sound lively and engaging. For example:
Note that statements may rise to signal an incomplete thought, as in, “I was thinking of going to the mo-VIES… but it looks like it’s going to rain.”
English relies on intonation to carry meaning. Important verbs and nouns will often get the most stress. For example, “You ATE my CHOCOLATE!”
English is a stress-timed language, which means certain syllables in a word or sentence are emphasized more than others. For example:
Getting word stress right is crucial because incorrect stress can confuse listeners. For instance, stressing the wrong syllable in “record” can change its meaning:
Practice sentence: “I need to record a record of the meeting.” (Notice how the stress changes the meaning of the word “record.”)
How do we stress syllables in English? The syllable sounds longer, louder or higher in pitch.
Native speakers often link words together, which can make English sound fast and hard to follow. Here are some common features of connected speech:
Practice sentence: “Can you go on and open the door?” (Notice how “go on” and “and open” are linked together.)
Pro Tip: Don’t allow any spaces to happen between your words, except when you’re choosing to pause.
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Remember, even native English speakers have different accents. The goal isn’t to sound exactly like a native speaker but to be clearly understood. Keep practicing, stay confident, and most importantly – don’t be afraid to make mistakes!
At The English Center, we specialize in helping learners like you improve their pronunciation. Whether you’re preparing for a presentation, an interview, or just want to sound more natural, we’ve got you covered. Book a session today and take your English to the next level!
“Pronunciation for ESL ” by A Roberts & Brenda de Jong-Pauley MA, Director, The English Center, 2025
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Pronouncing English word endings is confusing, but it’s important! It’s confusing because English is not a phonetic language, and it’s important because errors will reduce your intelligibility (=how easily people understand what you say). We put together 25 word endings with explanation & exercises to help you understand that word endings are not always spoken as they are spelled. In this big blog, we explain how to pronounce English word endings and help you understand and practice some of the most common and confusing word endings.
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In English, we add D or ED to make regular past tense verbs (and sometimes to make adjectives), but we often do not speak the -ed as a seperate syllable. Instead, we make a -d or -t sound without adding the extra syllable. Thus, danced sounds like danst, not dans-ed. Loved sounds like lovd, not lov-ed. Watched sounds like watcht not watch-ed. Helped sounds like helpt not help-ed.
Understanding about vibrated and un-vibrated sounds will help you feel the natural pattern that directs these word endings. Say these consonants and consonant clusters out loud and feel the vibration – or lack of vibration – in your throat. B, C, CH, D, F, G, H, J, K, L, M, N, P, R, S, T, V, W, X, Y and Z. (Note: X sounds like eks and is un-vibrated)
The unvoiced sounds include p. k, s, ch, sh, x. Practice saying: popped = popt, hopped=hopt, baked-bakt, taped=tapt, passed=past, typed=typt, stopped=stopt, packed = pakt, joked=jokt
Voiced consonant sounds include: v, n, m, r, l, w, z. These words are easy because you write D and you say D!
Loved, shoved, mined, cared, dialed, filled, phased, soiled, carried, bowed.
Also pronounce the D sound after words with no mid-consonant, such as keyed and stayed.
T ending: Yesterday, I danced and cooked and walked and talked and laughed.
D ending: The day before that, I lived and loved and studied and tuned pianos while it rained and rained and rained. Oh, and by the way, it also hailed! I was not thrilled.
Pronounce -ed as an extra syllable following t and d. Please note that the preceding consonant is blended with the -ed sound:
Say toas-ted, pos ted, ai-ded, fa-ded, lis-ted, trus-ted, plea-ded
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The words ending with -ED require a schwa /ə/ which is a relaxed “uh” sound. If you do not know how and when to make the schwa, please read our Schwa article.
The schwa /ə/ is required for many English word endings.
Taps, tips, hits, hacks, jacks, jets, cats, cokes, bites, mats, knits, caps, clips, bots, clots, zaps, lacks, fakes, votes, waits
Mails, nails, lanes, bones, bills, thrills, hills, bins, canes, cones, drones, drives, forms, greens, homes
Posts, coasts, boasts, roasts, pastes, casts, bastes
Word endings are seldom stressed, but they remain important. Be sure you say them correctly. Words ending in -y are often adjectives and words ending in -ly are often adverbs. Sometimes we make adverbs by adding -ly to an adjective. Remember, adjectives describe nouns and adverbs describe verbs and adjectives.
1. Let’s start with adjectives that end in -y, Be sure that the -y ending is clearly spoken and that the -y sounds like the long E in tea, see, and me. (Note: a long sound says it’s name).
Re: -ly endings: If you know someone named Lee, that is precisely the sound you want to put at the end of happily. Do you like to drink tea? That is the sound that goes at the end of chatty. And do you have keys? That completes the word lanky.
Slow down and carefully pronounce the syllables apart for accuracy, and then connect them for flow / fluency / a native sound. Example: ha-ppy, happy
2. Now practice the word sets below. Be sure that the -ly ending is clearly spoken and that the -ly sounds like the name Lee.
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Words that end in -ing sound like singing and ringing. The -ing sound is nasal because your throat closes to produce this sound. Words that end in -ing can be nouns, verbs or adjectives.
Practice these words with the syllables apart to get a strong -ing, and then connect them, which will sound like rai-ning, lear-ning, mea-ning, see-ming.
Speak them apart for accuracy and then connect them for flow / fluency / a native sound. The connection is essential.
It was raining on Monday evening, and we were finishing explaining baking to our good friend Bing Ling. The wind was blowing and howling through big old trees standing like kings in the park. And the phone began ringing and ringing and ringing. It was making that old fashioned ring sound. You know… ding-a-ling, ding-a-ling. I answered and heard someone breathing and then singing! I was leaning on the wall as I was speaking on the phone. I was listening carefully but when I did not understand what the man was saying and singing he started laughing and laughing. It was so confusing! I hung up.
-tion sounds like “shun”/”shən.” Do you hear the schwa? The upper case letters remind you that the STRESS comes right before the schwa / the final, unsytressed syllable. Exaggerate to clearly hear the pattern:
InvestiGAtion (shun), liberAtion, proclaMAtion, fasciNAtion, prepaRAtion, procrastiNAtion, founDAtion, simplifiCAtion, compliCAtion, compiLAtion, sepaRAtion
When the word is a noun or an adjective, the stress goes at the beginning of the word, where you see the upper case letters. The end of the word, where you see the lower case letters, has a schwa and is unstressed. The end of the word sounds like -tun/tən.
CAPtain, MOUNtain, FOUNtain, CERtain, CURtain
But when the word is a verb, the stress usually goes to the second syllable, which is clearly pronounced with a long A sound:
conTAIN, susTAIN, abSTAIN, perTAIN, deTAIN, mainTAIN
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N: Tongue tip is pressed against the alveolar (al-ve-O-ler) ridge.
M: Close your lips and let the M come through your nose. Practice humming the M.
Hint: These sets have rhyming vowels.
Instructions: Using a mirror, exaggerate the final Ms. Really close/press your lips together and feel it. Use the mirror to see the difference in lips between final N (open lips) and final M (closed lips).
The pronunciation of the final R sound is one of the most noticeable differences between American and British English.
In General American (GA) English, the final R is always pronounced. This means that words like “car,” “mother,”and “bitter” have a strong /r/ sound at the end or before a consonant. The tongue tenses and lifts slightly toward the roof of the mouth, creating a clear “r” sound.
In most accents of British English (such as Received Pronunciation (RP) – or the more modern term “Standard Southern British English” (SSBE) – the final R is not pronounced unless followed by a vowel. Instead, words ending in R are pronounced with a longer vowel sound or a schwa /ə/. Read our article about the schwa sound here.
Pro tip: These rules also apply to mid position, end-of-syllable Rs in words like farther and further.
In British English (and only in British English), an R sound may appear when a word ending in a vowel is followed by another vowel. Do not use the linking or intrusive R in American English unless you are going for a non standard dialect.
The -ate word ending can be tricky because it has two different pronunciations, depending on whether the word is a verb or a noun/adjective.
When -ate appears at the end of a verb, it is usually pronounced /ate/.
When -ate appears at the end of a noun or adjective, it is usually pronounced /ət/.
If you’re unsure if a word is a noun, verb or adjective, check how the word is used in the sentence. Verbs have the strong /ate/ sound, while nouns and adjectives have the unstressed /ət/ (schwa) sound.
Practice saying these words aloud and notice the pattern!
And my favorite -ate word, chocolate 😉 – is pronounced by completely dropping the middle syllable (the “o”) and simply saying CHOC-lət. Whether it’s a noun or an adjective, this is the way native speakers say it.
The -able and -ible endings are common in adjectives and usually sound like /əbl/ (a soft “uh-bl” sound). The pronunciation is the same for both spellings.
A common mistake is pronouncing these endings as “able” or “ible” with a strong final syllable. Instead, the sound should be soft and unstressed.
The -ous ending appears in many adjectives and is usually pronounced /əs/ (a soft “uhs” sound).
A common mistake is pronouncing the “o” as a full vowel. Instead, it is reduced to a schwa.
Words ending in -al often sound like /əl/ (a soft “uhl” sound). This is common in adjectives and some nouns.
A mistake to avoid is stressing the final syllable. The -al sound is always weak, unstressed, and contains a schwa.
The -ive ending is common in adjectives and is usually pronounced /ɪv/ (like “iv”).
The “i” sound can fall between a short “i,” like in the word “hit,” and a schwa. As an American, I definitely use a schwa. Of course, don’t pronounce the”e” at the end. In most cases, it’s silent.
The -ize (or -ise in British English) ending is always pronounced /aɪz/ (rhymes with “eyes”).
The spelling difference between -ize and -ise depends on the variety of English, but the pronunciation is the same. Keep this long “i” sound strong and clear. Remember, a long vowels says its name.
The -ment ending is common in nouns and is pronounced /mənt/ (like “munt”).
A common mistake is stressing the final syllable. Instead, the -ment sound is weak and unstressed. Of course, the final vowel sound is a schwa.
The -ity ending is common in nouns and is usually pronounced /ɪti/ (like “ih-tee”). The stress often shifts to the syllable before -ity.
A common mistake is pronouncing -ity as “eye-tee” instead of “ih-tee” or “ə-tee.”
The next to the last syllable has an -i, which can be spoken as a short “i” or as a schwa.
The -en ending appears in both adjectives and verbs. It is usually pronounced /ən/ (a soft “uhn” sound), and in some words, the -en is almost silent.
Did you notice that some letters, like the -t in in “listen” and “fasten” were dropped?
The -th ending appears in ordinal numbers and many nouns. It can be pronounced as /θ/ (a soft “th” sound, as in “thin”) or /ð/ (a voiced “th” sound, as in “this”). Practice pronouncing
A common mistake is pronouncing -th as “t” or “d” instead of using the correct “th” sound. Another error is to confuse vibrated and un-vibrated TH sounds. Read our article about making the 2 English TH sounds.
Want to improve your pronunciation with a native-speaker trainer from The English Center team? Not sure what to do next? Contact us! We are happy to speak with you in English or Dutch.
You might also enjoy reading our article, “30 English Pronunciation Tips.”
“Pronounce English Word Endings” by Brenda de Jong-Pauley, MA, Director, The English Center, 2025
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The most common, essential sound in our unphonetic English language is the schwa /ə/. It’s a neutral, relaxed vowel sound that shows up in all kinds of words – big and small – boldly stealing proper vowel sounds and trading them for its lazy, undistinguished “uh” sound. In this article, we will teach you how to pronounce the schwa sound so that you sound natural when you speak English.
Say: sun, fun, run. The letter “u” in those words is the schwa /ə/ sound.
A real trickster, this sound loves pretending to be something else, and only shows its true face in “u” words like our target words: fun, sun, run.
The schwa is a common, primitive, basic, connecting sound (almost a grunt) that vibrates in your throat with no articulation by the tongue, teeth or lips. It’s not pretty, but it is absolutely necessary for proper English. Without it, your English will be over-pronounced and unnatural. The absence of a schwa means that your English will be quite accented (= have a strong accent.)
English needs a reduced sound to help speakers create the “low notes” in the “music” of our language.
English is a stress-timed language, and that means that we emphasize and de-emphasize words and word parts as we speak them. Unlike many languages, we don’t speak every syllable with the same length, volume or pitch. No, we make language music! This language music carries a great deal of meaning in English. It’s essential for being understood when you speak. And the simple little schwa provides a quick, easy sound that allows other (accented) syllables to stand out. It’s all about contrasting sounds. LOUD and quiet, BIG and small, SHORT and l-o-n-g!
There are two symbols associated with the “uh” sound: /ə/ and /ʌ/ – but in American English, there is no discernible, audible difference between them. They both sound like the “uh” in sun, run, fun. Please note that, for the sake of simplicity, we will use the /ə/ symbol to indicate all schwas in this article.
The schwa is often heard in unstressed syllables. A dictionary will show it is as /ə/ and it will sound just like the letter “u” (or “o” or “ou”) in these single syllable words: sun, run, fun, love, come, bun, thumb, tongue.
Repeat the words above and hold the “uh” /ə/ sound steady. Make the /ə/ rhyme in every word.
The words below are first spelled in the normal way. Then we spell them with CAPS (capital letters) to show the accented part of the word and the /ə/ to show the unaccented schwa. Try to say these words with a nice lazy schwa and a strong accent on the capitalized (stressed) syllable. Exaggerate the difference to begin to hear the language music.
Yes! Although the schwa is often unstressed, it can also be stressed, such as in the words below. In this list, we first show the normal spelling, and then we give a simplified phonetic version
When working on your schwa, remember to resist the desire to pronounce words as written. Look away from the spelling if necessary. Unlike languages such as Spanish, Russian and German, English word spelling will often lead you down the wrong path. Practice your schwa with the basic schwa phrases below that ONLY contain schwa-vowels.
Tip: The words with schwas are bolded.
Tip: Note how the schwa usually appears after the stressed syllables. We put them in upper case to help you learn the pattern.
Many people say this tiny word incorrectly. To say this word properly, say: “i/DEE/uh”. It has 3 syllables, and the stress is in the middle. The shape of the word is like a pyramid; the “high” point is in the middle. The final sound is the /ə/ schwa sound. This stress pattern is also heard in the words: Korea and Maria. Say, “My sister Maria from North Korea has a good idea.”
That’s easy to answer. English is not a phonetic language. That means that words are not always spoken as they are written. So if your spoken English “sound” is over or mis-pronounced, the tricky little schwa might be one of your problems.
For personalized help with the schwa and other pronunciation issues, contact The English Center. Our native speaker teachers offer a free intake appointment and in- person lessons in The Netherlands in Amsterdam, Den Haag and Amstelveen. We would love to help you gain a more natural, native sound so that you are always understood when you speak English. Call +31 20 823 0569.
Check out the Cambridge book, “Ship or Sheep.” It’s popular and pretty easy to follow. Be sure you get the audio, too!
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Our selected poem for Valentine’s Day 2025: “i carry your heart with me”
Love is timeless. Across centuries, poets and dreamers have attempted to capture its essence in words. But few have expressed love with such intimacy, brevity, simplicity, clarity and tenderness as E. E. Cummings in his iconic poem “i carry your heart with me.” More than a poem, “i carry your heart” is a love letter—a declaration that feels as fresh and authentic today as when it was published in 1952.
For all the reasons above, this poem is popular as a reading at weddings and has, no doubt, appeared in many valentine’s cards. In this post, we’ll briefly explore the life of this remarkable poet, his rule-breaking use of language, and why his most famous love poem remains an enduring message about the heart’s deepest promise.
Please note that unusual spacing, lack of upper case letters, etc. are characteristic of Cummings’ work. These elements are as integral to his story as his choice of words.
Table of contents
[i carry your heart with me(i carry it in]
i carry your heart with me(i carry it in
my heart)i am never without it(anywhere
i go you go,my dear;and whatever is done
by only me is your doing,my darling)
i fear
no fate(for you are my fate,my sweet)i want
no world(for beautiful you are my world,my true)
and it’s you are whatever a moon has always meant
and whatever a sun will always sing is you
here is the deepest secret nobody knows
(here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud
and the sky of the sky of a tree called life;which grows
higher than soul can hope or mind can hide)
and this is the wonder that’s keeping the stars apart
i carry your heart(i carry it in my heart)
ee cummings 1952
E. E. (Edward Estlin) Cummings was born in 1894 in Cambridge, Massachusetts, into a family that encouraged intellectual curiosity, social responsibility, and individuality. His father was a Harvard professor in the fledgling department of sociology, as well as a Unitarian minister at a leading Boston Congregationalist Church.
As a child, Cummings wrote a poem a day, and at Harvard, he excelled in literature and began experimenting with language and form. His life took a dramatic turn during World War I, when he volunteered to drive an ambulance in France. (This wartime assignment was often chosen by those who considered themselves pacifists.) While there, he was arrested and interned in a French detention camp for several months due to his outspoken views on the war. He was only released due to his influential father’s entreaties. As a result of that internment, he wrote his first published first book, The Enormous Room. This experience deepened his belief in freedom and individuality—values that would define his poetry.
Want to read the book? You can download The Enormous Room for free at the Gutenberg Project.
After returning to the U.S., Cummings pursued a life of art, writing nearly 3,000 poems, painting, and traveling extensively. His work, often focused on love, nature, and human connection, broke every poetic rule and created a new kind of beauty. Cummings died in 1964.
E. E. Cummings was an inquisitive and playful free-thinker; his innovative, experimental style changed how we think about language and how it can be used to express emotion. How Cummings poetry breaks the rules to create intimacy and simplicity. For example:
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Cummings often merged words or created new expressions to evoke fresh emotions. His poems feel spontaneous and conversational, but every word is carefully chosen. His rejection of formal grammar allows his poetry to move freely, much like love itself.
This poem has become a cultural touchstone for weddings, love letters, and personal declarations. Its simplicity makes it universally accessible, while its emotional depth keeps readers coming back to it again and again. In a world full of fleeting connections, “i carry your heart with me” reminds us of the power of enduring love—a love that transcends time, space, and circumstance.
As you celebrate love this Valentine’s Day, let this poem inspire you. Share it with someone you love, write it in a card, or simply carry its words in your heart. Because love isn’t something we find. It’s something we carry—always.
For another dimension of the poem, experience it in song with Michael Hedges.
Copyright Credit: the poem, (more or less) as it appears on the Poetry Foundation page: “[i carry your heart with me(i carry it in]” Copyright 1952, © 1980, 1991 by the Trustees for the E. E. Cummings Trust, from Complete Poems: 1904-1962 by E. E. Cummings, edited by George J. Firmage. Source: Complete Poems: 1904-1962 (Liveright Publishing Corporation, 1991)
EE Cummings Free Poetry Archive
Poetry Foundation: EE Cummings
Historic Image EE Cummings: Wikimedia Commons
Looking for a more Shakespearean flavor of romance? Check out our post, Romeo and Juliet.
Or read our post, Shakespeare’s Language of Love.
Author: “‘i carry your heart with me’ A poem for Valentine’s Day by E.E. Cummings,” Brenda de Jong-Pauley, MA, 2025, The English Center.
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This English-Dutch Vocabulary List B1-C1 presents 75 commonly used words at three CEFR levels (25 words per level): B1 Intermediate, B2 Upper Intermediate & C1 Advanced. Each word includes its part of speech, Dutch translation, and an example sentence to ensure clarity and usability.
If you are looking for a vocabulary book, we recommend the Cambridge In Use Series.
Are you a Nederlander who is interested in improving your English accent?
Do you want to read about some funny mistakes that Nederlanders make in English?
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Waarom Privé Bedrijfs Engels Training de Slimste Keuze is voor Nederlanders
Bedrijfs Engels (soms ook Zakelijk Engels genoemd) is de Engelse taal die wordt gebruikt in professionele omgevingen. Denk aan vergaderingen, e-mails, onderhandelingen en klantgesprekken. In Nederland spreken de meeste professionals al redelijk goed Engels (B1/B2-niveau), maar willen ze hun vaardigheden verfijnen om zelfverzekerd, professioneel en natuurlijk te klinken.
Maar hoe verbeter je deze vaardigheden zonder tijd te verspillen aan een standaardcursus? Het antwoord: gepersonaliseerde coaching die zich richt op wat jij écht nodig hebt.
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
Veel Nederlanders denken aan een groepscursus als ze hun Engels willen verbeteren. Maar als je al een degelijke basis hebt, is zo’n one-size-fits-all aanpak vaak te breed. Iedereen in de groep heeft een ander niveau, andere functie, en andere leerbehoeften. Wat jij écht nodig hebt, is een trainer die zich richt op jouw specifieke doelen.
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Nederlanders staan bekend om hun sterke Engelse vaardigheden, maar veel professionals voelen zich onzeker over hun uitspraak, zakelijke toon en woordkeuze. Een goed niveau Engels is geen luxe; het is een must als je internationaal werkt of carrière wilt maken.
Maar hoe zorg je ervoor dat je echt vooruitgang boekt? Standaard groepscursussen leren je wat iedereen leert, maar privétraining richt zich op jouw persoonlijke doelen en uitdagingen.
Snel verbeteren met een spoedcursus
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Elke professional heeft andere uitdagingen. Een privétrainer, altijd een native speaker, stemt de lesstof af op jouw specifieke behoeften.* Waarom uren verspillen aan algemene lessen als je kunt focussen op wat jij écht nodig hebt?
✔ Jouw doelen staan centraal – Wil je beter netwerken, presenteren of onderhandelen? Jouw trainer past zich aan. ✔ Persoonlijke feedback – Directe correcties helpen je sneller vooruit. ✔ Flexibiliteit – Je plant lessen wanneer het jou uitkomt. ✔ Geen steenkool Engels! – Werk aan een natuurlijkere uitspraak en vermijd “te Nederlands” klinken.
Met privé coaching boek je sneller en effectiever vooruitgang. Plan een vrijblijvende intake afspraak en ontdek hoe maatwerk training jouw carrière kan versterken!, omdat alle lessen zijn afgestemd op jouw werkveld, rol en persoonlijke uitdagingen.
Een-op-een training biedt een gerichte aanpak voor essentiële zakelijke vaardigheden:
1. Spreekvaardigheid en vloeiendheid
2. Uitspraak en accentreductie
3. Professionele e-mails en rapporten
4. Diplomatie en culturele nuances
Deze vaardigheden zijn essentieel in een internationale werkomgeving, en een privétrainer helpt je om ze doelgericht te ontwikkelen.
Een privétrainer is meer dan een leraar. Het is een mentor die je helpt groeien in je carrière. Denk aan een financial controller die technische jargon beheerst, maar moeite heeft met informeel Engels in gesprekken met collega’s. Of een manager die te direct klinkt en subtielere, diplomatieke taal moet leren.
Een-op-een coaching helpt je:
Privétraining met een native speaker zorgt ervoor dat je zelfverzekerd en professioneel communiceert. Veel bedrijven vergoeden deze trainingen omdat ze het cruciaal vinden dat hun medewerkers effectief in het Engels communiceren. Wij kunnen een voorstel opstellen dat je kunt delen met je HR-afdeling of manager. Bovendien zijn wij CEDEO-erkend, wat door sommige bedrijven als vereiste wordt gesteld.. Neem contact met ons op en start vandaag nog met jouw gepersonaliseerde training! ongeacht de situatie of gesprekspartner.
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Je Engels verbeteren is geen luxe, het is een noodzaak in de internationale zakenwereld. Een standaardcursus leert je wat iedereen leert—maar jij hebt unieke uitdagingen en doelen.
Met een privétrainer werk je gericht aan jouw Bedrijfs Engels vaardigheden, terwijl je profiteert van maatwerkondersteuning die direct aansluit bij je functie en werkcontext., zodat je sneller vooruitgang boekt en met vertrouwen communiceert. Wacht niet langer en investeer in je toekomst met maatwerk Bedrijfs Engels training! 🚀
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Bedrijfs Engels by Brenda de Jong-Pauley, MA, Director, The English Center
Who vs. Whom—Which Word Should You Use? Many English learners, even native speakers, struggle with choosing between who and whom. Here’s a simple method: imagine the missing person in the sentence.
Examples:
The above rule is based on the difference between subjects and objects. If the missing person is a subject in the sentence, use who. If the missing person is an object, use whom.
Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
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Who vs. whom is confusing for two reasons. Firstly, grammar rules are confusing. That’s a fact. Secondly, informal spoken English is changing, and it doesn’t always follow the rules. The latter condition makes us question using whom even when we’re sure we should! Let’s try to help you sort it all out, starting with an easy rule that will work almost all the time.
The fastest way to decide between who and whom is:
✅ If you can answer with he/she, use who
✅ If you can answer with him/her, use whom
Example: Who/Whom did you invite?
✅ Imagine the answer: I invited ____ (him). → Whom did you invite?
Example: Who/Whom is responsible?
✅ Imagine the answer: ____ is responsible (he). → Who is responsible?
As we said above, this rule is based on the difference between subjects and objects. If the missing person is a subject in the sentence, use who. If the missing person is an object, use whom.
Native-Speaker Tip: In casual speech, native-English speakers often say who even when whom is technically correct. But in formal situations, using whom properly can make you sound polished and professional. And if you are taking an English test, such as Cambridge or IELTS, be sure to choose the grammatically correct answer!
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Certain clues can tell you when whom is required in formal English:
Prepositions like to, for, about, with signal that “whom” is correct in formal English.
✅ To whom should I address the letter? (I should address it to him.)
✅ With whom are you traveling? (I am traveling with him.)
Informal speech: “Who should I send it to?” is common usage and sounds fine in conversational English, but is technically wrong!
A transitive verb requires an object. If who/whom is receiving the action, use whom.
✅ Whom did you trust? (I trusted him.)
✅ Whom did you call? (I called her.)
Example: “She couldn’t decide who/whom she wanted as a mentor.”
✅ Imagine: She wanted ____ (him) as a mentor. → Whom she wanted
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Now for the toughest who and whom cases!
If who/whom is part of a longer phrase, imagine the missing person in the sentence.
Example: “I don’t know who/whom I should hire.”
✅ Imagine: I should hire ____ (him). → Whom I should hire
Comparisons can be tricky because they often have missing words in the sentence.
Example: “She is smarter than who/whom?”
✅ Imagine: She is smarter than ____ is (he). → Who
Example: “She has helped more people than who/whom?”
✅ Imagine: She has helped more people than she has helped ____ (him). → Whom
Relative clauses add extra information about a person. If the person is receiving an action, use whom.
Example: “The employee who/whom we promoted was very experienced.”
✅ Imagine: We promoted ____ (him). → Whom
Example: “The teacher who/whom helped me was kind.”
✅ Imagine: ____ helped me (he). → Who
Native-Speaker Tip: In spoken English, who is commonly used even when whom is correct.
Rephrasing is all about figuring out the missing part of the sentence. Think like a detective! Who did it? Or to whom did it happen?
1️⃣ Most of the time, it means imagining the answer to a question.
2️⃣ Sometimes, rephrasing means finding missing words in a comparison.
In this situation, both who and whom can be correct! The meaning changes slightly based on whether “than” acts as a conjunction or a preposition.
3️⃣ In relative clauses, rephrasing means checking if the word is the subject or object.
1️⃣ (Who/Whom) should we invite to the meeting?
2️⃣ (Who/Whom) is leading the discussion?
3️⃣ To (who/whom) did you give the report?
4️⃣ (Who/Whom) do you admire the most?
5️⃣ With (who/whom) are you working on this project?
Scroll down to see the who vs. whom quiz answers.
👇 Answers:
1️⃣ Whom (We should invite him.)
2️⃣ Who (He is leading the discussion.)
3️⃣ Whom (You gave the report to him.)
4️⃣ Whom (You admire him the most.)
5️⃣ Whom (You are working with him.)
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Use who when the missing person is he/she/they (the subject of the sentence).
Rephrase the sentence. If you can replace the word with him/her/them, use whom.
In formal writing, yes. In spoken English, most people say “who” instead of “whom”, even when “whom” is technically correct.
Usually, yes. Phrases like “to whom,” “for whom,” “with whom” are correct in formal English.
Not entirely, but it’s becoming less common in everyday speech. In professional and academic writing, “whom” is still expected in formal contexts.
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The Ultimate Guide to Who vs. Whom: Easy Tips & Tough Challenges by Brenda de Jong-Pauley, MA, Director, The English Center. The English Center provides CEDEO-erkend, quality English and Business English courses in the Netherlands and everywhere online. Always with a native-speaker trainer. Visit our pages for–
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20 Practical Tips With Example Phrases. Business English conversation skills are essential for building relationships, networking, and making a positive impression. Whether you’re greeting colleagues before a meeting or following up after, the right words can help you connect professionally and set the tone for success. Here is a mini-lesson with 20 easy-to-use Business English conversation tips, each with three example phrases you can start using right away.
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Business English conversation includes all the spoken interactions in the workplace, from high-stakes meetings and negotiations to casual chats with colleagues and clients. It covers formal and informal communication, helping professionals speak clearly, confidently, and appropriately in any business setting—from the boardroom to the break room.
Meetings aren’t just about agendas and decisions—they’re also about building relationships. What you say before and after the formal discussion can help you network, establish rapport, and leave a great impression. If you ever struggle with small talk in Business English, these tips will help you feel more confident and natural in professional conversations.
Estimated reading time: 7 minutes
Your greeting sets the tone for the conversation, so it’s important to choose the right level of formality. “Hello” is the safest and most professional option, making it ideal for formal meetings or first-time encounters. “Hi” is slightly more relaxed but still perfectly professional for most business settings, especially with colleagues or familiar contacts. “Hey” is the most casual and is best reserved for close colleagues or informal office settings. If you’re unsure, start with “Hello”—you can always adjust your tone based on how the other person responds.
Alternatively, use “good morning / afternoon / evening.” These always work!
As a rule, you will want to avoid political news. Industry relevant news is a good, safe bet. (a good choice)
A sincere compliment is always appreciated!
Ask about their work-life balance.
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If you found these tips interesting, you might like to take this test. It’s all about common idioms in spoken English.
Mastering business English conversation isn’t just about what you say—it’s also about how you say it.
It’s about understanding the unspoken rules of workplace communication. In international settings, cultural differences can make small talk, greetings, and follow-ups more complex. What’s seen as friendly in one culture might feel too informal in another, and some professionals prefer to keep business and personal conversations completely separate! But you always need small talk, so if you find yourself in a unfamiliar context, you can try the following.
When you’re in a new workplace and/or a new culture, a good rule of thumb is to start with observation, and adjust your style based on the behavior of others. Pay attention to their language, tone, and level of formality, and let it guide your social style while still being your authentic self. That can be hard, but with practice, you can find the right compromise.
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“Business English Conversation Tips: 20 Practical Tips With Example Phrases”
Author: Brenda de Jong-Pauley, MA, 2025
Advanced Business English Training: Speak Like a Leader
In today’s European workplace – confident, professional English communication is highly valued. Whether you’re leading a meeting, negotiating a deal, or delivering a presentation, your ability to speak English like a leader is not an extra – it’s expected.
But for non-native speakers, even those with strong English skills, a professional level of English is not easy to achieve. Fossilized errors, lack of confidence, a strong accent, and cultural habits can hold you back. That’s where advanced business English training comes in.
Advanced Business English training Is definitely not focused on grammar and vocabulary (though these may play a part) —it’s about refining your communication, sounding professional, and commanding respect in every interaction.
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If you want to speak like a leader, focus on these high-level communication skills:
Leaders speak with clarity and confidence. Advanced training helps you:
Sounding professional isn’t about using complicated words—it’s about using the right words. Training helps you:
Great leaders get their message across quickly and effectively. Learn how to:
Strong English skills help you navigate tough workplace situations with confidence. In advanced training, you’ll learn:
Even if your grammar is perfect, non-native pronunciation can really hold you back. Training can help you:
If you’re serious about improving your professional English skills, consider a private training program designed for non-native speakers. The English Center offers several options:
Weekly Business English Course
Perfect for professionals who want to develop skills over time while working.
Intensive Business English Course
Ideal if you need to upgrade your English quickly for a new job, promotion, or important event.
Corporate Business English Training
CEDEO-erkend, customized training that’s perfect for companies that want their employees to communicate more effectively in English. Ask us for a proposal.
We offer flexible training options to suit your needs. Meet your native-speaker trainer online or attend face to face classes at one of our three locations in the Netherlands:
No matter where you are, you can enhance your business English skills in a way that fits your location and schedule. Contact us about quality online training.
Yes, our Amsterdam & Den Haag based Business English trainer teams serve both our face to face and online clients.
Yes, our courses are CEDEO-erkend.
Strong communication is one of the greatest keys to professional success. Whether you’re preparing for a career move, a leadership role, or an important presentation, investing in advanced business English training will give you the clarity, confidence, and credibility you need to stand out.
Take the next step today. Explore our courses and start your journey to professional English excellence. Ready to get started?
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“Advanced Business English Training: Speak Like a Leader” by Brenda de Jong-Pauley, MA, Director, The English Center
