Ever feel like you're wrestling with AI, trying to get it to understand what you need? You're not alone. Many business professionals are discovering the power of Large Language Models (LLMs) like ChatGPT and Gemini, but struggle to get truly useful results. It’s like having a super-smart assistant who requires very specific instructions. Unless you know how to communicate clearly, you won’t unlock their full potential.
Brenda de Jong-Pauley, MA
Director, The English Center
June 2025
This guide will teach you the art of prompt engineering—crafting clear instructions for AI to get the exact results you want. Think of it as learning to "talk" to AI so it understands you perfectly.
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To get the best results, you should combine fundamental principles with more advanced methods. Let's cover them first, and then we'll see them in action.
1. Be Clear and Specific: Use simple, direct language. Avoid jargon or ambiguous terms. Clearly state what you want the AI to do.
2. Provide Context: Give the AI the background information it needs to understand the task. Who is the audience? What is the goal of the communication?
3. Define the Tone and Style: Tell the AI how you want it to sound.
4. Use English for Best Results: While many AI models are multilingual, they are most extensively trained on English data. You will almost always get more accurate and nuanced results by writing your prompts in English.
Now, let's see how applying and combining these techniques can transform a simple request into a powerful, ready-to-use draft.
This prompt gives the AI almost no direction.
Prompt: "Write an email about a new product."
The result is a generic template that isn't helpful because the AI has to guess everything.
This prompt is better because it provides the basic building blocks from our core principles.
Prompt: "You are a marketing expert. Write a persuasive email to potential customers about our new AI-powered project management software. Highlight these benefits: increased efficiency, better collaboration, and reduced project costs. Use a professional but friendly tone. Keep it under 200 words."
This result is more focused and highlights value, but still lacks the deep context to be truly compelling.
This prompt gives the AI deep context, turning it into a creative partner by combining our core principles with advanced techniques.
Prompt: "You are the Head of Growth at 'NexusFlow,' a startup challenging established players like Asana. Your brand voice is confident and modern.
Task: Write a launch email for our new product, 'NexusFlow AI.' Its key feature is a predictive engine that forecasts timeline delays and budget overruns.
Audience: Your target is tech-savvy Project Managers at mid-sized companies. Their main problem is dealing with unexpected project delays.
Goal: Get them to sign up for a '14-day free trial, no credit card required.'
Format:
The AI can now produce a near-perfect draft because the prompt masterfully applies the key principles we've discussed:
It's important to know that AI models are not perfect at counting words or characters, so the result might not be exact. However, providing these constraints is still a very powerful technique. It guides the AI to be concise and produces a result much closer to your desired length than a prompt without any limits.
AI tools like Large Language Models (LLMs) can help with much more than just writing emails. Here are some practical ways you can use AI at work:
If you're feeling stuck or unsure where to start, try asking your preferred LLM for help or ideas! A simple prompt like "Help me brainstorm ideas for a marketing campaign" or "Give me an outline for a report on [topic]" can be a great way to get the ball rolling.
AI is a powerful tool, but it's important to use it wisely.
Even with great prompts, AI can make mistakes or "hallucinate" facts. Think of AI as a helpful assistant, not a perfect expert. Always review and edit AI-generated content to check for accuracy and ensure it reflects your own knowledge and values.
A key strategy to prevent these errors is to provide explicit context in your prompt. Instead of relying on the AI's memorized knowledge, give it the specific information it needs. Our expert prompt didn't just say "write about a product," it provided the product brief. This practice, known as "grounding," significantly reduces the chance of hallucinations.
Be careful what you share. With free versions of popular AI tools, your data often becomes the product—meaning your prompts may be used by the AI company to train its future models. When using any AI model for professional purposes, always:
AI models are trained on vast amounts of data from the internet, which contains human biases. Always check the AI's output to ensure it is fair and appropriate.
By mastering the art of prompt writing, you can transform AI from a confusing tool into a powerful partner that boosts your productivity. But remember, AI is just one piece of the communication puzzle.
At The English Center, we understand that effective communication is the key to success. While AI can assist with writing, true confidence comes from mastering the nuances of spoken English and cross-cultural interaction. We are committed to helping you develop all the communication skills you need to succeed in today's global business environment.
You can work with a professional native-speaker trainer and get real-world practice in:
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About the author:
Brenda de Jong-Pauley is the founder of The English Center in the Netherlands, where she has worked with international professionals since 2009. Originally from the United States, she lives and works in the Netherlands, supporting professionals in developing clear, confident English for real business situations.
Brenda holds a Master’s degree in Psychology (focused on persuasive communication) and a Bachelor’s in Education. She specializes in high-level business communication and spoken English.
Edited by A. Roberts, BA, English Trainer.
And special thanks to DJ Human, Head of AI at Raw Power Labs for his expertise.
The English Center is a CEDEO-recognized training provider, working with professionals and teams from international and Dutch companies and municipalities.
In today’s diverse workplaces, inclusive language is essential. For businesses in the Netherlands, understanding LGBTQ+ terms and using respectful language isn’t just about following the law—it’s about creating a welcoming environment where everyone can thrive. Inclusive language also makes communication more efficient and universal, helping you avoid unnecessary distinctions and ensuring clarity for all.
Brenda de Jong-Pauley, MA
Director, The English Center
June 2025
Are you an intermediate or advanced learner who's looking to improve your workplace English?
Check out our Private English Courses or our Private Business English Courses
Why choose The English Center for your training?
We are CEDEO-erkend and get excellent Trustpilot reviews for our Business English courses in Amsterdam.
Inclusive language allows everyone to feel seen, respected, and valued. It reduces misunderstandings, discourages discrimination, and supports a positive workplace culture. In the Netherlands, anti-discrimination laws protect LGBTQ+ individuals, making it essential for businesses to stay informed and proactive.
Importantly, inclusive language isn’t just about supporting LGBTQ+ colleagues—it also benefits women, people of color, people with disabilities, and anyone who has felt excluded by traditional language. For example, using “chairperson” or “chair” instead of “chairman” ensures that everyone, regardless of gender, feels included. It’s also more efficient: you don’t need to know or guess someone’s gender to use the correct term, saving time and avoiding awkwardness.
This term is widely used in the US and international business, but the principles of diversity (diversiteit), equity (gelijkheid), and inclusion (inclusie) are just as important in the Netherlands. Dutch organizations may use D&I or DGI, but the goals are the same: a fair, welcoming, and respectful workplace for all. While the principles of DEI are increasingly recognized as essential for successful businesses, DEI initiatives are also facing challenges and pushback, not only in the US but also in European branches of some American companies. This makes it especially important to be aware of the importance of diversity and inclusion in business today and to actively protect and promote these values.
This glossary covers some of the most relevant terms related to LGBTQIA+ identities, inclusion, and respectful communication in the workplace. It is not a complete list—language and understanding continue to evolve—but it offers a helpful starting point for building awareness and confidence in using inclusive language.
L – Lesbian: A woman who is attracted to other women.
G – Gay: A person attracted to people of the same gender; often refers to men attracted to men, but can be used for anyone.
B – Bisexual: A person attracted to more than one gender.
T – Transgender: A person whose gender identity is different from the sex they were assigned at birth.
Q – Queer: An umbrella term for people who are not heterosexual and/or not cisgender. Once used as a slur, it has been reclaimed by many in the community.
I – Intersex: A person born with physical sex characteristics that don’t fit typical definitions of male or female.
A – Asexual: A person who experiences little or no sexual attraction to others.
+ – Represents other identities, such as:
In modern English, “-phobia” often means “prejudice” or “dislike” rather than literal fear. Recognizing this helps in understanding and using related terms correctly.
The phrase “in the closet” is believed to have evolved from the older English idiom “to have a skeleton in one’s closet,” meaning to hide a shameful secret. Over time, “the closet” became a metaphor for hiding one’s LGBTQIA+ identity due to fear of discrimination, social rejection, violence, and in some countries, legal consequences (as seen in the cases of Alan Turing and Oscar Wilde).
This metaphor has given rise to several key terms:
Coming out is a personal decision, and everyone has the right to choose when, how, and to whom they disclose their identity. Respecting this privacy is paramount, as being outed against one’s will can have serious consequences, including discrimination, harassment, and even physical harm.
Some LGBTQ+ terms have complex histories. For example, “queer” was once used as a slur but has been reclaimed by many in the community as a positive, umbrella term. Understanding the origins and current usage of these words helps avoid misunderstandings and shows respect for people’s identities.
The word “woke” originally comes from African American Vernacular English (AAVE) and simply meant “awake” or “alert.” Around the 1930s this word began to appear in Black communities. It was used to describe awareness of social injustices, especially those related to racism and inequality. To “stay woke” meant to stay informed and vigilant about discrimination and injustice.
In the 21st century, “woke” has entered mainstream English and broadened to mean being aware of—and actively attentive to—issues of social justice, including those affecting LGBTQ+ people, women, and other marginalized groups.
However, the term has also become highly politicized. Some people now use “woke” in a negative or mocking way, especially in political debates. It’s sometimes used to criticize or dismiss people or organizations seen as overly concerned with political correctness or social justice. This weaponization of the term can undermine genuine efforts to promote equality and can be used to silence or ridicule marginalized voices.
Using the correct pronouns is a simple but powerful way to show respect. Pronouns like “he/him,” “she/her,” and “they/them” reflect a person’s gender identity. Misgendering—using the wrong pronouns—can be hurtful and alienating.
Using Multiple Pronouns (e.g., “he/they” or “she/they”):
Some people use more than one set of pronouns, such as “he/they” or “she/they;” this means they are comfortable being referred to with either set. For example, if someone’s pronouns are “she/they,” you can use both “she” and “they” when talking about them, either alternating or choosing one set in a given context.
Normalizing pronouns in email signatures, name tags, and introductions helps create a more inclusive environment. For example:
Alex Jansen
Project Manager
Pronouns: they/them
This practice is becoming increasingly common for trans and non-binary, as well as cisgender people in business communication such as email signatures and on LinkedIn.
Remember, sharing pronouns is voluntary, and not everyone may feel comfortable doing so. Respect each person’s choice.
The Netherlands has strong anti-discrimination laws protecting LGBTQ+ people in the workplace. The Algemene wet gelijke behandeling (AWGB) prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. For more information, visit Rijksoverheid’s page on discrimination.
Do:
Don’t:
If you are unsure of the policy regarding LGBTQ+ inclusive language in your workplace, just ask your HR department.
Creating an inclusive workplace is an ongoing process. By learning about LGBTQ+ terms, using respectful language, and understanding the Dutch legal context, you can help make your business a place where everyone feels welcome and valued.
Inclusive language isn’t just a rule to follow for the benefit of a specific group—it’s a way to ensure that everyone feels welcome and respected, while also making communication easier and more effective. Updating your vocabulary is a small change that brings big benefits for individuals and organizations alike.
In a world where DEI is under threat, creating an inclusive workplace through respectful language is more important than ever. By taking proactive steps to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, you can help ensure that your business remains a welcoming and successful environment for all.
The type of language you use at work matters, from inclusivity to diplomacy. If you want to master the nuances of Business English, contact us about a private, personalized course today!
You can work with a professional native-speaker trainer and get real-world practice in:
Prefer to stay home? Contact us about English Center courses online!
Further resources:
COC Nederland (Dutch LGBTQ+ advocacy organization)
Workplace Pride (International platform based in the Netherlands)
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About the author:
Brenda de Jong-Pauley is the founder of The English Center in the Netherlands, where she has worked with international professionals since 2009. Originally from the United States, she lives and works in the Netherlands, supporting professionals in developing clear, confident English for real business situations.
Brenda holds a Master’s degree in Psychology (focused on persuasive communication) and a Bachelor’s in Education. She specializes in high-level business communication and spoken English.
Edited by A. Roberts, BA, English Trainer.
The English Center is a CEDEO-recognized training provider, working with professionals and teams from international and Dutch companies and municipalities.
Many of our clients say, "I want work on my English so that it sounds more natural and easy to understand." That can mean working on lots of things, but sometimes it means adjusting voice placement to reduce nasality, which is sometimes described as "talking through your nose" or "having a nasal voice." Let's take a look at what nasality is, why it happens, when you need it, when you don't, and how you can reduce it for clearer vowels and a more pleasant speaking voice.
Brenda de Jong-Pauley, MA
Director, The English Center
June 2025
Quick test: Lightly squeeze your nostrils and produce these words:
Did you feel the expansion and vibration in your nose for n, m, and ng? And the resistance created by your fingers? Those sounds SHOULD be nasalized. The trick is getting nasality just where you want it, and removing or reducing it for the rest!
Fun fact: Close your nostrils and try to say "mom, nun, Ming." If you can say it at all, it will sound very strange.
Do you want to improve your English sound? Check out our English Accent Training Course.
Why choose The English Center for your training?
We are CEDEO-erkend and get excellent Trustpilot reviews for our Business English courses in Amsterdam.
Voice placement refers to where your voice resonates in your body when you speak. It is not the same as pitch.
When you have nasal voice placement, the sound vibrates mostly in your nose. This can make your voice sound congested or constricted, and is generally considered by English speakers to be less attractive than a "mouth voice" or a “chest voice.”
When your voice is overly nasal, it may sound whiny or unclear—especially on vowels, and that can result in:
When you have oral placement: The sound vibrates mainly in your mouth—this is what we aim for in most forms of clear, professional English.
If you have chest placement, you will produce deep, full tones. Watch the video below. But don't worry, you do NOT have to sound like the late, great James Earl Jones. Oral voice placement will be just fine.
Have you ever wondered how your body shapes different speech sounds? One key player is the velum, also known as the soft palate. This small but powerful part of your mouth acts like a gatekeeper, directing the flow of air either through your mouth or your nose—and in doing so, it helps create the sounds of spoken language.
When you make most sounds, such as [b], [p], [d], or [t], the velum is in what we can call a "neutral" postion, allowing almost all the air to pass through the oral cavity (your mouth), where it can resonate; and where your tongue, lips, and other articulators can shape it into lovely, clear sounds.
But for sounds like [m], [n], and [ŋ] (as in song), the velum moves down and makes more contact with the back of your tongue. This more or less blocks your oral cavity and creates a path through your nasal cavity (your nose), giving these sounds their distinctive, humming quality.
See if you can feel the velum moving from neutral position (open sounds) to the low position, in contact with the back of your tongue, for the very nasal sound -ing sound by saying: ah-ung, be-ing, ho-hung, so-sung, to-tongue, row-ring, buy-bing. There are more exercises below.
Think of the velum as a valve that switches the airflow on command. Whether it’s neutral or down determines whether a sound is oral or nasal. It's a small movement with a big impact—helping us produce the rich variety of sounds we use every day.
The goal: Feel and hear the difference between mouth and nose resonance.
Find your soft palate with a gentle, clean thumb. Just place your thumb behind your teeth, then run it over the dental ridge, into the arch ("the roof") of your mouth and gently back to the soft palate.
When you yawn, the velum (soft palate) rises—often quite a lot. At the same time, the back of the tongue lowers, and the throat (pharynx) opens up. This creates a wide, open space in the vocal tract, which is part of why yawns feel so expansive and can even sometimes trigger changes in ear pressure. And they just feel good. Try it now.
So, in short:
During a yawn, the velum moves upward.
This upward motion helps open the airway and is similar to what happens when you sing or take a deep breath.
To feel the back of your mouth in action:
Over-nasality is most noticeable on vowels and can reduce intelligibility (=how understandable you are).
Practice these open vowel words clearly, with full mouth resonance. Be sure your lips are engaged and be aware of their postions.
Tip: Record yourself saying them, listen back, and ask, “Is the sound coming mostly from my mouth or my nose?”
Record and review for nasality.
We should be nasal only when producing nasal sounds: /m/, /n/, and /ŋ/. These sounds require airflow through the nose. All other sounds should be oral, not nasal.
Examples of nasal sounds:
The perception of nasality in speech—why it's sometimes considered unpleasant in English but accepted or even admired in French—has to do with cultural expectations, phonetic norms, and aesthetic associations.
Here’s a breakdown:
In English, especially in many native English-speaking cultures (like the US and UK), excessive nasality is often associated with:
In contrast, French has nasal vowels built into the sound system (like in bon, pain, un), and native French speakers often speak with a naturally nasal resonance even when speaking English. In that context, it’s simply part of the French phonetic identity, not a deviation.
In summary, too much nasality is considered unattractive in English because it deviates from the language’s norms and is associated with negative traits like whining or illness. In French, nasality is normal, functional, and culturally accepted—so it doesn’t carry the same negative weight. And when French speakers bring that nasal quality into English, it’s often perceived through the lens of accent appreciation rather than critique.
If nasality persists or you feel blocked, consider working with a voice coach or speech therapist. There may be underlying anatomical or habitual issues that need one-on-one guidance.
You can work with a professional native-speaker trainer and get real-world practice in:
Prefer to stay home? Contact us about English Center courses online!
Since 2009, thousands of learners have trusted our courses
What do our clients think about us? Just click the TrustPilot icon to read some reviews.
About the author:
Brenda de Jong-Pauley is the founder of The English Center in the Netherlands, where she has worked with international professionals since 2009. Originally from the United States, she lives and works in the Netherlands, supporting professionals in developing clear, confident English for real business situations.
Brenda holds a Master’s degree in Psychology (focused on persuasive communication) and a Bachelor’s in Education. She specializes in high-level business communication and spoken English.
Edited by A. Roberts, BA, English Trainer.
The English Center is a CEDEO-recognized training provider, working with professionals and teams from international and Dutch companies and municipalities.
This fun and educational guide explores 25+ idioms that exist in both English and Dutch. From perfect matches to quirky false friends, you'll find literal meanings, idiomatic meanings, and real-life examples that show how closely the two languages align — and where they amusingly diverge.
Brenda de Jong-Pauley, MA
Director, The English Center
May 2025
This collection of idioms translates nearly word-for-word, including two famous expressions that are often called proverbs. (They still count — idioms come in many forms!) Plus we've included a "false friend." That's a word or phrase that you think translates directly, but it doesn't! 🙁
Are you an intermediate or advanced learner who's ready to enrich your vocabulary and build your speaking confidence?
Check out our Private English Courses or our
Private Business English Courses
Why choose The English Center for your training? We are CEDEO-erkend and get excellent Trustpilot reviews for our Business English courses in Amsterdam.
Je vuile was buiten hangen
Literal Meaning: To hang your dirty laundry outside
Idiomatic Meaning: To share private problems in public
Example: They had a huge argument at the restaurant — talk about washing your dirty linen in public.
Het hoofd boven water houden
Literal Meaning: To keep your head above water
Idiomatic Meaning: To manage to survive (especially financially or emotionally)
Example: It’s been tough since I lost my job, but I’m managing to keep my head above water.
Je gezicht redden
Literal Meaning: To save your face
Idiomatic Meaning: To avoid humiliation or preserve dignity
Example: He apologized publicly to save face after the mistake was exposed.
Je nek uitsteken
Literal Meaning: To stick out your neck
Idiomatic Meaning: To take a risk
Example: She really stuck her neck out by recommending him for the job.
Geen been om op te staan
Literal Meaning: No leg to stand on
Idiomatic Meaning: To have no valid argument or defense
Example: Without proof, he didn’t have a leg to stand on in court.
Je beste beentje voorzetten
Literal Meaning: To put your best little leg forward
Idiomatic Meaning: To make your best effort
Example: I put my best foot forward during the interview, so I hope I get the job.
Op iemands tenen trappen
Literal Meaning: To step on someone’s toes
Idiomatic Meaning: To offend or upset someone
Example: I didn’t mean to step on your toes by making that decision without you.
Er hangt iets boven het hoofd
Literal Meaning: Something is hanging above the head
Idiomatic Meaning: To be worried about something unpleasant that may happen
Example: With that deadline hanging over my head, I can't think about anything else.
De hoofden bij elkaar steken
Literal Meaning: To stick heads together
Idiomatic Meaning: To collaborate or brainstorm
Example: Let’s put our heads together and come up with a better plan.
Een kat in een zak kopen
Literal Meaning: To buy a cat in a bag
Idiomatic Meaning: To buy something without inspecting it first
Example: Buying that car without a test drive was like buying a pig in a poke.
Ieder zijn meug
Literal Meaning: Everyone their own taste
Idiomatic Meaning: Everyone has their own preferences
Example: I would never wear those shoes, but hey — to each their own.
Door dik en dun gaan
Literal Meaning: To go through thick and thin
Idiomatic Meaning: To support someone or persevere in all situations
Example: We've been friends through thick and thin since kindergarten.
Een vinger in de pap hebben
Literal Meaning: To have a finger in the porridge
Idiomatic Meaning: To be involved in something (especially influentially)
Example: She seems to have a finger in every project at the company.
De tijd doden
Literal Meaning: To kill time
Idiomatic Meaning: To spend time doing something unimportant
Example: I read a Hollywood gossip magazine to kill time while waiting for my appointment.
Twee vliegen in één klap slaan
Literal Meaning: To hit two flies in one blow
Idiomatic Meaning: To achieve two things at once
Example: By biking to work, I kill two birds with one stone: exercise and commuting.
De appel valt niet ver van de boom
Literal Meaning: The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree
Idiomatic Meaning: Children resemble their parents
Example: She’s just as stubborn as her father — the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.
Van een mug een olifant maken
Literal Meaning: To make an elephant out of a mosquito
Idiomatic Meaning: To exaggerate a small problem
Example: Calm down — you’re making a mountain out of a molehill.
Al je eieren in één mand leggen
Literal Meaning: To put all your eggs in one basket
Idiomatic Meaning: To risk everything on a single venture
Example: Investing your entire savings in one stock is putting all your eggs in one basket.
Je schepen achter je verbranden
Literal Meaning: To burn your ships behind you
Idiomatic Meaning: To cut off the possibility of retreat
Example: Don’t burn your bridges with your old boss — you might need a reference.
Olie op het vuur gooien
Literal Meaning: To throw oil on the fire
Idiomatic Meaning: To make a bad situation worse
Example: His sarcastic comment just added fuel to the fire.
De spijker op zijn kop slaan
Literal Meaning: To hit the nail on its head
Idiomatic Meaning: To describe something accurately
Example: You hit the nail on the head — that’s exactly how I see it.
In hetzelfde schuitje zitten
Literal Meaning: To be in the same little boat
Idiomatic Meaning: To be in the same difficult situation
Example: We’re all in the same boat with these budget cuts.
Iets met een korreltje zout nemen
Literal Meaning: To take something with a grain of salt
Idiomatic Meaning: To be skeptical about something
Example: He tends to exaggerate, so I take his stories with a grain of salt.
This idiom looks similar in both languages, but the meanings are different.
Een oogje hebben op iemand of iets
Literal Meaning: To watch (have an eye on) someone or something
Idiomatic Meanings:
Example (EN): I’ll keep an eye on your bag while you get us some coffee.
Example (NL): Hij heeft een oogje op haar. (He has a crush on her.)
Special insight: In English, you can say, "She's only got eyes for you." That's a lovely way to describe an intense romantic interest. Enjoy this iconic song by The Flamingos!
These are often called proverbs, but they’re fixed expressions with non-literal meaning — so they’re idioms too.
Waar een wil is, is een weg
Literal Meaning: Where there's a will, there's a road
Idiomatic Meaning: Determination makes anything possible
Example: He practiced the piano every day, despite his health problems; and now he's a big star! Where there’s a will, there’s a way.
Rome is niet in één dag gebouwd
Literal Meaning: Rome was not built in one day
Idiomatic Meaning: Great work takes time
Example: Learning a new language takes a lot of time, work and patience. Well... Rome wasn’t built in a day!
English, like Dutch, is full of idioms! Take a look at our Business English Idioms series to learn even more:
Learn 20 Business English Idioms, Lesson 1
39 Top Business English Idioms, Lesson 2
24 Idioms Business English Idioms, Lesson 3
20 Idioms for Business English, Lesson 4
Do you want to level up your English with confidence, clarity, and cultural savvy? Start with what you already know — and build from there? If you'd like expert support, personalized training, or just a great conversation about language, Let's start with a free, online appoinment. We’re here to help you speak your best English with personalized training that will fit you, your work and your schedule.
Want to use English idioms like a native?
You can work with a professional native-speaker trainer and get real-world practice in:
Prefer to stay home? Contact us about English Center courses online!
Since 2009, thousands of learners have trusted our courses
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Authors: Brenda de Jong-Pauley, MA, Director, The English Center and Alexandra Roberts, English teacher. And a special shoutout to Docent Nederlands Erik Bartling, who helped us verify that each and every one of these idioms is truly a good match.
Published May 2025
About the author:
Brenda de Jong-Pauley is the founder of The English Center in the Netherlands, where she has worked with international professionals since 2009. Originally from the United States, she lives and works in the Netherlands, supporting professionals in developing clear, confident English for real business situations.
Brenda holds a Master’s degree in Psychology (focused on persuasive communication) and a Bachelor’s in Education. She specializes in high-level business communication and spoken English.
The English Center is a CEDEO-recognized training provider, working with professionals and teams from international and Dutch companies and municipalities.
Green business terms are increasingly valuable for professionals in every sector. Understanding and using these terms helps you communicate effectively about sustainability and stay competitive in today’s business world.
Brenda de Jong-Pauley, MA
Director, The English Center
April 2025
How well do you know the current language around sustainability in business? Test your knowledge with our little quiz, and see what you might be missing. And don't forget to celebrate Earth Day every year on April 22.
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Why choose The English Center for your training?
For professionals in the Netherlands and beyond, mastering green business terms is not just about language—it's about staying competitive in a rapidly changing business landscape. By confidently using these terms, you can:
What does the term "Circular Economy" refer to?
a) A business strategy that focuses on circular management structures.
b) A financial system based on renewable energy investments.
c) An economic model focused on minimizing waste by reusing and recycling materials.
d) A marketing approach for eco-friendly products.
What is "Greenwashing"?
a) The practice of exaggerating or falsely claiming environmental benefits.
b) Using only green-colored packaging for products.
c) Cleaning industrial equipment with eco-friendly products.
d) A process for filtering water in manufacturing plants.
What does "Net Zero" mean in a business context?
a) When a company's profits equal its losses.
b) Having zero waste in production processes.
c) Achieving a balance between greenhouse gases emitted and removed from the atmosphere.
d) When a company has no carbon tax obligations.
What does the term "Green Talent" refer to?
a) Employees who commute using public transportation.
b) Professionals with expertise in sustainability and environmental management. c) New graduates from environmental science programs.
d) Staff members who volunteer for community clean-up projects.
What does "Biodiversity-Positive" mean?
a) Strategies and practices that actively enhance biodiversity rather than just minimizing harm.
b) Having a positive attitude toward wildlife conservation.
c) Using only organic materials in manufacturing.
d) Testing positive for exposure to diverse biological elements.
What does the acronym "ESG" stand for?
a) Economic Sustainability Goals.
b) Environmental Social Growth.
c) Eco-System Guarantee.
d) Environmental, Social, and Governance.
What's the difference between Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions?
a) They refer to different time periods for measuring emissions.
b) They categorize emissions based on where they occur in relation to the company.
c) They categorize emissions based on their environmental impact.
d) They refer to emissions from different industries.
Correct Answer: c) An economic model focused on minimizing waste by reusing and recycling materials.
Explanation: The circular economy is an economic model that aims to eliminate waste by keeping products and materials in use for as long as possible. Unlike the traditional linear economy (take, make, dispose), the circular economy creates a closed-loop system where resources are reused, repaired, refurbished, and recycled.
How it's used in business: "Our company is transitioning to a circular economy model by redesigning our packaging to be fully recyclable."
Why it matters: This approach helps businesses reduce their environmental impact while often reducing costs and creating new revenue opportunities.
Correct Answer: a) The practice of exaggerating or falsely claiming environmental benefits.
Explanation: Greenwashing occurs when a company spends more time and money claiming to be "green" through marketing and PR than actually implementing business practices that minimize environmental impact.
How it's used in business: "The company was accused of greenwashing after their 'eco-friendly' product line was found to contain harmful chemicals."
Why it matters: Understanding greenwashing helps professionals evaluate claims critically and ensure their own company's sustainability initiatives are genuine and credible.
Correct Answer: d) When a company has no carbon tax obligations.
Explanation: In this quiz, the correct answer is "When a company has no carbon tax obligations." However, please note that the widely accepted definition of net zero is "achieving a balance between greenhouse gases emitted and removed from the atmosphere."
How it's used in business: "Our organization has committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2040 through a combination of reduction strategies and carbon offset investments."
Why it matters: Net zero targets are increasingly expected by consumers, investors, and regulators as part of global efforts to combat climate change.
Correct Answer: b) Professionals with expertise in sustainability and environmental management.
Explanation: Green talent refers to professionals who have skills and expertise related to sustainability, environmental management, and green innovation. These individuals help organizations implement and manage sustainable practices.
How it's used in business: "Our HR department is focusing on attracting green talent to help us achieve our sustainability goals."
Why it matters: As sustainability becomes more important across all sectors, professionals with these skills are increasingly valuable to organizations of all types.
Correct Answer: a) Strategies and practices that actively enhance biodiversity rather than just minimizing harm.
Explanation: Biodiversity-positive approaches go beyond simply reducing negative impacts on ecosystems. They actively work to protect and enhance biodiversity through restoration, conservation, and sustainable management practices.
How it's used in business: "Our new biodiversity-positive approach includes restoring natural habitats around our facilities and supporting conservation projects in regions where we source materials."
Why it matters: Biodiversity is essential for ecosystem health and resilience, which directly impacts many industries including agriculture, pharmaceuticals, tourism, and more.
Correct Answer: d) Environmental, Social, and Governance.
Explanation: ESG refers to the three key factors used to measure the sustainability and ethical impact of an investment in a company or business. These criteria help determine the future financial performance of companies.
How it's used in business: "Investors are increasingly evaluating our company's ESG performance before making investment decisions."
Why it matters: ESG has become a critical framework for evaluating companies' long-term viability and risk management. Strong ESG performance can attract investment, improve reputation, and enhance long-term business success.
Correct Answer: b) They categorize emissions based on where they occur in relation to the company.
Explanation:
6-7 correct: Excellent! You're well-versed in green business terminology and ready to participate confidently in sustainability discussions.
4-5 correct: Good job! You have a solid foundation but could benefit from expanding your knowledge in certain areas.
1-3 correct: You're on your way. Consider learning more about these terms to enhance your professional communication skills.
0 correct: Don't worry. Everyone starts somewhere. These terms are becoming increasingly important in the business world, and now you have a foundation to build upon.
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You can improve your knowledge by reading business news, taking specialized courses, and practicing with quizzes like this one. Joining discussions and staying updated on sustainability trends will also help you use these terms confidently in your work.
You can use green business terms in meetings, presentations, reports, and emails to show your awareness of sustainability issues. Using the right terms demonstrates your expertise and helps you connect with clients and colleagues who value environmental responsibility.
You can celebrate Earth Day (April 22nd) by using green business terms in your professional communication. Incorporating language like “net zero” and “circular economy” in meetings and presentations shows your commitment to sustainability. Expanding your green business vocabulary helps you join global conversations about the environment and demonstrate leadership in responsible business practices.
Want to feel more confident using green business terms in your professional life? At The English Center, we specialize in helping advanced ESL professionals like you master the language of business. Our Business English courses are designed to give you the skills you need to succeed in today's workplace.
The English Center offers Business English courses at centrally located venues in Amsterdam, Amstelveen, and The Hague—making it easy for you to access high-quality training wherever you work or live. All our locations are well-connected by public transport. Prefer to learn from home or the office? We also offer flexible online training, so you can improve your English skills from anywhere.
Contact us today to learn more about our courses and how we can help you achieve your goals.
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"Green Business Terms: Test Your Knowledge!" by A Roberts & Brenda de Jong-Pauley MA, Director, The English Center, 2025, published on Earth Day 2025 as part of The English Center's commitment to supporting professionals in the Netherlands with relevant, practical business English resources.
About the authors:
Alexandra is an English trainer from South Africa, now living and working in the Netherlands. She holds a BA in English Literature.
Brenda de Jong-Pauley is the founder of The English Center in the Netherlands, where she has worked with international professionals since 2009. Originally from the United States, she lives and works in the Netherlands, supporting professionals in developing clear, confident English for real business situations.
Brenda holds a Master’s degree in Psychology (focused on persuasive communication) and a Bachelor’s in Education. She specializes in high-level business communication and spoken English.
The English Center is a CEDEO-recognized training provider, working with professionals and teams from international and Dutch companies and municipalities.
Even fluent speakers mess up their Business English from time to time. Let’s explore 10 common Business English mistakes with explanations and examples. And we have a little test! Do any of these mistakes sound familiar to you? Spot the errors in our mock email and learn how to say these things correctly.
Brenda de Jong-Pauley, MA
Director, The English Center
April 2025
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
Why choose The English Center for your training?
Learn about our Business English Courses
Common Business English mistakes include using incorrect prepositions (e.g., "depend of" instead of "depend on"), choosing the wrong tense ("She has gone to the meeting yesterday" instead of "She went to the meeting yesterday"), and confusing gerunds and infinitives ("He suggested to take a break" instead of "He suggested taking a break"). Other errors include redundancy ("return back") and uncountable nouns ("equipments" instead of "equipment"). These subtle mistakes can impact the impression you make. And while they will not generally stop you from being understood, they may trigger clients and colleagues to think – consciously or unconsciously – Is this person really professional?Precise in how they do their work? Let's start with a little quiz to find out which of these common mistakes you're still making.
Below is a business email containing 10 common errors. Can you find them all?
From: Mark van der Berg
To: Sarah Thompson
Subject: Re: Project Update Meeting
Date: March 28, 2025
Dear Sarah,
I have sent you an email yesterday about the project timeline, but I am doubting if you received it. I look forward to meet you and discuss the progress next week. We are with five in the meeting, including the new team members.
He is working on a project since January, and I am used to work long hours with him on previous projects. I will explain you the details when we meet, but basically, we discussed about the new strategy and made good progress.
Please let me know if you need any further informations. Can you repeat again what time works best for you?
Best regards,
Mark
Fast-track your Business English with an Intensive Business English Course
Who vs. Whom? Learn how to use these correctly in their own dedicated blog post!
To correct your Business English mistakes, identify and understand your weak spots. Get help, practice regularly, and expand your vocabulary.
When writing, proof you work. Proofread. Edit! Then proof it again. We can't emphasize that too much. Learn to spot your own errors. Then for more protection, use your built in tools, or Grammarly or AI to help identify any remaining errors. And always focus on clear, concise communication. Delete unnecessary information.
You might also consider taking a Business English Course. Not a high-school-type course, but rather a focused one-to-one learning experience with a native-speaker trainer solely dedicated to helping you fix your mistakes.
If you think you now have these common grammatical errors in Business English cleaned up, you may be interested in the bigger, more complex challenge of diplomacy and cultural differences in professional English. Check out our blog post Diplomatic English for Business for 10 logical, actionable tips to navigate this tricky topic!
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About the authors:
Alexandra is an English trainer from South Africa, now living and working in the Netherlands. She holds a BA in English Literature.
Brenda de Jong-Pauley is the founder of The English Center in the Netherlands, where she has worked with international professionals since 2009. Originally from the United States, she lives and works in the Netherlands, supporting professionals in developing clear, confident English for real business situations.
Brenda holds a Master’s degree in Psychology (focused on persuasive communication) and a Bachelor’s in Education. She specializes in high-level business communication and spoken English.
The English Center is a CEDEO-recognized training provider, working with professionals and teams from international and Dutch companies and municipalities.
Native speakers frequently use phrasal verbs for business English in meetings, emails, presentations, and everyday workplace conversations.
Brenda de Jong-Pauley, MA
Director, The English Center;
March 2025 (updated March 2026)
For international professionals, these verbs can be difficult not only to use, but also to understand when others say them quickly in conversation. With phrasals, small differences can change the meaning completely. For example, clear up usually means clarify a problem, while clear out might mean leave immediately.
Below you will find 100 business English phrasal verbs with clear meanings and practical examples used in real workplace situations.
Examples from the list:
• bring up – introduce a topic in a meeting
• look into – investigate a problem or issue
• follow up – contact someone again after a discussion
• carry out – complete or perform a task
• roll out – introduce a new product or initiative
Mastering these expressions helps you both understand native speakers more easily and sound more natural and confident in professional conversations.
What Are Phrasal Verbs?
A phrasal verb combines a verb with one or two short particles (usually a preposition or adverb). Together they create a meaning that is different from the individual words.
They are extremely common in business English because they make communication more natural and concise.
For example:
Bring up (mention) – “She brought up an important point in the meeting.”
Look into (investigate) – “We need to look into this issue before making a decision.”
Want to use these phrases confidently at work?
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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.
If you're looking to improve your pronunciation, have a look at our English Accent Training page.
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!
The phrasal verbs below are grouped by common business situations such as planning, meetings, projects, and workplace communication.
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.
If you'd like to practice using phrasal verbs naturally in meetings and professional conversations, you can learn more about our private Spoken Business English course.
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.
Take a Business English Course for personalized training
At The English Center, we specialize in teaching practical language skills like these, so you can confidently navigate meetings, negotiations, and workplace interactions. If you want to cover a range of skills in business English communication, a Spoken Business English Course is perfect for you.
Or, if you need to improve your professional English quickly, consider an Intensive Business English Course instead.
We also offer In-Company English Courses for your team, in-person or online, at one of our locations, online, or in-house.
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About the authors:
Alexandra is an English trainer from South Africa, now living and working in the Netherlands. She holds a BA in English Literature.
Brenda de Jong-Pauley is the founder of The English Center in the Netherlands, where she has worked with international professionals since 2009. Originally from the United States, she lives and works in the Netherlands, supporting professionals in developing clear, confident English for real business situations.
Brenda holds a Master’s degree in Psychology (focused on persuasive communication) and a Bachelor’s in Education. She specializes in high-level business communication and spoken English.
The English Center is a CEDEO-recognized training provider, working with professionals and teams from international and Dutch companies and municipalities.
Do you have to give a presentation soon? Wondering how to improve your presentation skills fast? In this blog post we provide insights and tips that you can use right away to help you improve your presentation skills quick, fast, and in a hurry. Let's get started!
Brenda de Jong-Pauley, MA
Director, The English Center
Published March 2025
Estimated reading time: 7 minutes
Why choose The English Center?
At The English Center, we see clients in person and online. Plus we can generally start clients quite quickly, so if you want a few hours (or more) training to prepare for your next presentation, click the button now to get started. Let's talk!
Presenting is a skill you can always refine, and with the right strategies, you can make noticeable improvements fast. Whether you're preparing for a big presentation next week or looking to really engage a small audience, this guide will show you how to improve your presentation skills fast. From structuring your slides to mastering body language and voice control, these actionable tips will help you deliver a presentation that leaves a lasting impression.
In this article, we’ll focus primarily on the delivery of your presentation. From the mental art of conciseness to what to do with your hands, a powerful delivery involves your whole body.
Your presentation draft is written, and your slides are organized. Now it’s time to edit—and be ruthless about it! Ever heard the saying, “Kill your darlings”? It refers to cutting out details you love but that don’t serve your message in a meaningful way. These extras can clutter your presentation and waste valuable time.
Use tools like Hemingway Editor to streamline your text, eliminate repetition, and cut out rambling. This free browser tool helps you simplify your language and focus on clarity. The goal is to be concise—clear and to the point. This not only benefits your audience but also makes it easier for you as the speaker, giving you less to memorize and worry about.
What makes a great speaker? Watch videos of effective speakers, from TED Talks to political speeches, and observe their techniques. Pay attention to:
Take notes and incorporate these observations into your own style. The goal isn’t to copy someone else but to refine your speaking persona. For example, if you admire a speaker’s use of pauses, practice adding intentional pauses to your delivery.
Now it’s time to rehearse. While practicing in front of a mirror can help you observe your body language, recording a video of yourself is even more effective. Watching the playback allows you to:
If you have a willing listener, practice in front of them. To take it up a notch, ask them to play the role of a difficult listener—arms crossed, blank expression, no nodding or smiling. This will help you prepare for disengaged or challenging audience members and teach you how to maintain composure.
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It’s presentation day, and the nerves have set in. That’s adrenaline, and it’s not a bad thing! Nervousness is just energy—channel it into enthusiasm and passion for your topic. Here are practical tips to calm your nerves and prepare for a confident performance.
Replace negative thoughts like “What if I mess up?” with affirmations like “I am prepared and capable” or “I’ve got this.” Positive self-talk can shift your mindset and reduce anxiety.
Arrive at the venue early to familiarize yourself with the space, test your equipment, and settle in. Knowing your environment reduces uncertainty and helps you feel more in control.
If possible, chat with a few audience members before your presentation. This can help you feel more connected and turn the audience into friendly faces rather than strangers.
Nervousness often leads to shallow breathing, which can make you feel more anxious. Practice deep breathing: inhale for four counts, hold for four counts, and exhale for four counts. This calms your nerves and ensures your brain gets the oxygen it needs to think clearly.
If you have privacy, use it to stretch, move, and release tension. Shake out your hands, roll your shoulders, and loosen your jaw. Adopting power poses—like standing tall with your hands on your hips—can boost your confidence. Loosening up your body will also prepare you for effective body language as you step up to speak.
Pay attention to how you stand. Are you rocking on your feet or shifting your weight nervously? These habits can make you appear unsure. Instead, stand tall with your feet shoulder-width apart, and own the space. If appropriate, move deliberately around the stage to engage your audience. For example, step closer to emphasize a key point.
To connect with your audience, you need to believe in your message. Nervousness can make you overly focused on reciting memorized words, but this can come across as robotic. Instead, focus on feeling your message. Why does it matter? Why should your audience care? When you speak with genuine conviction, your audience will respond.
Hand gestures can enhance your delivery when used intentionally. For example:
Avoid fidgeting or crossing your arms, as these can signal nervousness or defensiveness.
Eye contact is essential for building trust and connection. Instead of scanning the room aimlessly, focus on making eye contact with individuals in different sections of the audience. This creates a sense of personal engagement.
Avoid relying too much on your slides, as this breaks your connection with the audience. If you find yourself looking at your slides often, it may be a sign that they’re overloaded with text.
Your voice is a powerful tool for conveying emotion and emphasis. Here’s how to use it effectively:
Filler words like "um," "uh," and "like" can distract from your message. Here’s how to minimize them:
Improving your presentation skills doesn’t have to take months of practice. By focusing on key elements like body language, voice control, and preparation, you can make a noticeable impact in a short amount of time. These strategies show you exactly how to improve your presentation skills fast, helping you deliver a confident and engaging performance.
Have a look at our post, Business Presentation Skills for some more great advice!
Remember, presenting is a skill that grows with practice, so apply these tips, refine your delivery, and watch your confidence soar with every presentation!
Since 2009, thousands of learners have trusted our courses
What do our clients think about us? Just click the TrustPilot icon to read some reviews.
About the authors:
Alexandra is an English trainer from South Africa, now living and working in the Netherlands. She holds a BA in English Literature.
Brenda de Jong-Pauley is the founder of The English Center in the Netherlands, where she has worked with international professionals since 2009. Originally from the United States, she lives and works in the Netherlands, supporting professionals in developing clear, confident English for real business situations.
Brenda holds a Master’s degree in Psychology (focused on persuasive communication) and a Bachelor’s in Education. She specializes in high-level business communication and spoken English.
The English Center is a CEDEO-recognized training provider, working with professionals and teams from international and Dutch companies and municipalities.
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.
Brenda de Jong-Pauley, MA
Director, The English Center
March 2025
Why choose The English Center?
Improve your English Accent: Private Training in Person & Online
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?
Accurate pronunciation is the foundation of clear speech. To learn how to combine clear sounds with overall confidence, read our guide on how to speak English fluently.
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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.)
Are you Dutch? Do you need to develop your TH phonemes for a more native sound?
Verbeter je uitspraak Engels met privéles
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!
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You might also enjoy reading our article, "30 English Pronunciation Tips"
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"Pronunciation for ESL " by A Roberts & Brenda de Jong-Pauley MA, Director, The English Center
Published March 2025
About the authors:
Alexandra is an English trainer from South Africa, now living and working in the Netherlands. She holds a BA in English Literature.
Brenda de Jong-Pauley is the founder of The English Center in the Netherlands, where she has worked with international professionals since 2009. Originally from the United States, she lives and works in the Netherlands, supporting professionals in developing clear, confident English for real business situations.
Brenda holds a Master’s degree in Psychology (focused on persuasive communication) and a Bachelor’s in Education. She specializes in high-level business communication and spoken English.
The English Center is a CEDEO-recognized training provider, working with professionals and teams from international and Dutch companies and municipalities.
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.
Brenda de Jong-Pauley, MA
Director, The English Center
Published February 2025
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!
The English Center. Since 2009, thousands of learners have trusted our courses.
About the author:
Brenda de Jong-Pauley is the founder of The English Center in the Netherlands, where she has worked with international professionals since 2009. Originally from the United States, she lives and works in the Netherlands, supporting professionals in developing clear, confident English for real business situations.
Brenda holds a Master’s degree in Psychology (focused on persuasive communication) and a Bachelor’s in Education. She specializes in high-level business communication and spoken English.
The English Center is a CEDEO-recognized training provider, working with professionals and teams from international and Dutch companies and municipalities.
