Zakelijke Engelse Werkwoorden: Een uitgebreide lijst met essentiële werkwoorden, duidelijke definities en praktische voorbeeldzinnen voor vergaderingen, presentaties en gesprekken met klanten en collega’s.

Deze lijst is perfect voor iedereen op CEFR-niveau B2+ (Intermediate / Advanced). Gebruik deze zakelijke werkwoordenlijst als lesmateriaal of als test. Hoe goed ken jij deze zakelijke werkwoorden? Gebruik jij ze vol vertrouwen op kantoor? Test jezelf en boost je zakelijk Engels!

Wil je jouw Zakelijk Engels skills naar een hoger niveau tillen? Bekijk onze Zakelijk Engelse cursussen en ontdek welke cursus aansluit bij jouw doelen.

Ben je op zoek naar een manier om snel beter te worden in zakelijk Engels? Ga dan voor onze spoedcursus zakelijk Engels: een intensief traject dat jouw zakelijk Engels binnen no-time naar topniveau brengt. Al onze zakelijk Engels cursussen worden gegeven in privé setting door een Business English specialist.

Hieronder vind je een handige lijst van meer dan 100 populaire zakelijke Engelse werkwoorden, ideaal voor het uitleggen en beschrijven tijdens vergaderingen, presentaties en discussies. Sommige van deze woorden kunnen ook als zelfstandig naamwoord gebruikt worden, maar deze lijst richt zich uitsluitend op actiegerichte woorden (werkwoorden).

100+ Werkwoorden Zakelijk Engels met definitie en voorbeeldzinnen

1. Address: Deal with or discuss a particular issue or concern. We need to address the budget constraints before finalizing the project plan.
2. Advocate: Support or promote a particular idea, approach, or solution. I strongly advocate for adopting a more sustainable packaging solution.
3. Align: Ensure that actions, strategies, or goals are in harmony or agreement. We need to align our sales targets with the overall company objectives.
4. Allocate: Assign resources, funds, or tasks to specific areas, projects, or individuals. We should allocate more time for market research in the project timeline.
5. Analyze: Break down a complex situation or data to understand its components. We need to analyze the market trends before making a decision on expanding to new regions.
6. Annotate: Add explanatory notes or comments to a document or presentation. I'll annotate the slides with additional information to provide context.
7. Ascertain: be sure of/certain, find out for sure. The software designer ascertained that it would be best to eliminate the two, older apps.
8. Assess: evaluate or estimate nature, quality, ability of a person, thing or situation. We need to assess the relative merits of the two proposals. 
9. Assume: To believe or think something based on expectations but without knowing with certainty. Often used to pose a question. I assume that the website launch is still on schedule...?
10. Authenticate: Verify the authenticity or validity of something, such as documents or transactions. We need to authenticate user’s identities before granting access to the new platform.
11. Authorize: Grant permission or approval for a specific action, expenditure, or decision. I authorize the use of funds for the research and development project.
12. Beat: Perform better than. We beat market expectations with strong sales in the first quarter.
13. Benchmark: Compare performance, practices, or results against established standards or competitors. Let's benchmark our customer satisfaction rates against industry leaders.
14. Clarify: Make something clearer or more understandable. I'd appreciate it if you could clarify the pricing structure for the new product.
15. Collaborate: Work together with others to achieve a common goal or outcome. Let's collaborate with the marketing team to create a cohesive campaign strategy.
16. Combine: To put things together. Let's combine our talents on this project and create something really exciting!
17. Compare: Point out similarities and differences between two or more things. We need to compare the advantages of these two project management approaches in order to make a good decision.
18. Compare and contrast: Look for and point out similarities (compare) and differences (contrast). In this presentation, I will compare and contrast the two approaches. 
19. Conclude: To reach a decision after thinking/hearing about something. I have to conclude that we are just not ready to launch the new line.
20. Concur: Agree or be in harmony with a point, decision, or statement. I concur with the proposal to revise the pricing structure.
21. Consolidate: Combine or merge various elements, assets, or information. Let's consolidate the financial reports from different departments into a single document.
22. Contemplate: Think about in a quiet, serious manner. We really have to contemplate the risks and rewards of relocating our company. 
23. Contextualize: To put in context. To understand in relationship to the setting or circumstances. We need to contextualise this problem before we can really understand it. Only then can we begin to think about how to address the problem.
24. Contrast: Highlight the differences between two concepts or ideas. We need to contrast the benefits of outsourcing versus in-house development for this project.
25. Convey: Communicate a message, idea, or feeling to others. It's important to convey the company's values during client interactions.
26. Critique: Provide a constructive analysis or evaluation of something. I'd like to critique the current sales strategy and suggest some improvements.
27. Cultivate: Foster or develop relationships, skills, or ideas over time. We need to cultivate a culture of continuous learning within the organization.
28. Debate: Engage in a formal discussion or argument to explore different viewpoints. We should debate the pros and cons of implementing a remote work policy.
29. Decipher: Interpret or understand something complex or unclear. I'll help you decipher the financial report and explain the key metrics.
30. Deconstruct: Analyze and break down complex concepts or structures into simpler components. Let's deconstruct the sales process to identify areas for optimization.
31. Delay: To do something later than planned. The launch has been delayed by technical issues.
32. Detail: Provide specific information or facts about a topic. Could you please detail the steps required to implement the new employee onboarding process?
33. Define: Clearly explain the meaning or scope of a term or concept. Before we proceed, let's define the key performance indicators we'll be tracking.
34. Demonstrate: Show how something works in practice. Our IT team will demonstrate the new user interface during the presentation.
35. Delineate: Clearly describe or outline the boundaries, features, or specifics of something. Let's delineate the roles and responsibilities of each team member in the project plan.
36. Determine: To ascertain, decide or establish exactly by research. We have now determined that this product should not be brought to market.
37. Discuss: Have a conversation about a specific topic. Let's discuss the potential strategies for increasing our market share in the next quarter.
38. Diversify: Expand or vary the range of products, services, or investments. We should diversify our portfolio to mitigate risks and explore new opportunities.
39. Document: Record or write down information, processes, or decisions for future reference. We should document the steps for onboarding new employees to streamline the process.
40. Draft: To create a preliminary version of a document. My manager asked me to draft a sales proposal for a new prospect. 
41. Elaborate: Provide more details or expand on a point. Could you elaborate on how the new software system will improve efficiency?
42. Elicit: Draw out information, ideas, or reactions from others through questioning. I'd like to elicit feedback on the proposed changes to the employee benefits program.
43. Eliminate: To get rid of something, remove it. In the website, we need to eliminate all mentions of the old product line.
44. Elucidate: Make something clear through detailed explanation. Allow me to elucidate the advantages of adopting agile project management.
45. Emphasize: Highlight the importance or significance of a particular point. I want to emphasize that customer satisfaction is our top priority in this initiative.
46. Enforce: Ensure compliance with rules, policies, or agreements. We need to enforce the new safety protocols across all our manufacturing facilities.
47. Enumerate: List items or points one by one for clarity. The team did a great job of enumerating the many benefits of this cost-saving initiative.
48. Envision: Imagine or foresee a future scenario, strategy, or outcome. Let's envision the company's growth trajectory for the next five years.
49. Estimate: To make a good guess based on available information. We estimate our marketing costs at 20%. 
50. Evaluate: Assess the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of a situation. We should evaluate the potential risks before committing to this partnership.
51. Exercise caution: Be careful. We really have to exercise caution when and if we change our formula. What if people don’t like it?
52. Explain: Make something clear or understandable by providing adequate information. I want to explain the concept behind our new product.
53. Extrapolate: Estimate or predict future trends or outcomes based on existing data. Make an educated guess based on what is known. We can extrapolate the sales figures for the next year using the current growth rate.
54. Exemplify: Provide a concrete example to support a statement. These numbers exemplify how successful this cost-saving approach has been.
55. Expound: To say more. To provide a detailed explanation or analysis of a concept or idea. Please allow me to expound on the benefits of our new performance appraisal system.
56. Facilitate: Assist, enable, or make a process or interaction smoother. I'll facilitate the team-building exercise to enhance collaboration among members.
57. Forecast: Predict future trends, outcomes, or results based on data analysis. We need to forecast the potential revenue growth for the next quarter.
58. Formulate: Create or develop a plan, strategy, or idea. We need to formulate a contingency plan to address potential project delays.
59. Gauge: Measure or assess the level, extent, or impact of something. We need to gauge the customer satisfaction levels after the recent service update.
60. Harmonize: Coordinate or integrate different elements for consistency or compatibility. Let's harmonize the branding across all our marketing materials.
61. Innovate: Introduce new ideas, methods, or products to enhance efficiency or competitiveness. We should constantly innovate to stay ahead in the rapidly changing market.
62. Illustrate: Provide examples to help others understand a concept. To illustrate the point, let me share a recent success story from our sales team.
63. Implement: Put a plan, decision or agreement into effect. It's time to implement our new digital marketing strategy.
64. Improvise: Think and respond on the spot without prior preparation. As we move forward, we may have to improvise and adapt to unexpected challenges.
65. Incentivize: Offer rewards or incentives to motivate certain behaviors or outcomes. We can incentivize employees to achieve higher productivity by introducing performance bonuses.
66. Incorporate: Include or integrate a specific element into a larger context. We should incorporate customer feedback into our product development process.
67. Initiate: Start or launch a process, project, or action. Let's initiate the brainstorming session to generate new product ideas.
68. Innovate: Introduce new ideas, methods, or products to enhance efficiency or competitiveness. We should constantly innovate to stay ahead in the rapidly changing market.
69. Inquire: Ask for information or clarification about a topic. I'd like to inquire about the progress of the sales team's new training program.
70. Manage: to supervise, be responsible for, have oversight or leadership. We have to manage expectations about the new product line.
71. Mention: Bring up or refer to a topic briefly. I just want to mention that our competitors have recently introduced a similar service.
72. Moderate: Facilitate a discussion or meeting by ensuring balanced participation and respectful communication. I'll be moderating the panel discussion on industry trends at the upcoming conference.
73. Negotiate: To reach an agreement, often with compromise on both sides. We will have to negotiate with the new vendors as their prices are really way too high.
74. Observe: To watch something or someone, usually over an extended period of time. The board is closely observing C-suite behavior.
75. Optimize: Improve efficiency, performance, or results by making adjustments. Let's optimize the website loading speed to enhance UX (user experience).
76. Outline: Provide a brief overview or summary of a topic. Let me quickly outline the main points of our marketing strategy for this quarter.
77. Oversee: Supervise, manage, or be in charge of a project, team, or process. I will oversee the implementation of the new marketing campaign.
78. Pilot: Test a new idea, process, or product in a controlled environment before full implementation. We plan to pilot the new training program with a small group before rolling it out company-wide.
79. Provide: Give precise details or instructions about something. Could you please provide further information about the target audience for this marketing campaign?
80. Propose: Put forward an idea, plan, or solution for consideration. I'd like to propose a new strategy for streamlining our supply chain.
81. Present: Share information, data, or ideas with an audience. My colleague will present the new product line.
82. Prioritize: Rank tasks, goals, or issues according to their importance or urgency. We must prioritize these action items to meet the project deadline.
83. Propagate: Spread information, ideas, or practices among a wider audience. We aim to propagate our brand message through social media channels.
84. Quell: To make quiet or calm. We have to quell any rumors about cash flow issues.
85. Recommend: To suggest or advise an action, thing or person. I recommend that you do more research before you make your decision. 
86. Refer: To suggest a particular person for a particular job. My best friend referred me to her partner for advice about building a new website. Refer: to speak about / in reference to / something or someone. Was the CFO referring to this year’s figures or the previous year’s?
87. Refine: Make improvements or adjustments to a concept, plan, or product. We need to refine the user interface based on the feedback from beta testers.
88. Research: To look into something. Gain more information and insight. Before we start writing our new digital marketing plan, we have to research what the competition is doing. And of course, we have to research keywords. 
89. Synthesize: Combine different elements or ideas to create a unified concept or solution. Let's synthesize the customer feedback and market research findings into actionable insights.
90. Reiterate or restate: Repeat a point to emphasize its importance. I want to reiterate that meeting project deadlines is crucial for our reputation.
91. Reveal: Disclose or make known a piece of information. To make visible something previously unnoticed. I'm excited to reveal the new branding strategy we've been working on. This scenario reveals a weakness in our product launch plans.
92. Revoke: Cancel or withdraw a previous decision, agreement, or authorization. We might need to revoke the approved budget due to unexpected expenses.
93. Rationalize: Explain the reasoning or justification behind a decision. We need to rationalize the budget allocation for the upcoming project. (Warning: This can also imply providing useful-to-the-speaker but false or implausible reasons for doing something or believing something. Stop rationalizing! You are just coming up with excuses for the failure of the new campaign.
94. Realign: Adjust or reorganise priorities, resources, or goals to better align with a strategy. We may need to realign our budget allocation to support the new initiative.
95. Reassess: Review or evaluate a situation, plan, or decision again for potential changes. We should reassess the feasibility of the project given the recent market shifts.
96. Reinforce: Strengthen or emphasize a point through repetition or examples. Let's reinforce the importance of adhering to our quality standards.
97. Revise: Make changes or amendments to a plan, document, or strategy. We need to revise the project timeline to accommodate the new requirements.
98. Segment: Divide a market, audience, or data into distinct categories for analysis or targeting. We should segment our customer base based on their preferences and demographics.
99. Settle: To reach a compromise, settle an argument, Settle for less: to accept less than what you really wanted. To accept a legal compromise. We're not in a strong position. We're just going to have to settle and move on.
100. Settle down: To become calm or quiet. The team is settling down now after the shocking news about the merger.
101. Settle in: To get accustomed to a new setting, role or situation. To adjust to a new setting. My new colleague is finally settling in to our office routines. The new salesman is getting settled in and learning the ropes.
102. Simulate: Create a representation or model to demonstrate a concept or scenario. A fake version of a real thing. Let's simulate the potential effects of a supply chain disruption to assess our preparedness.
103. Solidify: To make a plan solid or definite. We have to solidify our plans for the new website.
104. Streamline: Simplify or optimize processes to improve efficiency and reduce complexity. Our goal is to streamline the supply chain to minimize delays and costs.
105. Synthesize: Combine different elements or ideas to create a unified concept or solution. Let's synthesize the customer feedback and market research findings into actionable insights.
106. Suggest: Propose an idea, solution, or course of action. I'd like to suggest a new approach to handling customer complaints that might improve retention.
107. Summarize: Give a brief overview of the main points. Before we move on, let me summarize the key takeaways from this discussion.
108. Sum up: To summarize / conclude the most important points of what has been said / presented / discussed. Can be used as a call to action at the end of a meeting. OK, to sum up, we are now all on the same page and in go-mode for this project, right?
109. Supervise: Oversee and guide the work of a team or project. I will supervise the implementation of the new software system.
110. Survey: Collect data or opinions from a group of people to gather insights. We plan to survey our customers to understand their preferences better.
111. Validate: Confirm or prove the accuracy, effectiveness, or relevance of something. We need to validate the data before presenting it to the stakeholders.
112. Verify: Confirm the accuracy, authenticity, or truth of something. We certainly need to verify the credentials of the potential vendor before signing the contract..
113. Vet: Evaluate or assess something carefully for suitability, accuracy, or quality. We need to vet the potential suppliers before making a final decision.
114. Project: Estimate or predict future trends, figures, or outcomes based on current data. Could you project the sales numbers for the next quarter based on the current growth rate?
115. Walk through: Step-by-step explanation or demonstration of a process. Let me walk you through the workflow of the new projct management software. 

Waarom focussen op zakelijk Engels werkwoorden?

In de internationale zakenwereld is een sterke zakelijke Engelse woordenschat onmisbaar, en werkwoorden spelen daarbij de hoofdrol. Ze zijn de motor van je communicatie: actie, dynamiek en precisie in één. Of je nu een presentatie geeft, onderhandelt met klanten, of samenwerkt met collega’s, de juiste werkwoorden helpen je om je boodschap precies goed over te brengen.

Werkwoorden zorgen ervoor dat jouw ideeën helder en overtuigend overkomen. Ze geven gesprekken kracht, instructies duidelijkheid en presentaties impact. Met een breed scala aan zakelijke Engelse werkwoorden kun je niet alleen beter communiceren, maar bouw je ook sterkere relaties op. Je laat zien dat je een pro bent, wat je positie als waardevol teamlid of leider versterkt.

Daarnaast geeft een rijke werkwoordenschat je een voorsprong op de internationale markt, waar Engels vaak de voertaal is. Het gebruik van de juiste werkwoorden straalt zelfvertrouwen, professionaliteit en geloofwaardigheid uit—factoren die cruciaal zijn voor je carrière. Dus of je nu indruk wilt maken tijdens een pitch, een ingewikkeld idee wilt uitleggen of jezelf wilt onderscheiden in een internationale meeting, het beheersen van zakelijke Engelse werkwoorden is de sleutel tot succes.

Kortom, met de juiste zakelijke Engelse werkwoorden communiceer je sterker, werk je efficiënter en open je de deur naar nieuwe zakelijke kansen. Investeer in je taalvaardigheid en til je professionele succes naar een hoger niveau!

Op zoek naar een bedrijfscursus Engels die naadloos aansluit op de wensen van jouw team? Bekijk onze op maat gemaakte cursus In company training Engels.

Meer handige Zakelijk Engels artikelen.

50 Business English vocabulaire woorden die je al kent: Lees en luister

5 Pro Tips: Zakelijk Engels Woordenschat vergroten.

Bijles Engels voor tieners: Op maat privé begeleiding Engels voor scholieren. Locaties in Amsterdam, Den Haag, cursus Engels Amstelveen en online.

Voel je je zenuwachtig (bang), onvoorbereid of overweldigd door de Engelse grammatica, schrijven, spreken, luisteren en/of lezen die je moet leren? Ja? Dan is deze blog post voor jou!

Contact The English Center.

Wie zijn de bijles docenten Engels?

English Center docenten zijn allemaal professionele native-speaker docenten van ons in Amsterdam-based team. De aanpak is op maat, vriendelijk, ondersteunend and gefocust maar ook organisch voor een totalle verbetering, groter Engels inzicht, fluency en gemak.

Is The English Center een huiswerkcentrum?

Nee! Dit is één op één privé bijles Engels met een docent die Engels als moedertaal heeft en die zich richt op JOU, je verwarring, frustraties, zorgen, doelen, opdrachten en toetsen. English Center docenten zijn in kwaliteits Engelse taaltraining gespecialiseerd.

Is dit Engels huiswerkbegeleiding?

Ja. maar niet alleen hulp met je huiswerk, maar ook ondersteuning voor Engels succes voor examen en in de toekomst.

Waar vinden de bijlessen Engels plaats?

De lessen vindt je plaats bij jouw thuis of op onze locaties in Amsterdam, Den Haag en Amstelveen. Ook makkelijk online!

Voor wie is deze bijles Engels? Welke leeftijd en opleidingsniveau?

The English Center werkt met scholieren op alle niveaus - Brugklas, 2/3/4 MAVO/HAVO/VWO t/m 5HAVO and 5/6VWO.

Hoe vaak zie ik mijn bijles Engels docent?

Wij bieden wekelijkse sessies van 1 uur (of meer) met een vriendelijke, native-speaker docent die je helpt om u voor te bereiden op jouw Engelse examens.

Welke boeken zal ik gebruiken in de bijles Engels?

We werken met je tekstboek dat je op school gebruikt om je te helpen de grammatica te begrijpen en met extra activiteiten om je te helpen de vaak vreemde grammaticaregels te begrijpen. Het kan zijn dat je in de klas veel grammatica oefeningen moet maken en voor veel studenten is dit niet zo leuk en een hele uitdaging en ook saai. Wij maken het leren van grammatica relevant voor hoe je in het Engels communiceert en geven veel voorbeelden waarom je iets op die manier zegt. Grammatica moet je niet 'uit je hoofd' leren, maar op een natuurlijke manier leren en gebruiken in een normaal gesprek of bij het schrijven.

Zal ik Engels schrijven oefenen in de bijles?

Ja, scholieren krijgen veel schrijfoefeningen - zowel leuk also serieuze betogen ter voorbereiding op schriftelijke examen. Je leert hoe je de structuur van de essay moet schrijven en hoe je verschillende woorden kunnen kiezen en gebruiken. (synoniemen)

Kunnen jullie me helpen met mijn mondeling examen Engels?

Onze docenten Engels helpen scholieren graag om zich voor te bereiden op mondelinge examens waarin je moet praten over romans, gedichten en korte verhalen. We helpen je om te leren hoe je de thema's, personages en relaties van deze boeken op een leuke en boeiende manier kunt bespreken, zodat je deze boeken goed genoeg begrijpt om er zelfverzekerd over te praten en er ook echt plezier aan beleeft! We kunnen je ook helpen boeken te kiezen die je interesseren vindt en die leuk zijn om te lezen.

Bereiden jullie scholieren specifiek voor op het Centraal eindexamen?

Het leesvaardigheids examen aan het einde van het jaar is de laatste test van je Engelse vaardigheden. Het is een goed idee om je hier na de kerstvakantie op voor te bereiden. Op examenblad.nl staan veel oefentoetsen. We beginnen samen met de korte teksten en geven tips en technieken voor het lezen van de vragen en de teksten. Het goede nieuws is je hoeft niet altijd de gehele tekst te lezen!!! Je moet gewoon weten waar je op moet letten in de tekst. Er zijn natuurlijk nog andere methodes die we je leren terwijl we ons door de oefenexamens heen werken. Wanneer het zover is, dan ben je er klaar voor de eindexamen!

Leuk Engels huiswerk.

We zullen ook voorstellen om Netflix series te kijken als huiswerk! Ja, je hebt het goed gehoord! Dit is een geweldige manier om je luistervaardigheid te activeren en woordenschat te onthouden. Maar je moet ze wel bekijken met Engelse ondertiteling.

Hoe helpt mijn docent mij met Engels?

We hanteren een leuke, holistische benadering van je lessen Engels en zorgen ervoor dat je voorbereid bent op je toetsen en examens, maar vooral dat je elke les in het Engels spreekt, leest en schrijft met feedback van een moedertaalspreker. Zo zal je productieve gebruik van het Engels je een voordeel geven tijdens de examens.

Het staatsexamen Engels (college en centraal) van de middelbare school: 6VWO en 5HAVO.

Als je in 2024 eindexamen doet, is het nu tijd om je voor te bereiden op alle Engels vaardigheden; spreken (mondeling), schrijven, luisteren en lezen. In je bijles Engels, begin je nu met het opbouwen van een grote, mooie woordenschat, uitstekend begrijpend lezen en slimme, hypermoderne skills voor het maken van toetsen. Wacht niet tot het laatste moment. Je eindexamen Engels zal erg moeilijk worden, maar wij zullen je helpen met alles wat je nodig hebt om te slagen.

Engels voor het leven.

Tot slot, onthoud dat Engels een hulpmiddel is, een vaardigheid die je je hele leven zult gebruiken voor hoger onderwijs, werk, reizen en plezier. Engels opent vele deuren en maakt van jou een wereldburger. Bent jij er klaar voor? Laten we dit samen doen!

Wil je je bijles Engels training met een gratis kennismakingsafspraak online beginnen?

Maak een afspraak.

Lees hier over wekelijkse training Engels.

Of bel +31 20 823 0569.

Focus op test voorbereiding?

The English Center is erkend door CEDEO and CRKBO.

Onze native-speaker docenten Engels helpen sinds 2009 studenten met Engels en Engels examen.

Learn about CEDEO certification here.

Download our CEDEO client satisfaction report pdf hier.

Prepare voor je English test.

Een nuttige blog over Engels teststrategieën.

14 Tips & tricks: zo nail je dat Amerikaanse accent

Heb je altijd al willen klinken als een echte Amerikaan, zoals in de films? Wij geven al zo’n 16 jaar accent training, en in deze blog delen we onze 14 meest waardevolle tips voor wie zijn of haar Amerikaans Engelse uitspraak wil verbeteren. 

Wil je je Amerikaans-Engelse uitspraak perfectioneren? Bekijk dan eens onze Cursus Uitspraak Engels. Je krijgt les van een Amerikaanse docent die jou 1-op-1 training geeft en voorziet van feedback. Je kunt de cursus volgen op locatie in Amsterdam, Amstelveen of Den Haag, of online. 

Not Dutch? No problem! Deze tips zijn waardevol voor iedereen die Amerikaans Engels wil leren. We richten ons in deze blof vooral op Nederlanders, maar de adviezen zijn toepasbaar voor iedereen met een B1-C2 Engels niveau die zijn of haar Amerikaanse accent wil verbeteren. Met onze tips klinkt jouw Amerikaans Engels voortaan een stuk vloeiender en natuurlijker. Ready? Let’s go!

Why choose The English Center for your training?
We are CEDEO-erkend and get excellent Trustpilot reviews for our Business English courses in Amsterdam.

Lees verder over onze Engelse uitspraak cursus

Amerikaans Engels leren: de intonatie is de muziek 

Intonatie is alles in Amerikaans Engels. Dus: zeg het met overtuiging! Als je spreekt, wees dan bewust van de boodschap die je wilt overbrengen en leg nádruk op de woorden in je zinnen – ook wel ‘language music’ genoemd – om je verhaal kracht bij te zetten. Amerikanen staan bekend om hun luidruchtigheid, zelfvertrouwen en enthousiasme. Krachtige intonatie is daarom essentieel voor een goede Amerikaans-Engelse uitspraak. 

Maar eerst: hoe klínkt dat nou, zo’n Amerikaans accent?

Volgens Ann Cook, auteur van American Accent Training, klinkt het Amerikaans Engels:

“…brutaal, luidruchtig, direct vriendelijk, informeel en een beetje speels.”

Engelse intonatie en taalritme

Gebruik een dalende intonatie voor uitspraken. Dit betekent dat je toon langzaam naar beneden gaat totdat het laatste woord of de laatste woordgroep weer omhoog komt.

• “I love going to the MOVIES.”
• “I hate coming home to a DIRTY KITCHEN.”
• “My boss is a REAL PAIN IN THE ASS.”
• “The tech department is DRIVING ME CRAZY!”

Of kies ervoor om het werkwoord en het bijbehorende zelfstandig naamwoord extra nadruk te geven:

• “My colleague KILLED IT in her PRESENTATION.”
• “I LOVE going to the MOVIES.”
• “I HATE coming home to a DIRTY KITCHEN.”

Amerikaans Engels leren: de ‘hum’ van de Amerikaanse uitspraak

Amerikaans Engels heeft een vloeiende, verbonden klank. Spreek niet elk woord afzonderlijk, maar verbind ze soepel met elkaar, alsof je een Amerikaanse jazzmuzikant bent – vloeiend en met ritme.

Amerikaans Engels klinkt niet staccato! Oefen om een vloeiende ‘hum’ te krijgen met de volgende oefeningen: zing klanken zoals “mamama, nanana, sasasasa, bababa, lalalala” in een vloeiende monotone toon.

Of oefen de ‘ommmm’ chant – welbekend bij yoga beoefenaars. Word je meteen een beetje Zen! 

Go Zen en probeer auming.

H3: Maak gebruik van woordgroepen of “sound units.”

Barack Obama is één van de sterkste sprekers van onze tijd. Luister eens naar hoe hij zijn zinnen opbouwt en waar hij pauzes inlast, en probeer zijn stijl na te bootsen. Onthoud: zonder pauzes, geen duidelijke zinnen. Gebruik pauzes om je boodschap kracht bij te zetten.

Klink als een Amerikaan: de positie van je stem in Amerikaans Engels

Houd je stem laag, achter in je keel en in je borst.

Zoek je diepe, rijke ‘daddy voice’.

Uitspraak van de R: Rhoticity in Amerikaans Engels

Rol of tril je R niet. De Amerikaanse R vereist een relatief stilstaande tong zonder contact met het gehemelte. Laat bij het uitspreken van de R in het midden of aan het einde van een woord de klank goed doorklinken. Girl wordt gurrrrl. Pearl wordt pearrrrl.

Wil je meer weten over de Amerikaanse R-klank? Lees onze post over rhoticity bij The English Center. Lees The English Center post about rhoticity.

Meer bronnen voor het uitspreken van de R in Amerikaans Engels:

Video: The English Center, “Secrets of English Pronunciation: Rhoticity”

Geïnteresseerd in de geschiedenis van de rhotic R? Bekijk de video met Ben Crystal

Hoe klonk het Engels in Shakespeare’s tijd? What Shakespeare’s English Sounded Like

Videos:  Wil je meer Amerikaans klinken? Bekijk Rachel’s English met meer dan 300 video’s over Amerikaans Engels.

Wil je juist een niet-rhotic R? Bekijk The Pronunciation Studio. “The Silent R”

Uitspraak van de T in het midden van woorden in Amerikaans Engels

Vervang de T in het midden van woorden door een D: Butter wordt budder. Better wordt bedder.

Uitspraak van de O’s met een Amerikaans accent

Spreek de O in woorden zoals love, cover, ton en honey uit als een schwa (zoals in "Up the bluff, Bud runs with the cup of love"). Denk aan: luv, cuver, tun, honey.

Wanneer kun je de spelling negeren? Spoiler: heel vaak, helaas. 

Bij het uitspreken van klinkers in woorden zoals ferry en fair, maak je dezelfde klank. Hetzelfde geldt voor pin en pen, hen en his, en ben en bit.

Het Amerikaanse ‘A’-geluid: Get The Man, Not The Maaaahn.

Voor de A in woorden zoals can’t en man, houd je je mond en kaak strak en klein. De klank blijft vlak, achter in je keel en kort. Het helpt om de klank wat nasaal te maken.

Less is More in je Amerikaans-Engelse uitspraak!

“I’m going to” wordt I’m gonna of I’m goin’. “I’m gonna DO it! I’m goin’ OUT t’night!”

“Is” wordt uz.

Verbind en reduceer: “Bob is on the phone” wordt Bobuzonthphone. 

Reduceer “to” tot t’: reduceer today, tomorrow en tonight tot t’day, t’morrow, t’night: “I’m goin’ t’ the store t’morrow, t’day, t’night.”

Zeg coulda, shoulda, woulda: “I coulda helped him, I shoulda helped him. But I didn’.”

Laat de t-klank weg na didn’t, shouldn’t, wouldn’t, couldn’t: “You shouldn’ do that. No, I definitely wouldn’ do that if I were you.”

Zeg “fer” in plaats van “for” – “Let’s buy some gifts fer the kids.”

“I want to" becomes – I wanna

“a lot of” becomes – alotta

“for sure” becomes – fersure

“It will” becomes – it’ll

“Like it or not” becomes – likuternot

“The last time I was” becomes – the last time iwuz

“You don't have to”becomes – youdonhafto or youdonhafta

“I don’t know” becomes – I dunno

”There will be” becomes – therullbe

En wat is een Amerikaans accent zonder wat leuke Amerikaanse uitdrukkingen?

Leer populaire Amerikaanse uitdrukkingen gratis via onze blogserie. Deze Amerikaanse idiomen zijn handig voor zakelijke gesprekken, maar ook voor informele gesprekken, bijvoorbeeld “op kantoor.” Veel van deze uitdrukkingen zijn trouwens ook in Brits Engels bruikbaar.

Bekijk hoofdstuk een van onze Business English Idiom serie

Bekijk hoofdstuk twee van onze Business English Idiom serie

Bekijk hoofdstuk drie van onze Business English Idiom serie

Bekijk hoofdstuk vier van onze Business English Idiom serie

-----------

Aanbevolen boek: American Accent Training door Ann Cook, Barron’s, 4e editie (verkrijgbaar op Amazon).

Meer weten? Lees verder over onze cursus Engelse uitspraak.

Wil je een gratis consult met een native-speaker docent om je Amerikaans Engels te verbeteren, je accent te verminderen, of om te werken aan de uitspraak van de R-klank? Onze lessen zijn zowel online als op locatie mogelijk, met Amerikaanse en Britse docenten. Bel ons op +31 20 823 0569 of gebruik ons contactformulier.
We staan je graag te woord.

Auteur: Brenda de Jong-Pauley, Director, The English Center. Updated 25 July, 2025.

Vertaling: L. de Ruijter

Duizenden tevreden leerlingen gingen je sinds 2009 voor

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Intensive Summer Course English

2025: Looking for updated summer course information?

Go to our Summer English Course 2025: Amsterdam, Den Haag and Amstelveen

Summer is the perfect time to immerse yourself in a transformative language learning experience. With our Summer Course English, you will discover a unique opportunity to follow an intensive English immersion course while enjoying summer. Our summer course offers include Private English Speed Courses in Business English, Teen English, General English and Test Preparation.

Summer is the perfect time to dive into English. A Summer English Course offers a unique chance to learn English intensively while exploring the vibrant streets, beautiful museums, and rich history of Amsterdam or The Hague. Our classes are held in the most beautiful historic spots of these cities. Plus we see clients in Amstelveen and online. Find the best location for you with these links for Intensive Summer English Courses in–

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The summer course uses the same proven methods as our Intensive Business English Course and General Intensive English Course. These private courses are customized, ranging from 10 to 30 hours per week, and can be taken anywhere. Check out the course pages for more information.

At The English Center, you can follow Private, Customized Intensive English Courses ranging from 10 to 30 hours per week over a period of one, two, three weeks or more with a choice of locations.

With our flexible approach, you can choose a course that fits your schedule and budget. Plus, you’ll have time to explore Amsterdam or The Hague, where almost everyone speaks English, giving you plenty of opportunities to practice while enjoying the summer. Best of all, you can start quickly!

A note about the locations: Our popular course locations in Amsterdam include Van Eeghenlaan 27, in the Museum Quarter and right by the Vondelpark, and Binnenkant 24, just minutes from Amsterdam Central Station.Plus we also see clients in Amstelveen (Chirurgijn 51), Den Haag (Raamweg 4) and Live Online.

Please note all meetings are by appointment only! You can contact us here.

Find more information about our locations in Amsterdam, The Hague, and Amstelveen.

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1. Intensive summer course Business English

In today’s globalized business world, English is the undisputed language leader. From Amsterdam to Paris to Munich, business people must speak English in order to communicate with colleagues and partners from around the world.

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..and while perfection is not required, your English proficiency can be a great asset in your professional profile. CEFR level B1 across speaking and writing skills is generally the minimum, while higher level jobs will require higher level skills. Many workers need to perform at advanced levels of English proficiency (C1-C2).

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If you would like to improve your overall English proficiency, The English Center’s Private General English Intensive Courses are a good choice. Designed for learners of all levels these courses offer a comprehensive approach to language acquisition. Through engaging activities and interactive discussions, you’ll develop your grammar, vocabulary, speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills. The one-on-one setting enables personalized attention and fast progress, making these courses ideal for those seeking a focused and results-oriented learning experience.

You can choose an intensive English course ranging from 10 to 30 hours per week over a period of one, two, three weeks – or more. With this model, you can choose a course that fits your schedule as well as your budget AND allows time to explore Amsterdam, where almost everyone speaks English. And best of all, you can start quickly!

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For C1 and C2 learners who already possess a solid foundation in English and wish to take their language skills to the next level, The English Center offers Private Advanced English Intensive Courses. These courses dive deeper into complex grammatical structures, idiomatic expressions, and advanced vocabulary. By engaging in thought-provoking discussions and stimulating activities, you’ll refine your language abilities and gain the fluency needed to confidently navigate academic or professional environments.

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5. Summertime is the right time for English test preparation!

If you have an upcoming English language proficiency exam, The English Center’s Private Test Preparation Courses will equip you with the necessary tools for success. Whether you’re preparing for the IELTS, TOEFL, or a Cambridge Exam, an experienced native-speaker English tutor will guide you through the exam format, diagnose weaknesses, work with you in targeted practice, and offer invaluable test-taking strategies. Through intensive test preparation and personalized guidance, you’ll gain the skills and knowledge needed to achieve your desired score.

As with all our intensive English courses, you can choose an intensive English Test Preparation course ranging from 10 to 30 hours per week over a period of one, two, three weeks – or more. And best of all, you can start quickly!

Would you like to start with a free test? Try the English Center Level Test

Or The English Center’s Business English Test of Idiom, also free and without obligation.

Read more about test preparation here.

Destination Amsterdam: Better English summer 2025

Embarking on a summer English course with The English Center in Amsterdam is an exciting opportunity to combine language learning with exploring our enchanting city. From private business English intensive courses to test preparation courses, our range of programs caters to learners of all levels and goals. With our client-centric approach, you’ll benefit from personalized attention, experienced native-speaker instructors in a friendly, supportive learning environment.

Are you ready to take your English skills to the next level this summer? Our tailored courses are designed to meet your specific needs and help you achieve your goals. Whether it's for business, academics, or personal growth, we have the perfect course for you. Don't miss this opportunity to improve your English and enjoy the vibrant cities of Amsterdam and The Hague. 

Take the leap this summer! Invest in YOU and your language skills. Visit our website to learn more and start your summertime English language learning journey today. Or call +31 (0)20 823 0569. We are happy to speak with you!

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Find your Business English Voice with a 1, 2 or 3 week Spoken Business English Course such as our Business English Conversation Course for a deep-dive in business communication. Or check out our Intensive Business English Course in the Heart of Amsterdam, right by Central Station or in the Museum Plein neighborhood, right by the Vondelpark. Or ask us about Live Online courses! Weekly spoken English lessons and in-company training are also available

We meet clients in Amstelveen, Den Haag, Live Online and at corporate locations. Read more about In Company English Training and request a proposal.

About private spoken Business English courses.

Our courses with native-speaking trainers are specially designed for business people who want to quickly enhance their spoken English language proficiency in a highly interactive 1:1 learning experience, designed to improve spoken English fluency and confidence.

These private English courses are for participants at level B1 and above.

Whether you're aiming to improve your presentation skills, negotiate with confidence, have better meetings, greater diplomacy, or to speak more fluently, this course will build your skills, confidence and pleasure in speaking English.

What will you gain in a spoken Business English speed course? You will–

✅ Broaden your business vocabulary.

✅ Increase fluency and boost your speaking confidence.

✅ Develop diplomatic language skills.

✅ Enhance your presentation and public speaking abilities.

✅ Gain a competitive edge in the global business landscape.

🎓 Are the Business English teachers native speakers?

Our experienced English Center trainers are 100% native-English speakers from the UK, US and Australia. They possess a wealth of knowledge as well as teaching credentials and communication skills and social-intelligence. They are dedicated to guiding you towards fluency and proficiency in a supportive and engaging environment.

📝 A few ways to start a conversation with us!

Call us. We are happy to speak with you in English or Dutch. +31(0)20 823 0569

A love story that's 428 years young

As I write this post, Valentine’s Day is almost here, and in honour of this most romantic of all holidays, we want to share a story first published 428 years ago. You know the title of the story already – it's Shakespeare’s The Most Excellent and Lamentable Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet.

Even Shakespeare got edited

What, you say? I don't know that title. Well, that very wordy title is exactly what it was called when it was first penned, but some clever editor shortened it to simply "Romeo and Juliet," a play that stands alone as the most iconic love story of all English language love stories. And despite its shortened title, all the joy and pain of true, young love is contained within this story, and no other poem or play is more associated with romantic love than is this tragic tale of two “star-crossed” lovers.

Vocabulary tip: The term "star-crossed" is used when a relationship appears doomed to fail. The meaning derives from astrology, whose adherents believe that the stars control human destiny.

Spoiler alert 🙁 the young lovers die in the end.

Are you an actor? Do you want to improve your pronunciation so that you sound more native? Do you need to learn an American or a British accent? We offer private diction coaching and pronunciation training to help you achieve exactly the right sound for your English-speaking role.

Don’t really know the story? Here’s a Romeo and Juliet plot synopsis from the Folger’s Shakespeare website.

"It's in the prologue of Romeo and Juliet that Shakespeare introduces his new phrase "star-crossed lovers"—and the "stars" (fate, luck, destiny?) do seem to conspire against these tender young lovers.

Romeo is a Montague, and Juliet a Capulet. Their families are enmeshed in a feud, but the moment they meet—when Romeo and his friends attend a party at Juliet's house in disguise—the two fall in love and quickly decide that they want to be married.

A friar secretly marries them, hoping to end the feud. Romeo and his companions almost immediately encounter Juliet's cousin Tybalt, who challenges Romeo. When Romeo refuses to fight, Romeo’s friend Mercutio accepts the challenge and is killed. Romeo then kills Tybalt and is banished. He spends that night with Juliet and then leaves for Mantua.

Juliet’s father forces her into a marriage with Count Paris. To avoid this marriage, Juliet takes a potion, given to her by the friar, which makes her appear dead. The friar will send Romeo word to be at her family tomb when she awakes. The plan goes awry, and Romeo learns instead that she is dead. In the tomb, Romeo kills himself. Juliet wakes, sees his body, and commits suicide. Their deaths appear to finally to end the feud.”

Scroll down to see 3 Romeo and Juliet videos (if you can't wait), but we recommend that you read the opening text:

The love story begins...

"Two households, both alike in dignity
(In fair Verona, where we lay our scene),
From ancient grudge break to new mutiny,
Where civil blood makes civil hands unclean.
From forth the fatal loins of these two foes
A pair of star-crossed lovers take their life;
Whose misadventured piteous overthrows
Doth with their death bury their parents’ strife.
The fearful passage of their death-marked love
And the continuance of their parents’ rage,
Which, but their children’s end, naught could remove,
Is now the two hours’ traffic of our stage;
The which, if you with patient ears attend,
What here shall miss, our toil shall strive to mend..."

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Would you like more Shakespeare? Yes? Read our most popular post, “Shakespeare: Ten Favorite Quotes and a Beautiful Apology.”

Or you can read about the 10 quotes, In Dutch.

Read our "Shakespeare's Language of Love" post.

Are you looking for a great trainer? Would you like to meet an English Center teacher in a free online appointment?

Would you like to speak with a British Accent? Are you interested in pronunciation training?

The English Center of Amsterdam⁠ is your source for advanced English, pronunciation training, and business English training⁠ in the Netherlands and everywhere online with Zoom – always with a top native-speaker business English trainer. We help clients learn to speak English fluently with personalized courses online and in person – in Amsterdam, Amstelveen, Hoofddorp, and Den Haag.

Romeo and Juliet VIdeos

Trailer: Balcony scene

Video: Shakespeare's Globe

Video: A quick, easy summary of Romeo and Juliet from SparkNotes

The English Center. Since 2009, thousands of learners have trusted our courses.

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Brenda de Jong-Pauley, February, 2023, updated 2025, 2026

Shakespeare – Ten Favorite Quotes and a Beautiful Apology

Updated May 2024, 2026

William Shakespeare is universally revered as the greatest English playwright of all time. His words have influenced authors across the globe and across time. Shakespeare's plays are full of irony and word-play that have earned him a preeminent place in history. Here are ten of our favorite quotes from the marvelous plays of the man universally known as "the bard," Mr. William Shakespeare.

1. “All the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players. They have their exits and their entrances; And one man in his time plays many parts.”

(As You Like it, Act 2, Scene 7)

With these lines, Shakespeare tells us a little about how he sees the world. He believes that, like actors, we play many parts/roles and pass through seven stages of life, from “mewling” infant to “mere oblivion” (death). This quote reminds us that, in our own lives, we are mere performers playing the roles we are given. Perhaps the playwright is reminding us that we should not take our own dramas too seriously.

2. “Cowards die many times before their deaths; the valiant never taste of death but once.”

(Julius Caesar, Act 2, Scene 2)

This quote, originally spoken by Julius Caesar in the play by the same name, shows the stark difference between cowardice and bravery. With this line, Shakespeare tells us that a cowardly man will let the fear of death stop him from truly living. The coward dies many “small deaths.” every time he lets the shackles of fear stop him from doing something. The courageous man, on the other hand, lives his life to the fullest and dies but once, when death comes to claim him.

3. “If you prick us, do we not bleed? If you tickle us, do we not laugh? If you poison us, do we not die? And if you wrong us, shall we not revenge?” 

(The Merchant of Venice, Act 3, Scene 1)

This quote is part of a monologue by Shylock the Jewish moneylender, in which Shylock displays his humanity while defending his right to revenge. In the play, he is cheated out of collecting the debt that he is owed. He has been wronged, and as described in the old testament, he wants revenge. It does not end well and Shylock loses it all. Despite the tragic outcome, this monologue was a bold move from Shakespeare – challenging the strong anti-semitism of his time.

4. “The lady doth protest too much, methinks”

(Hamlet, Act 3, Scene 2)

The story behind this quote is one of my favorites. Within Hamlet, there is another play that is created by Hamlet to point out the wrongdoings of his mother, the queen. In the play within the play, the queen vows to love her husband forever, and to never remarry (which the real queen has done). When asked what she thinks of the play, this quote is the real queen’s commentary on the character (which is based on her). Important note: In Shakespeare’s time, the word “protest” meant to vow or promise. The real queen feels that the queen in the play loses her credibility by making such lavish promises.

5. “We are such stuff as dreams are made on, and our little life is rounded with a sleep.”

(The Tempest, Act 4, Scene 1)

According to Shakespeare, life is fleeting, and our greatest accomplishments and fondest relationships will one day be nothing more than a memory, like something we remember from a dream. This “little life” will one day be completed by what many call the endless sleep, or death, leading us to wake from this world.

6. “Get thee to a nunnery.”

(Hamlet, Act 3, Scene 1)

This quote is commonly assumed to have a double meaning. It is spoken by Hamlet to Ophelia, but truly seems to be directed at all women, and his mother in particular. If Hamlet means a nunnery – as we know it now – it points to the fact that then Ophelia can’t bear vile men who are cruel to others. On the other hand, in Elizabethan England, the word “nunnery” was slang for brothel! If the latter was Hamlet’s real meaning, he is criticizing Ophelia for being unchaste.

7. “Et tu, Brute?”

(Julius Caesar, Act 3, Scene 1)

This quote is in Latin and loosely translates as ‘Even you, Brutus?’ In the play, these are Caesar’s last words when he is killed by the conspirators. Their leader, Brutus, is a long-time friend of Caesar, who saw the danger of Caesar’s ambitions and felt he needed to be stopped. This quote lives in our memory because it symbolizes ultimate betrayal by a trusted and beloved friend.

8. “These violent delights have violent ends, and in their triumph die, like fire and powder, which, as they kiss, consume”

(Romeo and Juliet, Act 2, Scene 5)

Romeo and Juliet. Their very names conjure fantasies of passionate, romantic, tragic love.
This warning is spoken to Romeo by Friar Lawrence. Romeo responds to the friar that he doesn't care if he lives or dies, so long as Juliet is his. The friar feels that a love that burns as hot as theirs is likely to be consumed by its own flame and passion. With this quote, Shakespeare is no doubt evoking both meanings of “violent” – the common meaning of rough and brutal, as well as the somewhat less common meaning of rushed, impetuous and hotheaded.

9. “This above all: to thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.”

(Hamlet, Act 1, Scene 3)

In Hamlet, Polonius gives this advice to his son, Laertes. Despite Shakespeare’s inclination towards irony, this line feels honest and sincere. Exquisite in its simplicity, these timeless words tells us how to live a true and authentic life.

10. “To be or not to be, that is the question”

(Hamlet, Act 3, Scene 1)

This is probably Shakespeare’s most famous quote. It is part of a monologue in which Hamlet, in a state of emotional desperation, questions whether or not to end his life. According to Hamlet, to live is to have no power in what befalls you. The only way to fully claim your power is to choose death, where there is safety from life’s many torments.

Shakespeare’s plays and sonnets have certainly left a massive mark on the English language. With hundreds of words and phrases attributed to our most famous English writer, you are probably quoting William without even realizing it! But if I perchance did not quote your favorite lines here, please accept my humble apology.

And speaking of apologies 😉 to conclude this article, please enjoy Shakespeare's most famous (and beautiful) apology, from A Midsummer NIght's Dream.

Shakespeare's apology – A Midsummer Night's Dream

(Act 5, Scene 1)

"If we shadows have offended,
Think but this, and all is mended,
That you have but slumber'd here
While these visions did appear.
And this weak and idle theme,
No more yielding but a dream,
Gentles, do not reprehend:
if you pardon, we will mend:
And, as I am an honest Puck,
If we have unearned luck
Now to 'scape the serpent's tongue,
We will make amends ere long;
Else the Puck a liar call;
So, good night unto you all.
Give me your hands, if we be friends,
And Robin shall restore amends."

In this beguiling speech, Puck asks to "restore or "make amends." He also asks to be "pardoned." What vocabulary can we pull from this speech, and what insights can we gain about the act of apologizing, in Shakespeare's time.... and today!

Shakespeare: Puck's Vocabulary

• Mend (verb): To repair.
• Offend, Offense (verb, noun): To hurt someone's feelings. To insult them.
• Pardon (verb, noun): This word is still widely used in the polite phrase, "pardon me." The phrase "I beg your pardon" is also still in use, though it sounds rather formal. In any case, this phrase is used to ask for pre-forgiveness or tolerance for an imminent action. However, it can also be used as an entree to a disagreement. "I beg your pardon, but..."
• Slumber (verb): To sleep.
• VIsions (noun):  Waking dreams, seeing spirits.
• Idle (adjective): Not working or busy, perhaps lazy.
• Yield, yielding (verb, adjective): To give way to something or someone. The opposite of resisting.
• Reprehend (verb): To scold, criticize or rebuke.
• Unearned (adjective): Something not attained through work or effort.
• Scrape (verb): This word has several meanings, but it is understood here to probably mean that by apologizing and ending the story here, the audience will not be able to boo and hiss (like snakes) at the actors. Or it might mean that the audience, when they awaken from the dream will not have to continue to hear (experience) the sting of the serpent's tongue (the harsh words of the actors).

Today, we still use some of the same words to apologize. We say, "pardon me" and I want to "make amends." We can say, "I hope I did not offend you", and we can shake hands ("give me your hand") to show that there is no ill will between us.

And that's our happy ending!

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Would you like to improve your skill as an English writer ? We look forward to speaking with you! We are based in the Netherlands and we see clients in the heart of Amsterdam, in Den Haag, in Amstelveen, online and in-company.

Shakespeare plays video links

1. “All the world's a stage” Watch the video here.

3. “If you prick us, do we not bleed?” Watch the video here.

4. “The lady doth protest too much, methinks” Watch the video here.

5. “We are such stuff as dreams are made on” Watch the video here.

6. “Get thee to a nunnery.” Watch the video here.

8. “These violent delights have violent ends” Watch the video here.

9. “This above all: to thine own self be true” Watch the video here (begin viewing at 0.50 min).

10. “To be or not to be, that is the question” Watch the video here.

And...A Midsummer Night's Dream, Act 5, Scene 1 Watch the scene here.

June 2019
Isabelle Tomlow
PR and Communications Intern
The English Center

Updated February 2021, 2024, 2026

If you love Shakespeare, you love English! Read this next Shakespeare blog post with more Shakespeare Quotes from Romeo & Juliet.

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