Vocabulary - Professional Courtesy

Study the vocabulary list and complete the activities below.

Being polite and respectful at work is just as important as doing a good job! Let's learn 6 essential words and expressions to help you communicate with professional courtesy in English.

1. To appreciate (verb)

Definition: To recognize the good qualities of someone or something, or to be grateful for something.

• Example: I really appreciate your help with this project.

2. Feedback (noun)

Definition: Helpful information or criticism given to someone to help them improve their work.

• Example: My boss gave me some positive feedback on my presentation.

3. To apologize (verb)

Definition: To say sorry for doing something wrong or causing a problem.

• Example: I apologize for sending the email late.

4. Appropriate (adjective)

Definition: Suitable or right for a particular situation or occasion.

• Example: Casual clothes are not appropriate for a formal business meeting.

5. To interrupt (verb)

Definition: To stop someone from speaking by saying or doing something.

• Example: Please try not to interrupt the speaker during the presentation.

6. Punctual (adjective)

Definition: Arriving, doing something, or happening at the expected or correct time; not late.

• Example: It is important to be punctual for your job interview.

ACTIVITIES

Activity 1: Definition Matching

Drag and drop the correct words into the spaces next to their definitions.

Punctual

Feedback

To apologize

To appreciate

Appropriate

A.

To say sorry for a mistake.

B.

Suitable or right for the situation.

C.

Arriving on time; not late.

D.

Helpful information to help you improve.

E.

To be thankful for something.

Activity 2: Gap Fill

Complete the sentences below using five of the words from the box. Type the answers. (One extra word is not needed).

appreciate interrupt feedback punctual appropriate apologize

1. It is very rude to someone when they are explaining an idea to the team.

2. Thank you for the notes! I really your support.

3. Make sure to wear clothes to the office tomorrow because the CEO is visiting.

4. John is always ; he never arrives late to our morning meetings.

5. The manager's helped the team finish the report successfully.

Activity 3: Reading Comprehension

Read the short dialogue below and choose the correct answer for the 3 questions.

Sarah: Good morning, Mark. I wanted to apologize for missing our meeting yesterday.

Mark: Good morning, Sarah. No problem, but please try to be punctual next time. It's important for the team.

Sarah: You are right. I appreciate your feedback. I will make sure it doesn't happen again.

Mark: Thank you. It is always appropriate to let us know in advance if you will be late, so we don't wait and interrupt our workflow.

1. Why did Sarah talk to Mark?

a) To ask for feedback on her work.

b) To apologize for missing a meeting.

c) To interrupt his workflow.

2. What does Mark ask Sarah to do in the future?

a) Be punctual.

b) Wear appropriate clothes.

c) Appreciate the team.

3. According to Mark, what is the appropriate thing to do if you are going to be late?

a) Interrupt the meeting when you arrive.

b) Let the team know in advance.

c) Say sorry the next day.