Statements with 'What'

 The word what is often used to begin a question.

• What's so great about their computers?

However, you can begin a statement with what to add emphasis. Look at the two statements below. The what statement is more emphatic.

• Their computers are powerful and dependable.
• What's so great about their computers is that they're powerful and dependable.

 

Notice that the what clause, which contains the subject of the sentence, is followed by the verb be.

• What we need to do is upgrade our software.
• What you should try is outsourcing the work to a vendor.

Collocations with 'make,' 'do' and 'take'

Collocations are two or more words that are commonly used together.

A good understanding of collocations will help improve your oral fluency, as well as your reading and listening skills.

Here are some collocations with the verb make:

• Do you think we're making headway in the negotiations?
• We really need to make a decision today.
• I think we finally made a breakthrough in the negotiations.

   

Here are some collocations with the verb do:

• It's important to do research before negotiations begin.
• It's been a pleasure doing business with you.
• You did very well. Congratulations!
• I want you to do your homework before the meeting tomorrow.

Here are some collocations with the verb take:

• They're trying to take advantage of us!
• Our vendor takes good care of us.
• There's no need to rush. Take your time.
• I want you to take the lead in the negotiations.

Stating your position

At the start of a negotiation, it's important to state clearly your opening position. Use expressions like these:

• Let me begin by saying we need 75 machines over the next six months.  
• To begin with, you have to understand we have tough budget limitations.    
• I'm confident that we can work something out.
• We were expecting a better offer from you.
• We have certain limitations, but we'll try to be flexible.

Clarifying

Your goal in a negotiation is to get what you want. During the negotiation, clarify your position as many times as necessary in pursuit of your goal.

Use these questions to get clarification:

• Could you clarify a point for me?
• I'm not sure I fully understand your point.
• What exactly do you mean by discount?
• Could you be more specific?
• So what you're saying is, there's no way you can deliver immediately?

Use these statements to give clarification:

• So, just to clarify, we cannot go that low.
• So, to put it another way, the more you buy, the less you pay.
• What I'm saying is, we can offer you a small discount.
• To be more specific, we can discount the price by 10%.
• What we mean is, that won't be possible.

Rules and regulations.

We are affected by laws, rules and regulations every day of our lives.   - One of the rules is that nobody can be in the office after 8 p.m. - There are so many government regulations for driving a car.  - It's important to understand the laws of a country that you're visiting.  Use these words and phrases to talk about laws:   - In my country, it's still legal to talk on the phone while driving.  - Smoking in bars and restaurants is illegal in my city.  - Driving over 30 miles per hour downtown is against the law.  - He had to pay a fine for driving without his seatbelt on. Use these words and phrases to talk about things you can and can't do:   - Swimming is not allowed here because of safety concerns.  - Driving a motorcycle without a helmet is prohibited by law.  - Use of cellphones during the flight is not permitted. TALKING ABOUT RULES AND REGULATIONS   Use these expressions to bring a rule or regulation to someone's attention:   - It's been brought to my attention that you've been smoking on the balcony.  - Did you not receive the new office rules?  - There's now a regulation against smoking anywhere in the building.  - It's a new city law.  Use must to express strong obligation and mustn't to say that something is not allowed:       - You must follow the new office rules.  - You mustn't smoke on the balcony.  Here are some more expressions for talking about rules and regulations:   - There's a $50 fine for not wearing a seatbelt.  - The rules are there to protect people.  - You can't just smoke anywhere you want.  - I'm sorry, but it's not allowed  Politely turning down requests If you are in a position of authority, you might have to turn down someone's request or explain rules to them.   A: That's crazy! Why can't I smoke here?  B: I'm sorry, but that's the law.  Use these other expressions to turn down requests politely:   - I'm afraid that's just not possible.  - I'd really like to help you, but I don't make the rules.  - Unfortunately, there's nothing I can do. Culture note: Whether the person you are talking to is polite or not, it's always a good idea to remain polite yourself.

Rules And Regulations

We are affected by laws, rules and regulations every day of our lives.

 - One of the rules is that nobody can be in the office after 8 p.m.

- There are so many government regulations for driving a car. 

- It's important to understand the laws of a country that you're visiting.

Use these words and phrases to talk about laws: 

- In my country, it's still legal to talk on the phone while driving. 

- Smoking in bars and restaurants is illegal in my city. 

- Driving over 30 miles per hour downtown is against the law. 

- He had to pay a fine for driving without his seatbelt on.

Use these words and phrases to talk about things you can and can't do: 

- Swimming is not allowed here because of safety concerns. 

- Driving a motorcycle without a helmet is prohibited by law. 

- Use of cellphones during the flight is not permitted.

Talking About Rules And Regulations 

Use these expressions to bring a rule or regulation to someone's attention:

- It's been brought to my attention that you've been smoking on the balcony.

- Did you not receive the new office rules?

-There's now a regulation against smoking anywhere in the building.

- It's a new city law. It's a new city law.

Use must to express strong obligation and mustn't to say that something is not allowed:

 - You must follow the new office rules.

- You mustn't smoke on the balcony.

Here are some more expressions for talking about rules and regulations: 

- There's a $50 fine for not wearing a seatbelt. 

 - The rules are there to protect people. 

- You can't just smoke anywhere you want.

- I'm sorry, but it's not allowed.

 

Politely Turning Down Requests

If you are in a position of authority, you might have to turn down someone's request or explain rules to them.

A: That's crazy! Why can't I smoke here?

B: I'm sorry, but that's the law.

Use these other expressions to turn down requests politely: 

- I'm afraid that's just not possible.

- I'd really like to help you, but I don't make the rules.

- Unfortunately, there's nothing I can do.

Culture note: Whether the person you are talking to is polite or not, it's always a good idea to remain polite yourself.