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Quite often in business, a deal can be concluded without having a face-to-face business meeting. Where the terms of a deal are not so complex, or a deal has already been partially reached, much of the final negotiation can be done over the phone. In more complex situations, however, face-to-face negotiations are usually necessary.

Below are some useful phrases to help finalize a negotiation:

Introducing a Proposal

Making a Proposal

Checking Acceptance

Asking for a Quotation

Accepting a Proposal

Rejecting a Proposal

Asking for Written Confirmation

Linking words and phrases include conjunctions (and, but, because, although etc.), certain adverbs (however, therefore, etc.), adverbs like when and where which can be used as conjunctions, and prepositional phrases (in addition to ...., because of .....).

These words show how two or more words are linked, but they are used in different ways. In this grammar review we will look at some of the most common errors which writers make when they are using linking words and phrases.

1. Using Double Conjunctions

The following type of error is very common:

Only one conjunction is needed to join two clauses within a sentence. You can choose either one.

Notice the punctuation of the above sentences: when you use the conjunction at the beginning of the sentence, you should separate the two clauses with a comma. (some writers use a comma before the mid-sentence but and so as well, but this is not really necessary unless the first clause is very long).

2. Incomplete Sentences

When you use a conjunction, you need two clauses. A conjunction should not be used with just one clause. You should either omit the conjunction or join the clause with another:

Apart from grammatical accuracy, business writers should consider a number of language points when they write a document. The language should be:

• CLEAR: use common, familiar words and expressions; simpler sentence constructions; shorter sentences
• CONCISE: avoid unnecessary language and ‘wordy’ expressions
• UP-TO-DATE: use language in common usage

Now let’s take a look at an email where the writer has not given consideration to the above points. Read carefully through the explanatory notes and the re-write of the email below.

Original Document

Comments

PARAGRAPH 1

Sentence is too long. Contains several 'wordy expressions' e.g. in respect of, at the present moment in time. There is a lot of unnecessary language (in our commercial premises).

The word 'Esteemed' is out of date. 'Communication' is not precise (is it an emal, a letter etc?) A more common word for 'conducted' is 'done'.

The tone is rather official. Less passive voice should be used.

PARAGRAPH 2

We can say 'before' instead of 'prior to', 'guarantees' for 'assurances', and 'kept to' instead of 'adhered to'.

Both writer and reader know which contract is in question. So, who signed it is irrelevant. Also 'the commencement of next month' simply means August.

'In accordance with', 'aforementioned' are not in common usage. 'Duly' is out-of-date and has no real meaning.

PARAGRAPH 3

Use 'as a result' or 'therefore' in place of 'as a consequence'. What is 'punitive remuneration'? 'Penalty' is enough as the amount is mentioned later.

'Said' and 'as per' are both not in common usage. 'Hereby' is out-of-date and like 'duly' has no real meaning.'

The final phrase of paragraph 3 is too complicated. 'for late work' is what the writer really means.

PARAGRAPH 4

'Advise us' doesn't mean what it used to mean. Use 'let us know' or 'inform us'. Also, use 'as soon as possible' in place of 'at your earliest convenience'. This phrase is out-of-date.

Rewritten Document