iTEP Business-Core key terms

The rule that a verb must match its subject in number, so a singular subject takes a singular verb and a plural subject takes a plural verb, even when words sit between them.

A word naming a group of people or things, such as team, staff, or committee. In business English it usually takes a singular verb when the group acts as one unit.

A noun that can be counted and has a plural form, such as report, client, or deadline. It takes a or an in the singular and can follow many or few.

A noun naming something treated as a mass rather than separate items, such as information, feedback, or equipment. It has no plural form and does not take a or an.

A word or phrase showing how much or how many, such as some, many, much, a few, or a little. The choice depends on whether the noun is countable or uncountable.

A verb form made with have or has plus a past participle, used for actions linked to now or with no stated past time, as in I have sent the invoice.

The verb form used for finished actions at a stated or understood past time, as in We met the client yesterday. It contrasts with forms that connect the action to the present.

A word or phrase that signals when an action happens, such as yesterday, since March, or by Friday. It often decides which tense a sentence needs.

A sentence describing a result that depends on a condition, usually with if. Business writing often uses polite forms such as If you confirm, we will ship the order.

A helping verb such as can, could, may, might, must, or should that adds meaning like ability, permission, obligation, or possibility. It is followed by a base verb.

A structure where the receiver of the action becomes the subject, formed with be plus a past participle, as in The contract was signed. It is common when the doer is unknown or unimportant.

Indirectly repeating what someone said rather than quoting it, often shifting tense and pronouns, as in She said the deadline had moved to Friday.

A polite question embedded in a statement, with normal word order instead of inversion, as in Could you tell me when the meeting starts?

A way of asking for something that softens the demand, typically using could, would, or please, as in Would you mind sending the file again?

A clause that describes a noun and begins with who, which, that, or whose, as in the manager who approved the budget. It helps combine information in business writing.

A verb form ending in -ing used as a noun, as in Scheduling the call took an hour. Some verbs and prepositions are followed by a gerund rather than an infinitive.

The base form of a verb, often with to, used after certain verbs and adjectives, as in We agreed to extend the deadline. It can also express purpose.

The central point a speaker or writer wants the audience to take away. In listening and reading tasks, identifying it means ignoring details that only support the point.

The general meaning of a spoken or written message without every detail. Listening questions often ask for the gist of a short announcement or conversation.

A specific fact, number, or example that backs up a main idea. Questions test whether you can catch details such as times, prices, or names in a recording.

A conclusion you draw from clues rather than from a direct statement. In listening, it means working out what a speaker implies from tone, word choice, or context.

The attitude a speaker or writer conveys, such as friendly, frustrated, or formal. Tone shows up in stress, word choice, and phrasing and affects how a message should be understood.

Writing short keywords, numbers, and symbols while listening so you can answer questions later. Good notes capture names, dates, decisions, and action items rather than full sentences.

A specific task assigned to someone during a meeting or call, usually with a deadline. Listeners identify these by phrases like could you follow up or please send.

A later message or call that continues from an earlier one, often to check progress or confirm details. Listeners hear it as a request to act after the current conversation.

A list of topics to be covered in a meeting, often in a set order. Announcements at the start of a meeting usually refer to it to guide what comes next.

The written record of what was discussed and decided at a meeting. They are usually circulated afterward and may be approved at the next meeting.

A short internal document that informs staff about a decision, policy, or event. It usually has a heading with To, From, Date, and Subject and ends with any needed action.

The short heading at the top of an email that states the purpose of the message. A clear one helps the reader decide urgency and find the thread later.

The person or group a message is addressed to. Identifying the recipient helps you judge how formal the wording should be and what background they already have.

The level of formality in language, from casual to formal. Business writing shifts register depending on whether the reader is a colleague, a client, or a senior manager.

The greeting at the start of a letter or email, such as Dear Ms. Chen or Hello team. Its formality should match the relationship and the purpose of the message.

The sign-off at the end of a message, such as Sincerely, Best regards, or Thanks. The choice signals the level of formality and the relationship with the reader.

A document sent to a buyer listing goods or services provided and the amount owed. It usually includes an invoice number, payment terms, and a due date.

A buyer's formal document authorizing a purchase and stating quantities, prices, and delivery details. Sellers often require its number before issuing an invoice.

The conditions stating when and how an invoice must be paid, such as net 30 or payment on delivery. They appear on invoices and contracts and affect cash flow.

A short opening section of a report that states the purpose, main findings, and recommendations. It lets busy readers grasp the whole document without reading every part.

A suggested course of action based on findings in a report or meeting. It is usually stated clearly and supported by evidence so the reader can decide whether to act.

A short message sent with a resume or application that explains why the sender is suited to the role. It highlights relevant experience and states the purpose of applying.

Expressing an idea in as few words as needed without losing meaning. Business writing favors concise sentences so readers can act quickly.

Checking a finished text for errors in spelling, grammar, and punctuation before sending. It is the last step and should happen after the content is organized.

A message that acknowledges a problem, such as a late delivery, and states what will be done to fix it. It should be direct, take responsibility, and offer a clear next step.

A short written account of the key points, decisions, and next steps from a meeting. It is often sent to attendees and anyone who missed the discussion.

Brief, friendly conversation about neutral topics such as weather or travel, used to build rapport before business talk. It is common at the start of calls and meetings.

The way speakers alternate in a conversation, using pauses, intonation, and phrases like May I add something to signal when they want to speak.

A request to explain or repeat something that was unclear, using phrases like Could you say that again or What do you mean by that. It keeps workplace communication accurate.

Restating someone's idea in your own words to confirm understanding or to explain it more simply. It is a key speaking skill in meetings and presentations.

A brief talk given to inform or persuade a small group, usually with a clear opening, two or three main points, and a closing that states next steps.

Spoken phrases that guide listeners through a talk, such as First, Moving on, or To sum up. They make a presentation easier to follow and are scored in speaking tasks.