3 phrases · B2

Negotiating in English

Every phrase below is a fixed shape you can fill in and use immediately, ordered from the simplest to the most advanced. Each one carries what it means in English and in Hindi, three examples that vary the slot, and the situations it actually gets said in.

The phrases

Simplest first. The braces mark the part you change.

  • What if we {VERB}?

    B2

    Put an option on the table without arguing for it yet.

    अगर हम ___ करें तो?

    • What if we split the work between two teams?
    • What if we start with a smaller version?
    • What if we move the date by a week?

    Anywhere · say it as: What if we / split the work · used at work, college

  • Would you be open to {-ING}?

    B2

    Test whether somebody would consider something, before you propose it.

    क्या आप ___ पर विचार करेंगे?

    • Would you be open to starting in March instead?
    • Would you be open to splitting the payment?
    • Would you be open to reviewing it once more before we send it?

    Formal — writing, presentations, officials · say it as: Would you be open to / starting in March · used at work, interviews

  • The best we can offer is {NOUN}

    B2

    Name your limit clearly, without closing the conversation.

    हम ज़्यादा से ज़्यादा ___ दे सकते हैं।

    • The best we can offer is a two-week extension.
    • The best we can offer is a ten per cent discount on the first order.
    • The best we can offer is delivery by the end of the month.

    Formal — writing, presentations, officials · say it as: The best we can offer / is a two-week extension · used at work, shops and services

What goes wrong

The versions that get said instead, and why they land differently.

Commonly saidCorrect English

Would you be open to start in March?

Would you be open to starting in March?

Here "to" is a preposition, not part of the verb, so the verb takes -ing.

Where you will need these

The same phrases, sorted by the room you are standing in.

More phrase groups on the phrases index, or browse by situation on the speaking pages.

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