Do you use complex grammar structures to make a conversation interesting?
Are you stuck using simple sentences and ideas?
Listen in today as Lindsay and Aubrey share with you complex grammar templates.
These will give you impressive ways to communicate in English in the workplace.
Today and yesterday
Aubrey asks Lindsay how today compared to yesterday for her.
Lindsay shares that Wednesdays are really busy for her.
Few days are as packed in terms of meetings and camera work as Wednesdays.
This is because it is the day she records video podcasts with either Michelle or Aubrey and then records other content at the end of the day.
Aubrey points out an interesting grammar structure Lindsay used.
You can use it as a template in presentations or when sending an email to a co-worker.
This will help you articulate nuances in a conversation better and will boost your confidence and strengthen relationships in the workplace.
Complex grammar structure templates
In one of the All Ears English live speaking sessions, a student asked about a complex phrase they had heard.
Today, Lindsay and Aubrey share this template and two others that have impressive grammar for making comparisons.
#1: Few ___ are as ___ in terms of ____ as _____.
This template is a basic structure that you can plug information into.
The first blank requires a noun and the second will be an adjective.
The next one will be what aspect is being compared.
Finally, it ends with the second thing being compared.
Examples:
- Few companies are as strict in terms of employee expectations as Sears.
- Few activities are as helpful in terms of improved speaking fluency as our Open Conversation Club.
#2: Regardless of whether ______ or ______, if _____, you need to _____.
With this structure you are comparing two possibilities.
This is a great way to express a hypothetical.
Examples:
- Regardless of whether you are a CEO or an entry-level employee, if you want to be successful at work, you need to build connections.
- Regardless of whether you see your role as vital or not, if you want to contribute to the project’s success, you need to complete your tasks.
#3: Not only _____ but also _____.
This is often used to highlight that something unexpected or more surprising than expected also occurred.
The structure is important.
Many English learners make mistakes with this.
After the words ‘not only’, you need an auxiliary verb or helping verb such as do, did, are, can, should, and many more.
Examples:
- Not only do we need to file for an extension but also we need to do it before April 15.
- Not only is he presenting in front of the board but he’s also been asked to be the keynote speaker at the conference.
Roleplay
Here is a quick roleplay between Lindsay and Aubrey using the grammar structure shared in today’s video.
This will help you better understand how to incorporate this in your future conversations.
In this scenario, Aubrey and Lindsay are coworkers discussing a new policy.
Aubrey: I guess we have to clock in now. Did you hear that?
Lindsay: Yes. Regardless of whether you work from home or come into the office, if you’re an hourly employee, you need to clock in.
Aubrey: Wait, so this not only applies to those at the office but also to those who are remote? How will that work?
Lindsay: They’re using software that allows you to clock in online.
Aubrey: Ah, that makes sense.
Lindsay: It should work well. Few tasks are as vital in terms of getting paid for your work as recording your hours!
Takeaway
Use today’s complex grammar structure templates to up-level your business speech and writing.
These templates can be used to improve emails and other business writing.
They can also be used to add polish to meetings and presentations.
Relying only on basic grammar structures can make your message fall flat, especially in professional settings.
When you express ideas with nuance and clarity, you not only keep your listener’s interest but also build stronger connections and relationships at work.
Challenge yourself to go beyond the basics and let your language reflect the confidence and depth of your ideas.
What is another grammar structure you want to learn?
Share it with us in the comment section below.
