By Haitham M.
Published: 2023-11-15
CEFR LEVEL: B2+ / C1
Introduction
Welcome to my latest blog post, designed especially for C1 advanced business English students. Today, we're delving into the world of advanced modal phrases. These phrases are not just linguistic flourishes; they are crucial tools for effective and nuanced business communication.
Understanding the Power of Modal Phrases
Modal phrases like "It is worth mentioning" or "It must be emphasized" do more than convey information; they add depth to your communication, showing not just what you're saying but how you're saying it. These phrases guide the listener's attention, emphasize the importance of certain points, and articulate your perspective with finesse.
The Art of Choosing the Right Phrase
Choosing the right modal phrase depends on the context and your intention. Want to stress the importance? "It is crucial to note" might be your go-to. Need to acknowledge something significant? "It is relevant to acknowledge" fits well. The key is to match the phrase with the message’s tone and content.
Phrases and Their Strategic Use. Let’s look at how each phrase ought to be deployed:
1. It is worth mentioning
Usage: This phrase is ideal for introducing additional, noteworthy points that may not be the central focus of your discussion but still deserve attention.
Why: It subtly draws the listener's or reader's attention to a particular detail or fact, suggesting its relevance without overstating its importance.
Example: "It is worth mentioning that our team exceeded its targets in the last quarter, highlighting our growth potential."
2. It is important to highlight
Usage: This is used when emphasizing key pieces of information or arguments.
Why: It serves to focus the audience's attention on crucial elements of the discussion, marking them as pivotal to understanding the broader context or situation.
Example: "It is important to highlight the efficiency of our new workflow, which has led to a 20% increase in productivity."
3. One should bear in mind
Usage: This phrase is apt for reminding or cautioning the audience about a significant factor or consideration.
Why: It introduces a point that should be considered while making decisions or forming opinions, without being overly assertive.
Example: "One should bear in mind the changing market trends while planning the upcoming product launch."
4. It is pertinent to point out
Usage: Ideal for drawing attention to relevant facts or perspectives that might otherwise be overlooked.
Why: This phrase helps in grounding the discussion in relevant information, ensuring that all pertinent points are considered.
Example: "It is pertinent to point out that our competitor has recently expanded its service range, impacting our market position."
5. It is crucial to note
Usage: Employ this phrase when highlighting information of critical importance.
Why: It emphasizes the urgency or significance of a point, often used to stress the consequences or pivotal nature of an issue.
Example: "It is crucial to note that the regulatory changes will take effect from next month, impacting all our operations."
6. One may observe
Usage: Useful for presenting observations or insights.
Why: It offers a way to share perspectives or data-driven findings in a manner that is assertive yet not overly authoritative.
Example: "One may observe that customer satisfaction scores have steadily increased since the implementation of our new service protocol."
7. It is relevant to acknowledge
Usage: Use this when recognizing factors or contributions that are significant to the current discussion or context.
Why: It ensures that important aspects of a situation are given due consideration and acknowledges their impact.
Example: "It is relevant to acknowledge the team’s effort in achieving this milestone under challenging circumstances."
8. It must be emphasized
Usage: This phrase is a strong tool for underlining the utmost importance of a point.
Why: It conveys a sense of imperative, highlighting that the subsequent information is vital for understanding or action.
Example: "It must be emphasized that confidentiality is paramount in handling client data."
9. It cannot be overlooked
Usage: Perfect for stressing factors or details that are too important to ignore.
Why: It serves as a caution against disregarding essential information that could have significant implications.
Example: "It cannot be overlooked that our market share has been declining in comparison to our main competitors."
10. It is significant to remember
Usage: Utilize this phrase to remind the audience of crucial points or lessons that should influence current or future actions.
Why: It serves as a reminder of factors or historical lessons that are essential to the current context or decision-making process.
Example: "It is significant to remember the lessons learned from the previous project, as they are directly applicable to our current strategy."
Conclusion and Call to Action
Mastering these advanced modal phrases is not just about enhancing your English proficiency; it's about empowering your business communication skills in the tech sphere. By incorporating these phrases into your everyday business communication, you can significantly elevate your language skills. Each phrase serves a unique purpose, enriching your professional language skills and enabling you to articulate your thoughts with precision and clarity. This mastery allows you to engage more effectively in various business contexts, from meetings and emails to reports and business proposals. Remember, in the world of tech executives, it's not just what you say; it's how you say it that often makes the most impact.
Are you ready to put these phrases into action? Try incorporating them into your next business presentation, report, or meeting. Notice how they enhance your communication and bring a new level of professionalism to your interactions. Share your experiences with these phrases in our comment section below or with your colleagues. Let's learn and grow together in our business English journey! Draft an email or a short proposal using some of the phrases we discussed, and observe the difference it makes. Join us in this continuous learning process, and let's elevate our professional communication to new heights!
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