En anglès es fan servir moltes expressions anomenades binomials: és a dir, expressions idiomàtiques formades per dues paraules que solen ser de la mateixa categoria (per exemple, dos substantius, dos verbs, dos adjectius…). Avui us en oferim algunes que solen utilitzar-se freqüentment en l’anglès de negocis, el que anomenem Business English. I per tal que practiqueu una mica, us n’oferim l’explicació i els exemples en anglès:
- Pros and cons – the advantages and disadvantages of something
We need to weigh up the pros and consof the new service before we can make a final decision. - Sick and tired – unable to tolerate a situation any longer
I am so sick and tired of listening to your complaints. It’s the world we live in and you need to just accept things as they are. - Give or take – more or less than the amount or time mentioned.
A: How long will it take you to complete this report?
B: It should take me a week, give or take a couple of days. - Goods and services – the products and services that are produced for sale.
The cost of household goods and services fell in the fourth quarter of 2015. - Hustle and bustle – a lot of noisy activity
After a busy week, I like to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city at the weekend. - Short and sweet – not too long or complicated
Lucy’s presentation was excellent- short and sweet, just how I like it. - Sink or swim – to be left on your own to succeed or fail
This business is exciting but it can be nerve-wracking too for you can sink or swim in an instant. - Sooner or later – definitely some time later, although you don’t know when
If you keep ignoring your clients’ needs, sooner or later they will abandon you and go elsewhere. - Take it or leave it – often used in negotiations when you tell the other side that you will not make them a better offer
This is my final offer – take it or leave it. - Ups and downs – the good and bad aspects of an experience
Like all online businesses, we’ve had our ups and downs over the years.