29. Similar meanings 3: Adjectives CHECK YOUR ENGLISH VOCABULARY FOR BUSINESS AND ADMINISTRATION

CHECK YOUR ENGLISH VOCABULARY FOR BUSINESS AND ADMINISTRATION

29. Similar meanings 3: Adjectives

Exercise 1: Match the words and expressions in bold in sentences 1 – 20 with words with the same or a similar meaning. These words can be found in the box by reading from left to right, and from right to left, in the direction of the arrows. However, the words in the box are not in the same order as the sentences they match. 1 We've carried out a comprehensive audit of our accounts, but haven't found any irregularities. 2 Regular government health and safety inspections are compulsory. 3 Despite several USP's* in our latest range, we can expect to face some determined competition from our rivals. 4 We are unable to make a decision at this time as we do not have enough information. 5 Your performance has become rather erratic recently, so we were wondering if you might benefit from going on a new training course. 6 I'm not sure why your order was delayed for so long, but I assure you I will carry out a full and detailed investigation 7 We don't need to know all the details: try to give us a general idea. 8 She's a very successful saleswoman, but I don't think she's particularly honest and fair with her clients. 9 We have received a number of complaints about impolite sales people in our call centre. 10 Employee access to the office after 6pm is strictly limited and controlled. 11 People enjoy working in our department: the atmosphere in the office is really lively. 12 Our department manager does a good job, although he is often criticised for his old-fashioned business ideas. 13 There are plenty of opportunities for promotion within the company, provided you work hard enough. 14 At the end of her presentation, there were several relevant questions from the audience. 15 This schedule is too rigid. We need a bit of wiggle room** here. 16 The company is unwilling to invest in financially dangerous projects. 17 Free accommodation is provided for our employees. It is simple but adequate. 18 Our profit margin has been very small over the last six months. 19 We were ready to sign the contract when there was a sudden change of plan. 20 There has been a lot of talk of redundancies, so this afternoon's meeting is very important for all those concerned. * USP's: unique selling points. ** wiggle room: an informal expression for time and flexibility. Exercise 2: Rearrange the letters in bold to make words that have the same or a similar meaning to the words and expressions in italics. Write each word in the table on the right of the page. The shaded letter in each word is the first letter of the next word. The first one has been done as an example. 1 A likely or possible job applicant. ecivrosppte P R O S P E C T I V E 2 A product's lasting appeal. ridugenn E 3 Basic computer skills. utadirymren 4 A flourishing IT business. ringvith 5 An optional dress code. taurynlvo 6 A boring and repetitive job. outesdi 7 A constant and continuous price rise. saydte 8 A flow of unrelated ideas. spitdaear 9 A lucrative venture. opritleafb 10 A long meeting. glehnty 11 A small charge for postage and packing. monalin 12 A very important part of something. gainrtel 13 An outstanding presentation. nactexiolep 14 Two well-suited organisations. ticmpbleao 15 An observant secretary. cepetviper 16 A prompt start to a meeting. caputnlu 17 A valid reason for doing something. itemalegit 18 A hardworking staff member. iriustnusod 19 Punitive action. panscdiiylir 20 A creative idea. tivvenein 21 A significant event. naprotimt 22 A contemporary approach to management. omnedr 23 A varied programme of events. viseder 24 A well-run and productive department. fitefince 25 Easily changeable working hours. blleifex 26 An insolvent company. narubptk

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