Communication Strategies and Conditional Structures

A series of flashcards that cover key phrases, conditional structures, vocabulary, and common errors from the lecture notes.

Asking for clarification

Phrases like 'Could you clarify what you mean by…?' to seek a clearer understanding.

Checking understanding

Phrases such as 'If I understand you correctly…' to confirm comprehension.

Zero conditional

Structure: If + present simple, present simple; Example: If deadlines are missed, clients lose trust.

First conditional

Structure: If + present simple, will + infinitive; Example: If we submit by Friday, we will meet the deadline.

Second conditional

Structure: If + past simple, would + infinitive; Example: If we had more time, we would test it properly.

Third conditional

Structure: If + past perfect, would have + past participle; Example: If we had caught it earlier, we would have avoided the delay.

Mixed conditional

Structure: If + past perfect, would + infinitive (or vice versa); Example: If we had hired earlier, we wouldn't be under this pressure now.

Formal conditional

Using 'were to' + infinitive in formal contexts; e.g., 'If we were to proceed…'

Softening a claim

Expressing uncertainty or a suggestion with phrases like 'It seems likely that…'

Vocabulary: important

Synonyms include crucial, significant, paramount.

Collocation with 'make'

Phrases such as 'make a decision', 'make a mistake', 'make progress'.

Phrasal Verb: 'call off'

To cancel something.

Phrasal Verb: 'push back the deadline'

To postpone the deadline.

Contrasting

Using phrases like 'However…', 'That said…' to introduce a different point.

Summarising

Phrases like 'To sum up…', 'In short…' that condense information.

Expressing uncertainty

Phrases like 'It could be argued that…' to indicate a lack of certitude.

Phrasal Verb: 'sort out'

To resolve an issue.

Vocabulary: vague

Means not clearly expressed.

Correct the mistake: 'We did a mistake in the report.'

Correction: 'We made a mistake in the report.'

Correct the mistake: 'She took a decision very quickly.'

Correction: 'She made a decision very quickly.'

Correct the mistake: 'Can you do an effort to finish by Friday?'

Correction: 'Can you make an effort to finish by Friday.'