Practice the vocabulary of counteroffers and negotiation with this exercise. The terms here reflect the language of give-and-take in commercial negotiations across a range of business contexts.
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Choose the correct response to complete each sentence.
1. If an employer questions your loyalty, they may believe that you are not ____________________.
Correct answer: loyal.
2. Some employees who accept counteroffers are later ____________________ if their positions are eliminated.
Correct answer: let go.
3. When I ___________________________ to resign, they offered me a higher salary.
Correct answer: threatened.
4. A lot of the things he said were very ___________________________. (= unclear, could be interpreted in a variety of ways)
Correct answer: ambiguous.
5. I carefully considered the ____________________ (meaning: the positive aspects) of both positions.
Correct answer: merits.
6. Make sure that you resign ____________________.
Correct answer: in writing.
7. I told my boss that I had ____________________ in a counteroffer.
Correct answer: no interest.
8. A list of ____________________ describes the things that made you dissatisfied with your job.
Correct answer: grievances.
9. He decided to ___________________________ at his job. = He decided to keep working at his present job.
Correct answer: stay on.
10. Many career advisers ____________________ accepting a counteroffer.
Correct answer: advise against.
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💬 Useful phrases “I think we can find a solution that works for both of us.” — an opening statement signaling collaborative intent “We'd be willing to consider that, provided that...” — introducing a conditional concession during negotiation “That's a reasonable position, but our concern is...” — acknowledging the other side while steering toward your priorities “Could we explore a middle ground on this point?” — suggesting a compromise without fully conceding “I'd like to propose an alternative arrangement.” — introducing a new option when the current one is not acceptable “What flexibility do you have on the timeline?” — probing for room to adjust a key term without direct confrontation “We're prepared to move forward if you can accommodate...” — signaling readiness to close contingent on a specific concession “Let's take a short break and reconvene.” — suggesting a pause to regroup when negotiations become tense