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Talking about the economy in English 1

Every business professional should know how to talk about the economy. Whether things are going well, or badly, the economy is a topic that comes up very often. This exercise will help you practice some common vocabulary that is used in these types of discussions.

Choose the best response to complete each of the sentences below.

1. The economy is in a bit of a __________________________. = The economy is not doing too well.
  downturn
  downgrade
  down time

2. The outlook is very bad. = The outlook is pretty __________________________.
  grimy
  grim
  great

3. The government wants to __________________________ some of the corporations. ( = to rescue them from bankruptcy by giving them money)
  bail out
  take out
  give out

4. The United States economy is going through a serious __________________________ right now.
  concern
  crisis
  crease

5. All the leading economic ___________________________ ( = indexes, signs) point to a further decline in the economy.
  index fingers
  insights
  indicators

6. The market has been ___________________________. = It has been difficult to predict what the market would do.
  uncompromising
  uncouth
  unpredictable

7. The current government isn't taking enough ____________________ ( isn't doing enough) to improve the economy.
  steps
  stops
  stamps

8. The stock market __________________ again today. = The stock market fell sharply again today.
  downed
  plunged
  fell down

9. Everyone seems to think that the economy will worsen before it ___________________________.
  gets worse
  goes up
  improves

10. Hopefully, the economic recovery ___________________________ that the government is preparing will improve the current situation.
  package
  pack
  box

(Your answers will be displayed in a new window)

TOP TIP! Talking about the economy

Need to sound more natural (and more confident) speaking about the economy in English? Here are some useful tips:

Start with general trends
Use phrases like “Overall, the economy seems to be...” before giving details.

Use hedging to sound natural
Avoid absolute statements. Try: “It appears that...,” “There may be signs of...”

Compare time periods
Economy talk often involves change over time.
“Compared to last year...”

Distinguish facts from opinions
Signal opinions clearly: “In my view...” or “From my perspective...”

Use approximate language
Exact numbers aren't always needed.
“Roughly,” “around,” “just over,” “slightly less than”

Emphasize cause and effect
Link ideas clearly: “As a result,” “This has led to...”

Avoid overusing technical jargon
Use technical terms only when necessary, and explain them if needed.

Use the passive voice appropriately
Common in economic discussions:
“Interest rates were increased to control inflation.”

Acknowledge uncertainty
Economies are unpredictable.
“It's hard to say whether this trend will continue.”

Refer to data carefully
Say “According to recent figures...” rather than inventing numbers.

MATERIALS TO HELP YOU LEARN (AND TEACH!):
BUSINESS ENGLISH GLOSSARY
BUSINESS ENGLISH WORKSHEET COLLECTION

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