Business English A2 · Lesson 4B

Grammar Bank

The rules behind this lesson — form, use, model sentences and the mistakes to avoid.

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Grammar focus of this lesson

Determiners & polite offers for ordering

2 structures

Articles: a / an / the / zero
a/an introduces; the identifies; no article generalises.
I've got this
Rules & form
- ›a / an = one of many, first mention (an hour, a university — go by sound).
- ›the = we both know which one, or there's only one.
- ›No article with plural or uncountable generalisations: Meetings are useful.
- ›No article before most countries, meals and by + transport.
Examples
- “I had a call with a client. The client wants a discount.”
- “Coffee keeps me awake, but the coffee here is terrible.”
- “She goes to work by train.”
Watch out · the life is hard ✗ → life is hard ✓ (general ideas take no article).
Your own example
would like / 'd like to
A polite way to say what you want.
I've got this
Rules & form
- ›would like + noun or + to + verb.
- ›Contract to 'd like in speech.
- ›Question: Would you like…? Offer: Would you like some water?
- ›Answers: Yes, please. / No, thanks. / I'd love to.
Examples
- “I'd like to travel the world.”
- “We'd like a table for two, please.”
- “Would you like me to send the agenda?”
Watch out · would like to going ✗ → would like to go ✓.
Your own example