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Quizzes > Quizzes for Business > Business

Take the Business English Proficiency Quiz

Assess Your Corporate Language Skills and Fluency

Difficulty: Moderate
Questions: 20
Learning OutcomesStudy Material
Colorful paper art promoting a Business English Proficiency Quiz

This Business English Proficiency Quiz helps you check your workplace vocabulary and grammar in 15 quick questions. Use it to spot gaps before your next meeting. When you finish, try idioms practice or switch to an English practice quiz for extra review.

Which greeting is most appropriate for a formal business email?
Hey John,
Hiya! John,
Dear Mr. Johnson,
Yo, John,
"Dear Mr. Johnson," is the standard formal greeting in professional correspondence. Informal greetings like "Hey" or "Yo" are not appropriate for formal emails.
What is the correct plural form of the word "criterion"?
criterium
criteria
criterias
criterions
"Criterion" is one of several Greek-derived words that form the plural irregularly as "criteria."
Which sentence shows correct subject-verb agreement?
The team were meeting tomorrow.
The team are meeting tomorrow.
The team be meeting tomorrow.
The team is meeting tomorrow.
In American business English, collective nouns such as "team" take a singular verb, so "the team is meeting" is correct.
Which closing is the most formal for a business email?
Cheers,
Yours sincerely,
Take care,
See you,
"Yours sincerely," is a highly formal email closing used in professional correspondence. The other options are too casual for formal business emails.
What does the idiom "hit the ground running" mean?
To begin an activity with momentum and enthusiasm.
To make a mistake right at the start.
To encounter an obstacle and stop.
To literally start a run immediately.
"Hit the ground running" means to start an activity energetically and effectively from the very beginning.
We would like to _____ your feedback on the draft report.
ask for
require
demand
solicit
"Solicit" is the most formal and polite verb for requesting feedback in a business context. "Ask for" is less formal, and "demand" or "require" carry strong imperatives.
Which subject line is the most concise and informative?
Important Update
Next week's meeting on project timeline
Meeting
Regarding our meeting
"Next week's meeting on project timeline" clearly states both the timing and topic, making it concise and informative for recipients.
Which sentence is written in the passive voice?
The manager will approve the budget.
The budget was approved by the manager.
The manager approved the budget.
The manager is approving the budget.
In passive voice, the subject receives the action. "The budget was approved by the manager" is passive because the budget (subject) is acted upon.
Which sentence shows an appropriate level of formality when requesting Friday off?
Would it be possible to take Friday off?
Hey, need a day off Friday. Cool?
I gotta have Friday off.
Yo, I'm off Friday.
"Would it be possible to take Friday off?" uses polite modal language and is appropriately formal for workplace requests.
Which prepositional phrase is correct in formal writing?
in regards to
regarding to
with regarding
with regard to
"With regard to" is the correct formal expression. "In regards to" is commonly used colloquially but is considered incorrect in formal writing.
What does the idiom "ballpark figure" mean?
A random guess
A baseball stadium
An exact number
An approximate estimate
A "ballpark figure" refers to a rough or approximate estimate rather than an exact number.
In the sentence "Please find attached the report that it covers Q1 results," which correction improves clarity?
Replace "that it covers" with "which covers"
Change "attached" to "enclosed"
Pluralize "results" to "result"
Add a comma after "report"
Replacing "that it covers" with "which covers" corrects the relative clause and removes the redundant pronoun "it."
What is the tone of "I regret to inform you that we will be unable to proceed with your proposal at this time."?
Enthusiastic
Neutral and upbeat
Apologetic and formal
Casual
The phrase expresses regret and uses formal language, making the tone apologetic and formal in a business context.
Choose the best conjunction: "We can postpone the meeting, ____ it conflicts with the holiday."
as
although
but
though
"As" is a formal conjunction that provides a reason. "We can postpone the meeting, as it conflicts with the holiday."
Which idiom means achieving two objectives with one action?
Break the ice
Back to square one
Bite the bullet
Kill two birds with one stone
"Kill two birds with one stone" means accomplishing two goals with a single effort or action.
Which revision eliminates nominalization in this sentence? "The formulation of a strategy led to improved performance."
The formulation of a strategy led to improved performance.
Formulating a strategy improved performance.
Improved performance was led by the formulation of a strategy.
A strategy formulation was the reason for improved performance.
"Formulating a strategy improved performance." uses the verb "formulating" instead of the noun "formulation," reducing wordiness.
In "It might be beneficial to consider downsizing if market conditions worsen," which word indicates hedging?
consider
beneficial
might
if
The modal verb "might" softens the assertion and serves as a hedge, indicating uncertainty or politeness.
Which phrase is inappropriate for a formal business report?
proceed
get cracking
regarding
subsequent to
"Get cracking" is colloquial and too informal for a formal report. The other options are standard business vocabulary.
Which option completes the third conditional correctly? "If I ____ the forecast, we would have allocated more resources."
saw
had seen
would have seen
have seen
Third conditional requires past perfect ("had seen") in the if-clause to describe unreal past events with hypothetical outcomes.
Which sentence uses the subjunctive mood correctly in a recommendation?
I suggest that he review the proposal before submission.
I suggest that he to review the proposal before submission.
I suggest that he reviews the proposal before submission.
I suggest that he is reviewing the proposal before submission.
After "suggest that," the subjunctive requires the base verb form "review" rather than "reviews."
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Learning Outcomes

  1. Analyse professional correspondence for vocabulary accuracy
  2. Evaluate business email tone and formality
  3. Identify common idioms used in corporate settings
  4. Apply appropriate grammar structures in business contexts
  5. Demonstrate understanding of formal vs informal communication
  6. Master key business English vocabulary nuances

Cheat Sheet

  1. Understand the Importance of Tone in Business Writing - Tone sets the mood of your message and impacts how readers interpret your intent. A balanced, respectful voice helps you come across as professional and approachable, reducing misunderstandings.
  2. Adapt Your Email Tone to the Audience - Matching formality to your recipient shows emotional intelligence and fosters better relationships. Whether writing to a CEO or a teammate, choosing the right level of warmth and courtesy makes your message effective.
  3. Recognize Common Business Idioms - Business idioms like "back to the drawing board" and "go the extra mile" convey ideas concisely and add color to your speech. Mastering these expressions will boost your confidence and help you blend in with corporate dialogue.
  4. Apply Appropriate Grammar Structures - Proper grammar solidifies your credibility and clarifies your message, whether it's using the present perfect to show ongoing relevance or the past tense for completed actions. Consistent subject-verb agreement and accurate tense usage keep your writing polished.
  5. Differentiate Between Formal and Informal Communication - Knowing when to use "Dear Ms. Lee" versus "Hi Sarah" can set the tone for collaboration or formality. Adjusting greetings, sign-offs, and phrasing based on context builds rapport and shows respect.
  6. Master Business English Vocabulary Nuances - Terms like "revenue" versus "profit" carry specific financial meanings, and using them correctly demonstrates expertise. Expanding your vocabulary with precise words ensures clear communication in reports and meetings.
  7. Use Positive Language in Emails - Framing requests and information positively boosts morale and encourages cooperation. Phrases like "As soon as we wrap up, the room will be available" feel more inviting than restrictive statements.
  8. Avoid Common Tone Mistakes - Avoid all caps, excessive exclamation points, or curt phrasing that can come off as shouting or rude. A calm, measured tone helps maintain professionalism and prevents unintentional offense.
  9. Practice Active Listening in Communication - Truly listening involves paraphrasing, asking clarifying questions, and showing empathy to confirm understanding. This skill not only improves relationships but also reduces errors and builds trust.
  10. Develop Cultural Sensitivity in Business Communication - Being aware of cultural norms, such as levels of directness or preferred greetings, helps you navigate global interactions smoothly. Respecting differences fosters stronger partnerships and prevents miscommunication.
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