Asking Questions In Business Part 1

Asking the right questions is an important skill in business communication. Whether you are in a meeting, talking to a colleague, or learning about a new project. Knowing how to ask clear and correct questions helps you get the information you need. In this First Business English article we focus on asking questions using the present simple, present continuous, and present perfect tenses. We will also provide useful phrases and an example paragraph about a person’s workday.

1. Asking Questions in the Present Simple

We use the present simple to ask about routines, habits, and general facts.

Form: Do/Does + subject + base verb?

Example questions:

• “What does your company do?”

• “Where do you usually have meetings?”

• “How often does your team meet?”

• “Do you work from home?”

2. Asking Questions in the Present Continuous

We use the present continuous to ask about actions happening now or temporary situations.

Form: Am/Is/Are + subject + verb + -ing?

Example questions:

• “What are you working on at the moment?”

• “Are you attending the conference this week?”

• “Is your team preparing the new project?”

• “Who is leading today’s meeting?”

3. Asking Questions in the Present Perfect

We use the present perfect to ask about experiences, completed actions, or actions that started in the past and continue now.

Form: Have/Has + subject + past participle?

Example questions:

• “Have you ever worked in marketing before?”

• “How long have you been with this company?”

• “Have you finished the report yet?”

• “Has the client responded to your email?”

4. Example Paragraph About a Person’s Workday

Sarah works as a project manager in a technology company. Every morning, she checks her emails and attends a short team meeting. Right now, she is working on an important presentation for a new client. Her team is preparing a proposal, and they are discussing the final details. Sarah has worked for this company for five years, and she has managed many successful projects. Today, she has already had two meetings, but she still needs to review some reports before the day ends.

5. Key Business Vocabulary

• Meeting – A formal discussion with colleagues.

• Conference – A large event where professionals discuss business topics.

• Project – A planned task or piece of work.

• Proposal – A formal suggestion for a project or deal.

• Report – A document that provides information.

• Client – A person or company that receives services.

• Team – A group of people working together.

By using the correct question forms in business situations you can communicate more effectively and gain valuable information. Practice asking different types of questions with colleagues and friends to improve your confidence in English business conversations. To learn more and to practice asking questions in a business context simply book a lesson with us at First Business English.

Good Luck. Keep learning with First Business English. Best Business English Online.

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