English for Beginners: Technology in Business

Dialogue

Alice: Hey Bob! You look super busy. Are you wrestling with a new robot at work?

Bob: Hi Alice! No robots today, thankfully. Just trying to send an email to a client. My computer is being… dramatic.

Alice: Ah, the classic tech drama! My laptop decided to update itself right before my online meeting this morning. I almost missed it!

Bob: Oh no! That sounds stressful. At least you have online meetings. My boss still prefers carrier pigeons. Kidding! We use video calls, too.

Alice: Video calls are great, right? I can work from home sometimes, thanks to all our digital tools. It saves so much time.

Bob: Absolutely! And sharing documents online makes teamwork so much easier. No more printing mountains of paper. My back thanks technology.

Alice: Mine too! Remember when we had to fax everything? Now it’s just a click. And our company uses an app for project management. It keeps everyone on track.

Bob: An app for project management? That’s smart! We still use a whiteboard sometimes. Though, our new CRM software is a lifesaver for customer data.

Alice: CRM? Oh, Customer Relationship Management, right? That sounds super useful for sales. Is it easy to learn?

Bob: It was a bit tricky at first, but now I can’t imagine work without it. It helps us remember everything about our clients.

Alice: That’s the power of technology, I guess. It makes businesses more efficient. Even when your computer is being dramatic!

Bob: True! Even with the occasional drama, I think technology helps us get more done. And sometimes, it’s actually fun.

Alice: Fun? Like when the office printer actually works on the first try?

Bob: Exactly! Or when you find a new shortcut that saves you five whole seconds. Pure joy!

Alice: You’re easily entertained, Bob. But I agree. Tech really changed how we do business.

Bob: Definitely. Now, if only my email would finally send…

Current Situation

Technology is everywhere in business today! From big companies to small shops, everyone uses tools like computers, the internet, and special software. Businesses use technology to talk to customers, sell products online, manage projects, and even work from home. It helps them save time, be more efficient, and reach more people around the world. Imagine a business without email, a website, or a smartphone – it would be very difficult to succeed in the modern world!

Key Phrases

• online meeting: A meeting held over the internet using video and audio.

  Example: I had an online meeting with my team this morning.

• work from home: To do your job from your house instead of going to an office.

  Example: Many people work from home on Fridays now.

• digital tools: Software, apps, and other electronic devices used for work.

  Example: We use many digital tools to manage our projects.

• save time: To use less time to do something.

  Example: This new app helps me save time when I organize my tasks.

• make things easier: To simplify a process or task.

  Example: Technology can really make things easier for businesses.

• on track: Making progress and likely to achieve something.

  Example: The project manager keeps everyone on track with the new software.

• CRM software: (Customer Relationship Management) Software used to manage customer information and interactions.

  Example: Our sales team uses CRM software every day.

• be efficient: To do something well without wasting time or resources.

  Example: New technology helps companies be more efficient.

Grammar Points

1. Present Simple (for habits and facts)

We use the Present Simple to talk about things that happen regularly, general truths, or facts.

• Structure: Subject + Verb (add -s/-es for he/she/it)
• Examples:
  • Alice works from home sometimes. (A regular activity)
  • Technology helps businesses. (A general truth)
  • They use video calls. (A regular activity)

2. Modal Verb “Can” (for ability and possibility)

“Can” shows that something is possible or that someone has the ability to do something.

• Structure: Subject + can + base form of verb (no -s/-es)
• Examples:
  • I can work from home sometimes. (It’s possible for me to work from home)
  • I can’t imagine work without it. (I am not able to imagine)

3. “Make” + Object + Adjective (to cause something to become)

We use “make” followed by an object and an adjective to describe causing a change in something.

• Structure: Subject + make + object + adjective
• Examples:
  • Sharing documents online makes teamwork easier. (Teamwork becomes easier)
  • It makes businesses more efficient. (Businesses become more efficient)

Practice Exercises

Part 1: Fill in the blanks with a word from the box.

efficient online home tools save easier

1. We have an _________ meeting every Monday.
2. I like to work from _________ because it helps me avoid traffic.
3. Technology can _________ time and money for companies.
4. Using digital _________ makes our work much faster.
5. This new software will make project management much _________.
6. Businesses use technology to be more _________ and productive.

Part 2: Choose the correct form of the verb (Present Simple or “can”).

1. Alice (work / works) from home twice a week.
2. Bob (use / uses) CRM software for customer data.
3. They (have / has) an online meeting every morning.
4. Technology (make / makes) our lives easier.
5. I (can / cans) send emails quickly now.

Part 3: Answer the questions.

1. What did Alice’s laptop do this morning?
2. What does Bob say about sharing documents online?
3. What kind of software helps Bob with customer data?

Answers

Part 1: Fill in the blanks

1. online
2. home
3. save
4. tools
5. easier
6. efficient

Part 2: Choose the correct form of the verb

1. works
2. uses
3. have
4. makes
5. can

Part 3: Answer the questions

1. It decided to update itself.
2. He says it makes teamwork much easier.
3. CRM software.