What did they say again?

English is rich in idiomatic expressions. In these short dialogues, you can learn some of the common ones used to talk about the business of marketing.

First, read the two versions of the short conversations. Then cover up the simpler version and read the idiomatic dialogue again. Can you remember the meanings?

First, the idiomatic way

Ann: Thanks for touching base. Tim: I needed to update you. We’ve finished doing a deep dive into our most loyal customers. You’ll be blown away by the insights!

Now, more simply

Ann: Thanks for contacting me. Tim: I needed to update you. We’ve finished doing extensive research into our most loyal customers. You’ll be impressed by the insights!

First, the idiomatic way

Tim: How do we best spread the word about the new products? Ann: We need to think outside the box.

Tim: Really? Tell me, will it cost us more if we do?

Now, more simply

Tim: How do we best inform a lot of people about the new products?

Ann: We need to think of something surprising that has never been done before.

Tim: Really? Tell me, will it cost us more if we do?

First, the idiomatic way

Ann: This design really helps us to stand out from the crowd. It’s

created a buzz on social media.

Tim: I saw. We’re trending again!

Ann: The whole campaign has helped us get our message across.

Now, more simply

Ann: This design really helps us to look so different from everything else that people notice us. It’s created a lot of positive feeling and activity on social media.

Tim: I saw. We’re trending again! Ann: The whole campaign has helped us communicate our ideas clearly.

First, the idiomatic way

Tim: Since our video went viral, the new design has been flying off the shelves.

Ann: It’s incredible how one simple video could put us on the map.

Tim: It’s awesome!

Now, more simply

Tim: Since the new video was shared and reposted all over the internet and social media, the new design has been selling as fast as we can restock the shops.

Ann: It’s incredible how one simple video could make us famous. Tim: It’s awesome!

You’re not thinking outside the box!

The campaign put us on the map