Discussing advantages and disadvantages

In this video, Noelia and Yuna talk about how to encourage creativity in the office. Listen to the language they use to discuss advantages and disadvantages and practise saying the useful phrases.

Do the preparation exercise first. Then watch the video and do the exercises to check your understanding and practise the language.

Transcript

Ana: Hi! I'm Ana. Welcome to What to Say

Do you know what to say when you discuss advantages and disadvantages? Listen out for useful language for discussing advantages and disadvantages. Then, we'll practise saying the new phrases – after this.

 

Noelia: So, table tennis, bean bags, board games, video games! Hey, how about a trampoline?

Yuna: Stop right there. I love your ideas, Noelia, but a trampoline? Really?

Noelia: Absolutely. When do you have your best ideas?

Yuna: I don't know. Usually when I'm cooking, I suppose.

Noelia: Exactly. We often have our best ideas when we are away from our desks. The other day I was on a trampoline and the vision for the creativity room came to me.

Yuna: Why were you on a trampo…? Never mind. Look, on the one hand it's a lovely idea and it fits with our brand, but on the other hand it could be noisy and chaotic and maybe too much fun!

Noelia: But having fun helps you be creative, and being creative is vital to our business! 

Yuna: I see what you mean, but I'm just not sure if a trampoline is necessary. Also, there could be an issue with the clients arriving at the office and seeing us all jumping around.

Noelia: I see where you're coming from, but I think our clients will love it! And there are lots of advantages to trampolining. It's good for the body and the mind.

Yuna: Maybe, but I can also see the disadvantages. What if someone hurts themselves?

Noelia: But we're all adults. And we can get extra insurance. Come on! It's a great idea!

Yuna: OK, I'll think about it. 

Noelia: Perfect. I'll email you some links!

Yuna: I haven't said yes! Oh, Noelia! 

 

Ana: Hello again! A trampoline in the office? Well, there's an idea! So, did you notice the useful phrases used for discussing advantages and disadvantages? Listen to me and then repeat. 

 

On the one hand …, but on the other hand …

I see what you mean, but I'm just not sure.

There could be an issue with that. 

I see where you're coming from, but I think they'll love it. 

There are lots of advantages.

Maybe, but I can also see the disadvantages.

 

Ana: Try and use some of these phrases the next time you discuss advantages and disadvantages in English. Bye for now!

Discussion

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Language level

Average: 4.5 (27 votes)

Hi Konti,

Yes, it is correct! In modern usage, it's common to use themselves (and also theythem and their) to refer to a single person if we don't know the person's gender, or their gender is irrelevant.

Jonathan

The LearnEnglish Team

Submitted by jyoti Chaudhary on Tue, 08/02/2022 - 16:08

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I'm always creative in my job. Whenever I have an idea, about how to deal with customers then I discuss it with my boss. One year ago I had a great idea. I applied and discuss it with my boss. It would be an amazing experience.

Submitted by lily2000 on Sat, 08/01/2022 - 13:56

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My best ideas appear while I'm on my way to somewhere

Submitted by LamVanPhuong on Thu, 28/10/2021 - 12:06

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when i go to sleep on my bed, it's crazy right!

Submitted by GiulianaAndy on Tue, 29/06/2021 - 17:00

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I have my best ideas at night when I am almost sleeping; it's like I sleep on things before I feel asleep.

Submitted by guitardude on Wed, 03/03/2021 - 20:08

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Hello. Is there any difference between saying '...But having fun helps you be creative' instead '...But having fun helps you to be creative' I would say the second if i was the person speaking. Would it make my language incorrect ?

Hello guitardude,

Both forms are correct. You can say 'having fun helps you be creative' and also 'having fun helps you to be creative' and they mean the same thing.

All the best,

Kirk

The LearnEnglish Team

Submitted by German on Wed, 10/02/2021 - 01:32

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I have my best ideas when I´m reading and I'm relaxing maybe drinking a coffee or a beer.