Master phrasal verbs and speak with ease

Phrasal verbs are a great way to add variety and colour to your language.

It can be quite tricky to master them at first, but with some practice, you'll be able to use them confidently in your conversations.

Look into - to investigate or research something.

Example: We need to look into the possible side effects of this new drug before it goes to market.

Carry out - to perform or execute a task.

Example: Our team will carry out clinical trials to determine the efficacy of the new treatment.

Take up - to start or begin something new.

Example: The company has decided to take up research into alternative methods for drug delivery.

Set up - to establish or create something.

Example: We need to set up a meeting with the regulatory authorities to discuss the new drug application.

Bring about - to cause or make something happen.

Example: The discovery of this new molecule could bring about a major breakthrough in cancer treatment.

Work out - to solve or figure out a problem.

Example: We need to work out a plan to deal with the manufacturing issues that have been delaying production.

Come up with - to devise or create a solution or idea.

Example: Our team has come up with a new approach to treating Alzheimer's disease.

Figure out - to understand or solve a problem or puzzle.

Example: We need to figure out why the results of this clinical trial are inconsistent.

Look over - to review or examine something.

Example: Please look over this report and let me know if you have any concerns.

Go over - to review or examine something in detail.

Example: We need to go over the clinical trial data carefully before we can draw any conclusions.

Now, let's see how to use them in a conversation

A: Hey, have you looked into the possible side effects of that new drug we're developing?

B: Yes, we've carried out some initial trials and so far the results are promising. We're hoping to take up research into alternative methods for drug delivery.

A: That sounds interesting. How are we going to set up the next phase of the trials?

B: We need to bring about some changes to the protocol first. Our team has come up with a new approach to the trial design that we think will be more effective.

A: That's great. But we still need to work out some issues with the manufacturing process. Can you figure out what's causing the delays?

B: I think we need to look over the production data more carefully. It might be a problem with the raw materials or the equipment. Let's go over the data together and see if we can identify any issues.

A: Sure, let's do that. By the way, did you manage to hand out the new guidelines to the research team?

B: Yes, I've already handed them out. They were happy to receive them and are ready to carry on with their work.

A: Excellent. I'm glad we're making progress. Do you have any other updates to bring in?

B: Yes, we've decided to take on a new team member to help with the trials. I've already drawn up a job description and put forward the proposal to the HR department.

A: That's great news. Let's hope this new member can help us bring about some positive results.

Quiz time

100 English idioms for pharma professionals

Do you ever feel lost in translation during meetings with English-speaking colleagues?

Do you struggle to come up with the right words to express your ideas, or feel like you're missing out on their jokes?

I've put together a list of 100 English idioms that are commonly used in the pharmaceutical industry.

From "think outside the box" to "put all your eggs in one basket," these idioms will help you better communicate with colleagues and clients, and stand out as a confident and knowledgeable professional.

The e-book contains a list of 100 idioms with detailed explanations, examples and interactive quizzes to learn them quickly.

So, what are you waiting for? Download my list of 100 English idioms for pharma professionals now and start using them.

YES, PLEASE

The dos and don'ts of email communication in the pharmaceutical industry

In today's digital age, email has become a primary mode of communication in the pharmaceutical industry. However, writing effective emails that convey the right message is critical.

Here are some dos and don'ts to keep in mind when communicating via email:

DO:

✅ Be clear and concise:

People receive a lot of emails every day, so it's important to make sure your message is clear and concise. Be sure to state the purpose of your email in the first few sentences. This will help the recipient understand what you want from them and respond in a timely manner.

Instead of: "I would like to discuss the budget for our upcoming project. There are a lot of variables to consider, and I think we need to have a meeting to go over all of them."

Try: "Let's meet to discuss the budget for our upcoming project."

Instead of: "I'm writing to follow up on the email I sent you last week. I haven't heard back from you yet, and I wanted to make sure you received it and to see if you have any questions."

Try: "Following up on the email I sent last week. Did you receive it? Let me know if you have any questions."

Instead of: "I'm not sure if you remember me, but we met at the conference last month. I wanted to introduce myself and see if you might be interested in collaborating on a project together."

Try: "We met at the conference last month. I'm interested in collaborating on a project with you. Let me know if you're available to discuss this further."

✅ Use professional language:

Avoid using slang or informal language, and always use proper grammar and spelling. Remember, your email is a reflection of you and your company.

✅ Proofread your emails:

Check your spelling and grammar. Even the most careful writers can make mistakes, so it's important to proofread your emails before sending them. Use a spell-checker if necessary, and make sure to check for any typos or other errors.

✅ Use a descriptive subject line:

Your subject line should accurately describe the content of your email so that the recipient knows what to expect. This can also help them prioritize their inbox and respond to your email more quickly.

Here are some examples of effective subject lines:

"Meeting Request: Proposal Discussion for New Drug Development Project"

"Follow-up: Status Update on Clinical Trial Results"

"Action Required: Review and Approve Product Labeling Changes"

"Invitation: Lunch and Learn on the Latest Regulatory Changes"

DON'T:

❌ Use email for sensitive information:

Avoid sending sensitive information via email. Instead, use secure channels or in-person communication.

❌ Write in all capitals:

Writing in all caps can be perceived as shouting and is generally considered rude.

❌ Use overly emotional language:

Avoid using overly emotional language or making personal attacks. Keep your tone professional and respectful.

❌ Use abbreviations or acronyms without explanation:

If you're using an abbreviation or acronym that the recipient may not be familiar with, provide an explanation.

Do you have any additional tips for effective email communication in the pharmaceutical industry? Share them in the comments below!