Business English from All Ears English BE 462: Mind Your P’s and Q’s in Business English
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Sep 9, 2025 Explore the subtle nuances of business English that can elevate your communication skills. Discover the meaning behind 'mind your P's and Q's' and its relevance in diverse work environments. Learn how proper etiquette and language can enhance professionalism in meetings and with superiors. Dive into role-plays that illustrate the importance of tactful communication with clients. Additionally, uncover strategies for providing constructive feedback that fosters relationships and minimizes misunderstandings.
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Meaning Of "Mind Your P's And Q's"
- "Mind your P's and Q's" means be careful about your behavior or speech.
- Use it for social and work situations when context demands extra politeness.
Sudden Meetings Raise Formality
- Aubrey describes unexpectedly encountering senior leaders in meetings and suddenly needing etiquette.
- Lindsay agrees that different contexts require dialing up politeness.
Typesetting Could Explain The Phrase
- One theory traces the phrase to typesetting where p and q can be flipped.
- Typesetters had to be careful not to confuse mirrored letters.