Many of us work in offices, schools, and cubicles where such items are always found, and knowing how to discuss office equipment (along with other office vocabulary, phrases, and idioms) is an important part of business English and can be tremendously helpful in navigating an office environment. it is essential for anyone who desires to do well in their career or education to have strong English language skills. Unfortunately, because English is not typically a first language for many people, learning vocabulary can be challenging. This article provides you with a comprehensive list of English vocabulary words that you can use when interacting with others in the office.
Office vocabulary
| No | Office Vocabulary | Pronunciation | Example |
| 1 | Calculator | /ˈkælkjuleɪtər/ | I need a calculator to help me with this math problem. |
| 2 | Calendar | /ˈkælɪndər/ | I use a calendar to keep track of important dates and appointments. |
| 3 | Clipboard | /ˈklɪpbɔːrd/ | The doctor uses a clipboard to keep all the patient's medical records organized. |
| 4 | Computer | /kəmˈpjuːtər/ | I use my computer for work and entertainment. |
| 5 | Correction Pen | /kəˈrɛkʃn pen/ | I made a mistake in my notes, so I used a correction pen to fix it. |
| 6 | Crayon | /ˈkreɪɑːn/ | The children used crayons to draw pictures in their coloring books. |
| 7 | Envelop | /ɪnˈveləp/ | I needed to send a letter, so I put it in an envelope and sent it in the mail. |
| 8 | File cabinet | /ˈfaɪl kæbɪnət/ | The office keeps all its important documents in a file cabinet. |
| 9 | File folder | /ˈfaɪl ˈfəʊldər/ | I organize my paperwork in file folders to keep them neat and tidy. |
| 10 | Glue | /ɡluː/ | I used glue to stick the pieces of the broken vase back together. |
| 11 | Scissors | /ˈsɪzərz/ | I need a pair of scissors to cut this paper. |
| 12 | Paperclip | /ˈpeɪpər klɪp/ | I use a paperclip to hold all the pages of my report together. |
| 13 | Pencil | /ˈpensl/ | I prefer using a pencil over a pen because I can erase my mistakes. |
| 14 | Pins | /pɪn/ | Please use pins to attach the papers to the bulletin board. |
| 15 | Note | /nəʊt/ | I wrote a note to remind myself of the meeting time. |
| 16 | Printer | /ˈprɪntər/ | The printer is out of ink, so we need to buy more. |
| 17 | Projector | /prəˈdʒektər/ | We need to set up the projector before the presentation. |
| 18 | Rubber Stamp | /ˌrʌbər ˈstæmp/ | The document needs to be stamped with the company's rubber stamp. |
| 19 | Sellotape | /ˈseləteɪp/ | Can you please pass me the sellotape so I can fix this tear in the paper? |
Office-related Idioms and Phrases
In addition to these words, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to learn a few idioms that have to do with work.
I’ve chosen a few interesting expressions regarding work. I hope you’ll learn them and use them when you speak English with others.
1. Roll up your sleeves – an expression that many know. It means “to prepare to do hard work.”
Example: It’s not easy work to do, so you have to roll up your sleeves.
2. To keep the nose to the grindstone – this long expression means “to work hard; to concentrate on the task at hand.”
Example: My husband keeps his nose to the grindstone when he works.
3. Learn the hard way – this idiom means “to learn from one’s mistakes.”
Example: I used to learn the hard way.
4. To pull your socks up – this means “to work hard; to put forth a lot of effort.”
Example: That wasn’t a difficult task, so we didn’t pull our socks up to accomplish it.
5. To get your feet under the table – this idiom means “to quickly adapt to new employment or tasks; learn to do something new.”
Example: This time Kate quickly got her feet under the table.
English Vocabulary for the Office
Administrative assistant: A person who assists an administrative officer running a business or organization.
– Banker: Someone who works in a banking institution and helps people deposit money, borrow money, or trade securities.
– Businessman: Someone who owns or manages a business.
– Computer scientist: A person who studies computer programming and how to make computers more efficient.
– Customer service representative: A person who helps customers with their inquiries or problems.
– Data entry operator: A person who types information into a computer system.
– Desk clerk: A person who helps customers find what they are looking for and takes their orders.
– Executive assistant: An employee who performs various executive duties for a company’s president or other senior officer.
Who works in an office?
| Job | What do they do? | Where do they work? |
|---|---|---|
| Accountants | Look after the finances in an organisastion. | They work in an office. |
| Lawyers | Defend and prosecute people. | They work in a law court and in a lawyers office. |
| Receptionists | Meet and greet visitors. | They work in reception. |
| Sales Representatives | Sell goods and look after customers. | They work on the road and in an office.. |
| Secretaries | Arrange appointments, type letters and organise meetings. | They work in an office. |
Here are ten questions and their answers about office vocabulary in English
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What is a stapler?
A stapler is a device used to fasten sheets of paper together by driving a metal staple through them. -
What does 'file cabinet' mean?
A file cabinet is a piece of office furniture typically used to store paper documents in file folders. -
Define 'desktop'.
'Desktop' can refer to either the top surface of a desk or to the graphical user interface on a computer screen. -
What is a 'scanner'?
A scanner is a device used to capture images or documents and convert them into digital format for storage or processing on a computer. -
What does 'inbox' refer to?
An 'inbox' is a tray or container where incoming documents or mail are placed, typically on someone's desk. -
Explain the term 'staple remover'.
A staple remover is a small tool designed to lift staples out of paper without damaging it. -
What does 'memo' stand for?
'Memo' is short for memorandum, which is a written message or communication used within an organization for internal communication. -
Define 'paper shredder'.
A paper shredder is a mechanical device used to cut paper into either strips or fine particles to ensure secure disposal of confidential documents. -
What is a 'calendar'?
A calendar is a chart or series of pages showing the days, weeks, and months of a particular year, used for planning and organizing schedules. -
Explain the term 'printer'.
A printer is a device that produces text or graphics on paper or other media, typically connected to a computer and used for generating hard copies of digital documents.
