Business English from All Ears English BE 527: Are You Right on Time or Running Behind?
22 snips
Feb 8, 2026 Conversations about punctuality and cultural differences in scheduling. Useful Business English phrases for being early, on time, or late. Explanations of terms like ahead of schedule, on the dot, running behind, and delayed. Role-play examples showing how to report project and shipment timing. Notes on how intonation changes subtle meanings.
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Cultural Differences In Time Orientation
- Time orientation differs by culture, with some prioritizing schedules and others prioritizing relationships.
- This affects expectations about meeting start/end times and perceived urgency.
Wedding Wait Teaches Local Timing
- Michelle recalls arriving early to a wedding in India and finding no one there at first.
- She learned to ask locals what time to actually show up for events.
Ask Locals When To Arrive
- Ask a local or organizer what time you should really arrive for events in another culture.
- Use that guidance to avoid waiting or showing up late.