Frequent Expressions in Chemical Engineering Conferences (3)
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III. Discussion and Resolution of Issues: Raising problems and concerns: ❌ There’s a problem in the drawing. ✅ I have a concern regarding this drawing. / There might be a discrepancy between the drawing and site conditions. (“Problem” is too direct; “concern” is a softer and more professional term.) ““discrepancy between drawing and site” is a common phrase on site. )
❌ It may not work. ✅ From a construction perspective, we might face a challenge here. / I’m worried this could cause an interface issue. (“Face a challenge” indicates a risk rather than a denial; “interface issue” refers to conflicts at the intersection of different fields.) )
❌ I was highlighted by the boss. ✅ I was picked on by the boss in the meeting. (“Highlight” is a term often used by Chinese people, but foreigners may not understand it; “picked on” is the idiomatic way to express being targeted for criticism.) )
Analysis of reasons and solutions: ❌ The reason is that the excavator is broken. ✅ The delay is caused by the breakdown of the excavator. The root cause has been identified as… (“root cause” is a quality term, while “caused by the breakdown” is a more formal expression.) )
❌ We must solve it. ✅ We need to address this immediately. / Let’s identify the problem and come up with an action plan. (“Address” is used more frequently in engineering meetings than “solve,” and an “action plan” outlines the steps to be taken. )
❌ We checked two options. ✅ We’ve evaluated two options. Option A has a lower initial cost, but Option B offers better lifetime costs. (“Evaluated” is a more professional term than “checked”; mentioning “initial cost vs lifetime cost” makes the argument more convincing.) )