English IT Tips

Obviously

We are convinced something is true, necessary or definitely going to happen.

“This issue obviously needs more consideration before we make a decision.”

Likely

It will probably happen. We often use it with more or most.

“These issues would most likely be caught sooner if we implement the changes.”

Surely

Similar to obviously. It means we believe something is logical and true, but there are perhaps
other possibilities.

“Our team would surely have resolved the issue faster with better communication.”

These adverbs can go at the start of the sentence.

Obviously is followed by a comma. Surely is not. Adverbs usually go before the main verb, but
usually follow the verb "be".

We can use maybe or perhaps to express possibility, sometimes at the start of the sentence.

“Perhaps the threat is greater than we imagined.”

If we are more convinced or sure, we can use certainly or definitely, often before the main verb
of the sentence.

“They are definitely going to address this issue at the next scheduled meeting.”

You can use supposedly to express doubt, either at the start or in the middle of the sentence.

“Supposedly, this deadline is achievable.”

“This new system is supposedly more secure.”

Adverbs add a level of formality which means our requests are serious and formal, but always
polite.

“Would you kindly explain why my operating system is not compatible?”

Kindly lets me make a polite request, but also suggests that there is some frustration. I want to
say, Tell me!, but of course I need to be more polite.

Urgently can also be used to add seriousness when we want to say that something needs to be
done ASAP.

“This issue should be prioritized. A solution is urgently needed if we want to keep their business.”

Furthermore is an adverb we sometimes use to start a sentence. It means in addition to and

“We need to urgently address the issue of training standards. Furthermore, the politeness of team
members should be assessed. Kindly place these issues at the top of the list of priorities for the
next quarter.”

Something is urgently needed. Furthermore, we have more issues to address. We are then kindly
asked to prioritize these issues.

We can ask for what we want in a polite way that shows seriousness and necessity.

7.4.1 Passive Voice with Necessity

If you have studied the Passive Voice before, you will remember that it is used when the object
receiving the action is more important than the agent performing the action. The object and the
subject change places in the sentence like this:
Active:

We upgraded the system yesterday

Passive:

The system was upgraded yesterday.

This is a classic example of a passive sentence. The object changes position to become the new
subject and is followed by the verb BE and the past participle, in this case was upgraded.

But what if we want to do something different? What are the alternatives?

One option is to use NEED.

Let’s look at some examples.

The library needed compiling in a certain way.

This sounds like an active sentence, but it has a passive meaning. We use the verb NEED followed
by a gerund in an active construction to create a passive meaning. Just like in the classic BE + past
participle passive voice construction, we are focused on the person or the thing that receives the
action.

If we’re going to avoid race conditions, the threads need processing in a consistent sequence.

Just like the previous example, this is an active construction forming a passive meaning. NEED is
followed by the gerund processing.

The threads need processing is the same as the threads need to be processed, but the first one
sounds more direct, as if the necessity is more urgent. This is because of the active construction.
We can imagine somebody saying this in the moment, when the necessity occurs.
The second one sounds more formal, as if it is a written, general instruction.

So, the NEED + GERUND construction can be used as a very effective way of creating passive
meaning whilst expressing necessity. It needs practising.

Complete 7.4.2 Phrases with IF7.4.2 Phrases with IF

IF is an important conjunction which we use in various ways, often for a conditional sentence or a
polite request.

Here are some examples.

If you don’t mind, could you explain how we’re going to define the metrics ahead of the cohort
analysis?

If you don’t mind is used for polite requests when checking if it is okay before going ahead with
something, or if it is okay to refuse something.

If it’s all the same to you, could you take the lead in defining which specific cohorts are relevant?

If it’s all the same to you is used in a similar way. We are asking if the other person has any
problem taking the lead.

If you ask me, the gap analysis should lead to the broader knowledge we obviously need.

If you ask me is used to emphasise that what you are going to say is your personal opinion. It is
usually said when the speaker hasn’t been asked for their opinion.

We have one or two theories regarding the improved conversion, if nothing else. Repeating the
analysis with clearer data is our only option.
If nothing else is used to say that what you are mentioning is the only good part of the situation.
You have theories, but nothing else.

So how else can we use IF?

It can be used as a plural noun in the phrase No ifs or buts.

This is used when we say that there is no way to argue with something. It is definitely happening
with no conditions and no exceptions.

We’re going to repeat the analysis – no ifs or buts.

In this sentence, the speaker is saying that there is no other option and the analysis will be
repeated without question.

Complete 7.4.3 I'd Like To + Infinitives7.4.3 I'd Like To + Infinitives

I’d like to is a polite way of saying I want to in English. The modal verb WOULD adds politeness
to our sentence. We are being polite, but it is typical to use the contracted form I’d like.

We use I’d like to + an infinitive verb to express a request, a necessity, or a demand, or to make an
offer.

Here is an example:

I’d like to remind you of the importance of encryption before sending files to our support team.

In this situation, the speaker is emphasizing the importance in a formal way which fits with the
professional environment. I’d like to remind you of the importance of basically means don’t
forget!

The infinitive verb follows I’d like to: in this case remind.
If we are giving an order, we can address the person directly, putting them in the sentence before
the infinitive verb, like this:

It seems that the antivirus software installation was overlooked. I’d like you to look into this issue,
please.

This is an instruction. You are saying I want you to do this, but more politely and respectfully.

I’d like to know why this compliance problem wasn’t addressed sooner. The company expects us
to try to be more accommodating.

This one has the same pattern. You’re saying I want to know why, but with the necessary
politeness which fits the situation.

This can be changed to we’d like to know, or they’d like to know etc. depending on the situation.

We’d all like to know how to speak more politely, wouldn’t we?

Complete 7.4.4 Requests / Questions7.4.4 Requests / Questions

There are many ways to make requests or ask questions. We always talk about the magic word
PLEASE, and how PLEASE and THANK YOU go a long way, but sometimes we can make requests
and ask questions without using please, and most importantly, without forgetting to be polite.

Here is an example.

Would you mind explaining your experience of data classification?

In this typical question, the format is easy: Would you mind + verb + -ing.

No need to say please, as the politeness is contained in the phrase Would you mind..?
If formality is not necessary, we could use How about..?

How about..? is an informal way to ask for information or an opinion. It’s often used in small
talk, when we ask how somebody is or how their work is going. It can also be used to make
suggestions or offers.

How about the Critical Processes Management Procedure?

In this sentence, we’re asking for information, but we could also be suggesting that we discuss this
procedure. A typical way to follow up this question is with another question.

How about the Critical Processes Management Procedure? Shouldn’t we be thinking about that?

We’re asking a second question using shouldn’t to begin the sentence. Perhaps the procedure in
question is not going well and the speaker feels they should be thinking more about it. Starting a
question with shouldn’t adds more formality and balances the use of How about..?

Modal verbs are very common in requests and questions.

Shall we discuss the issue of Personal Data Security?

We use shall instead of will to be more formal when the subject of the sentence is I or we.

Remember, you can never really go wrong with PLEASE, but how about trying some different
ways?

Complete 7.4.5 Expressing Doubt and Uncertainty7.4.5 Expressing Doubt and Uncertainty

In many everyday situations, we might be uncertain about what we’re saying. We sometimes
doubt what other people are saying, and we question the information we are given.

There are many ways in which we can express our doubts or uncertainty, and it is important to do
this in a polite manner, especially in a professional environment.
Remember: we are looking for clarity, for the benefit of everyone.

I’m not absolutely sure that is going to work.

I’m afraid that doesn’t sound entirely clear to me.

I have some doubts about this, to be honest.

In these examples, we can hear very typical phrases that are both direct and effective. We are
basically saying, I’m sorry, I don’t understand. Can you explain/confirm/clarify?

Let’s look at two useful ways of telling people that you are not totally sure about something.

The first one is: As far as I am aware…

Here we are showing the listener that we think perhaps we are not fully aware of the situation.
Maybe there is more recent information that we haven’t heard or seen. We can offer only what
we know so far.

So, how can we use this?

As far as I am aware, it is fully compliant with the configuration.

In this example, we are suggesting that our information may be limited, or maybe not.

Let’s try another one: To the best of my knowledge…

This shows, again, that we accept the possibility that our knowledge may be limited. We can use
this when a problem arises, sometimes to suggest we are not responsible, perhaps because we are
surprised that the situation differs from what we already know.
To the best of my knowledge, the backup session went ahead as scheduled.

We are not totally sure why there is a problem, and we’re worried that it doesn’t make sense. As
far as we know, everything was okay.

Politeness is always important, especially at work. So, if you’re not completely sure, then express
your doubt or uncertainty.

Life Cycle

These are all the changes that happen to something. In the case of a product, its life cycle begins
when somebody thinks of the idea, then continues through development and manufacture, and
then implementation, and ends when the product is no longer used.

"Information security is involved in the whole lifecycle of the products."

On-board

The adjective on-board means "already existing".

"You need to comply with the information security requirements you have on-
board."

This means that you need to comply with the information security requirements that
already exist.

To cut corners

This means that somebody is trying to do something faster by ignoring some

"You will also quite often learn that people are trying to cut corners with some
procedures."