Grammar

1. Complete the following extract from a discussion by putting the verbs into the most suitable conditional form.

Chris: If we …… (want) to recruit better workers, we need to offer better rates of pay.

Maria: I disagree. Just look at Mansell. If we …… (follow) their example, we …… (be) bankrupt by now. If we …… (offer) the highest wages, I doubt that it would make us a better employer.

Chris: Well, look at it the other way round. If we don't attract better workers, we simply …… (not get) the orders.

Maria: Why not?

Chris: Because of investment. If a company …… (want) to succeed it must invest in all aspects of the business. And that includes the workforce.

Maria: So, if we were to invest in the workforce, how …… you …… (suggest) going about it? Chris: I …… (recommend) a study of the average wage in this area for different types of work. And then we should offer a competitive rate for different grades, as long as everyone …… (agree).

Maria: And what if they …… (not agree)?

Chris: Then Bob …… (must) make the final decision.

2. Complete the following telephone call (-ING versus INFINITIVE).

S: Good morning, SAWA Enterprises.

A: Hello, I'd like …… (speak) to Mr Hashimoto.

S: Who's calling, please?

A: Andreas Blom, from Salzburg. I wonder if I could …… (see) him this week?

S: I’m sorry, Mr Hashimoto is not free this week. He tried …… (phone) you last week but you were in New York.

A: Yes, I'm sorry. I remember …… (ask) him to call me, but I forgot …… (tell) him I would be away.

S: Perhaps I can ask him …… (call) you as soon as he is free next week.

A: Yes, please do. I’ll look forward …… (hear) from him.

S: Okay. Thank you for …… (call). We’ll talk again next week.

A: Fine. Bye for now.

S: Goodbye.