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Unit 3: English In A Minute
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Session 69

Welcome to English In A Minute. Give us a minute and we'll give you a hot tip about English vocabulary... there's so much to learn! And all taught by your favourite BBC Learning English staff!

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    Activity 1
  1. Activity 1

Activity 1

Different meanings of 'company'

Phil teaches different ways to use 'company'.

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Phil

Let's learn company.

It's a noun and the first meaning of company is 'a business'. A company can be an organisation that makes money from goods and services.

She's a businesswoman – she runs her own company.
The best companies hire the best staff.

The other common meanings are about people. If you are with people, they are company. And usually when we talk about company, it's a good thing.

I hate being alone! I need some company!
I love spending time with you – you're great company!

Of course, it's not always good.

He's so annoying! He's such bad company when he's like this.
If you can't respect others, you're just bad company.

So, company is about businesses or people. If you need company while you're learning English, we'll be there!

Company

Company is a business that makes money from goods or services. 

  • I work for a very small company. There are only 5 employees.

If you are with people, they are company. People can be good company or bad company. 

  • I love going out with Jen. She's great company. 
  • Gareth is boring. He's really bad company. 

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