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[Mastering the Formal Business Expression: 'Until Further Notice']-[BE 61: Use This Phrase to Announce Changes Until Further Notice]

Business English from All Ears English · B1 · 2023-02-15

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📋 Summary

Understanding the Formal Expression: 'Until Further Notice'

In the professional world, language often shifts to become more formal to convey authority, manage expectations, and handle organizational changes. One such expression frequently encountered in corporate communications is "until further notice." This phrase serves as a key tool for professionals to communicate indefinite timelines regarding company policies or operational shifts.

What Does 'Until Further Notice' Mean?

At its core, "until further notice" is a formal way of saying "until we let you know," "until we tell you otherwise," or "until you hear something different." It is an expression used when a situation is expected to persist for an indeterminate amount of time. The speakers, Lindsay and Michelle, note that it effectively signals to employees that they should not expect a quick resolution or keep asking, "How long will this last?" It provides a buffer for the organization to maintain a current state of affairs without committing to a specific end date.

The Fatalistic Tone and Business Context

While the phrase is grammatically neutral, it often carries a "fatalistic" undertone in a business environment. It is typically associated with:

  • Negative or Drastic Changes: The hosts explain that you are more likely to hear this phrase when announcing unfavorable news, such as a "hiring freeze," the closure of an office program, or a change in financial circumstances that results in "renting out the wing down the hall to another company."
  • Corporate Policy Shifts: It is rarely used for positive, casual announcements like "casual Fridays." Instead, it is the language of HR departments and large corporations dealing with significant, often restrictive, operational adjustments.

Why Use It?

For managers and higher-level professionals, this expression serves several strategic purposes:

  1. Managing Expectations: By using this phrase, leadership avoids the constant pressure of questions regarding the duration of a policy, as it implies the timeline is "indefinite."
  2. Professionalism: Compared to wordier alternatives like "we'll let you know when the closure is over," this phrase is concise and maintains a professional, albeit serious, tone.
  3. Communication Efficiency: It is predominantly used in written communication, such as emails from administration to staff, where clarity and authoritative tone are prioritized.

Alternatives and Practical Application

If you find "until further notice" too formal or heavy, there are other ways to convey similar information, such as "until you hear otherwise." However, the hosts emphasize that for high-level business interactions, mastering the original phrase is essential for clarity and professional alignment.

Ultimately, encountering this phrase can sometimes feel like a "lack of control" over one's work environment. The hosts conclude with a vital piece of advice for the modern professional: regardless of company communications, always maintain your professional network and LinkedIn profile. Understanding the nuances of business English is not just about vocabulary—it is about navigating the reality of the corporate landscape with confidence and preparedness.

🎯Key Sentences

1
I mean, where are you even going?
2
I mean, what are what are some of the benefits, you know, to using this expression?
3
I'm just joking.
4
What's going on?
5
It's like you're waiting on you like like you're kind of left hanging.
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📝Key Phrases

1
until further notice
2
until we hear otherwise
3
drastic changes
4
left hanging
5
renting out
Expand All

📖 Transcript

This is the Business English Podcast, Episode 61.
Use this phrase to announce changes until further notice.
Welcome to the Business English podcast from All Ears English.
Get the English skills you need to achieve your dreams in global business.
For a presentation, a meeting, or your office party, this is Real Business English with your favorite American hosts, Lindsay and Michelle, coming to you from New York City and Colorado, USA.
Still translating in your head when you speak English?

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