we/I

[windcolor]

I'm studying business english, so I come up against all sorts of trivial questions. Hope not to bother you much.

In business writings, I usually read such sentence like this:
" We are well-established exporters of all kinds of goods".
I know " we" stands for one company, but " we are exporters" may be misunderstood that there are more than one company, so I think that "I am well-established exporter" seems more reasonable. Is that right?

Thanks!

[RonBee]

I see nothing wrong with "We are well-established exporters...." I don't see how that would be misunderstood. I wouldn't use I unless I was talking about an individual. (BTW, say "I am a well-established exporter.")

:)

[windcolor]

Thanks for RonBee! " I am an exporter" implys that it's a small business, and " We are exporters" implys that it's a big company, because there are many exporters / individuals in the big company, I guess. How do you think my idea?

[RonBee]

Say " I am an exporter" if you are the owner of the company. Say "we" if there is more than one of you. Neither usage really says anything about the size of the company.

(Say: implies.)
(Say: "What do you think of my idea?")

BTW, welcome to the forum.
:D

8)

[windcolor]

Thanks for your assistance! Now I am quite clear about the meaning of " we".

[Tdol]

In British English we are happy to use the plural when talking about things like companies. The correct singular pronoun would be 'it' but that sounds very impersonal. An outsider might use it, but it isn't as attractive.

[comicer]

Can we say: We are a well-established exporter ?

"We" here represents the whole company; so we use singular noun "exporter".

How about "Leaflets is an effective means of promotion" ?

I'm somewhat confusing. Please help.

[RonBee]

Can we say: We are a well-established exporter ?

Yes.

"We" here represents the whole company; so we use singular noun "exporter".

That is correct.

How about "Leaflets is an effective means of promotion" ?

Leaflets are an effective means of communication.

I'm somewhat confusing. Please help.

I think you mean to say, "I'm somewhat confused."

I'm here to help.

:wink:

[comicer]

Thank you RonBee!

[RonBee]

You're welcome.

:)