Lesson
Names of industries and sectors
Text
This lesson introduces common industries and business vocabulary used in professional English. You will learn names of sectors, common collocations, and how to refer to companies and their markets.
Table
| Industry | Description | Example sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing | Production of goods in factories | The manufacturing industry reported a 3% rise in output this quarter. |
| Technology | Software, hardware, and IT services | She works in the technology industry as a project manager for a software firm. |
| Finance | Banking, investment, and insurance services | Our finance team prepared the quarterly profit forecast. |
| Healthcare | Medical services, pharmaceuticals, hospitals | The healthcare industry is investing in telemedicine solutions. |
| Retail | Sale of goods to consumers | Retail companies adjusted their supply chains before the holiday season. |
| Construction | Building infrastructure and real estate | Construction firms bid on the government infrastructure project. |
| Energy | Production and distribution of power and fuel | The energy industry is shifting toward renewable sources. |
| Agriculture | Farming, food production, and agribusiness | The agriculture sector faces challenges due to changing weather patterns. |
Tip
Keep these points in mind when using industry vocabulary in business English:
When describing markets, be specific (e.g., technology industry, pharmaceutical industry).
Example
I joined the manufacturing industry after completing my engineering degree.
Our company is expanding into the Asian technology market.
He specializes in financial compliance within the banking industry.
The healthcare industry has adopted new digital records systems.
Tip
Watch for these universal errors when using industry vocabulary:
Focus on article use, collocations, and singular/plural agreement.
Quiz
Choose the sentence with the correct industry collocation:
Hint: Focus on the correct preposition for sectors.
Correct!
Use 'in the X industry' to indicate the sector where someone works.
Incorrect
The correct answer was: She works in the technology industry as a developer.
Use 'in the X industry' to indicate the sector where someone works.
Quiz
Complete: The company expanded into the renewable _____ last year.
Hint: Think of the phrase used for power and fuel industries.
Correct!
'Energy sector' is the common collocation to refer to industries producing power and fuel.
Incorrect
The correct answer was: energy sector
'Energy sector' is the common collocation to refer to industries producing power and fuel.
Quiz
Which industry is most associated with patient care?
Hint: Consider which sector includes hospitals and doctors.
Correct!
The healthcare industry covers hospitals, clinics, medical services, and patient care.
Incorrect
The correct answer was: Healthcare
The healthcare industry covers hospitals, clinics, medical services, and patient care.
Vocabulary
A group of companies producing related goods or services; a business sector.
The automotive industry is investing in electric vehicles.
Vocabulary
A distinct part of the economy or society, often used in reports and statistics.
The public sector introduced new regulations last month.
Vocabulary
The industry of producing goods, especially in factories.
Manufacturing plants updated their safety protocols.
Expression
The network between a company and its suppliers to produce and distribute a product.
Delays in the supply chain affected product delivery times.
Vocabulary
Energy from sources that are naturally replenished, such as wind or solar power.
Investors are funding renewable energy startups.
Vocabulary
The sale of goods directly to consumers, usually in small quantities.
Retail sales increased during the promotional campaign.
Vocabulary
The management of money, banking, investments, and credit.
She has a background in corporate finance.