Do you often struggle to find the right word in meetings, emails or presentations? Growing your vocabulary is essential, so you can say what you want in English.
Every week, I present an important English word or phrase for business. Over time, you will learn many new an useful words that you can use when communicating in English.
This week, the business English term we will learn is: white paper
Read this excerpt from a recent article about how to use a white paper for your business from Entrepreneur Magazine:
“Creating a white paper can be a powerful strategy for any business. […] The white paper wouldn’t replace your other marketing tools but would be in addition to them. […] Once you have your white paper completed, you can use it a number of ways. […] White papers can be great marketing tools, and really, you can adapt them any way you want. Start by thinking of a good topic that would be of great interest to your potential clients or customers.”
How many times can you find the term “white paper” in this text?
What does “white paper” mean?
Are you wondering why a “white paper” is so important for business? Why would a “white paper” be used for marketing, if it is just a blank piece of paper?
*Note: This article may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link.
In business, the term “white paper” does not literally refer to a blank piece of paper. On the contrary!
A white paper is a document giving detailed information on a particular subject. This topic is of interest to potential customers and offers practical solutions to a specific problem. Therefore, a white paper can be used as a marketing tool.
Let’s look at the examples in the text:
Creating a white paper can be a powerful strategy for any business.
Once you have your white paper completed, you can use it a number of ways.
- it is a detailed, informative report on a particular subject
White papers can be great marketing tools, and really, you can adapt them any way you want.
The white paper wouldn’t replace your other marketing tools, but would be in addition to them.
- it is a marketing tool because it offers practical solutions to customers’ problems
How do you pronounce “white paper”?
/ˌwaɪtˈpeɪ.pər/
When pronouncing this term, the first syllable of “paper” is stressed.
Note that the there is no pause between the two words. This useful video lesson shows you how to pronounce a /t/ followed by a /p/ sound:
What type of word is “white paper”?
The term “white paper” is composed of an adjective “white” and the noun “paper”.
How do you use the term “white paper”?
“White paper” is often used in collocations, such as:
- write a white paper
- create a white paper
- complete a white paper
- offer a white paper
Further Reading (Advanced)
Now you know how what the word “white paper” means and how to use and pronounce it.
Are you curious about how to create a white paper for your business? To learn more about how you can use white papers for your business, you can read this advanced article in Inc. Magazine:
As always, don’t worry if you don’t understand every word. Just keep reading and see if you can understand the general message of the text.
How to study new vocabulary
To help you study the new words, I have created these flashcards. Here you can study the flash cards, practice spelling and take quizzes to memorize the new words:
Let’s practice
What can you write a white paper about for your business?
Tell us by commenting below!
I look forward to reading your ideas.
Happy learning!
Further reading:
