head office
Main headquarters
Use 'head office' to refer to a company's primary administrative center or the 'bosses' in charge.
Em 15 segundos
- The main building where a company's leadership works.
- Commonly used in British English and international business settings.
- The central location for a company's administration and decisions.
Significado
The 'head office' is the main control center of a company. It is the primary building where the big bosses work and make important decisions.
Exemplos-chave
3 de 6Explaining your work location
I usually work from home, but I have to visit head office on Tuesdays.
I usually work from home, but I have to visit the main headquarters on Tuesdays.
Blaming a policy on the bosses
I'd love to help, but head office won't allow any more refunds.
I'd love to help, but the main headquarters won't allow any more refunds.
A formal announcement
The CEO is moving her desk to the new head office in London.
The CEO is moving her desk to the new main headquarters in London.
Contexto cultural
The term 'head office' is deeply rooted in British corporate history, reflecting a hierarchical 'top-down' management style. While Americans prefer 'headquarters' (HQ), 'head office' remains the dominant term in the UK, Australia, and India. It often symbolizes the divide between 'on-the-ground' workers and executive decision-makers.
Drop the 'The'
In many UK workplaces, people drop the word 'the'. Saying 'I'm going to head office' sounds more like an insider than 'I'm going to the head office'.
US vs UK
If you are in the USA, use 'Headquarters' or 'Corporate'. If you say 'Head Office' in New York, they will know you're a tourist!
Em 15 segundos
- The main building where a company's leadership works.
- Commonly used in British English and international business settings.
- The central location for a company's administration and decisions.
What It Means
Think of a company like a human body. The head office is the brain. It is the main building where the leadership team stays. While a company might have many small shops or branches, this is the 'boss' location. It is where the most important paperwork lives. If you work here, you are at the center of the action.
How To Use It
You use head office as a noun to describe a location. You can say you are 'at' the head office or 'going to' the head office. It often acts like a proper name for a building. You don't usually need to say 'the' if you are talking about it as a destination. For example, "I'm heading to head office for a meeting." It sounds professional but very natural.
When To Use It
Use this when talking about corporate structure. It is perfect for business meetings or explaining your job to friends. Use it when you need to complain about a policy you didn't create. "Sorry, head office says we can't give discounts today!" It is a great way to shift the blame to a mysterious group of bosses.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for small, independent businesses. A local coffee shop doesn't have a head office; it just has a back room. Avoid using it for government buildings or schools. They use terms like 'main branch' or 'district office'. Also, don't use it if you are talking about the physical head of a person. That would be very confusing and slightly scary!
Cultural Background
In British and Commonwealth English, head office is the standard term. In American English, people often say 'headquarters' or 'corporate'. It represents the 'top-down' culture of business. It carries a bit of mystery. Employees often view head office as a place where people wear fancy suits and drink expensive coffee. It is the place where the 'big picture' happens.
Common Variations
You might hear people call it 'HQ' for short. Some people call it 'the mothership' if they are being funny. In the US, you will hear 'corporate' used as a noun. For example, "Corporate sent a new memo today." You might also hear 'main office' in smaller companies. All of these mean the same thing: the place where the power is.
Notas de uso
This phrase is neutral and widely used in professional settings. In British English, it is often used without an article (e.g., 'working at head office').
Drop the 'The'
In many UK workplaces, people drop the word 'the'. Saying 'I'm going to head office' sounds more like an insider than 'I'm going to the head office'.
US vs UK
If you are in the USA, use 'Headquarters' or 'Corporate'. If you say 'Head Office' in New York, they will know you're a tourist!
The 'Invisible' Boss
People often use 'head office' as a synonym for 'the people in charge' when they don't want to name a specific person.
Exemplos
6I usually work from home, but I have to visit head office on Tuesdays.
I usually work from home, but I have to visit the main headquarters on Tuesdays.
Shows a routine travel to the main building.
I'd love to help, but head office won't allow any more refunds.
I'd love to help, but the main headquarters won't allow any more refunds.
Uses the phrase to represent the decision-makers.
The CEO is moving her desk to the new head office in London.
The CEO is moving her desk to the new main headquarters in London.
Used in a formal corporate update.
Stuck in traffic near head office. Start the meeting without me!
Stuck in traffic near the main headquarters. Start the meeting without me!
Shortened and direct for a quick update.
Does head office think we are robots? This new schedule is crazy!
Does the main headquarters think we are robots? This new schedule is crazy!
Personifies the office as a single, out-of-touch entity.
It's sad you're leaving the branch, but good luck at head office!
It's sad you're leaving the branch, but good luck at the main headquarters!
Shows a mix of sadness and professional encouragement.
Teste-se
Choose the correct term to complete the sentence about a company's main location.
Our local shop is small, so we have to order all our supplies through ___.
'Head office' is the standard English collocation for a company's central administrative hub.
Which preposition is most natural here?
I have a meeting ___ head office at 2 PM.
We use 'at' to describe being at a specific functional location like 'at head office' or 'at school'.
🎉 Pontuação: /2
Recursos visuais
Formality of 'Head Office'
Calling it 'The Mothership' or 'HQ'
I'm heading to the mothership.
Standard daily use in most offices
Email head office about the budget.
Used in legal documents or official reports
The registered head office is located in Geneva.
When to say 'Head Office'
Job Interview
Will I be based here or at head office?
Customer Service
I'll have to check with head office.
Commuting
The train to head office was late.
Gossip
I heard head office is hiring again.
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasIt is always two separate words. You should never write it as headoffice.
Yes, main office is a common synonym, but head office sounds slightly more official for large corporations.
Usually, no. You only capitalize it if it is part of a specific address or title, like Microsoft Head Office.
There is no real difference in meaning. Headquarters (or HQ) is more common in the US and in military contexts.
Use at for the location or function: 'I am at head office.' Use in if you are literally inside the physical building.
Technically yes, but it sounds a bit silly. If a business only has one location, that location is just 'the office'.
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss or with your friends without sounding too stiff or too casual.
It stands for headquarters. It is a very common abbreviation for head office in emails and texts.
No, schools usually use district office or administrative building instead of head office.
In American movies, Corporate is often used as a noun to mean the head office or the people who work there.
Frases relacionadas
HQ
Short for headquarters; the same as head office.
Branch office
A smaller, local office that belongs to the main company.
The mothership
A slang/humorous way to refer to the main office.
Flagship store
The most important or famous shop in a retail chain.
Corporate
The central management of a large company.
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