Your First Weeks in an English-Speaking Workplace
The phrases that get you through the working day when your English is still basic — asking, checking, admitting you did not understand.
You do not need advanced English to function at work. You need a small set of phrases used confidently, and the willingness to say when you have not understood.
Saying you did not understand
This is the single most valuable skill, and the one people avoid out of embarrassment. Nodding along is far more expensive than asking.
- Sorry, could you say that again?
- Sorry, I didn't catch that.
- Could you speak a bit more slowly, please?
- What does "deadline" mean?
- Sorry, I'm not sure I follow.
Nobody minds. A colleague repeating a sentence costs ten seconds; a task done wrong costs a day.
Checking you got it right
- So, just to check — you want me to send it by Friday?
- Do you mean X or Y?
- Is that right?
Repeating the instruction in your own words is the safest habit at work in any language, and it makes you look careful rather than uncertain.
Asking for help
- Could you give me a hand with this?
- Have you got a minute?
- Sorry to bother you, but…
- Who should I ask about holidays?
Reporting progress
- It's done.
- I'm still working on it.
- I've nearly finished.
- I've run into a problem with…
- I'm stuck — could you take a look?
Say early if you are stuck. In most English-speaking workplaces, flagging a problem on day one is normal; discovering it on the deadline is not.
The everyday phrases
- Morning! (the standard greeting — full "good morning" is slightly formal)
- How's it going? — Not bad, thanks. You?
- See you tomorrow. / Have a good weekend.
- I'm off now. (leaving for the day)
- I'm on holiday next week.
Politeness that costs nothing
Add please, thanks and sorry generously. English-speaking workplaces use them far more than many other cultures, and their absence reads as brusque even when nothing rude was intended.
Test yourself
The quiz below is about what to say, not about grammar.