English · B1 · Vocabulary · 3–5 min
Eight workplace choices: explain a delay, request a new date, and agree on the next step.
1 / 8
State the delay directly.
A clear request works better than ‘I need more time’. Give a date and say what you can deliver meanwhile.
Say thisI won't be able to finish by Friday.
MeaningState the delay directly.
When to use itStart the conversation naturally.
Say thisCould we move the deadline to Monday?
MeaningAsk for a specific new deadline.
When to use itAdd the detail the other person needs.
Say thisI can send you a draft today.
MeaningOffer useful progress now.
When to use itFinish with a clear, polite line.
| Say this | Meaning | When to use it |
|---|---|---|
| I won't be able to finish by Friday. | State the delay directly. | Start the conversation naturally. |
| Could we move the deadline to Monday? | Ask for a specific new deadline. | Add the detail the other person needs. |
| I can send you a draft today. | Offer useful progress now. | Finish with a clear, polite line. |
Explain the delay, request a specific new date, and offer a useful partial result.
I won't be able to finish by Friday.
State the delay directly.
Start the conversation naturally.
Could we move the deadline to Monday?
Ask for a specific new deadline.
Add the detail the other person needs.
I can send you a draft today.
Offer useful progress now.
Finish with a clear, polite line.