English · B1 · Speaking · about 5 min
Explain the delay, request a specific new date, and offer a useful partial result.
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. |
SituationThe Friday deadline is impossible. How do you state the delay clearly?
Say thisI won't be able to finish by Friday.
WhyState the problem directly before asking for a new date.
SituationYou need until Monday. Which request names a concrete new deadline?
Say thisCould we move the deadline to Monday?
WhyName the day so the other person can make a decision.
SituationA colleague asks why. Which line gives a useful reason without blaming them?
Say thisI'm waiting for the final figures from finance.
WhyA concrete dependency is more useful than vague blame.
SituationYou can share useful progress today. Which offer helps the team?
Say thisI can send you a draft this afternoon.
WhyOffer a specific partial deliverable and a time.
SituationThe new date is agreed. Which line confirms the plan?
Say thisThanks. I'll send the final version on Monday.
WhyRepeat the deadline and what you will deliver.
| Situation | Say this | Why |
|---|---|---|
| The Friday deadline is impossible. How do you state the delay clearly? | I won't be able to finish by Friday. | State the problem directly before asking for a new date. |
| You need until Monday. Which request names a concrete new deadline? | Could we move the deadline to Monday? | Name the day so the other person can make a decision. |
| A colleague asks why. Which line gives a useful reason without blaming them? | I'm waiting for the final figures from finance. | A concrete dependency is more useful than vague blame. |
| You can share useful progress today. Which offer helps the team? | I can send you a draft this afternoon. | Offer a specific partial deliverable and a time. |
| The new date is agreed. Which line confirms the plan? | Thanks. I'll send the final version on Monday. | Repeat the deadline and what you will deliver. |
Explain the delay, request a specific new date, and offer a useful partial result.
You cannot finish by Friday. What do you say first?
The Friday deadline is impossible. How do you state the delay clearly?
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.