French · B1 · Speaking · about 5 min
Explain the delay, request Monday, and offer a draft today in a polite work exchange.
‘D'ici vendredi’ means by Friday. Add a specific alternative rather than leaving the problem open.
Say thisJe ne pourrai pas terminer d'ici vendredi.
MeaningI will not be able to finish by Friday.
When to use itStart the conversation naturally.
Say thisPourrions-nous repousser la date limite à lundi ?
MeaningCould we move the deadline to Monday?
When to use itAdd the detail the other person needs.
Say thisJe peux vous envoyer un brouillon aujourd'hui.
MeaningI can send you a draft today.
When to use itFinish with a clear, polite line.
| Say this | Meaning | When to use it |
|---|---|---|
| Je ne pourrai pas terminer d'ici vendredi. | I will not be able to finish by Friday. | Start the conversation naturally. |
| Pourrions-nous repousser la date limite à lundi ? | Could we move the deadline to Monday? | Add the detail the other person needs. |
| Je peux vous envoyer un brouillon aujourd'hui. | I can send you a draft today. | Finish with a clear, polite line. |
SituationThe Friday deadline is impossible. How do you state the delay clearly?
Say thisJe ne pourrai pas le terminer d'ici vendredi.
WhyState the problem directly before asking for a new date.
SituationYou need until Monday. Which request names a concrete new deadline?
Say thisPourrions-nous repousser l'échéance à lundi ?
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 thisJ'attends encore les chiffres définitifs du service financier.
WhyA concrete dependency is more useful than vague blame.
SituationYou can share useful progress today. Which offer helps the team?
Say thisJe peux t'envoyer un brouillon cet après-midi.
WhyOffer a specific partial deliverable and a time.
SituationThe new date is agreed. Which line confirms the plan?
Say thisMerci. J'enverrai la version finale lundi.
WhyRepeat the deadline and what you will deliver.
| Situation | Say this | Why |
|---|---|---|
| The Friday deadline is impossible. How do you state the delay clearly? | Je ne pourrai pas le terminer d'ici vendredi. | State the problem directly before asking for a new date. |
| You need until Monday. Which request names a concrete new deadline? | Pourrions-nous repousser l'échéance à lundi ? | Name the day so the other person can make a decision. |
| A colleague asks why. Which line gives a useful reason without blaming them? | J'attends encore les chiffres définitifs du service financier. | A concrete dependency is more useful than vague blame. |
| You can share useful progress today. Which offer helps the team? | Je peux t'envoyer un brouillon cet après-midi. | Offer a specific partial deliverable and a time. |
| The new date is agreed. Which line confirms the plan? | Merci. J'enverrai la version finale lundi. | Repeat the deadline and what you will deliver. |
Explain the delay, request Monday, and offer a draft today in a polite work exchange.
You cannot finish by Friday. Which line starts the exchange?
The Friday deadline is impossible. How do you state the delay clearly?
Je ne pourrai pas terminer d'ici vendredi.
I will not be able to finish by Friday.
Start the conversation naturally.
Pourrions-nous repousser la date limite à lundi ?
Could we move the deadline to Monday?
Add the detail the other person needs.
Je peux vous envoyer un brouillon aujourd'hui.
I can send you a draft today.
Finish with a clear, polite line.