B1English

Asking for Time Off

Use these phrases when you need to ask your manager for time off, explain your absence, or call in sick.

Key Phrases

Voice
Requesting time off · 3 ways to say it

Can I take next Friday off for a long weekend?

casual

Use this friendly phrasing when asking for a single day off.

I'd like to request some time off at the end of next month.

neutral

A standard, professional way to start the conversation with your manager.

Would it be possible to take a few days off next week?

polite

Very polite; good for strict workplaces or when giving short notice.

Taking paid time off · 2 ways to say it

I'm hoping to use some vacation time during the summer.

casual

US English — use 'vacation time' for paid time off.

I would like to use some of my holiday allowance in July.

neutral

UK English — use 'holiday allowance' or 'annual leave'.

Giving a reason · 3 ways to say it

I'm going out of town for a few days to visit some friends.

casual

A natural way to say you are traveling away from your city.

I have a family event that I really need to attend.

neutral

Professional and gives just enough information without oversharing.

I need to take some time off to deal with personal matters.

polite

Keeps your exact reason private but sounds important and serious.

Covering your work · 2 ways to say it

Sarah has agreed to cover my shift while I am away.

casual

Common in retail, restaurants, or jobs with scheduled hours.

I will make sure all my tasks are up to date before I leave.

neutral

Reassures your manager that you won't leave any unfinished work behind.

Calling in sick · 2 ways to say it

I'm calling in sick today because I have caught a really bad cold.

casual

The most common way to say you cannot work due to illness.

I won't be able to come to work today because I am feeling quite ill.

polite

More formal; useful when writing an email to a large team.

Asking for approval · 2 ways to say it

Is it okay if I take these specific days off next month?

casual

A direct but friendly way to ask your boss for a 'yes'.

Please let me know if you can approve this time off.

neutral

Good for the end of a written email request.

Explaining availability

I won't be checking my work emails while I am away on this trip.

neutral

Sets clear boundaries about your communication during the time off.

Offering a compromise

If this is a bad time for the team, I can change the dates.

neutral

Shows you are flexible and thinking about your colleagues' workload.

Practice Dialogue

Employee
Hi Mark, do you have a minute to chat?
Manager
Sure. I'm just finishing an email. What's up?
Employee
Well, I'd like to request some time off at the end of next month.
Manager
Right. How many days are you looking to take?
Employee
Just a long weekend. I'm going out of town to visit some friends.
Manager
Okay. We are a bit swamped right now, so we need to be careful.
Employee
I know. But I'll make sure all my tasks are up to date before I go.
Manager
That helps. Has anyone agreed to cover for you?
Employee
Yeah, Sarah said she can handle my projects and things like that.
Manager
Great. Just put the vacation request in the system, and I'll approve it today.
Employee
Perfect, I will do that right now. Thanks!

More Work & Study (B1)

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