Work Email & Phone Calls
These phrases will help you sound professional, clear, and natural when communicating in workplace emails and phone calls.
Key Phrases
I just wanted to drop you a quick line about the presentation.
casualCommon idiom used when writing a short, informal email.
I'm reaching out to discuss the upcoming project.
neutralA very standard corporate phrase for initiating contact.
Hi, is Sarah around?
casualUse when calling a colleague's direct team or department.
Could I speak to the manager, please?
politeShe just stepped out. Want me to take a message?
casualReduced grammar ('Do you want me to...') is very natural in casual speech.
I'm afraid he's in a meeting. Would you like to leave a message?
politeHe is out of the office on vacation until Monday.
neutralUS English
He is out of the office on holiday until Monday.
neutralUK English
Does Tuesday afternoon work for you?
casualA natural way to suggest a time without sounding overly formal.
Could we set up a time to meet next week?
neutralWould you mind sending me the updated numbers?
neutralAlways follow 'would you mind' with an -ing verb.
I would appreciate it if you could forward the document by Friday.
politeUses a conditional structure for extra politeness in emails.
I'm just circling back to see if you had any thoughts on this.
casualCommon corporate jargon for checking in on a previous topic.
I am following up on the email I sent yesterday regarding the new policy.
neutralAnyway, I should get going. Talk to you later.
casual'Anyway' is a useful discourse marker to signal you are ready to end the conversation.
Thank you for your time. Have a good afternoon.
polite