New here? This is lesson 156 of a free 240-lesson English course.
A polite message at work in English
Ana needs to send Marcus a short work message. The library drawings are ready, and he wants plans in plain words.
She will open with a quick note, send the newest file, and ask him to take a look.
She also offers a call if he wants to talk, then ends the message in a polite way.
Keep it brief. Marcus hates long notes as much as long meetings.
By the end of this lesson
Write a short polite work message, ask someone to check a file, and close the note.
- Hi, quick note on the drawings.Hello. This short message is about the drawings.
- I've attached the latest version.The newest file is with this message.
- Could you take a look when you have a minute?Please check it when you are free.
- Let me know if you need any changes.Tell me if you want me to change anything.
- Happy to jump on a call.I can talk on the phone if that helps.
- Have a good rest of your day.a polite way to end a work message
Scene — the library drawings
Ana is at her desk in the architecture studio downtown. Rolled drawings sit beside a blank whiteboard.
Marcus wants the library plans in plain words. She opens a short message and keeps it brief.
Outside, the L runs past the windows. No one is talking about the diner jukebox today.
Learn — a short work note
Six lines make a short work message. You greet, send a file, and ask for a look.
You offer a call if they want to talk, then you close in a polite way.
Hi, quick note on the drawings.
Hello. This short message is about the drawings.
When to use it: Use this to open a short work message.
Hi is fine in a short work note, and you keep the rest brief.
I've attached the latest version.
The newest file is with this message.
When to use it: Say this when a file goes with your message.
I've is a contraction, so learn it as one piece for I have.
Could you take a look when you have a minute?
Please check it when you are free.
When to use it: Ask someone to check your work when they are free.
Could you is the polite way to ask at work.
Say it: Could and you can link.
Let me know if you need any changes.
Tell me if you want me to change anything.
When to use it: Say this if they might want you to change the work.
Let me know is one piece that asks them to tell you.
Happy to jump on a call.
I can talk on the phone if that helps.
When to use it: Offer a phone or video call if talking is easier.
Jump on a call means join a phone or video call.
Say it: To can sound like tuh.
Have a good rest of your day.
a polite way to end a work message
When to use it: End a work message with this polite close.
This close is a little longer than Have a good day.
Story — keep it brief
Ana writes Marcus a short note about the library drawings. He wants plain words, so she keeps it brief.
The highlighted words are the lines you just learned.
- The meeting is over. Ana sits at her desk with the library drawings.
MarcusKeep it short, Ana. I just need the latest drawings.He wants a brief note and the newest drawings.
AnaHi, quick note on the drawings.Hello. This short message is about the drawings.- She types as she talks. Marcus stands by the whiteboard with a rolled set of drawings.
- MarcusGood. Did you send the file?He asks if the drawings file is already with the message.
- AnaI've attached the latest version.The newest file is with this message.
- MarcusI'll look in a bit. Give me a minute.He will check it later. He needs a little time.
- AnaCould you take a look when you have a minute?Please check it when you are free.
- MarcusWell, I will. Plain words on the plans, please.He agrees, and he wants the plans in simple words.
- AnaLet me know if you need any changes.Tell me if you want me to change anything.
- MarcusSure. So, do you want to talk it through?He agrees, then he asks if she wants to talk.
- AnaHappy to jump on a call.I can talk on the phone if that helps.
- MarcusIn person or on a video call?Should we meet in the office or online?
- AnaA video call is fine. I'll keep it short.She chooses to talk online and stay brief.
- MarcusGood. I have to run.He is pleased, and he needs to leave now.
- AnaHave a good rest of your day.a polite way to end a work message
- MarcusYou too. Send the note and we're done.He wishes her the same, then tells her to send the note.
Practice — send the note
Ten quick exercises wait here. You'll listen, pick, match, fill a gap, and build a line.
They stay short, like a work note.
0 of 10 done
What did you hear?
What did you hear?
Match the pairs
English
Hi, quick note on the drawings.Drop the Simple English hereI've attached the latest version.Drop the Simple English hereHappy to jump on a call.Drop the Simple English hereHave a good rest of your day.Drop the Simple English hereSimple English
What do you say?
What do you say?
You sent the drawings. Ask Marcus to check them when he is free.
What does it mean?
What does it mean?
Happy to jump on a call.
Fill the gap
Fill the gap
I can talk on the phone if that helps.
Happy ____ jump on a call.
Build the line
Build the line
Tell me if you want me to change anything.
.
Tap the words in order.
Pick the reply
Marcus says:
Pick the reply
Did you send the new file?
He asks if the newest drawings are with the message.
And you reply with:
Swap the word
Swap the word
You are ending a work message in the afternoon.
Have a good rest of your ____.
True or false?
True or false?
You can only say this in a work email.
What do you say?
What do you say?
You offered a call. Now ask if you should meet at the office or talk online.
Say it — say the note
Now you're Ana at your desk. You need to send Marcus a short message about the drawings.
When it's your turn, tap the microphone and speak the line. Your recording stays on your device.
- MarcusKeep it short. I need the latest drawings.He wants a brief note and the newest drawings.
- Ana (you)Start the short message. It is about the drawings.
Start the short message. It is about the drawings.
Hi, quick note on the drawings.
Hello. This short message is about the drawings.
0 of 6 said
Recap — what you can say now
| English | Simple English | Play |
|---|---|---|
| Hi, quick note on the drawings. | Hello. This short message is about the drawings. | |
| I've attached the latest version. | The newest file is with this message. | |
| Could you take a look when you have a minute? | Please check it when you are free. | |
| Let me know if you need any changes. | Tell me if you want me to change anything. | |
| Happy to jump on a call. | I can talk on the phone if that helps. | |
| Have a good rest of your day. | a polite way to end a work message |
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