English - Work Life

What do you do for work?

ask about someone's job

Meaning: Ask about someone's job.

When to use: Use this neutral question when you want to know someone's job or role.

I work as a ___.

say your job or role

Meaning: Say your job or role.

When to use: Use this frame to give your job title or role in introductions.

Tip: Beginners sometimes drop 'as' and say "I work teacher" — use 'I work as a ___.'

I work at ___.

say where you work

Meaning: Say where you work.

When to use: Use when you name your workplace or employer.

Tip: Don't mix 'at' and 'in' — say 'I work at Google' for a company, not 'in' the company name.

I work in ___.

say your field or department

Meaning: Say your field or department.

When to use: Use to describe your area of work without a specific job title.

Tip: Learners sometimes use 'at' instead of 'in' for fields (say 'I work in sales', not 'at sales').

I'm looking for a job.

say you are seeking employment

Meaning: Say you are seeking employment.

When to use: Use this sentence when you want others to know you are searching for work.

I start work at ___.

state work start time

Meaning: State your work start time.

When to use: Use to tell someone when your workday begins.

I finish work at ___.

state work end time

Meaning: State your work end time.

When to use: Use to explain when your workday ends.

I have a day off on ___.

talk about a day off

Meaning: Talk about a day off.

When to use: Use to explain which day you are free or not working.

Can you help me with this task?

request help with work

Meaning: Request help with work.

When to use: Use to politely ask a colleague or friend for help with a specific task.

I'm on break.

say you are taking a break

Meaning: Say you are taking a break.

When to use: Use to tell someone you are temporarily away from work duties.

I work full-time.

describe job schedule

Meaning: Describe a full-time job schedule.

When to use: Use to explain that you work full hours or as a main job.

I work part-time.

describe job schedule

Meaning: Describe a part-time job schedule.

When to use: Use to explain you have a job with fewer hours or as a side job.

What time is the meeting?

ask about workplace time

Meaning: Ask about the time of a meeting.

When to use: Use to find out when a meeting or event will start.