Welcome! In this short lesson we'll practice everyday work phrases you can use right away. Repeat aloud and try the short quizzes to lock them in.
Level A2: In Lesson 56 you will practice common workplace frames for times, requests, absences, and responsibilities. This CEFR-aligned lesson focuses on lines like “The meeting is at ___,” “Can I leave early today?” and “Who is responsible for ___?” — perfect for talking about schedules and tasks.
After this lesson you'll be able to:
Use simple phrases to say meeting times and schedule changes.
Make polite requests and explain absences at work.
Ask and say who is responsible for tasks (A2 level).
Ready? Let's go!
When you tap play on phrases, we track your progress through this lesson.
1. Reading + Listening Practice
Hear core phrases, repeat aloud.
The meeting is at ___.
state workplace appointment time
Meaning: State workplace appointment time.
When to use: Use to tell the time of a meeting or appointment at work.
Tip: Beginner mistake: using 'on' instead of 'at' for times (say 'at 3 PM').
The meeting is at 3 PM.
The meeting is at 3 PM.
The meeting is at noon.
The meeting is at noon.
Can I leave early today?
request permission at work
Meaning: Request permission to leave work earlier than usual.
When to use: Use to ask your manager or coworker for permission to leave before the end of your shift.
Tip: Remember to be polite; in formal settings add 'please' or give a reason.
Can I leave early today?
Can I leave early today?
Can I leave early on Friday?
Can I leave early on Friday?
I can't come to work today.
explain absence from work
Meaning: Explain that you will not be at work today.
When to use: Use to notify your manager or team about an absence.
I can't come to work today because I'm sick.
I can't come to work today because I'm sick.
I can't come to work today — can we reschedule?
I can't come to work today — can we reschedule?
I need more time.
state need for extra time
Meaning: Say you need extra time to finish a task.
When to use: Use when a deadline is approaching and you need additional time.
I need more time to finish the report.
I need more time to finish the report.
I need more time on this task.
I need more time on this task.
I sent the ___.
confirm completion of communication task
Meaning: Confirm you sent a message or document.
When to use: Use to tell someone that you completed a sending task (email, report, file).
Tip: Make sure to name what you sent (report, email) so the listener knows which item you mean.
I sent the report.
I sent the report.
I sent the email to the client.
I sent the email to the client.
Who is responsible for ___?
ask about responsibility
Meaning: Ask who has responsibility for a task.
When to use: Use when you need to clarify roles or assign tasks at work.
Who is responsible for the presentation?
Who is responsible for the presentation?
Who is responsible for the budget?
Who is responsible for the budget?
I have a job interview on ___.
talk about a job search appointment
Meaning: Talk about a scheduled job interview.
When to use: Use to tell someone about an upcoming interview and plan around it.
I have a job interview on Monday.
I have a job interview on Monday.
I have a job interview on the 12th.
I have a job interview on the 12th.
I'm working late today.
explain a temporary change in work schedule
Meaning: Explain you will be working later than usual today.
When to use: Use to explain temporary schedule changes or delayed availability.
I'm working late today, so I will join the meeting by phone.
I'm working late today, so I will join the meeting by phone.
I'm working late today and can't make dinner plans.
I'm working late today and can't make dinner plans.
I'm responsible for ___.
Describe one's work responsibilities
Meaning: Describe your responsibilities at work.
When to use: Use when someone asks about your job duties or who handles a task.
I'm responsible for customer support.
I'm responsible for customer support.
I'm responsible for the social media posts.
I'm responsible for the social media posts.
2. Conversational Listening Practice
Hear phrases in a real mini-conversation.
Two coworkers plan the afternoon.
What are Anna and David mainly talking about?
Anna
The meeting is at 3 PM.
The meeting is at 3 PM.
David
Who is responsible for the slides?
Who is responsible for the slides?
Anna
I'm responsible for the design, but I need more time.
I'm responsible for the design, but I need more time.
David
Okay. Also, can I leave early today? I have an appointment.
Okay. Also, can I leave early today? I have an appointment.
Anna
Yes — I'm working late today, so I can hand off some work.
Yes — I'm working late today, so I can hand off some work.
David
Thanks. I sent the email about the agenda.
Thanks. I sent the email about the agenda.
3. Guided Practice
Quizzes and matching to lock in meaning.
How do you tell your manager you will not come to work today?
Which sentence asks who has a task or duty?
Which phrase confirms you completed sending something?
Which question asks permission to leave work earlier than usual?
Anna: The meeting is at 3 PM. David: OK, I will be there.
Anna: ___ 3 PM. David: OK, I will be there.
After checking her calendar, Maria asks her boss: "Can I leave early today?"
After checking her calendar, Maria asks her boss: "___?"
Tom calls his manager and says, "I can't come to work today because I have a fever."
Tom calls his manager and says, "___ because I have a fever."
Match the core phrases
Match the extra phrases
4. Speaking Practice
Say phrases yourself (mic/recording).
Recording stays on your device only. Check speech uses your browser's speech tools when available.