English - Work: Schedule & Responsibilities

Lesson 56 of 139

A learner practices workplace English phrases about meetings and responsibilities.

Goal: Simple ways to talk about time, permissions, and tasks at work

Free English lessons with audio, guided practice, and speaking support.

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).
Two coworkers check a schedule and ask for permission to leave early — practical English for work.

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.

Anna and David speak about a meeting time, who is responsible for a task, and a request to leave early.

What are Anna and David mainly talking about?

Portrait of Anna in a English lesson dialogue

Anna

The meeting is at 3 PM.

The meeting is at 3 PM.

Portrait of David in a English lesson dialogue

David

Who is responsible for the slides?

Who is responsible for the slides?

Portrait of Anna in a English lesson dialogue

Anna

I'm responsible for the design, but I need more time.

I'm responsible for the design, but I need more time.

Portrait of David in a English lesson dialogue

David

Okay. Also, can I leave early today? I have an appointment.

Okay. Also, can I leave early today? I have an appointment.

Portrait of Anna in a English lesson dialogue

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.

Portrait of David in a English lesson dialogue

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.

Say this phrase out loud:

The meeting is at ___.

state workplace appointment time

Say this phrase out loud:

Can I leave early today?

request permission at work

Say this phrase out loud:

I can't come to work today.

explain absence from work

Say this phrase out loud:

I need more time.

state need for extra time

Say this phrase out loud:

I sent the ___.

confirm completion of communication task

Say this phrase out loud:

Who is responsible for ___?

ask about responsibility

Say this phrase out loud:

I have a job interview on ___.

talk about a job search appointment

Say this phrase out loud:

I'm working late today.

explain a temporary change in work schedule

Say this phrase out loud:

I'm responsible for ___.

describe one's work responsibilities