Practice
English practice: workplace English
Sign in to saveCould you send the revised figures by three o’clock? A short, clear request helps a colleague know exactly what to do and when to do it.
Use clear, polite English to give updates, make requests, and confirm next steps at work.
Read and practice
Read the examples and try the written questions in this guide. Listening recordings are not available for this lesson yet.
Try the written questions
Could you send the revised figures by three o’clock? /kʊd juː send ðə rɪˈvaɪzd ˈfɪɡəz baɪ θriː əˈklɒk/
The short answer
For clear workplace English, name the task, use a polite request or update, and include the deadline or next step when it matters. Choose direct words that leave little room for confusion.
Could you check the client’s address before we send the invoice?
Why it works: The request says what to check and why it is needed.
4 more examples
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I have completed the first draft and will share it after lunch.
The update gives the completed task and a clear next action.
Not this:The draft is
nearly done. What changes: This is less precise because it does not say when the work will be shared. -
Could we move the meeting to Thursday morning?
Could we introduces a practical suggestion without assuming that everyone is available.
Not this:The meeting
is onThursday morning. What changes: This announces a change instead of asking the group to agree to one. -
Tell me if the delivery date changes.
The phrase asks for a particular update and identifies the condition for sending it.
Not this:Keep me
updated. What changes: This is useful in conversation but does not say which information is important. -
To confirm, Maya will contact the supplier and I will update the schedule.
A short recap assigns the two next actions to named people.
Not this:We will
deal with it. What changes: The reader cannot tell who owns each task or what will happen.
Read the full guide
Start with the purpose of the conversation. A meeting update can begin with the current situation. A request can begin with Could you or Would you mind. Finish by agreeing on the owner, the deadline, or the next action.
Make requests that name the task
A good request tells the listener what you need. Could you and Would you mind are useful openings because they invite cooperation. Add the object of the task so the request is ready to act on.
Could you upload the final agenda to the shared folder?
The task is upload the agenda, and the destination is the shared folder. Both details help the colleague respond.
How can you politely ask a colleague to review a short report?
Try: Could you review this report before our call?
Give an update with a fact and a next step
An update is easier to follow when it separates completed work from future work. Use a present perfect form for something you have finished, then use will or a time phrase for the next action.
I have checked the numbers and will send the summary this afternoon.
The first part reports completed work. The second part tells colleagues what they can expect next.
The supplier has replied, so we can confirm the order today.
The reply is the new fact; confirming the order is the action that follows from it.
Set a deadline without sounding vague
Use a precise time phrase when a task depends on timing. By Friday means no later than Friday. Before Friday’s meeting points to a clear event. Say why a deadline matters if the other person needs context.
Please send your comments by Thursday afternoon so I can prepare the final version.
The deadline and reason help the reader decide how to prioritise the task.
Which phrase gives a clearer deadline: soon or by 10 a.m. tomorrow?
By 10 a.m. tomorrow is clearer because it gives a specific time.
Suggest a change for the group
Could we and Shall we are useful when you want the group to consider a plan. Explain the practical benefit briefly. This gives people a reason to agree, disagree, or offer another option.
Could we begin ten minutes earlier to leave time for questions?
The question proposes a change and gives the reason for it.
Shall we ask the design team for feedback before we publish?
Shall we includes the speaker and listener in the suggested action.
Close with a clear record of next actions
After a meeting, a short recap can prevent crossed wires. Use a name and a verb for each action. To confirm is useful when you are checking that everyone shares the same understanding.
To confirm, Luis will book the room and Priya will circulate the notes.
Each task has an owner, so the group can see what will happen next.
How can you ask for confirmation after you assign two tasks?
Write: Please confirm that these next steps work for you.
Before you go
Remember this
Give the purpose first. Use a polite request, a factual update, or a practical suggestion. Then name the task owner, deadline, or next step so the other person can act without guessing.
Practice with the written examples
You can practice with the written questions in the Learn tab. Each answer includes an explanation.
Try the written questionsListening test not available yet
This lesson does not have the recordings needed for a listening test. Use the written questions in the guide to check your understanding.
Try the written questionsQuestions about "English practice: workplace English"
How can I make a workplace request sound polite?
Start with Could you or Would you mind, then name the task clearly. Add a deadline or reason when it helps the other person act. A short direct request is usually easier to understand than a long, indirect one.
Could you check the client’s address before we send the invoice?
What should a useful work update include?
Say what has changed or what you have completed, then state the next action. If timing matters, include it. This gives colleagues enough information to decide whether they need to do anything.
Check the client’s address.
How do I set a clear deadline in English?
Use a specific phrase such as by Thursday afternoon, before the meeting, or by 10 a.m. tomorrow. Explain the reason when it affects the task. Avoid soon when the exact timing is important.
I have completed the first draft and will share it after lunch.
How can I suggest a change in a meeting?
Use Could we or Shall we to introduce the suggestion, then give a brief practical reason. This invites colleagues to respond while keeping the conversation focused on the decision.
The draft is nearly done.
Why should I recap next steps after a meeting?
A recap records who will do each task and what should happen next. Naming the task owner reduces confusion and gives everyone a chance to correct an assumption before the meeting ends.
Could we move the meeting to Thursday morning?