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Writer's pictureCiiindy English

[Business English] Common Expressions at the Office


Common expressions used for work.

  • About my working hours

  • Talking and asking about work leave

  • How to start a conversation

  • Give compliments

  • Today is pay day


About my working hours:

When can I use these expressions?

  • (Leaving the house) I'm going to work.

  • (Leaving the office) I'm getting off work. What should we have (for dinner) tonight?

  • (Being late) We're suppose to clock in at 8am. It's already 8:10. I'm late for work.

  • (Talking about when I can get off work) Clocking-out time is 6pm. I'll leave the office by 6:10.

  • (Talking to a friend or family member, not for work) Can't talk right now. I'm on the clock.

  • (Talking about working hours) Sorry, I can't make it to the party tonight. I work the night shifts.



Asking and talking about work leave:

When can I use these expressions?

  • (Talking to a colleague/friend) I need some time off. I want to spend more time with my family.

  • (Calling your boss) I would like to take a day off. My dog is sick. I need to take him to the vet.

  • (Receiving a phone call from client/colleague) I am off sick today.

  • (Telling your boss/colleague about Mark) Mark just called in sick. David will be his substitute(= person who will help with Mark's work).

  • (Asking your boss about leave) I'd like to ask for 2-day leave.

  • (Telling people about your annual leave) I am on annual leave until June 10.



How to start a conversation at the office?

It is very important to learn how to make small talk if you work in a company with foreigners from America, Canada or European countries. (I have a lesson made to help my students how to make small talk at work, message me or ask me in class about it!)


When can I use these expressions?

  • (Talking to a colleague you know) How's work?

  • (Talking to a colleague you know) How's your week?

  • (Talking to a colleague you know) How was your weekend?

  • (Talking to a colleague you don't really know) I'm in the IT department. What department are you in?

  • (Talking to a colleague) Did you see that movie the Avengers? / Did you see the basketball game last night?

  • (Talking to a colleague) Did you get caught in the rain today? It was raining cats and dogs.



A great way to interact with your colleagues is to give compliments and encouragements:


When can I use these expressions?

  • (Talking to your colleague about their project) Well done on the project!

  • (Talking to your colleague about their presentation) Nice job on that presentation!

  • (Used for general encouragement) Keep up the good work!

  • (Talking to your colleague about their proposal=a written up plan) Your proposal is well-prepared.

  • (Giving a compliment to your colleague) You're great to work with.

  • (Celebrating the success of others) Way to go!



This is a day we all forward to! Pay day: the day we get our salary or paycheck.

When can I use these expressions?

  • (Human Resources (HR) talking about your pay day) Your salary will be wired on the 5th (of each month).

  • (Talking to your friend) I got a raise (=my salary per month has increased).

  • (Talking to your friend) I'm expecting my year-end bonus (=extra money added to your salary; usually once a year).

  • (Talking to your colleague who is not sure about the overtime policy) We get paid for overtime.

  • The minimum wage is NTD150 per hour.

  • There's a 10% commission (=the amount of money paid to you if you make the case) on each case.


↘ Comment below which phrases you use the most often in the office. ↙

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