phrases for work

Phrases for Work

How can I help you?

If you work in customer service, you’ll use this phrase a lot. It’s also a common phrase when answering the phone.

[On the phone]: Hello, this is Rebecca speaking. How can I help you?

A:Hi, how can I help you?

B: Yes, could you call me a taxi?

I’ll be with you in a moment.

When someone wants to see you, use this phrase if you need a minute to finish something first. If a client is waiting at a store, you can also use this phrase to show that their turn is next.

You can replace “moment” with “minute”: “I’ll be with you in (just) a minute.”

Another common phrase for this situation is “I’ll be right with you.”

Good morning! I’ll be with you in a moment.

I'm almost there! I'll be with you in a moment.

I'm really busy right now. I'll be with you in a moment.

What time is our meeting?

You can use this question’s structure to ask the time of any event: “What time is [event]?”

If you want to ask about a meeting on a certain day, add “on [day].” For example, “What time is our meeting on Thursday?”

A:What time is our meeting on Wednesday?

B: It starts at one o'clock.

Please call|message me (back) at…

When you want someone to call you or to call you back (to return your call), use this phrase to give your phone number.

Hi, this is Cathleen from the financial office. I’m wondering if you found those missing receipts. Please call me back at 555-5555. Thanks!

Hi, this is Yovan from HR. I'm wondering if you read my previous email. Please call me back as soon you can. Thank you.

(Oh really?) Actually, I thought…

When you disagree with someone, “Actually, I thought…” will make you sound kinder and more polite than saying “No” or “You’re wrong.” This phrase is useful when you have a different idea than someone else.

A: So Sylvia’s coming over tonight at 8, right?

B: Actually, I thought she wasn’t working at all this week.

A: Oh, ok. I’ll have to look at the schedule again.

A: I think we should take the laptop in for repairs.

B: Actually, I thought we should recharge the battery first.

Actually, I [verb]…

You can use “actually, I…” with many different verbs: “heard,” “learned,” “am,” “can,” “can’t,” etc. You should use it for the same situation as above: when you have a different idea than someone else.

A: Did you finish the reports?

B: Actually, I am running a bit behind, but they’ll be done by noon!

A: When you type, always put two spaces between sentences.

B: Actually, I learned to put a single space between sentences.

A: New Years is on Monday this year.

B: Actually, I just checked the calendar and New Year's Eve is on Thursday.

I’m (just) about to [verb]…

When you’re going to start something very soon, you’re “just about to” do something.

I’m just about to send those [emails|reports].

I’m about to go and pick up some coffee. Do you want anything?

I'm about to go to lunch. Do you want to join me?