WorkIntermediate
Asking about a deadline in English
Everyday English for asking about a deadline. Key line: “Hey, do you know when this is due?”
Full script
Lin
Hey, do you know when this is due?
Them
Yeah, it's due Friday by noon, unless they extend it.
Lin
Perfect, I'll set three alarms so I don't forget.
Them
Smart. Last time I trusted my memory, it quit.
Lin
Is there any grace period, or is noon really noon?
Them
No grace period. At 12:01, it turns into a pumpkin.
Lin
Got it. I'll send mine before lunch, while it's still human.
Them
Good plan. Nobody wants to submit a pumpkin on Friday.
Key phrases
The lines worth keeping. Read them once before you go out.
Due
✓ when this is dueAsk when it must be finished
due is more natural than deadline
Latest
✓ by noonNo later than noon
by + time = no later than
Grace
✓ grace periodExtra time after deadline
Ask if you can submit a little late
Before lunch
✓ before lunchBefore lunch
More casual than an exact time
Quick answers
Due: what to say in English
Say “when this is due” — ask when it must be finished. due is more natural than deadline.
Latest: what to say in English
Say “by noon” — no later than noon. by + time = no later than.
Grace: what to say in English
Say “grace period” — extra time after deadline. Ask if you can submit a little late.
Before lunch: what to say in English
Say “before lunch” — before lunch. More casual than an exact time.