WorkBeginner
Asking for a raise in English (beginner)
Beginner English for asking for a raise. Key line: “Can I ask for a small raise?”
Full script
Lin
Sarah, I'd like to talk about my pay.
Them
Sure. What's on your mind?
Lin
Can I ask for a small raise?
Them
Okay. Can you tell me why?
Lin
I work hard and help the team.
Them
You do. Anything else?
Lin
My lunch is instant noodles again.
Them
Then let's not let noodles win. I'll check.
Key phrases
The lines worth keeping. Read them once before you go out.
Start
✓ I'd like to talk about my pay.Use this to bring up pay
A soft, natural opener
Raise
✓ Can I ask for a small raise?Polite way to ask
small makes it softer
Reason
✓ I work hard and help the team.Say your value at work
Talk about value, not money problems
Add more
✓ Anything else?They want more reasons
The other person is waiting for more
Quick answers
Start: what to say in English
Say “I'd like to talk about my pay.” — use this to bring up pay. A soft, natural opener.
Raise: what to say in English
Say “Can I ask for a small raise?” — polite way to ask. small makes it softer.
Reason: what to say in English
Say “I work hard and help the team.” — say your value at work. Talk about value, not money problems.
Add more: what to say in English
Say “Anything else?” — they want more reasons. The other person is waiting for more.