WorkAdvanced
Calling in sick in English (advanced)
Advanced English for calling in sick. Key line: “I hate to ask, but I need to call in sick today.”
Full script
Lin
Hey Maya, I hate to ask, but I need to call in sick today.
Them
Oh no—are you okay, or is this one of those heroic push-through attempts?
Lin
Definitely not heroic; I've got a fever, and my voice sounds like a haunted kettle.
Them
Yeah, that is a pretty vivid image. Have you seen a doctor, or should you rest first?
Lin
I can book one this morning, but I shouldn't be coughing through meetings all day.
Them
Agreed—stay home, recover, and just send me any urgent notes when you can.
Lin
Thanks, I will. If my voice improves, I'll spare everyone the kettle sequel tomorrow.
Them
Please do—today's version sounds ill, but the sequel sounds like a full appliance franchise.
Key phrases
The lines worth keeping. Read them once before you go out.
Call in sick
✓ call in sicksay you're sick today
often for same-day leave
asking
✓ I hate to ask, but...I hate to ask, but...
polite for a difficult ask
recovery
✓ stay home and recoverrest at home and get better
more complete than just rest
urgent issue
✓ urgent notesmessages that need quick action
urgent describes the issue
Quick answers
Call in sick: what to say in English
Say “call in sick” — say you're sick today. often for same-day leave.
asking: what to say in English
Say “I hate to ask, but...” — i hate to ask, but. polite for a difficult ask.
recovery: what to say in English
Say “stay home and recover” — rest at home and get better. more complete than just rest.
urgent issue: what to say in English
Say “urgent notes” — messages that need quick action. urgent describes the issue.