WorkBeginner
Calling in sick in English (beginner)
Beginner English for calling in sick. Key line: “Hi Emma, can I take a sick day today?”
Full script
Lin
Hi Emma, can I take a sick day today?
Them
Oh no. Are you sick?
Lin
Yes, I have a fever.
Them
Okay. Can you rest at home?
Lin
Yes. I can't come in today.
Them
Of course. No hero stuff today, okay?
Lin
Okay. My blanket is the hero.
Them
Perfect. Tell your hero I said thanks.
Key phrases
The lines worth keeping. Read them once before you go out.
sick day
✓ Can I take a sick day today?Use this to ask for a sick day
Direct and natural at work
fever
✓ I have a fever.say you have a fever
Not: "I am fever"
can't come in
✓ I can't come in today.Use this if you can't work today
come in often means come to work
rest
✓ Rest at home.tell someone to stay home and rest
Common when you're showing care
Quick answers
sick day: what to say in English
Say “Can I take a sick day today?” — use this to ask for a sick day. Direct and natural at work.
fever: what to say in English
Say “I have a fever.” — say you have a fever. Not: "I am fever".
can't come in: what to say in English
Say “I can't come in today.” — use this if you can't work today. come in often means come to work.
rest: what to say in English
Say “Rest at home.” — tell someone to stay home and rest. Common when you're showing care.