WorkIntermediate
Saying no to overtime in English
Everyday English for saying no to overtime. Key line: “Maya, can we *pick* this *up* tomorrow? I can't stay *late* tonight.”
Full script
Lin
Maya, can we pick this up tomorrow? I can't stay late tonight.
Them
Really? We're pretty swamped, and I could use help.
Lin
I know, but I've got a hard stop at six.
Them
Is it something you can push back just once?
Lin
I wish—I promised my landlord I'd be home for the plumber.
Them
Okay, fair. Can you at least wrap up the notes first?
Lin
Absolutely. I'll send them by five, before my kitchen turns into a pool.
Them
Deal—go save your kitchen. The plumber sounds more urgent than me.
Key phrases
The lines worth keeping. Read them once before you go out.
continue
✓ Can we pick this up tomorrow?Ask to continue tomorrow
polite way to move it to tomorrow
can't stay
✓ I can't stay late tonight.Say you can't stay late
say tonight doesn't work
leave on time
✓ I've got a hard stop at six.Must leave at six
hard stop = must stop
wrap up first
✓ Can you at least wrap up the notes first?Ask to finish the notes first
wrap up = finish
Quick answers
continue: what to say in English
Say “Can we pick this up tomorrow?” — ask to continue tomorrow. polite way to move it to tomorrow.
can't stay: what to say in English
Say “I can't stay late tonight.” — say you can't stay late. say tonight doesn't work.
leave on time: what to say in English
Say “I've got a hard stop at six.” — must leave at six. hard stop = must stop.
wrap up first: what to say in English
Say “Can you at least wrap up the notes first?” — ask to finish the notes first. wrap up = finish.