WorkBeginner
Saying no to overtime in English (beginner)
Beginner English for saying no to overtime. Key line: “Sorry, I can't stay late today.”
Full script
Lin
Can I leave on time today?
Them
We need extra help tonight, Lin.
Lin
Sorry, I can't stay late today.
Them
Is everything okay at home?
Lin
My cat needs dinner.
Them
Your cat can't wait?
Lin
She yells like a tiny boss.
Them
Okay, go feed your tiny boss.
Key phrases
The lines worth keeping. Read them once before you go out.
Leave on time
✓ Can I leave on time today?Ask to leave at your usual time
Ask politely first
Can't stay
✓ Sorry, I can't stay late today.Polite: you can't work late today
More natural than just No
Extra help
✓ We need extra help tonight.Reason for asking you to stay
Often used to explain why
Home issue
✓ Is everything okay at home?Ask if there's a problem at home
Used to ask with concern
Quick answers
Leave on time: what to say in English
Say “Can I leave on time today?” — ask to leave at your usual time. Ask politely first.
Can't stay: what to say in English
Say “Sorry, I can't stay late today.” — polite: you can't work late today. More natural than just No.
Extra help: what to say in English
Say “We need extra help tonight.” — reason for asking you to stay. Often used to explain why.
Home issue: what to say in English
Say “Is everything okay at home?” — ask if there's a problem at home. Used to ask with concern.