Scenario: Declining Extra Work Politely
Conversation : 1
BeginnerBest Practice
Employee: Hi, I wanted to ask if you need any help with the report. I’m afraid I won’t be able to take on extra work today.
Manager: I understand. Is everything okay with your current tasks?
Employee: Yes, I’m just trying to stay focused on the tasks I already have. I wouldn’t be able to do them justice if I take on more right now.
Manager: That’s understandable. Thanks for letting me know.
Employee: Of course, I’ll keep working hard on my tasks.
Manager: Great, I appreciate your dedication.
Examples
1: extra work
Meaning: Additional tasks or responsibilities that are not part of your usual duties.
Sentences Using extra work for better understanding
1 .I’m already overwhelmed with my tasks and can’t take on extra work right now.
2 .She politely declined the extra work because she was already busy.
3 .He was asked to do some extra work, but he had to refuse due to other commitments.
2: justice
Meaning: The quality of being fair or giving something the proper attention or effort.
Sentences Using justice for better understanding
1 .I want to make sure I give the project the justice it deserves.
2 .He couldn’t do the task justice because he was too tired.
3 .She wanted to make sure she did justice to her responsibilities.
Conversation : 2
IntermediateBest Practice
Employee: I’d love to help, but I’m afraid I won’t be able to take on any extra work today. My schedule is pretty tight.
Manager: That’s okay, I completely understand. Can you help next week instead?
Employee: I should be able to help out next week. I’ll check my schedule and let you know.
Manager: Thanks, that works. Let me know if anything changes.
Employee: Will do, thanks for understanding.
Manager: No problem. I appreciate your honesty.
Examples
1: schedule
Meaning: A plan that lists the tasks or events to be done at specific times.
Sentences Using schedule for better understanding
1 .I need to check my schedule before I confirm anything.
2 .She has a full schedule today and won’t be available.
3 .We need to adjust the meeting schedule to fit everyone’s availability.
2: understanding
Meaning: The ability to be sympathetic or considerate to someone’s situation.
Sentences Using understanding for better understanding
1 .I appreciate your understanding about the situation.
2 .She showed a lot of understanding when I had to decline the extra work.
3 .His understanding helped me manage my workload better.
Conversation : 3
ProBest Practice
Employee: I hope it’s okay, but I won’t be able to take on any additional tasks today. My plate is already full with current deadlines.
Manager: I completely understand. You’re handling a lot already. We’ll find someone else to assist.
Employee: Thank you for understanding. I want to make sure I meet my current deadlines before taking on more responsibilities.
Manager: Of course, your current work is important. Just let me know if you need anything.
Employee: I will, thanks for your support.
Manager: You’re doing great, just keep up the good work!
Examples
1: plate full
Meaning: To have a lot of tasks or responsibilities to handle.
Sentences Using plate full for better understanding
1 .I can’t take on any more work; my plate is already full with current projects.
2 .She has her plate full with several tasks this week.
3 .His plate is full with ongoing tasks and upcoming deadlines.
2: responsibilities
Meaning: Duties or tasks that someone is expected to carry out.
Sentences Using responsibilities for better understanding
1 .I’m managing a lot of responsibilities right now, so I can’t take on more work.
2 .She’s doing well with her responsibilities and meeting all the deadlines.
3 .He has a lot of responsibilities as a project manager.