Calling in Sick to Work

Important Vocabulary

Here are 10 important terms when calling in sick to work in English:

illness

symptoms

virus

flu

sick

doctor's note

headache

work from home

I'm not feeling well.

Get better soon.

Conversation 1

In this conversation, Sarah is phoning in sick to work.

Hello, David. It's Sarah.

Hey, Sarah. How is it going?

I'm not feeling well today.

Oh no. What's wrong?

My stomach is hurting. I'm sick.

Okay, don't worry about coming in to the office today.

Thank you. I should be back tomorrow.

Don't worry. Stay home until you feel better.

Thank you. I'll call you tomorrow with an update.

I hope you feel better soon.

Conversation 2

In this conversation, John speaks to the office receptionist about his illness.

Good morning, Karen speaking.

Hello, Karen. It's John. Is Grant in the office this morning?

I'm afraid not. Would you like me to take a message?

Can you tell him that I'm sick today and won't be coming into work.

Are you able to work from home?

I don't think I can. I'll see how I feel this afternoon.

What illness do you have?

I have the flu. I don't want to give it to others in the office.

I think it's already here. Three people have phoned in sick this morning.

Oh dear. Sorry.

I'll let Grant know. Get better soon, John.

Thanks, Karen. See you soon, hopefully.

Conversation 3

In this conversation, Victoria tells her unsympathetic boss about her doctor's appointment.

I have a follow up doctor's appointment tomorrow afternoon.

Do you need more time off?

I have a consultation about my blood test results. I'm very worried.

Make sure you get the doctor's letter and send a copy to the office.

Can I do it on Monday?

It needs to be done by Friday if you want to get paid.

I may need more time off for future appointments.

I'll check your sick days in your contract.

Thank you.

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This page was written by Craig Shrives.