“Would it be possible to make my last day the twentieth instead?”
B1 · Intermediate10 minPhrases
When you need this
After you resign, there's a second conversation about the practical details. When exactly is your last day? What happens to the vacation days you haven't used? Who takes over your projects? Will someone give you a reference? Sometimes your company asks you to stay, maybe with a better offer. Each of these is a request, and requests go better when they're polite and specific.
Everything here is asking, not demanding. Company policy and your contract decide most of it, so "Would it be possible...?" and "How does it usually work here?" are more useful than "I want...". And if your manager asks you to reconsider, you can take time to think, or thank them and stay with your decision. Both answers can be gracious.
Phrases
the polite frame for any request
the final day you work at the company
paid days off you haven't taken
asks about policy without assuming
a list of who takes over each task
a good word about you to a future employer
a new offer to make you stay
think again about a decision
asks for time before you answer
says no to staying, kindly
a meeting with HR about why you're leaving
ask for an agreement on paper or by email
Say it out loud
Tap a sentence to hear it. Say it after the voice.
Practice · 3 min
Say the line that fits. Situation on the left, one natural line on the right.
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Say it today
Use it once in a real conversation before tomorrow. Out loud counts, even to yourself.