“Would it be okay if I left at three today? I have a doctor's appointment.”
B1 · Intermediate9 minPhrases
When you need this
A dentist appointment, a parent-teacher meeting, a delivery that has to be signed for: sometimes you need to leave before the end of the day. Asking well is mostly about timing and planning. Ask early, ideally the day before. Say when you'll leave, say what's covered, and your manager barely has to think about it.
The request is usually softer than the fact behind it. "I'm leaving at three" is a statement, and it can sound like you've already decided. "Would it be okay if I left at three?" asks permission, even when both of you know the answer is yes. The past tense "left" after "if" is what makes it polite; it keeps the request a little hypothetical.
Phrases
the polite standard request
clearer and firmer, for when it's not optional
a complete reason; you don't have to say what kind
leave, in relaxed work English
shows the work is done
asks a coworker to watch something for you
people can still contact you
you'll do more work from home later
checks your manager is happy with the plan
a serious, sudden problem at home; no details needed
not work for the second half of the day
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.