Useful English phrases for working people

1. How can I help you?

If you work in customer service, you will use this phrase a lot because it means "How can I help you?". This phrase is most common when used over the phone.

For example: 

• "Hello, this is Rebecca speaking. How can I help you?"

2. I will be with you in a moment

When someone wants to meet but you're not ready to talk, use this phrase to say you need to do something first and get back to them later. If a customer needs help, you can also use this expression to remind them to wait their turn. From "moment" can be replaced by "minute", still refers to a short period of time.

For example:

• "Good morning! I will be with you in a moment".

3. What time is our meeting?

You can use this time question for any event by replacing "meeting" with "event" or another word. If you want to ask about a meeting on a certain day, add "on + Monday" to make the sentence clearer.

For example:

• "What time is our meeting on Wednesday?"

4. Please call me (back) at…

When you want someone to call you back, use this sentence to provide a phone number.

For example:

• "Hi, this is Cathleen from the financial office".

• "I am wondering if you found those missing receipts".

• "Please call me back at 555-5555. Thanks!".

5. (Oh really?) Actually, I thought...

When talking to someone, it's more polite to say "Oh, actually I think" than "No, you're wrong". This phrase is useful in a work environment when you want to argue or express your opinion. Instead of "thought", you can use "heard" or "learned".

For example:

• "A: So Sam is coming in tonight at 8, right?".

• "B: Actually, I thought he was not working at all this week".

• "A: Oh, ok. I will have to look at the schedule again".

6. When is the deadline?/ When is it due?

When assigned a task or job, you will be given a deadline by your superiors.

For example:

• "A: I need you to write a sales report".

• B: When is the deadline?/ When is it due? 

• A: I need it by next Tuesday.