In English, the way you ask for time off can vary depending on the setting—formal or informal, spoken or written. Choosing the perfect phrase not only helps you communicate effectively but also shows respect and professionalism.
In this article, you’ll find commonly used phrases and expressions for requesting leave in different situations, along with examples to help you understand how to use them naturally in conversations and written communication.
Polite Ways to Request Leave (Formal Expressions)
It’s important to use formal and respectful language when requesting leave in professional or academic settings. These expressions help you sound clear, polite, and appropriate whether you are writing an email or a letter or speaking in a professional context.
1. I would like to request leave for…
I would like to request leave for two days starting Monday, June 3, due to personal reasons.
2. I am writing to request time off from… to…
I am writing to request time off from July 15 to July 20 for a family commitment.
3. May I take leave on…?
May I take leave on Friday, March 22, to attend a medical appointment?
4. I kindly request your approval for leave on…
I kindly request your approval for leave on Wednesday, October 5, as I have a personal matter to attend to.
5. I am requesting leave due to…
I am requesting leave due to a scheduled health checkup on Monday.
6. I would appreciate it if I could be granted leave on…
I would appreciate it if I could be granted leave on April 10 for personal reasons.
7. I am applying for leave starting…
I am applying for leave starting September 12 and returning on September 16.
8. I hope to be granted leave on…
I hope to be granted leave on June 8 for an important family event.
9. I wish to apply for leave for the following days…
I wish to apply for leave for the following days: November 2 to November 4.
10. Please consider my request for leave on…
Please consider my request for leave on Monday, May 6, as I need to attend a personal appointment.
Informal Expressions for Requesting Leave (Spoken English)
In casual conversations, the language we use to request leave is often less formal. These phrases are best used in face-to-face conversations or casual messages where formality isn’t required but respect still matters.
11. Do you mind if I take a day off?
Do you mind if I take a day off next Friday to visit my family?
12. I was wondering if I could take the day off.
I was wondering if I could take the day off on Friday—just have a few errands to run.
13. Is it okay if I’m off next Friday?
Is it okay if I’m off next Friday? I have an appointment in the morning.
14. I need to take some time off.
I need to take some time off next week to deal with a personal matter.
15. I’m thinking of taking a few days off.
I’m thinking of taking a few days off around the holidays.
16. I’ll need to take the day off.
I’ll need to take the day off on Monday—just giving you a heads-up.
17. Can I have a day off next week?
Can I have a day off next week to attend a workshop?
18. I won’t be able to come in tomorrow.
I won’t be able to come in tomorrow—I’m feeling a bit under the weather.
Useful Phrases for Specific Leave Reasons
The way you request time off can vary depending on the reason. Below are simple and polite expressions for common leave situations—vacation, illness, and personal matters.
Vacation Leave
These phrases are useful when requesting leave for holidays, personal travel, or relaxation.
19. I’m planning to take a few days off for a vacation.
I’m planning to take a few days off for a vacation in mid-July. I’ve already checked with my team to make sure nothing urgent is scheduled during that time.
20. I’d like to apply for leave from [date] to [date] for personal travel.
I’d like to apply for leave from September 18 to September 22 for personal travel. Please let me know if this period works for the team schedule.
21. I have some vacation time saved and would like to use it.
I have some vacation time saved and would like to use it in the last week of December for a short trip.
22. I’m hoping to take my annual leave next week.
I’m hoping to take my annual leave next week. I’ve completed all urgent tasks and informed [Colleague’s Name] about coverage during my absence.
23. I’m planning a short trip and would like to take time off.
I’m planning a short trip with my family and would like to take time off from Friday to Monday.
Sick Leave
These expressions are appropriate when requesting sick leave due to health-related reasons.
24. I’m feeling unwell and need to take the day off.
I’m feeling unwell and need to take the day off. If needed, I can provide a medical certificate when I return.
25. I have a medical appointment and will be out on [date].
I have a medical appointment on Wednesday and will be out for the morning. I’ll be back in the afternoon to catch up on any tasks.
26. I’ve come down with something and won’t be able to come in.
I’ve come down with something and won’t be able to come in today. I’ll rest and keep you updated on my recovery.
27. I need a day off to recover from a cold.
I need a day off to recover from a cold. I’ll return tomorrow if I feel better.
28. I’m taking a sick day today to rest.
I’m taking a sick day today to rest and avoid spreading illness to others at work.
Family or Personal Reasons
These phrases are helpful when your leave is related to personal matters or family responsibilities.
29. I need to take a day off for a family matter.
I need to take a day off this Friday for a family matter. Please let me know if that works with the schedule.
30. I have a personal appointment and would like to request leave.
I have a personal appointment on Tuesday afternoon and would like to request a half-day leave.
31. I’ll be unavailable due to a family commitment.
I’ll be unavailable on April 5 due to a family commitment and will return the next day.
32. I’m requesting leave to handle a personal situation.
I’m requesting leave on Monday to handle a personal situation. I’ll be back at work on Tuesday.
33. I’ll need time off for a family event.
I’ll need time off on July 1 for a family event. Please let me know if any formalities are needed.
Phrases to Use When Offering Flexibility or Work Coverage
While requesting leave—especially in a professional setting—it’s helpful to show that you’ve considered how your absence may affect work. Offering a coverage plan or expressing flexibility shows responsibility and makes your request more likely to be approved.
Here are some commonly used phrases to communicate flexibility or work arrangements while you’re away:
34. I’ve arranged for [Name] to cover my duties while I’m away.
I’ve arranged for Maya to cover my duties while I’m away. I’ve briefed her on all active tasks and deadlines.
35. I will make sure all urgent tasks are completed before I leave.
I will make sure all urgent tasks are completed before I leave on Thursday.
36. Please let me know if you’d prefer different leave dates.
Please let me know if you’d prefer different leave dates—I can be flexible if needed.
37. I’ve informed my team about my absence and shared relevant updates.
I’ve informed my team about my absence next week and shared all relevant updates in advance.
38. I’ll be available by email for anything urgent.
I’ll be available by email for anything urgent, although I’ll try to limit work during my leave.
39. If this timing is inconvenient, I’m open to adjusting the dates.
If this timing is inconvenient, I’m open to adjusting the dates to better suit the team’s needs.
40. I’ve scheduled all key items in advance to avoid disruption.
I’ve scheduled all key items in advance so that my absence does not delay project progress.