How to say it · Plans, time and sorry

Needing more time

Someone wants an answer or a finished job now, and you're not ready. You want more time without sounding unsure or lazy.

6 ways to say it

At a flat viewing, Sam holds up a hand to the eager estate agent beside a big hourglass that is still full.

How formalCasualFormal

I need a bit more timebest default Let me sleep on itbig decision Can I get back to you?answer later I'm still working on itnot done yet Could I have a couple more days?deadline Would it be possible to extend the deadline?formal

Way 1 · best default

I need a bit more time

Simple and honest. Works for a decision, a job or a reply.

How formalMiddle

ToneNeutral

Use itAnywhere

Examples

I need a bit more time to read through the contract.

It's nearly done. I need a bit more time to check it.

In a conversation

A: So, are you taking the job?
B: I need a bit more time. Can I tell you on Monday?

Common mistake

Not: ~~Give me~~ more time.

Say: I need a bit more time.

"Give me" sounds like an order. Talking about what you need sounds much softer.

Practice saying this

Next: Let me sleep on it

Way 2 · big decision

Let me sleep on it

You want a night to think before you decide something big.

How formalVery casual

ToneCasual

Use itAnywhere

Examples

It's a lot of money. Let me sleep on it.

I like the flat, but let me sleep on it and call you tomorrow.

In a conversation

A: The offer's only open this week.
B: That's fine. Let me sleep on it.

Practice saying this

Next: Can I get back to you?

Way 3 · answer later

Can I get back to you?

You'll answer later, once you've checked or thought about it.

How formalMiddle

ToneNeutral

Use itAt work

Examples

Good question. Can I get back to you?

I need to check my diary. Can I get back to you?

Common mistake

Not: Can I ~~reply~~ you later?

Say: Can I get back to you later?

You reply TO someone. "Get back to you" is even more natural when you speak.

Practice saying this

Next: I'm still working on it

Way 4 · not done yet

I'm still working on it

The job has started, it just isn't finished.

How formalCasual

ToneNeutral

Use itAt work

Examples

I'm still working on it, but you'll have it by lunch.

The report? I'm still working on it. Nearly there.

Practice saying this

Next: Could I have a couple more days?

Way 5 · deadline

Could I have a couple more days?

Asks politely to move a deadline, and says by how much.

How formalFormal

ToneNeutral

Use itAt work

Examples

The data came in late. Could I have a couple more days?

Could I have a couple more days on the report? I want it to be right.

In a conversation

A: How's the report coming along?
B: Getting there. Could I have a couple more days?

Practice saying this

Next: Would it be possible to extend the deadline?

Way 6 · formal

Would it be possible to extend the deadline?

The careful version for a teacher, a client or an official.

How formalVery formal

ToneFormal

Use itAt work

Examples

Would it be possible to extend the deadline to next Friday?

I've been unwell. Would it be possible to extend the deadline?

Practice saying this

Test yourself: which would you say?

Pick the right one

Which would you say?

Read the moment, then choose the way that fits it best.

Now say it out loud

Pick one and practise it in a real conversation. Save the ones you want to remember.

I need a bit more time Let me sleep on it Can I get back to you?I'm still working on it

Which would you say?

Now say it out loud

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