How to say it · Plans, time and sorry

Rescheduling plans

You can't make a plan, but you still want to meet. Saying so well shows you care, so it doesn't sound like you're cancelling for good.

5 ways to say it

In her kitchen, Jo talks on the phone while an arrow lifts one square on a wall calendar onto a later day.

How formalCasualFormal

Can we reschedule?best default Can I take a rain check?friendly Something's come uplight reason Can we push it back?same plan, later I'm afraid I'll have to rescheduleformal

Way 1 · best default

Can we reschedule?

Asks to move the plan to another time. Clear, polite and fine with anyone.

How formalMiddle

ToneNeutral

Use itAnywhere

Examples

I'm so sorry, I've got a temperature. Can we reschedule?

Something urgent has landed on my desk. Can we reschedule?

In a conversation

A: Still on for dinner tonight?
B: I have to work late, sorry. Can we reschedule?

Common mistake

Not: Can we ~~change the schedule?~~

Say: Can we reschedule?

"Change the schedule" sounds like a whole timetable. For one plan, just say "reschedule".

Practice saying this

Next: Can I take a rain check?

Way 2 · friendly

Can I take a rain check?

Says no for now, but you really do want to do it another time.

How formalVery casual

ToneCasual

Use itWith friends

Examples

I'm wiped out tonight. Can I take a rain check?

Drinks sound great, but can I take a rain check? Maybe next week?

Practice saying this

Next: Something's come up

Way 3 · light reason

Something's come up

A short, honest reason when you don't want to give details.

How formalCasual

ToneNeutral

Use itAnywhere

Examples

Sorry, something's come up. Can we do Thursday instead?

Something's come up at home, so I'll have to miss tonight.

Common mistake

Not: ~~I have something suddenly.~~

Say: Sorry, something's come up.

This is how English says "có việc đột xuất". Use the present perfect: something has come up.

Practice saying this

Next: Can we push it back?

Way 4 · same plan, later

Can we push it back?

Moves the plan a little later, often on the same day.

How formalMiddle

ToneNeutral

Use itAt work

Examples

My train's late. Can we push it back half an hour?

Can we push it back to after lunch? I'm still with a client.

In a conversation

A: Ready for our two o'clock call?
B: Can we push it back? I'm still in another meeting.

Common mistake

Not: Can we ~~delay our meeting?~~

Say: Can we push it back?

"Delay" sounds like something went wrong. "Push it back" is the friendly, everyday way.

Practice saying this

Next: I'm afraid I'll have to reschedule

Way 5 · formal

I'm afraid I'll have to reschedule

Polite and firm. Good for clients, doctors or anyone you don't know well.

How formalVery formal

ToneFormal

Use itAt work

Examples

I'm afraid I'll have to reschedule our meeting on Friday.

Unfortunately, I'm afraid I'll have to reschedule. Would next Tuesday suit you?

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.

Can we reschedule?Can I take a rain check?Something's come up Can we push it back?

Which would you say?

Now say it out loud

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