CAN'T ATTEND A MEETING EXERCISE

I can't make:
(verb) In this context 'to make' has the same meaning as 'to attend'. Although it seems strange to use the verb 'make' in this context, it is very common (more common than using 'attend' which sounds more formal), e.g. 'I can make the meeting'. It is also used for parties, meals, presentation etc... In Spanish: "no puedo ir a".

I can't make:

Pronunciation Speaking Test:
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Due to personal reasons:
(phrase) It is polite to give a reason when you can't do or attend something. But it needs to be a good reason and something that won't offend the person you're informing. 'Due to personal reasons' is a very good reason because people generally won't ask you for more inform on the subject. In Spanish: "por razones personales".

Due to personal reasons:

Pronunciation Speaking Test:
Click on the microphone icon () in the below box and say the word/phrase above to check your pronunciation. Although this test is good, it sometimes does not recognise some of the words/phrases.

 

Short notice:
(noun) It is often used as an apology, when there is little time between being informed of something and it actually happening, e.g. 'I can't come this afternoon, sorry for the short notice'. In Spanish: "poco antelación".

Short notice:

Pronunciation Speaking Test:
Click on the microphone icon () in the below box and say the word/phrase above to check your pronunciation. Although this test is good, it sometimes does not recognise some of the words/phrases.

 

Due to a prior commitment:
(phrase) It is polite to give a reason when you can't do or attend something. This is an excellent phrase to use as a reason, because it doesn't specify what the commitment or arrangement is. This phrase should only be used when you are not accepting an invitation. It should never to be used to say you can't go to a meeting after you have already accepted the invitation. In Spanish: "por problemas de agenda".

Due to a prior commitment:

Pronunciation Speaking Test:
Click on the microphone icon () in the below box and say the word/phrase above to check your pronunciation. Although this test is good, it sometimes does not recognise some of the words/phrases.

 

Allow me to apologise for:
(phrase) It is very polite due to the 'allow me', which makes it sound like asking permission. If you have apologised before in the email then it is custom to add 'once again' to the phrase and write it at the end of the email, e.g. 'Allow me to apologise once again for any inconvenience caused'. In Spanish: "permítame a discuplarle por".

Allow me to apologise for:

Pronunciation Speaking Test:
Click on the microphone icon () in the below box and say the word/phrase above to check your pronunciation. Although this test is good, it sometimes does not recognise some of the words/phrases.

 

Would you object if we postponed:
(phrase) This is very professional, because it allows you to make a suggestion to someone and at the same time it informs them that it's their decision. Remember to use the second verb in the past simple, e.g. 'Would you object if I didn't go tonight?'. In Spanish: "le molestaria si aplazamos".

Would you object if we postponed:

Pronunciation Speaking Test:
Click on the microphone icon () in the below box and say the word/phrase above to check your pronunciation. Although this test is good, it sometimes does not recognise some of the words/phrases.

 

Something very important has just come up:
(phrase) This basically means that something very serious has unexpectedly happened and you have to focus on it. It's a good reason to use with colleagues, but people may ask you what the reason is and it may not sound very professional to clients. In Spanish: "acaba de surgir algo importante".

Something very important has just come up:

Pronunciation Speaking Test:
Click on the microphone icon () in the below box and say the word/phrase above to check your pronunciation. Although this test is good, it sometimes does not recognise some of the words/phrases.

 

What day would be convenient for you:
(phrase) This is formal and has the same meaning as the more neutral 'what day would suit you'. You can replace 'day', with 'time' or 'place'. In Spanish: "qué dia te viene bien".

What day would be convenient for you:

Pronunciation Speaking Test:
Click on the microphone icon () in the below box and say the word/phrase above to check your pronunciation. Although this test is good, it sometimes does not recognise some of the words/phrases.

 

Any chance we can put the meeting back:
(phrase) It is the informal equivalent of 'Would you object if we postponed the meeting', asking the person receiving the email to decide. 'to put back' has the same meaning as 'to postpone'. In Spanish: "alunga posibilidad que podemos aplazar la reunion".

Any chance we can put the meeting back:

Pronunciation Speaking Test:
Click on the microphone icon () in the below box and say the word/phrase above to check your pronunciation. Although this test is good, it sometimes does not recognise some of the words/phrases.

 

Busy:
(adjective) It is used with the verb 'to be', e.g. 'I was busy'. An expression with a similar meaning is 'to be tied up'. In Spanish: "ocupado".

Busy:

Pronunciation Speaking Test:
Click on the microphone icon () in the below box and say the word/phrase above to check your pronunciation. Although this test is good, it sometimes does not recognise some of the words/phrases.