I B Person Mail Business Office Copy Inter

Listen to the Entire Lesson

There are many things to say while in the office. Something can go wrong with the printer, or you could be wondering why a package didn't arrive. The next several short lessons will be about Basic Office scenarios.

Do you know what's wrong with the printer?"
Who do we call to report a problem with the printer?"
When is the printer going to be fixed?"
The printer next to the break room is broken. Where is the other printer?"

The copy machine is jammed again."
The copy machine is broken."
We need to get the copy machine fixed."
A technician is coming this afternoon to fix the copy machine."
Where is the paper for the copy machine?"
We need to order more paper. We're running low."

Mail Room

For larger size companies, a mail room is provided where each employee has their own box. Here are some sentences you might need to know.

Where is the mail room?"

I don't have a mail box. Who should I contact to get one?"
Your mail box was pretty full. You should go pick them up."
I haven't checked my mail in 2 weeks."
I never receive anything so I don't need to check my mail often."

What time does the delivery person usually come?"
What time does the mail usually come?"

Large companies also have multiple buildings. So sending mail to another worker is a common practice. For example, if I need to send some financial documents to the auditor in a building down the street, I will use the Inter Office mail service. Some people might say I.O. to make it short.

I can send it to you through Inter Office mail."
I'll send it through Inter Office mail immediately."
I'll IO it to you."
I need those documents. Can you IO it to me?"
Would you like to pick them up or should I send it through Inter Office mail?"

The term inter basically means between when there is more than one. For example, in the word international, nation is a country, and if you have inter in front of it, we have international, which means involving two or more nations.

Requesting Equipment

I'm out of staples. Do we have any more in the supply room?"
The supply room is running low on pens. I think we should get more."

My monitor is very old. It's a little blurry and it gives me a headache when I look at it for a long duration. Could I get a new monitor?"
My computer is too slow. It slows down my work. I would like a faster computer. It will increase my efficiency on many of my tasks."

I would like an ergonomic keyboard. I can type much faster with those."

Can I get a new chair? This one is so uncomfortable."

Can you get me a headset for the telephone? I'm on the phone most of the day and I would like to free up my hands."

Company Policies

Every company has their own rules about animals, dress code, break time, vacation time, and many other policies. Let's take a moment to learn how to ask about these policies.

How long are we allowed for lunch?"
How long is our lunch break?"
If I only take a 30 minute lunch, can I leave 30 minutes earlier?"

What time should I report to work?"
Is there a strict policy on working hours?"
Are we allowed to start work an hour later if we work an hour more?"

What is the dress code here?"
Are we allowed to wear casual clothes on Friday?"
Does this company have the casual Friday thing?"

If I have ten vacation days, am I allowed to use them all at once?"
What holidays do we have off?"
Do our vacation days expire?"

Does this company allow telecommuting?"
Are we allowed to work from home?"

I'm Busy

For general statements about being tired at work or being sick of work will be covered in the 'Talking to coworkers' section. These types of statements shouldn't be said to everyone.

I'm busy with work."
Can I do this later?"
Does this have to be done now?"
When do you need this by?"
When is the deadline?"

I'm not going to have time for any other assignment until Thursday."

I'll try to free up my schedule."
I'm pretty sure I can meet the deadline."
If I don't get any help on this, I won't be able to complete it on time."
I'll do whatever I can to make sure this is done on time."

You can count on me."
Have I ever let you down?"

Giving/Asking Business Cards

Do you have a business card?"
Could I have one of your business cards?"
Can I have your business card?"

Responding to these questions are very easy. You can just say 'sure' or 'no problem.'

Can I get your phone number or email address?"

What is the best way to contact you?"
Can I get your contact information?"

Let me give you one of my business cards."
My contact information is on my business card. Let me give you one."

You can reach me by calling the number on my business card."
My email address is on my business card."

General Office

If you can't find a file, you can ask around.

Do you know where the ABC file is at?"
Do you have the ABC file?"
Is anybody using the ABC file right now?"

Did you check the file cabinet? It should be there."
Check the bin. Sometimes people throw it in there after they are done."

Oh... it's on my desk. I forgot to put it back."
It's in my office. I'll get it for you."

If you see a file or a book you need on someone's desk, you can ask to borrow it.

Are you using this book right now?"
Can I borrow this book?"

Are you finished with this file?"
Are you done with this report?"
Can I use this file?"

If you need something, it is common to ask around. Here are some examples of what you might need in the office.

Do you have an extra mouse? Mine broke."
Do you have another network cable? The one I have is too short."
Do you have a blank floppy disk I can have?"
I ran out of labels. Do you have any I can have?"

Can I borrow your stapler?"
Do you have a hole puncher?"
Do you have a staple remover by any chance?"

Office Basics - Interactive Practice

Click on Listen All and follow along. After becoming comfortable with the entire conversation, become Person A by clicking on the Person A button. You will hear only Person B through the audio file. There will be a silence for you to repeat the sentences of Person A. Do the same for Person B. The speed of the conversation is native speed. Use the pause button if the pause between each sentence is too fast for you. After practicing several times, you will be able to speak as fast as a native.