The Right Way to Say You’re Not Feeling Well in English Correctly

Do you ever find yourself struggling to express yourself in English correctly when you need to tell your boss or manager that you are feeling unwell? If so, you’re not alone. As a second language learner, it can be difficult to know the right way to phrase such a delicate situation. 

In this blog post, we will provide a guide for how to say you’re not feeling well in English correctly, no matter the situation. Whether you’re dealing with a short-term illness or a long-term health issue, these phrases will help you express yourself professionally and accurately.

This article is also super popular for calling in sick correctly with 10 different ways to do so! 

Why it’s important to communicate properly when calling in sick

When you’re not feeling well and have to call in sick, it’s important to communicate effectively with your boss or manager. Not only does this show professionalism, but it also ensures that your needs are being met and the workplace runs smoothly without you.

Here are some reasons why communicating properly is crucial:

1. Clear communication avoids misunderstandings: If you don’t communicate your situation clearly, your boss may misunderstand your needs or assume that you are simply taking a day off for leisure. This can create frustration and may harm your relationship with your employer.
2. Honesty is the best policy: By communicating your symptoms accurately, you show your boss that you value their time and understand the importance of your role in the workplace. Being honest also means that your employer can provide support, such as offering to adjust your workload or finding a replacement for your shift.
3. Follow sick leave policies: Every workplace has its own sick leave policy, which typically outlines the procedures for calling in sick and provides information on how many days of leave you are entitled to. Proper communication ensures that you are following these procedures and can access your sick leave benefits.

Overall, calling in sick is an inevitable part of life. However, communicating properly with your employer can make the experience smoother and ensure that your needs are met.

Also this article could be useful for anyone who needs to cancel plans due for whatever reason in English

How to start the conversation with your boss or manager

Calling in sick can be a difficult conversation to have with your boss or manager. It’s important to approach the situation with professionalism and respect.

Here are some phrases you can use to start the conversation:

 “Hello [Manager’s Name], I wanted to let you know that I won’t be able to come into work today due to illness.”
“I’m calling in sick today, and I wanted to inform you as soon as possible.”
“I regret to inform you that I am not feeling well today and cannot come into work.”

It’s important to keep the tone of the conversation professional and avoid sharing too many personal details. Stick to the facts and keep the conversation brief. Your boss or manager will appreciate your consideration in letting them know as soon as possible, allowing them to make any necessary arrangements for coverage or deadlines.

6 ways to use AI in English is a super popular article that you might be interested in also

Ways to describe your symptoms accurately

When you’re not feeling well, it can be hard to explain exactly what’s wrong. However, being able to describe your symptoms accurately is essential when calling in sick to work.

Here are some helpful phrases to use when describing your symptoms:

1. I have a headache/migraine: This is a common symptom that can be caused by a variety of factors. Be sure to mention if you have taken any medication to help with the pain.
2. I have a fever: If you have a fever, it’s important to stay home and rest. Your body needs time to fight off the infection. Be sure to mention the temperature, so your boss knows how serious it is.
3. I have a cough/sore throat: If you have a cough or sore throat, it’s best to stay home and avoid spreading germs to others in the workplace.
4. I feel nauseous: If you’re feeling sick to your stomach, it’s best to stay home and rest. Be sure to mention if you’ve been vomiting or experiencing diarrhea, as these symptoms can be a sign of something more serious.
5. I have aches and pains: This can be a sign of a variety of illnesses, from the flu to a cold. Be sure to mention where the pain is located and how severe it is.

Remember, when describing your symptoms, it’s important to be honest and accurate. Don’t exaggerate or downplay your symptoms, as this could lead to confusion and misunderstandings with your boss or manager. By using these helpful phrases, you’ll be able to effectively communicate your symptoms and get the rest you need to recover.

Using polite language to explain your situation

When you’re not feeling well, it’s important to communicate your situation to your boss or manager in a polite and respectful manner.This not only shows your professionalism but also helps to maintain a positive working relationship with your employer.

Here are some phrases you can use to explain your situation politely:

 “I’m afraid I won’t be able to come into work today. I’m feeling under the weather and need to rest.”
“I’m sorry to say that I’m feeling unwell and won’t be able to attend the meeting tomorrow.”
“I’m experiencing some health issues and won’t be able to complete the task by the deadline.”
“I regret to inform you that I won’t be able to work for the next few days due to a medical condition.”

Remember to use a professional tone and be honest about your situation. It’s always better to take a sick day than to come into work and risk spreading an illness to others.

Also, be prepared to answer any follow-up questions your employer may have, such as how long you expect to be away from work or whether you have a doctor’s note.
By using polite language to explain your situation, you show that you respect your employer and their time while also taking care of your health and well-being.

Try this article by Indeed, has some great tips for calling in sick when you are feeling unwell. 

What to do next (sick leave policy, doctor’s note, etc.)

Once you’ve let your boss or manager know that you’re feeling unwell and unable to come to work, it’s important to understand the next steps. Depending on your workplace, there may be specific policies in place regarding sick leave or absences due to illness.

Make sure you know the protocol for reporting absences and whether or not you need to provide documentation such as a doctor’s note. If you do need a note, be sure to obtain it as soon as possible to avoid any issues with your employer.

If you have access to sick leave benefits, find out how to apply for them and how much time you’re entitled to. Keep in mind that taking time off for illness is a normal and necessary part of taking care of yourself, and there’s no need to feel guilty or ashamed about it.

Once you’ve taken care of the practicalities, focus on getting better. Follow your doctor’s instructions, get plenty of rest, and take the time you need to recover fully. Remember that your health should always come first, and that a responsible and professional approach to communication and sick leave will help you manage your work commitments more effectively in the long run.

Calling in sick via email – This is super useful article with examples by LInkedIn. 

Why Learn Laugh Speak Can Help You Improve Your English Skills

If you’re a non-native speaker of English, communicating properly at work can be challenging. And when you’re calling in sick, it’s important to be able to convey your message in a clear and professional way. This is where Learn Laugh Speak can help you improve your English skills.

Our platform is designed to fit into your busy schedule, so you can learn English at your own pace and convenience. With 33,000 lessons covering a wide range of skills, you can be sure that you’re getting a comprehensive and engaging learning experience.

Whether you want to improve your reading, writing, speaking, or listening skills, Learn Laugh Speak has got you covered. Our instant correction feature will help you identify and correct mistakes in real-time, so you can progress more quickly.

With our academic curriculum, you can also be confident that you’re learning the right skills at the right time. You’ll start with the basics and gradually build your way up to more advanced topics, all while gaining practical skills that you can use in real-life situations.

By improving your English skills with Learn Laugh Speak, you’ll be able to communicate more effectively in the workplace, which can lead to better job opportunities and a more successful career. So why not give it a try and see how much you can achieve with Learn Laugh Speak!