How to Talk About Deadlines Naturally in English | Business English Speaking Practice

In this episode of 5-Minute English Talk , Chris and Jane teach you how to discuss deadlines naturally and confidently in Business English . Learn useful workplace expressions for confirming deadlines, explaining delays, negotiating extensions, and keeping your coworkers updated on project progress. Important Sentences & Expressions “When is this due?” — Ask when a task needs to be completed. “When do you need this by?” — Politely confirm a deadline. “It's due on Friday.” — State the scheduled due date. “We're on track to meet the deadline.” — Explain that work is progressing as planned. “Everything's on schedule.” — Say that the project is going according to plan. “We're running a little behind schedule.” — Explain a delay professionally. “It looks like we'll need an extra day.” — Politely communicate that more time may be necessary. “Could we push the deadline back?” — Ask to move the deadline to a later date. “Would it be possible to extend the deadline?” — Request additional time professionally. “That's a tight turnaround.” — Explain that there is very little time to complete a task. “I can have it ready by Friday.” — Offer a clear completion date. Today's Speaking Tip Confirm → Update → Adjust Confirm when the work is due, provide regular progress updates, and communicate any changes to the timeline early. Remember: Professional communication isn't just about meeting deadlines. It's about setting clear expectations and keeping everyone informed. Follow 5-Minute English Talk for practical English lessons, natural workplace conversations, and simple ways to become a more confident English speaker. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.