Question(please)
Hi, there

Let's say I was off work until yesterday, but I am better now. Should I say "I was off work (for) the last five days, but I am going back to work today"? or ""I have been off work (for) the last five days, but I am going back to work today"?

Which is right?

Thank you!

Question

Question(please)
Hi, there

Let's say I was off work until yesterday, but I am better now. Should I say "I was off work (for) the last five days, but I am going back to work today"? or ""I have been off work (for) the last five days, but I am going back to work today"?

Which is right?

Thank you!

Answer

Hi Gabriel,

I'm a UK English speaker and both sentences sound fine to me. People use them interchangeably. 
However, I suppose that "I was off work for the last five days but I'm going back to work today." is more technically correct.

Answer

both good.
or shorter versions are:
"I was off work last week, but I am going back today"
""I have been off work all week, but I return today"