Real, everyday American English — The American Workplace: PTO, Calling in Sick and the Break Room (Part 2). You hear 40 phrases Americans actually use, each spoken clearly with a natural-speed repeat, the stressed syllable marked, and a short note on when to use it. Then take the matching quiz. Phrases in this episode (CAPITALS = the beat): I'm completely off the grid next week. [eyem kum-PLEET-lee AWF thuh GRID neks WEEK.] Enjoy your vacation. [en-JOY yur vay-KAY-shun.] Sorry, we can't approve that week. [SAH-ree, wee KANT uh-PROOV that WEEK.] Could we look at the week after? [kuud wee LUUK at thuh WEEK AF-tur?] I woke up with a migraine. [eye WOHK UP with uh MY-grayn.] I'm gonna take a sick day. [eyem GUH-nuh TAYK uh SIK DAY.] I'm gonna stay home today. [eyem GUH-nuh STAY HOHM tuh-DAY.] I'm running a fever, so I'll stay home. [eyem RUH-ning uh FEE-vur, soh eyel STAY HOHM.] I think I'm coming down with something. [eye THINGK eyem KUH-ming DOWN with SUM-thing.] I'll be out today. [eyel bee OWT tuh-DAY.] Hey, I'm not gonna make it in today. [HAY, eyem NAHT GUH-nuh MAYK it IN tuh-DAY.] Sorry for the short notice. [SAH-ree fur thuh SHORT NOH-dis.] I should be back tomorrow. [eye shuud bee BAK tuh-MAH-roh.] I'll keep you posted. [eyel KEEP yoo POHS-tid.] Do I need a doctor's note? [duh eye NEED uh DAHK-turz NOHT?] I'm feeling better, I'll be in. [eyem FEE-ling BEH-dur, eyel bee IN.] I'd rather not get everyone sick. [eyed RA-thur NAHT GET EH-vree-wun SIK.] I'm gonna work from home instead. [eyem GUH-nuh WURK frum HOHM in-STED.] I'm online but a little slow today. [eyem ahn-LYN but uh LIH-dul SLOH tuh-DAY.] My son's home sick, so I'm with him today. [my SUNZ HOHM SIK, soh eyem with him tuh-DAY.] Can you cover the standup for me? [kun yoo KUH-vur thuh STAND-uhp fur mee?] Feel better. [FEEL BEH-dur.] Don't worry about the deadline, just rest. [DOHNT WUH-ree uh-BOWT thuh DED-lyn, just REST.] …and more in the episode