#38 Applying for a Language Course｜English Everyday Phrases
Izumi English Morning
#57 Rescheduling a Meeting｜English Business Phrases
Izumi
In a business setting, priorities may shift or urgent matters may arise, making it necessary to change the schedule of a meeting.
When requesting to reschedule in English, it is important to provide a polite reason, propose an alternative date, and reach a smooth agreement with the other party.
In this article, I introduce practical English phrases for postponing or changing a meeting, checking the other person’s availability, and confirming the new schedule.
Contents
Dialogue
Sorry for the short notice, but something urgent came up. Could we reschedule today’s meeting?
I see. When would you like to meet instead?
Would tomorrow afternoon work for you? I’m free after 2 p.m.
Tomorrow afternoon works for me. How about 3 p.m.?
That’s perfect. Thank you for adjusting the schedule.
No problem at all. I’ll update the calendar invite.
1. Opening the Conversation
When requesting a change to a meeting schedule, briefly explaining the reason helps the other person understand the situation.
- Sorry for the short notice, but something urgent came up.
“Sorry for the short notice” is commonly used when making a request on short notice. In English, sudden changes are expressed using short notice.
Other useful introductory expressions include:
- I apologize for the last-minute request.
- I’m sorry for the inconvenience.
2. Requesting to Reschedule
Next, clearly state your request to change the meeting time.
- Could we reschedule today’s meeting?
Using “Could we” makes the expression more polite. In business contexts, “could” is more appropriate than “can.”
Other similar expressions include:
- Is it possible to move the meeting?
- Would you mind changing the time?
- Can we push the meeting back?
“push back” means to postpone, while the opposite—moving an appointment earlier—is expressed as “bring forward.”
3. Proposing an Alternative Time
When requesting a schedule change, offering alternative options yourself helps the conversation move forward smoothly.
- Would tomorrow afternoon work for you?
“Would ～ work for you?” is a common business expression for checking someone’s availability.
Providing additional details makes it easier for the other person to decide:
- I’m free after 2 p.m.
Presenting clear options helps streamline the scheduling process.
4. Expressing Appreciation
After the schedule has been adjusted, it is important to express gratitude.
- Thank you for adjusting the schedule.
Other polite expressions include:
- I appreciate your flexibility.
Expressing appreciation helps maintain positive long-term working relationships.
Summary
- Could we reschedule today’s meeting?
→ A basic phrase used when requesting a change to a meeting schedule. - Would tomorrow afternoon work for you?
→ A polite way to propose an alternative date and check the other person’s availability. - I’m free after 2 p.m.
→ A useful phrase for offering specific time options to ease the rescheduling process.
