Native like or not no. 9

Question

Howdy,Does this sentence sound native-like to your ears? In my opinion it doesn't. Can you help me make it more native-like?If the cold doesn't pass I'll ask for a sick leave for tomorrow.

Clive · Accepted Answer

Hi,

Does this sentence sound native-like to your ears? In my opinion it doesn't. Can you help me make it more native-like?

If the cold doesn't pass I'll ask for a sick leave for tomorrow.

If this cold doesn't get better, I'm going to call in sick tomorrow.

Clive

Perfect Stranger · Answer

I see. Thank you. Is the phrase ask for a sick leave acceptable? And is there any other way to say that the cold is... passing?

Perfect Stranger · Answer

Here's a text message I've just sent to my supervisor, I don't know if it's 100% alright.

Simon, I'll have to ask for a sick leave for tomorrow. I have a fever and serious stomach issues. Today I'll come to work but if it doesn't get better I'll have to take a day off on Friday.

Clive · Answer

Hi,

If the cold doesn't pass I'll ask for a sick leave for tomorrow.

There's nothing really, really wrong with this sentence except that it is not natural.

'Sick leave' is normally treated as an uncountable term, eg 'some sick leave'.
The word 'leave' is a term that seems very commonly used by learners of English, yet in my experience is seldom used by employees in English culture.
Consider this scenario. Fred works for IBM. His annual sick leave allowance is 21 days. If he wakes up feeling sick, he calls his boss or the boss's secretary and says eg I don't feel good. I'll try to come in tomorrow. He doesn't have to be very explicit, because everyone knows how the sick leave scheme works. It's an extremely routine kind of phone call. He doesn't usually even have to say what his specific ailment is.

Clive

Clive · Answer

H,

I realize that it's hard to learn such jargon.

I suggest you say, at least a bit more naturally,

eg If my cold doesn't get better, I'll take a sick day tomorrow.

'Take' is more realistic than 'ask', because your boss is highly unlikely to say 'No'. when you inform him of your plan

Clive

Perfect Stranger · Answer

Thanks Clive. Yes, it's hard indeed. I'll come back to this topic a bit later.

Perfect Stranger · Answer

Hmm... How about this situation.

Yesterday I felt pretty bad but I decided to go to work anyway. Then, around 16.00 my condition got much worse and I had to... take sick leave / ask for sick leave / call in sick ?

I think the last one isn't OK since I was already at work so I didn't have to call anybody.

Clive · Answer

Hi,

eg Yesterday I felt pretty bad but I decided to go to work anyway. Then, around four, I got much worse and I had to go home.

Clive

Perfect Stranger · Answer

Hmm... thanks Clive... I really don't get it why we can't say take sick leave in my last sentence...

Clive · Answer

Hi,

First, let's look at a cultural consideration.
Assume that the person normally finishes work at 5 pm. In my experience of professional and office jobs, it is unlikely that the person would be required to take a sick day, as the work-day is almost complete. What would happen if he were eg a factory worker, I don't know.

But let's assume for now that in that work-place it is normal to take a sick day in that situation. You can say . . . take sick leave . . . but it is just not natural.
One reason is that you are stating the obvious, which is something native speakers try to avoid.
Another reason is that you are giving too much detail. Most listeners are unlikely to care whether you had to take sick leave or not.

Clive

Native like or not no. 9

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