What to say instead of “I'd like to request leave”

Say this instead

1. 01

   Hi Claire, I'd like to take annual leave from Monday, July 14 to Friday, July 18. I can prepare a handover before then. Could you let me know if those dates work?

   Boss · Email

   Use it for a standard holiday request, since exact dates and a handover offer make a clear answer easy.

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2. 02

   Could I take Friday, June 6 off? Happy to plan around anything that's due that week.

   Boss · Chat

   Fits a short, low-key request when your team lives in chat and you get along well with your manager.

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3. 03

   Hi Reese, could I take next Thursday off for a family event? I can share what's pending before then. Let me know if that works.

   Boss · SMS

   Suits a manager who texts about work, or a moment when email would reach them too late.

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4. 04

   Hi Maria, I'd like to ask for two weeks of unpaid leave in September for a family matter. Could we find 15 minutes this week to talk through whether it's possible and how to cover my work?

   Boss · Email

   Good for a bigger or more sensitive request because it asks for a conversation without over-explaining.

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5. 05

   I'm thinking of asking for leave from 3 to November 7. Do you have anything planned then, so we don't both end up away at the same time?

   Coworker · Chat

   Try it before submitting anything formal, when you share cover duties and want to avoid a clash.

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6. 06

   Hi Keisha, before I accept, I'd like to ask about leave. I have a trip booked for 12 to January 19. Would it be possible to take that time off soon after I start?

   Recruiter / HR · Email

   Raising a trip you already booked before you sign means nobody is surprised after you start.

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7. 07

   Hi Lucas, I'm planning to take leave from 9 to June 13, subject to approval. Could we move our review to the week before, or to June 16?

   Client · Email

   Helpful when your time off touches a client meeting, because it flags dates early and offers other options.

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Examples

What to avoid

• Leaving out the dates makes the request impossible to answer.
• Saying “I'll be away” when you mean “may I be away” can read as informing your manager instead of asking.
• A long explanation of your reasons is unnecessary unless you want to share them, since dates and cover are enough.
• Try not to ask late in the day or right before a deadline.
• If you can help it, hold off on booking flights or non-refundable plans until you have an answer.

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