A kinder way to say “I'd like to take vacation time”

Say this instead

1. 01

   Hi Lindsay, I'd like to request leave from 14 to July 18. Could you let me know whether those dates work for the team?

   Boss · Email

   Good for a planned break, since exact dates and a direct question make approval easy.

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2. 02

   Quick question: I'm planning to take vacation the week of March 3. Is that okay, or are there deadlines I should check first?

   Boss · Chat

   Handy when you want a quick yes or no and are open to hearing about timing conflicts.

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3. 03

   Hi Finley, could I take vacation on Friday 12 and Monday 15? Let me know if that works for the team. Thanks.

   Boss · SMS

   Suits a short-notice, informal request when you normally text your manager.

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4. 04

   Hi Emeka, I'm planning to be off 10 to June 14. Do those dates clash with yours? I'd like to check before I submit the request.

   Coworker · Chat

   Useful when you share coverage with someone and want to avoid both being away at once.

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5. 05

   I'm planning to take time off from 21 to October 25. Could we move our review to the week before or the week after?

   Client · Email

   Try this when your break overlaps a scheduled meeting and you want to rebook smoothly.

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6. 06

   I'm planning to take vacation from 2 to December 6. Please bring anything that needs my input to me by Friday, November 28.

   Someone you manage · Chat

   Gives your team a clear cutoff so they can plan their work around your absence.

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7. 07

   Hello Chloe, I have a vacation planned from 5 to August 12. Could we schedule the interviews before or after those dates?

   Recruiter / HR · Email

   Fits mid-search because it states your constraint early and asks to work around it.

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8. 08

   Hi Gareth, before my last day on June 30, could I use my remaining vacation days? I'd like to take 23 to June 27 if that works.

   Boss · Email

   Right for leaving a job and using leftover days, since it offers a specific window to respond to.

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Examples

What to avoid

• Leaving out the dates forces the other person to ask for them.
• Booking travel before you have a yes is a risk unless you're comfortable with it.
• Over-explaining or apologizing for ordinary time off makes a routine request sound like a big ask.
• Sending a request in the middle of a busy deadline, without checking timing first, can get a quick no.

Related phrases

• Alternatives to “I'm interested in the position” at work→
• A kinder way to say “can we reschedule the interview?”→
• How to say “my wife is pregnant” professionally→
• How to say “I'm accepting the new position” professionally→
• Saying “I'm going on vacation” at work→
• Alternatives to “is that okay” at work→