When handling a big project, do you often need to buy time?
You might need time to ensure you’re making the right decision.
Today Aubrey and Michelle share phrases that will help decrease the pressure you feel when making decisions.
Decisions at work
Michelle asks Aubrey if she ever feels pressure to make a decision regarding work.
Aubrey answers that this happens when you need to make split decisions.
Often there is not enough time for you to ponder and consider all possible outcomes.
The pressure can also be caused by how important the decision is.
The decision you are making might have a big impact and there may be serious consequences if you don’t make the right call.
Today, Aubrey and Michelle will share an expression you can use to give yourself extra time to make a decision.
More time to make decisions
The business world can be fast-paced and you may be working on a very important project or task that requires you to make decisions.
The amount of time you have to decide may not always be ideal.
You may have a pressing deadline or there may be pressure to think about how it will affect a project or your coworkers.
Today’s vocabulary and phrases will help you communicate that you need extra time to put thought into it.
#1: Think on it
This is a really common expression.
It can be genuine and means you need time to think about something.
Example:
Aubrey: So, are you interested in trying out our new printers? I can get you a great deal!
Michelle: Thanks so much for thinking of us. I’m going to think on it and get back to you!
Aubrey: Okay great!
It can also imply you’re not actually interested in an offer.
Example:
I’m not really sure if we should move forward. Let’s think on it and talk about it tomorrow.
This expression can sound casual but it still shows you’re confident and in command.
It’s a good way to buy time.
Aubrey and Michelle share that you shouldn’t say this to your boss or any of your superiors because it can sound dismissive.
#2: Mull it over
This means you need to think extensively about something.
Because you need to make a tough decision, you may need more time.
Example:
- I’m gonna mull all of this over tonight. I have a lot to think about.
#3: Sleep on it
This is a way for you to say that you may need a day or overnight for you to think before giving your decision.
Example:
- I know this is a hard choice for you. I say sleep on it and see how you feel tomorrow.
#4: Give it some thought
This is a straightforward option that allows you to be upfront.
With this phrase, you are saying you need more time to think about something.
Example:
- I don’t want to make a rash decision. I want to really give it some thought.
#5: Think something over
This is a less casual way to say you’re thinking about something before deciding.
Example:
- I’m interested, but I have to think it over some more before I get back to you.
Roleplay
Aubrey and Michelle share a roleplay that will help you better understand the vocabulary shared in today’s episode.
Here you can see how to use them in an actual English conversation.
In this scenario, Aubrey and Michelle are coworkers.
Michelle thinks they should go to their boss about a problem.
Michelle: I think we should just talk to her.
Aubrey: Okay, let’s just think this over. I really think we can work this out ourselves.
Michelle: We’ve tried everything. We can think on it for another day, but we really should make a move tomorrow.
Aubrey: I guess I’ll have to sleep on it.
Michelle: I mean… don’t mull it over for too long.
Aubrey: I won’t. I’ll just give it a little more thought.
Michelle: Okay.
Takeaway
At work, it’s crucial to balance decisiveness with thoughtful consideration, especially when the stakes are high.
If you’re not ready to commit to a decision, the way you communicate that pause matters just as much as the pause itself.
Rather than dodging the issue or sounding hesitant, using language like “I’d like to think it over” or “Let me give this some thought” signals that you’re taking the decision seriously and want to approach it responsibly.
This maintains your credibility and shows respect for the other person’s time and input.
It’s not just about buying time.
It’s also about preserving professional relationships, demonstrating accountability, and keeping the dialogue open and constructive.
Thoughtful communication in moments of uncertainty can actually strengthen trust in the workplace, rather than weaken it.
What other English expressions do you know that can buy you time at work?
Share one with us in the comment section below.
