Answerphone message – key, notes and transcription

1 Something unexpected has happened – something has cropped up

crop up – phrasal verb informal – appear or occur unexpectedly. Eg Something urgent has cropped up. He’s thinking of applying for another job unless something else crops up here. His name crops up in various newspapers.

2 She can’t attend – she can’t make it

to make sth – to manage to arrive somewhere. Eg I doubt if I’ll make it to the office party = I don’t think I’ll be able to get to the office party. She made it just as the train was about to leave!

3 (I don’t know) if this is helpful, (I wonder) if that is any good? If that’s any use?

Is this any use? Is this at all useful / helpful?

4 We’re always rushed off our feet – We’re always up to our eyes

To be rushed off your feet – informal – to be very busy
To be up to your eyes in sth – informal – to be very busy doing sth – eg She’s up to her eyes in the village flower show at the moment

5 I’d prefer not to meet on that occasion or at that time – I’d rather not meet then
6 the Thursday after – the following Thursday
7 If we agreed to do that it would entail postponing the matters we have to discuss / That means postponing everything – that’s putting the whole business off
8 Would you prefer to hold the meeting earlier than that? Would you rather bring it forward?
9 It means we won’t have much time – It makes us a bit tight for time

tight – adj – limited / restricted. Eg Money is really tight at the moment. They’re a bit tight for space in their car.

10 What would you think of ….ing…? – How would you feel about ….ing…?
11 Would that inconvenience you / Would that be a problem for you? Would you mind about that?
12 Could I just point out / make it clear / Do you realise..? – mind (you)

Mind (you) – used to introduce a qualification to a previous statement, for instance when you want to alert sb to sth, or make what you have just said clearer or sound less strong: eg He didn’t get the job – mind (you), he didn’t seem disappointed. Let’s invite Jane along – mind (you), it means we won’t be able to mention the fact that we’re going on holiday. Her brother is awful – mind (you), my sister’s the same.

13 Would you ring me back? – Could you get back to me?
14 What would you find most convenient? – What would suit you best?
15 I’ve written down as a provisional arrangement that may be changed at a later stage – I’ve pencilled in

to pencil sth / sb in – phrasal verb – to note down or arrange something for a particular date or occasion, knowing that the arrangement might be changed later. Eg "I think we should pencil in a committee meeting and then check with Dennis to see if he can make it. If not, I’ll get back to you."

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