Business English from All Ears English

BE 441: How to Buy Time to Make Decisions at Work

20 snips
Jul 22, 2025
In a high-pressure work environment, decision-making can be daunting. The hosts share strategies to ease anxiety around choices, emphasizing the power of thoughtful reflection. They dive into phrases like 'sleep on it' and 'think it over' to help listeners buy time and approach decisions more confidently. Personal anecdotes highlight the importance of context in communication, and they warn against the pitfalls of hasty choices. It's all about balancing effective communication with the art of thoughtful decision-making.
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ADVICE

Use "Think on It" to Delay

  • Use "think on it" to buy time before making work decisions without committing immediately.
  • This phrase is conversational and helps delay a response politely without rejecting an offer outright.
ADVICE

Use Delay Phrases Appropriately

  • Avoid saying "think on it" to your boss if the request is a task you should accept.
  • Use it more when you genuinely need time to consider important choices at work.
ADVICE

Mull It Over for Serious Thought

  • Use "mull it over" to express serious, thoughtful consideration of a difficult decision.
  • This phrase sounds more formal and shows you take the matter seriously.
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