Idioms can help you sound natural—but only if they’re universal, polite, and clear. On CELPIP, prefer fixed expressions used in emails, notices, and everyday services. Avoid slang, jokes, and culture-specific metaphors. Use the phrases below to soften tone, signal structure, and move conversations forward.
When idioms help (and when they don’t)
Use expressions that:
- clarify the relationship between ideas (as a result, in the meantime, going forward);
- make requests polite (would you mind…, I’d appreciate…);
- frame problems and solutions calmly (it appears that…, the best way forward is…).
Avoid expressions that:
- are culture-bound or slangy (hit the sack, break a leg, ballpark figure in formal writing);
- exaggerate or sound emotional (it’s a nightmare, it’s killing me);
- could be misread in official contexts (ASAP can feel pushy—use as soon as possible or at your earliest convenience).
A quick filter: Is it clear to any adult reader? Does it fit formal/neutral tone? Does it stay literal enough for policy/email contexts?
Polite request & coordination set
- Would you mind …?
Would you mind sending the invoice by Friday? - I’d like to request … / I’m writing to request …
I’d like to request an extension to June 15. - Could you please …?
Could you please confirm availability for 2–4 p.m.? - At your earliest convenience
Please respond at your earliest convenience. - If possible / if that works
We can meet tomorrow if that works for you. - Subject to availability / pending approval
Installation is subject to availability and pending approval.
Appreciation, acknowledgment & apology
- Thank you for your patience / understanding.
- I appreciate your help / time / quick response.
- Thanks for bringing this to my attention.
- We apologize for the inconvenience / delay.
- Noted / Duly noted.
- I’ll keep you posted / I’ll follow up.
- Please accept our apologies; to make this right, we will …
(Pairs apology with a concrete solution.)
Clarifying, confirming & rephrasing
- Just to confirm / To clarify / For clarity
Just to confirm, the appointment is Tuesday at 3:00 p.m.. - If I understand correctly …
If I understand correctly, the fee applies after 30 days. - In other words / To put it another way
In other words, the permit isn’t needed for residents. - As discussed / As noted / As per your request
As discussed, we’ll reschedule to next week.
Neutral problem → solution language
- It appears that / It seems that …
It appears that the account was charged twice. - The issue appears to be …
The issue appears to be a billing mismatch. - As a result / Therefore / Consequently …
As a result, we’ll issue a credit of $25. - The best way forward is … / Next step is …
The best way forward is to schedule an inspection. - In the meantime / For the time being …
In the meantime, please use the guest network.
Soft disagreement & boundaries (polite but firm)
- I understand your concern; however …
I understand your concern; however, cosmetic damage isn’t covered. - We’re unable to … at this time.
We’re unable to waive the entire fee at this time. - What we can do is …
What we can do is apply a credit to your next bill. - In line with / In accordance with policy …
In accordance with policy, photo ID is required.
Time, scheduling & status
- No later than / by [date/time]
Please submit the form by June 12, 5:00 p.m.. - As soon as / once / as of
We’ll proceed once the payment clears.
As of June 1, the new rates apply. - On short notice / ahead of schedule / behind schedule
- On track / off track / back on track
The project is on track for Friday.
Conditional, eligibility & scope
- As long as / provided that / on the condition that
We can extend the lease provided that notice is given. - Eligible for / subject to / limited to
The discount is eligible for annual plans only. - Up to / at least / no more than
Processing takes up to five business days.
Certainty & cautious language (hedging)
- We plan to / We expect to / We aim to
- Likely / unlikely / appears / suggests
- To the best of my knowledge
To the best of my knowledge, all documents were submitted. - As far as I can tell / It looks like
It looks like the file didn’t upload.
Money, billing & remedies
- Issue a refund / authorize a refund / apply a credit
- Waive a fee / reverse a charge / adjust the bill
- Payment in full / amount owing / balance due
- Proof of purchase / proof of address
- Price match / equivalent item / comparable model
Delivery, logistics & handovers
- As scheduled / as discussed / as agreed
- Hand over / take over / pass along
I’ll hand over the case to the morning team. - Follow up on / circle back on / check in about
(Prefer follow up on in formal writing.) - Attached / enclosed / included
Attached, please find the receipt.
Register ladders (formal → neutral → friendly)
- Please be advised that … → Please note that … → Just a heads-up …
- We are unable to … → We can’t … → We can’t, unfortunately …
- We would appreciate … → We’d appreciate … → I’d really appreciate …
- At your earliest convenience → When you have a moment → When you get a sec (avoid in assessed writing)
Pick the version that fits the audience and channel. In assessed tasks, formal → neutral is the safest range.
Pairs that sound natural in Canadian English (fixed + collocation)
- file a complaint | submit an application | request an extension
- meet a deadline | waive a fee | escalate an issue
- provide identification | verify your address | confirm availability
- arrange an inspection | schedule a technician | renew a permit
- follow up on a ticket | refer the case | grant access
Common pitfalls to avoid
- Colourful metaphors: on thin ice, out of left field, slam dunk (culture-specific).
- Humour/sarcasm: can be misread in official contexts.
- Pushy closers: Thanks in advance can sound presumptive—use Thank you for your help with this.
- All-caps and exclamation marks: read as emotional.
- ASAP: acceptable in chat; in emails use as soon as possible or at your earliest convenience.
Plug-and-play lines you can reuse
-
Request with reason + timeframe
I’m writing to request an extension to June 15, as a result of a banking delay. -
Polite complaint + solution
I’d like to report a recurring noise issue after 11 p.m. In the meantime, could you arrange an inspection? -
Status update
The technician visited this morning; as a result, installation is scheduled for Friday 2–4 p.m.. -
Boundary with alternative
We’re unable to approve a full refund; however, we can apply a credit to your account. -
Closing with next step
Please let me know if anything else is required. I’ll keep you posted.