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Colleague's Return from Sickness

A colleague returns to work after being absent due to illness, and a co-worker expresses concern and asks about their recovery.

Dialogue

Listen and follow along with the conversation

1
Sarah (Female)
Hey Michael, good to see you back! How are you feeling?
2
Michael (Male)
Hi Sarah! Thanks, it's good to be back. I'm feeling much better, almost completely recovered.
3
Sarah (Female)
That's great news! We missed you around here. Take it easy today, don't overdo it.
4
Michael (Male)
I appreciate that. I'm still taking it slow, but I'm looking forward to catching up on everything.
5
Sarah (Female)
No rush at all. Just focus on your health. If you need any help, just let me know.
6
Michael (Male)
Will do, thanks Sarah. It's nice to know I have your support.

Vocabulary

Essential words and phrases from the dialogue

recovered

Means you are getting better after being sick; use it to describe improvement in health, like 'I'm almost recovered.'

missed

Means you felt the absence of someone and wanted them around; common in friendly or work settings to show care, like 'We missed you.'

take it easy

An idiom meaning to relax and not work too hard; useful for advising someone after illness to avoid stress.

overdo it

Means to do too much, which can be harmful; often used to warn against pushing yourself too soon after recovery.

appreciate

Means to be grateful for something; polite way to thank someone for their kindness or support.

catching up

Means to get up to date on missed work or events; useful in professional contexts after being away.

no rush

Means there's no need to hurry; reassures someone not to feel pressured, especially when recovering.

Key Sentences

Important phrases to remember and practice

How are you feeling?

This is a common way to ask about someone's health after illness; it's polite and shows concern. Use it in casual greetings; simple present continuous tense for current state.

I'm feeling much better, almost completely recovered.

Describes improvement in health; useful for updating others on recovery. 'Much better' is a comparative phrase to show progress; say this when responding to health questions.

Take it easy today, don't overdo it.

Advice to rest and avoid too much effort; idiomatic expression for care after sickness. Use in supportive conversations; imperative form for giving suggestions.

I'm still taking it slow, but I'm looking forward to catching up on everything.

Shows cautious recovery while being positive; 'taking it slow' means proceeding carefully, and 'looking forward to' expresses anticipation. Great for work return talks.

No rush at all. Just focus on your health.

Reassures no pressure on tasks; emphasizes priority on well-being. Use to support colleagues; 'no rush' is informal, and 'focus on' means to concentrate.

If you need any help, just let me know.

Offers assistance openly; conditional 'if' for possibilities, and 'let me know' is a common phrase for requesting contact. Essential for showing teamwork and care.