ENGLISH FOR REAL LIFE
English For: Construction Workers
In my online English lessons, I help construction workers speak clearly and safely on site — tool requests, PPE checks, delivery notes, quick updates and polite problem‑solving — all in simple, natural British English.
Find the words you needUseful Phrases and Idioms (Site English)
- Safety first: “Hard hats on, please.” / “Let’s keep the walkway clear.”
- Tools & materials: “Could you pass me the 18mm drill bit?” / “We’re short of plasterboard.”
- Deliveries: “Sign here for the aggregates.” / “Where would you like the pallets dropped?”
- Progress updates: “We’ve finished the first fix.” / “We’re running behind on the staircase.”
- Coordination: “Let’s stagger the teams so we’re not on top of each other.”
- Idioms: “On site” (at the work location) / “Back to the drawing board.”
This page supports **language learning** for site communication. Always follow your company’s safety rules and local laws.
Phrasal Verbs You’ll Use
- Set up: prepare equipment. “Set up the scaffold tower.”
- Lift up / lower down: move materials safely. “Lift up on three… lower down slowly.”
- Shut off: stop power/water/gas. “Shut off the mains before we start.”
- Lay out: mark positions. “Lay out the studs at 400mm centres.”
- Patch up: make a quick repair. “We’ll patch up the wall today.”
- Sign off: approve completion. “The inspector signed off the electrics.”
IN CONVERSATION
Example Conversation (Morning Briefing)
Supervisor: Morning, team. Today we’re finishing the first‑fix wiring on level two. PPE on at all times, and watch the wet floor by the lift.
Electrician: Do we have enough cable ties and junction boxes?
Supervisor: Yes — delivery arrived at 8. Grab them from the stores and lay out your runs before drilling.
Labourer: The stairwell is still blocked with pallets.
Supervisor: Thanks — I’ll get those moved now. Any other issues? No? Right — let’s crack on.
03 / YOUR TURN
Make it
your conversation.
Discussion Practice
- Give a 30‑second safety briefing for your task today.
- Politely report a hazard and suggest a quick fix.
- Explain a delivery problem to the site manager.
Mini Writing Tasks
- Write a WhatsApp update to your supervisor about progress.
- Write a short snag list for the end of the day.
- Write a polite message to request more materials.
Vocabulary You’ll Hear
| Word / Phrase | Meaning | Natural Example |
|---|---|---|
| PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) | Safety gear like helmets, boots, gloves. | “PPE is mandatory on site.” |
| Scaffolding | Temporary platforms for working at height. | “Only trained staff on the scaffolding.” |
| First fix / second fix | Early stage vs finishing stage of trades. | “We’re on second fix carpentry.” |
| Stud | Vertical framing piece in a wall. | “Fix the board to the studs.” |
| Snag / snagging | Minor defects to fix before handover. | “Add that scratch to the snag list.” |
| Permit to work | Authorisation for higher‑risk tasks. | “We need a permit to work for hot works.” |
| Stores | Site area for materials and tools. | “Collect the fittings from stores.” |
| Method statement | Document explaining how to do a task safely. | “Read the method statement before starting.” |
How I Teach This (and Why It Works)
In my lessons, I keep site English short and clear — safety first, then simple instructions and quick updates. We practise realistic crew talk so you feel confident with supervisors, trades and inspectors.
If you’d like focused speaking practice for your trade, join my online English lessons with a native speaker. My English speaking course is practical and hands‑on. You can take English lessons online with a native speaker online, wherever you are.
Put these words into a real conversation.
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