Back to Work and School – English phrases for September
Back from Summer Break – Time to Restart Your English Conversation Practice!
Summer holidays are over, and it’s about time to get back into work or school mode.
In English, this season is often summed up with “back to work” or “back to school.”
But just saying “I’m back at work” can sound a little flat.
So today, we’ll introduce some natural small talk expressions that native speakers—especially in the UK—use all the time when the summer holidays are over.
They’re perfect for casual conversations, so try them out!
1. Can you fill me in on …?
Can you fill me in on what I’ve missed while I was away?
Meaning: “Can you tell me what happened while I was away?”
- fill (someone) in is a casual way to say “bring someone up to date” or “explain the situation.”
- Extra nuance: Simply asking “What have I missed?” can sound unserious or like a rhetorical question (as if you already know). By contrast, “Can you fill me in …” makes it clear you genuinely want details. Safe to use in both business and casual settings.
2. Hit the ground running
We’ve got a big project this month, so we’re hitting the ground running.
Meaning: “To start working at full speed straight after the break.”
- Extra nuance: This expression gives off a very positive, high-energy impression. It makes the listener think, “This person is motivated!” Great for making a strong impression at the start of a meeting or team catch-up.
3. Easing myself back in
I’m just easing myself back in after the summer holidays.
Meaning: “I’m slowly getting back into work mode.”
- Extra nuance: Unlike hit the ground running, this has a more relaxed, take-it-easy feel. It signals, “I’m not fully switched on yet, but I’m getting there.” Ideal for friendly workplace chat with close colleagues.
4. Trying to get back into the swing of things
It’s hard getting back into the swing of things after two weeks off.
Meaning: “I haven’t quite found my work/study rhythm again after the break.”
- Extra nuance: This expresses that you’re not quite back in the flow yet, and maybe struggling a little. People tend to respond with empathy—“I know exactly what you mean.”
5. Back to the grind
Well, back to the grind after two weeks in Spain!
Meaning: “Back to the usual busy routine.”
- Extra nuance: grind refers to repetitive, often boring work. Using it here adds a light, self-deprecating humour. Even if you like your job, you can say it for comic effect—the British way.
- Intonation tip: Say back to the grind with a slight drop in tone on grind for extra irony.
6. My brain’s still on holiday mode
Sorry, my brain’s still on holiday mode – what did you say?
Meaning: “I’m still mentally in holiday mode and not very focused.”
- Extra nuance: This makes light of your lack of concentration, so it doesn’t come across as rude. Often heard on the first day back at work or school, in both casual and semi-formal contexts.
7. I’ve come back to work for a rest!
After two weeks with the kids, I’ve come back to work for a rest!
Meaning: “My holiday was so busy that work feels like a break!”
- Extra nuance: A classic piece of British humour. It pokes fun at the idea that holidays—especially with children or a hectic travel schedule—can be more exhausting than work itself.
- Intonation tip: Slightly raise your pitch on for a rest to make it sound more like a joke.
8. The countdown to Christmas begins!
The countdown to Christmas begins now that summer’s over.
Meaning: “Once summer’s finished, it’s time to start thinking about Christmas.”
- Extra nuance: Your tone changes the meaning. If you say it with enthusiasm, it means you’re looking forward to it. Say it flatly, and it’s a wry comment about the dislike of a long build-up to Christmas.
- Intonation tip: For excitement, raise your pitch on Christmas. For sarcasm, keep the whole sentence flat and slightly lower.
Tips for Using These Phrases
- As conversation starters: It feels natural to begin small talk with colleagues or classmates by mentioning your summer holiday.
- In English lessons: Don’t just memorise the words—use them in practice conversations for faster retention.
Brush Up Your “Post-Holiday Small Talk” Skills at PS English.
In our English conversation lessons, you’ll learn natural expressions and the authentic rhythm of British English you can’t get from textbooks alone.
September is the perfect time to restart your learning.