Would four work?
Explain a timing problem and agree a workable alternative.
The next morning, Nina needs a new quote for a larger order. She asks for it by three, but you are still waiting for the new delivery price. You can finish it by four.
1 · Notice the conversation
Nina: Could you get the quote to me by three?
Orange: I’m still waiting for the delivery price. I can get it to you by four. Would that work?
Nina: My call’s at half past three. Could you send the product prices first?
Orange: Yes, I can send those by three and follow up with delivery by four.
Nina: Great. Please make it clear that delivery is still to be confirmed.
Orange: Will do.
2 · Understand what each phrase does
I’m still waiting for …
Explain the specific thing that is holding you up.
I’m still waiting for the delivery price.
A short, relevant reason can help the other person find a solution. “I’m busy” gives them less to work with. 说明在等什么，给对方协商所需的信息。Would that work?
Ask whether your suggestion fits the other person’s needs.
I can get it to you by four. Would that work?
“Would four work?” is natural too. This checks suitability, not whether someone is able to work. 问“这个安排合适吗”，不是问对方能不能工作。follow up with …
Provide the remaining information later.
I can send those by three and follow up with delivery by four.
Here “follow up with delivery” means send the delivery information. It does not promise physical delivery by four. 此处指补发配送报价，不是四点前把货送到。3 · Rehearse, then change the details
I’m still waiting for the delivery price. I can get it to you by four. Would that work?
Yes, I can send those by three and follow up with delivery by four.
Will do.
Keep the purpose; change the person, document or time. A simple, accurate sentence is enough.
4 · Respond to your colleague
Could you get the quote to me by three?
Explain the delay and offer four.
See one possible reply
I’m still waiting for the delivery price. I can get it to you by four. Would that work?
My call’s at half past three. Could you send the product prices first?
Offer the ready information first and the rest later.
See one possible reply
Yes, I can send those by three and follow up with delivery by four.
Great. Please make it clear that delivery is still to be confirmed.
Acknowledge the specific request.
See one possible reply
Will do. I’ll mark delivery as still to be confirmed.
5 · Try a different situation
A colleague needs a sales update for a ten-thirty meeting. Your sales figures are ready, but the returns figures will not be ready until noon. It is now ten.
Can you send me the full sales update by ten fifteen?
Explain what is missing and offer a realistic alternative.
The meeting’s at ten thirty. Could you send the sales figures first?
Agree what can be sent before the meeting and when to send the rest.
Thanks. Could you flag that the returns figures are still pending?
Confirm how you will label the missing information.
- I did not promise the full update before the figures were ready.
- I agreed to send sales figures by ten fifteen and returns by noon.
- I made clear that the first update was incomplete.
6 · Recall without the model tomorrow
You can finish a task an hour later than requested. Offer a realistic time and check whether it works for your colleague.