So, you or your employees have a lot of work to do, and you want to express that.
If you’re worried that “a lot of work” comes across as too informal or out of place, you’re in the right place!
This article will show you how to say you have a lot of work to do without overcomplicating anything.
Is It Professional to Say “A Lot of Work”?
It is professional to say “a lot of work.” The phrase in itself is fine to include in most formal written contexts because it shows that you have a lot of things to get on with.
Whether you’re an employee saying you have work to do or a boss asking your employees to do a lot of work, this phrase works.
For example:
Dear Adam,
I’m afraid I have a lot of work to do. I’m not sure when I’ll be able to get through it all.
Kind regards,
Jon Anthony
We generally recommend including it with other professional phrases to make the whole sentence sound as formal as possible.
Pros
- It’s simple to include in most written cases.
- It’s professional enough to work well in emails.
Cons
- It’s quite generic, which is why people are cautious of it.
- It doesn’t express the exact volume of work you need to complete.
So, “a lot of work” is one of the best ways to show that you have plenty of work to get on with.
However, it’s not the only option. We recommend exploring some alternatives as well.
Keep reading to learn how to say “a lot of work” professionally. You’ll be surprised to learn how many other options you have.
What to Say Instead of “A Lot of Work”
- Substantial workload
- Considerable amount to do
- Countless tasks
- Lots to get on with
- Plenty to get through
- Significant undertaking
- Numerous responsibilities
- Seemingly endless tasks
- A lot to keep me occupied
- Plenty to keep me going
- A ton of work
1. Substantial Workload
You can use “substantial workload” instead of “a lot of work” for a more professional alternative.
It’s a great way to remind someone not to fool around. It implies that they’ll have a lot of work to do, so they should try to take it seriously.
Generally, this will be a good way to encourage employees to focus. We recommend it because most employees will be grateful for the warning.
This email example will also help you with it:
Dear Tyrone,
This is a substantial workload. Please let me know if you need help, and I’ll see who is available to assist you.
All the best,
Jonathan Bench
2. Considerable Amount to Do
You may also use “considerable amount to do” as another way to say “a lot of work.”
This is an effective phrase for something more formal and direct. It shows you have to share a lot of work with someone, so they need to focus their efforts on completing the tasks.
We recommend using it when setting tasks for employees. It shows that you need them to do a lot, and you may even have to set a deadline for them to remind them what needs to get done.
Feel free to review the following example as well:
Dear Tamara,
There is a considerable amount to do. It requires your attention, and I’d appreciate you to complete it by tomorrow.
Yours,
Tracy Randall
3. Countless Tasks
For a more exaggerated phrase, try “countless tasks.”
This is a great way to let someone know you have too much work to get on with.
Generally, you would use it when you’re swamped with work given by your boss. It shows you have already picked up too many tasks and can’t find a way to take on more.
We recommend using it to sound a bit funny yet sincere when saying you aren’t available to do anything new.
Here’s a great email sample to show you how to use it:
Dear Hazel,
I have countless tasks to do. I’m sorry, but I can’t find a way around them right now, so I can’t help you.
Yours,
Ross Edgley
4. Lots to Get On With
You should try using “lots to get on with” instead of “a lot of work.”
It’s a great formal alternative that shows you have plenty of work to do.
Try using it when emailing a coworker. It suggests that you both have a lot of work to get on with and should start focusing on it to get it done quickly.
We also recommend reviewing this example:
Dear Miss Angel,
There’s lots to get on with today. Have you got any people willing to help us get through it?
Yours,
Jack Chan
5. Plenty to Get Through
Feel free to try “plenty to get through” instead of “a lot of work.” It’s a great formal reminder to show that someone has a lot to get on with.
Try using it when letting an employee know there’s a lot of work to do.
It’s great to use because it keeps things professional and direct, showing that there’s loads of work to get on with.
If you’re still stuck, check out the following example:
Dear Timmy,
She has plenty to get through. Most of it requires her immediate attention, so don’t message her just yet.
Best regards,
Jade Smythe
6. Significant Undertaking
It might seem a little more complicated, but “significant undertaking” is another great choice to include in professional emails.
This time, we recommend using it when warning someone how much work needs to be done. It’s a great choice because it prepares people for what’s to come.
Try it when emailing a client. That way, you can let them know what to expect.
Here’s a great example to show you how it works:
Dear Miss Smith,
We have a significant undertaking with these projects. There’s a lot to do, but we’re happy to work through it.
Best wishes,
Joanna Scofield
7. Numerous Responsibilities
Next, you can use “numerous responsibilities” instead of “a lot of work.” It’s an effective way to let your boss know you’re busy.
Generally, it’ll be your boss who has given you all the responsibilities. So, it should be on them to know how busy you are and whether you can fit their requests into your schedule.
This phrase can sound a bit snappy and flippant. However, it’s direct and honest, showing that you have too much to do and can’t take on more tasks.
This sample email should also help you with it:
Dear Mr. Martin,
I have numerous responsibilities. I would appreciate it if you could find someone else to help you with this.
All the best,
Jacqui Billion
8. Seemingly Endless Tasks
For a slightly friendlier alternative, try “seemingly endless tasks.” It’s great because it shows that you don’t see an end to the work you have to do.
We highly recommend this when emailing a coworker. It works best when you have a good relationship with the recipient.
Don’t use it when emailing your boss. They might see it as a complaint that they’ve set you too much work to get on with.
Perhaps this example will also clear things up:
Dear Brienne,
There are seemingly endless tasks stacking up on my schedule. They need to be done before I can move forward.
Yours,
Willis Samwell
9. A Lot to Keep Me Occupied
Sometimes, having a lot of work is a blessing. The more work you have, the more occupied you are, and the easier it is to get on with things.
Therefore, you can use “a lot to keep me occupied” instead of “a lot of work.” It’s a great phrase that shows you’ve got too much clogging your schedule.
You should use it when emailing a customer. It shows you’ve got too much on your plate to offer them help at the moment.
We also recommend reviewing the following sample email:
Dear Bradley,
I have a lot to keep me occupied. I’ll let you know when I have an opening that might help, though.
Yours,
Duncan Banner
10. Plenty to Keep Me Going
You can also use “plenty to keep me going” instead of “a lot of work.” It’s a great phrase that keeps things more friendly and direct.
Generally, this won’t work in the most formal cases. It’s better to use it when writing to a coworker.
It shows you have a lot to do, and you’re happy to start working through it to keep you busy.
Here’s an email sample to show you how it works:
Hi Mario,
Don’t worry; I’ve got plenty to keep me going. I’ll let you know tomorrow when I’ve done it all.
Yours,
Jack Wilkins
11. A Ton of Work
For a more informal phrase, you can use “a ton of work.”
We wanted to end with something more friendly and fun. It’s a great choice that many native speakers use when discussing workload with friends.
For example:
Hi Mack.
There is a ton of work for me here. So, I won’t be able to make it out tonight.
Best regards,
Jon Academy