Vocabulary · Free lesson
TOEIC notices: who should you contact instead?
An email ends with Alex’s name, but it tells you to contact Priya. The signature identifies the writer; the instruction identifies the person who can help during the absence.
Professor Scott MendozaThe short answer
“In my absence, contact Priya about deliveries” means contact Priya about deliveries while the writer is away. It does not make Priya the contact for every issue or a permanent replacement.
Match the person, issue, and period.
First identify who is away. In my absence refers to the writer. Then find the named substitute and any phrase such as for delivery questions or for urgent requests. Finally check when the arrangement applies. A name in the signature is not automatically the answer.
Compare the examples
I will be away on Tuesday and Wednesday. — Alex
For delivery questions, contact Priya during my absence.
For invoice questions, contact Omar as usual.
If the notice gives no contact for a different issue, do not invent one. Missing information may need clarification.
Build the meaning step by step
Read who is away
Alex: away Tuesday and Wednesday
Follow the issue
deliveries → Priya; invoices → Omar
Try it now
Choose the right contact
Read all answers and explanations
Alex writes: “I am away today. For delivery questions, contact Priya in my absence.” Who should handle today’s delivery question?
PriyaThe instruction names Priya for this issue during Alex’s absence.
“For deliveries, contact Priya. For invoices, contact Omar.” Who handles an invoice question?
OmarMatch invoices to Omar, rather than choosing the first name.
“Priya will cover deliveries on Tuesday while I am away.” Which claim is supported?
Priya covers deliveries during the stated absence on Tuesday.The message gives a temporary duty and a specific day only.
Put it into practice
Repair the contact summary
Notice: “I am away Monday. Send urgent booking requests to Ben. For invoices, contact Nia as usual. — Ella” Correct the summary for an urgent Monday booking.
I should contact Ella because she signed the notice.
See a model answer
I should contact Ben about the urgent Monday booking.
Use the named substitute only within the stated instruction.
A little more clarity
Common questions
A few useful details before you move on.
Who does my refer to in “in my absence”?
It refers to the person writing or speaking. In an email signed Alex, in my absence normally means while Alex is away, not while the substitute is away.
In my absence, please contact Priya. — Alex
Should I send every question to the substitute?
Use the scope given in the message. If it names invoices, that does not automatically make the substitute responsible for every other topic.
While I’m away, please contact Priya about invoices.
Take it into your day
A temporary contact has a scope and a time window.
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