What happens in the video
Theo starts the morning by saying, "I'm in a bad mood. Talk to me through the plant." Hana answers through the plant: his meeting starts now. Theo then apologizes with a softer line, "It's been one of those days, and it's only nine," and Hana gives him her coffee.
1 It's been one of those days.
Tone Casual and gentle
Use it when lots of small things went wrong and you want to explain your mood without listing them. It is too light for serious news, such as an illness or a loss.
It's been one of those days.
For example:
A: You look tired. Is everything OK?
B: It's been one of those days. My bus was late, and then I spilled my tea.
A: Sit down. I'll make you another one.
2 I'm having an off day.
Tone Light and honest
Use it when you are not at your best and you make small mistakes or feel slow. It works well at work or with friends. It does not suggest that something bad happened.
Sorry. I'm having an off day.
For example:
A: You sent me the old file again.
B: Sorry. I'm having an off day. Here's the right one.
A: No problem. It happens.
3 I'm having a rough day.
Tone Serious and open
Use it when the day is really hard and you need some patience from the other person. It sounds heavier than "an off day," so people may ask what happened.
Sorry. I'm having a rough day.
For example:
A: You didn't answer my message.
B: Sorry. I'm having a rough day.
A: Do you want to talk about it?
B: Maybe later. Thanks for asking.
4 I'm not in the best mood right now.
Tone Polite and direct
Use it when you want to warn someone before a conversation starts. It is softer than "I'm in a bad mood" because it does not use the word "bad."
For example:
A: Can we talk about the weekend plans?
B: I'm not in the best mood right now. Can we talk after lunch?
A: Sure, after lunch is fine.
5 I'm not quite myself today.
Tone Soft and personal
Use it when you feel different from your usual self, for example quieter or less patient. It works with people who know you well, because they know how you usually act.
For example:
A: You're very quiet today.
B: I know. I'm not quite myself today.
A: OK. Tell me if you need anything.
6 I'm a bit out of sorts today.
Tone Mild and friendly
Use it when you feel slightly unwell or slightly upset and you can't say exactly why. It is a gentle phrase, so it doesn't fit a very bad day.
For example:
A: Are you coming to the movie tonight?
B: I'm a bit out of sorts today. I think I'll stay home.
A: Fair enough. Maybe next week.
7 Sorry if I'm short with you today.
Tone Apologetic and caring
Use it when you know your answers sound quick or cold. "Short with someone" means speaking in a quick, slightly unfriendly way. Say it early, before the other person feels hurt.
For example:
A: Can you check this report for me?
B: Yes. Sorry if I'm short with you today. It's not about you.
A: Thanks for saying that.
8 I just need a few minutes to reset.
Tone Calm and practical
Use it when you need a short break before you can talk or work well. It tells the other person what will help. It is not a good choice when someone needs an answer immediately.
For example:
A: Are you ready for the call?
B: I just need a few minutes to reset. Can we start at ten past?
A: Sure. I'll tell the others.
Common mistakes
-
Not quite
It was one of those days.Better It's been one of those days.
Use "It's been" (it has been) when the day is still going on, as it is for Theo at nine in the morning. "It was one of those days" is for a day that has already ended.
-
Not quite
I'm having an off-day mood.Better I'm having an off day.
"Off day" is already the complete idea. You have an off day. You don't need to add "mood," and you don't need a hyphen.
-
Not quite
I have a rough day.Better I'm having a rough day.
Use the continuous form "I'm having" for a day that is happening right now. "I have a rough day" sounds like a schedule, as in "I have a rough day tomorrow."
Quick quiz
Choose your answer for each question, then open the answer to check it.
-
Your printer jammed, you missed the bus, and your coffee went cold. Which line fits best?
- It's been one of those days.
- I'm having a rough day.
- I'm not quite myself today.
Show the answer (Question 1)
Answer: It's been one of those days. "One of those days" is for a day where lots of small things went wrong.
-
You made two small mistakes at work and feel slow, but nothing bad happened. What can you say?
- I'm having a rough day.
- I'm having an off day.
- I just need a few minutes to reset.
Show the answer (Question 2)
Answer: I'm having an off day. An off day means you are not at your best, without suggesting a serious problem.
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Which line sounds the most serious and asks most clearly for patience?
- I'm a bit out of sorts today.
- I'm having an off day.
- I'm having a rough day.
Show the answer (Question 3)
Answer: I'm having a rough day. "A rough day" sounds heavier, so it signals that you need some patience.
-
You answered a coworker quickly and coldly. Which line is the best way to repair it?
- Sorry if I'm short with you today.
- It's been one of those days.
- I'm not in the best mood right now.
Show the answer (Question 4)
Answer: Sorry if I'm short with you today. This line apologizes directly for the way you spoke to the coworker.
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It's 9 a.m. and your morning has gone badly. Which sentence is correct?
- It was one of those days.
- It's been one of those days.
- It is being one of those days.
Show the answer (Question 5)
Answer: It's been one of those days. "It's been" describes a day that started earlier and is still going on.
Questions learners ask
Is it rude to say "I'm in a bad mood"?
It isn't rude, but it can sound like a warning to the other person. Lines such as "It's been one of those days" or "I'm having an off day" explain your mood and sound softer. Adding "Sorry" first, as both movie lines do, makes it even kinder.
What is the difference between an off day and a rough day?
An off day means you are not at your best. You might feel slow or make small mistakes. A rough day is harder and more serious, and people may ask you what happened.
What does "one of those days" mean?
It means a day when lots of small things went wrong. The speaker doesn't need to list them, because the listener understands the idea. It is casual and gentle, so it works with friends and coworkers.
Can I use these lines at work?
Yes. "I'm having an off day" and "Sorry if I'm short with you today" are useful with coworkers because they are honest but light. For a manager or client, "I just need a few minutes to reset" is practical, because it says what will help.
Film lines are short quotes used for language teaching. The dialogue belongs to its rightsholders. Theo and Hana are animated characters made with Google Flow.
