I called in sick vs I have called in sick

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "I called in sick" is used when referring to a specific past action of calling in sick, while "I have called in sick" is used when emphasizing the completion of the action in the recent past or when the action has relevance to the present.

Last updated: March 26, 2024 • 2700 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used when referring to a specific past action of calling in sick.

"I called in sick"

This phrase is used to describe a past action of calling in sick. It indicates that the action of calling in sick has already taken place.

Examples:

Yesterday, I called in sick because I had a fever.
She called in sick last week due to a family emergency.

Show examples from the web [+]

'Cause I called in sick to work, so...
That's why I called in sick.
DOUG: So, when I called in sick this morning, I hung upside down in gravity boots (chuckles) so my voice sound all nasally.
Trudy, I called in sick today because I had my interview with Ogilvy.
So, when I called in sick this morning, I hung upside down in gravity boots so my voice sound all nasally.
Joplin said he found a buyer and everything was set for that night, but I... couldn't go through with it and I called in sick.
I called in sick at work.
Look, I called in sick before I went to bed last night, which is more than six hours in advance.
I called in sick. I mean...
I called in sick, and the next thing I know, this queen is trying to take my crown. Ha.
Maybe because lately it seems like if I called in sick every time somebody I loved got murdered l'd never make it in for a day of work.
Cassie's at work, kids are in school, And I called in sick for the rest of the day.

Alternatives:

I phoned in sick
I informed my boss that I was sick
I let my manager know I wouldn't be coming in because I was sick
I told work I was sick
I reported my illness to my supervisor

This phrase is correct and commonly used when emphasizing the completion of the action in the recent past or when the action has relevance to the present.

"I have called in sick"

This phrase is used to emphasize that the action of calling in sick has been completed in the recent past or when the fact of calling in sick is relevant to the present.

Examples:

I have called in sick, so I won't be able to attend the meeting.
She has called in sick today, so we need to find someone to cover her shift.

Show examples from the web [+]

Wish I would have called in sick today.
He had to have called in sick the last couple days.
Okay, so four guys have called in sick since last week.
- She called in sick today.
Actually, I can't tonight 'cause someone called in sick, and so I have to work.
Guess who called in sick today.
Apparently, Jenny's called in sick.
Both times, Lou called in sick.
Anyway, he called in sick to school today.
I mean, your partner Larry's called in sick.
Animal Control guy called in sick again.
I just... called in sick.
Hurst said Valens called in sick - the flu.
Apparently she called in sick this morning.
She called in sick, again.
Your manager said you called in sick last year on the 15th of August.
Carl called in sick so I had to take an extra shift.
Her manager confirmed she called in sick today.
Time you called in sick for a few days.
I phoned her office, but she called in sick.

Alternatives:

I have phoned in sick
I have informed my boss that I am sick
I have let my manager know I won't be coming in because I am sick
I have told work I am sick
I have reported my illness to my supervisor

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I called in sick vs I have called in sick

"I called in sick"

"I have called in sick"

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