Every plan needs four things: an idea, a time, a place, and a confirmation. This lesson also covers the two parts nobody practises — moving a plan and turning one down.
1. Are You Free This Weekend?
Emma: Are you free on Saturday?
Jack: I think so. Why?
Emma: I thought we could have lunch.
Jack: I'd like that. What time?
Emma: One?
Jack: One works for me.
2. Suggesting Something to Do
Lisa: What shall we do this afternoon?
Tom: We could walk in the park.
Lisa: I was thinking the same.
Tom: Shall we say three?
Lisa: Three's good.
Tom: I'll bring coffee.
3. Choosing a Place to Meet
Ben: Where shall we meet?
Claire: The coffee shop by the station?
Ben: That's easy for me.
Claire: I'll wait outside.
Ben: If I'm late, order without me.
Claire: You won't be late.
4. Agreeing a Time
Alex: There's a comedy on at the cinema.
Nina: What time does it start?
Alex: Six, but the queue is long.
Nina: Then let's meet at half five.
Alex: Outside or inside?
Nina: Inside, where it's warm.
5. Saying No Kindly
Sam: Are you coming on Friday?
Yara: I'd love to, but I can't.
Sam: Another time?
Yara: Definitely. Ask me next week.
Sam: I will.
Yara: Sorry about Friday.
6. Changing the Time
Paul: Are we still on for six?
Maria: Could we make it seven?
Paul: Fine by me. Everything all right?
Maria: I just need to finish something.
Paul: Seven it is.
Maria: Thanks. See you then.
7. Cancelling and Rearranging
David: I'm sorry, I can't make it today.
Emma: These things happen. Tomorrow?
David: Tomorrow would be better.
Emma: What time suits you?
David: Four?
Emma: Four's fine.
8. Confirming the Plan
Kate: Just checking. Still the museum tomorrow?
Ryan: Still on.
Kate: Ten o'clock, wasn't it?
Ryan: Ten, at the entrance.
Kate: See you there.
Ryan: Don't be late.
Words to know
| be free | to have no other plans at that time Are you free on Saturday? |
| Shall we ...? | a friendly way to suggest something Shall we say three? |
| That works for me. | that time or plan suits me One works for me. |
| half five | half past five, in everyday spoken English Let's meet at half five. |
| make it | to change a plan to a different time Could we make it seven? |
| can't make it | to be unable to come I'm sorry, I can't make it today. |
| suit | to be convenient for someone What time suits you? |
| These things happen. | a kind way of saying it does not matter These things happen. Tomorrow? |
Quick practice
Complete each sentence with an expression from the lessons.
1. A: Are you ________ on Saturday?
B: I think so. Why?
2. A: We could walk in the park.
B: I was thinking the ________.
3. A: Are you coming on Friday?
B: I'd love to, but I ________.
4. A: Are we still ________ for six?
B: Could we make it seven?
5. A: I'm sorry, I can't ________ it today.
B: These things happen.
6. A: What time ________ you?
B: Four?
Show the answers
1. free 2. same 3. can't 4. on 5. make 6. suits
Common mistakes
Not: What do you think to meet at six?
Say: How about meeting at six?
How about is always followed by the -ing form of the verb.
Not: I will can come tomorrow.
Say: I'll be able to come tomorrow.
Two modal verbs cannot sit together. Will takes be able to.
Not: See you on next Friday.
Say: See you next Friday.
With next and last, the day takes no preposition.
Your turn
Imagine a friend messages you on a Wednesday evening. Say these five things aloud, one after another.
- Ask a friend whether they are free at the weekend.
- Suggest something to do, and suggest a time.
- Turn down an invitation without hurting anyone.
- Ask to move a meeting one hour later, and give a short reason.
- Confirm the plan the evening before.
Quick review
Make one plan out loud from the first question to the confirmation the night before. Then say the same plan again, but cancel it halfway through and offer another day. Saying no kindly is the part almost nobody practises, and the part you will need most.