Invitations & Making Plans
These everyday phrases will help you smoothly organize social plans, accept invitations, and agree on details with friends.
Key Phrases
Do you want to grab a coffee or something later?
casualAdding 'or something' makes the invitation feel relaxed and low-pressure.
Would you like to get dinner with us on Friday?
neutralA standard, polite way to invite colleagues or acquaintances.
I was wondering if you would like to join us for lunch.
politeUsing 'I was wondering if' makes the invitation sound very polite and indirect.
Are you doing anything special this weekend?
casualA friendly way to find out if someone is free to meet up.
Do you have any plans for the weekend?
neutralVery common in both social and workplace contexts.
Sure, that sounds like a great idea.
neutralEnthusiastic and positive, appropriate for almost any situation.
I can't make it, sorry. I've got too much going on right now.
casualA friendly and natural way to explain that you are too busy.
I'd love to go, but I've already made plans.
neutralA polite excuse that avoids giving too many personal details.
Thank you for the invitation, but I won't be able to make it.
politeA formal way to decline a work event or a serious invitation.
How does Friday at six thirty sound to you?
neutralA natural way to propose a specific time for a meeting.
Where do you want to meet up?
casual'Meet up' is an extremely common phrasal verb for social gatherings.
Perfect, I'll see you there then.
casualA short, standard sign-off when plans have been finalized.
Great, I've put it in my calendar so I won't forget.
neutralUS English. Shows you have officially saved the date.
Great, I've put it in my diary so I won't forget.
neutralUK English. Shows you have officially saved the date.
Can we reschedule for another day? Something has come up.
neutral'Something has come up' is the standard phrase for an unexpected problem.
I might be a bit late, so please don't wait outside for me.
neutralUses a modal (might) to warn someone about a possible delay.