B1English

Making Friends

Use these phrases when you are getting to know a new friend or acquaintance and want to stay in touch.

Key Phrases

Voice
Asking about background

How long have you lived around here?

neutral

Uses the present perfect to ask about a situation that started in the past and continues.

Asking about free time · 3 ways to say it

What do you get up to outside of work?

casual

The phrasal verb 'get up to' is a very natural way to ask what someone does.

What do you usually do on the weekend?

neutral

US - Asking about weekends.

What do you usually do at the weekend?

neutral

UK - Asking about weekends.

Finding shared interests · 2 ways to say it

No way, I'm really into that too!

casual

Saying you are 'into' something means you are very interested in it.

That's cool, I also enjoy doing that.

neutral

Remember to use the gerund (-ing) form after the verb 'enjoy'.

Suggesting meeting again · 2 ways to say it

We should totally hang out sometime.

casual

'Hang out' is a very common phrasal verb that means spending time together.

Would you like to get a coffee sometime?

neutral

A friendly and low-pressure invitation.

Asking for contact info · 3 ways to say it

Are you on Instagram or anything?

casual

Adding 'or anything' makes the question sound a bit more relaxed and vague.

Can I get your cell number?

neutral

US - Asking for a phone number.

Can I get your mobile number?

neutral

UK - Asking for a phone number.

Offering contact info

Let me give you my number.

neutral

A polite way to share your details without pressuring the other person.

Wrapping up · 3 ways to say it

Anyway, I should get going.

casual

Starting with 'anyway' is a great discourse marker to signal the conversation is ending.

It's been really nice talking to you.

neutral

A polite and friendly way to say goodbye to a new acquaintance.

It was a pleasure meeting you.

polite

More formal; good for older acquaintances or professional networking events.

Confirming future contact

I'll text you later, and we can figure it out.

casual

To 'figure it out' means to make a plan together later on.

Practice Dialogue

Newcomer
So, how long have you lived around here?
Local
About five years. It's a great neighborhood. Did you just move in?
Newcomer
Yeah, last month. I'm still trying to find good coffee places.
Local
Oh, there's a nice place on 5th Street. I usually go there on the weekend.
Newcomer
That's cool. What do you get up to outside of work?
Local
I play a bit of tennis, or just read. How about you?
Newcomer
No way, I'm really into tennis too! I played a lot back home.
Local
Right! Well, we should totally hang out sometime. We could play a match.
Newcomer
I'd love that. Are you on Instagram or anything?
Local
Yeah, let me give you my number too. We can figure it out.
Newcomer
Perfect. Anyway, I should get going. I'll text you later!
Local
Sounds good. It's been really nice talking to you.

More Greetings & Socializing (B1)

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