B2English

Invitations & Making Plans

These phrases are used to naturally invite someone out, coordinate the details, and finalize your plans.

Key Phrases

Voice
Inviting · 3 ways to say it

Do you wanna grab a bite to eat with us later today?

casual

Common and informal; uses the reduced form 'wanna'.

Would you be interested in getting some dinner together sometime this weekend?

neutral

I was wondering if you might be free to join us for lunch this coming Friday.

polite

Hedging ('was wondering', 'might be') makes the request very polite.

Accepting · 2 ways to say it

Yeah, I'd definitely be up for doing something like that this weekend, you know?

casual

Uses the filler 'you know' to sound very relaxed.

I would absolutely love to, that sounds like a really great idea for Friday.

neutral
Declining politely · 2 ways to say it

Well, I'm a bit swamped with work right now, but could we maybe reschedule for next week?

casual

I would absolutely love to, but unfortunately I've already made prior commitments for that evening.

polite

Formal and deferential, suitable for professional contexts.

Suggesting a time · 2 ways to say it

What sort of time were you actually thinking of heading over there this weekend?

casual

Is there a specific time of day that would work out best for your schedule?

neutral
Proposing a location · 2 ways to say it

I mean, do you guys have any specific ideas on where we should actually meet up?

casual

Do you have anywhere particular in mind, or should I look for a good place?

neutral
Checking schedule · 2 ways to say it

Let me just check my calendar real quick to make sure I don't have any conflicting appointments.

casual

US — Americans use 'calendar' for personal daily schedules.

I'll need to have a quick look at my diary before I can commit to anything.

neutral

UK — British English uses 'diary' instead of 'calendar' for schedules.

Confirming plans · 2 ways to say it

Sounds good to me, I'll plan on seeing you there at the restaurant around seven.

casual

Perfect, let's plan on meeting at the front entrance of the restaurant at seven, then.

neutral
Expressing anticipation

I'm really looking forward to catching up and hearing all about your recent business trip.

neutral

Practice Dialogue

Visiting Coworker
Hey, I was wondering if you wanted to grab some dinner together after work on Friday?
Local Coworker
Oh, I'd love to, but I'm pretty swamped with this quarterly report right now, you know?
Visiting Coworker
Right, of course. Maybe we could push it to next weekend instead, once things settle down?
Local Coworker
Yeah, that'd be great. My schedule should be completely open by then, anyway.
Visiting Coworker
Awesome. Is there a particular time that works best for you on Saturday?
Local Coworker
Let me just check my calendar real quick... How does around seven in the evening sound?
Visiting Coworker
Seven works perfectly. Do you have anywhere particular in mind, or should I find a place?
Local Coworker
Well, I heard that new Italian place downtown is supposed to be amazing, if you're interested.
Visiting Coworker
Perfect, let's go with that. I'll see you there at seven, then.
Local Coworker
Sounds good. I'm really looking forward to finally catching up properly after all this time!

More Greetings & Socializing (B2)

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