SocialSpeaking roleplay

Making plans in English

Suggest something, agree a time and a place, and change the plan when something comes up, out loud, with a friend who reacts to what you say.

Your level

Jo, your friend

Hey! Fancy the food market by the river on Saturday?

Your goal Make a plan, change it when something comes up and agree on the details.

Example conversation: making plans

How the roleplay can go at each level, with answers that work. In the roleplay, Jo reacts to your own words, so it can go differently.

BeginnerSuggest a plan and agree on a time and a place.

IntermediateMake a plan, change it when something comes up and agree on the details.

Upper intermediateTurn down an idea kindly, suggest something else and sort out the details.

The phrases the roleplay listens for at each level. Use one and it lights up in the roleplay.

Beginner

Intermediate

Upper intermediate

Things people often say here, and a more natural way to say them. If you say one in the roleplay, you see the fix under your answer.

Instead ofWe can go to cinema.
SayWe can go to the cinema.
Say “the”: go to the cinema, go to the park.
Instead ofLet's to meet at six.
SayLet's meet at six.
No “to” after “let’s”: let’s meet.
Instead ofWhat time we meet?
SayWhat time shall we meet?
In questions, add “shall”: what time shall we meet?
Instead ofAre you free in the weekend?
SayAre you free at the weekend?
Say “at the weekend” or “on the weekend”.
Instead ofSorry, I have a plan on Saturday.
SaySorry, I've got plans on Saturday.
For social plans, say “plans”: I’ve got plans on Saturday.
Instead ofIf it will rain, we go to a café.
SayIf it rains, we go to a café.
After “if”, use the present: if it rains.
Instead ofIf it will be sunny, let's go.
SayIf it is sunny, let's go.
After “if”, use the present: if it’s sunny.
Instead ofIs good for me?
SayThat works for me.
Start with “that”: that works for me.
Instead ofNo, it's boring.
SayNo, it's not really my thing.
This turns an idea down without hurting anyone.
Instead ofWe can divide the price.
SayWe can split the cost.
People “split” a cost or a bill.
Instead ofOk, I make the booking.
SayOk, I'll make the booking.
Use “I’ll” when you offer to do something.
Instead ofI'd rather to go bowling.
SayI'd rather go bowling.
No “to” after “rather”: I’d rather go.

Eleven more everyday situations, each at three levels. See them all.