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Suggesting a First Date

One person is asking the other out for the first time, suggesting a place or activity and trying to find a suitable time.

Dialogue

Listen and follow along with the conversation

1
Liam (Male)
Hey Sarah, I was wondering if you’d be free to grab coffee sometime next week? There's a new place downtown I've been meaning to check out.
2
Sarah (Female)
Oh, that sounds nice, Liam! A new coffee spot, huh? I'm usually free after 5 PM on weekdays. What day were you thinking?
3
Liam (Male)
How about Wednesday evening? Say, around 6 PM? That would give us enough time to relax without rushing.
4
Sarah (Female)
Wednesday at 6 PM works perfectly for me. Is it that place near the old cinema, 'Bean & Brew'?
5
Liam (Male)
Exactly! You got it. They have some really unique pastries too, I hear. So, it's a date then?
6
Sarah (Female)
Sounds great! Looking forward to it, Liam. Send me the exact address closer to the time, just in case.
7
Liam (Male)
Will do! See you Wednesday.

Vocabulary

Essential words and phrases from the dialogue

grab

In 'grab coffee', it means to quickly get or have something casual, like a drink. It's informal and common for suggesting a simple meetup.

free

Means available or not busy. Use it when checking someone's schedule, like 'Are you free on Friday?'

weekdays

Refers to Monday through Friday, the work days. Opposite of weekends. Useful for planning around work schedules.

relax

To rest and feel calm, without stress. In dates, it means taking time to enjoy without hurry.

pastries

Sweet or savory baked goods like croissants or muffins. Common in cafes; mention them to sound interested in food.

date

Here, it means a planned romantic outing, not the fruit. 'It's a date' confirms agreement casually.

looking forward to

Means excited about something in the future. Use it to show enthusiasm, like 'I'm looking forward to the movie.'

Key Sentences

Important phrases to remember and practice

I was wondering if you’d be free to grab coffee sometime next week?

This is a polite way to ask someone out. 'I was wondering' softens the request; 'sometime' makes it flexible. Useful for first invitations to avoid pressure.

I'm usually free after 5 PM on weekdays.

Shares availability clearly. 'Usually' shows a general pattern; great for negotiating times without committing to specifics right away.

How about Wednesday evening? Say, around 6 PM?

Suggests a specific time politely. 'How about' asks for opinion; 'say, around' offers flexibility. Ideal for proposing plans in conversations.

That would give us enough time to relax without rushing.

Explains the reason for the time choice. 'Would give' is conditional for suggestions; helps show thoughtfulness in planning dates.

It's a date then?

Confirms the plan casually and flirtatiously. 'Then' wraps up the agreement; a fun, common phrase to end date arrangements.

Looking forward to it, Liam. Send me the exact address closer to the time, just in case.

Shows excitement and practicality. 'Just in case' adds caution; useful for finalizing details while keeping a positive tone.

Will do! See you Wednesday.

Agrees and says goodbye briefly. 'Will do' means 'I will'; short and friendly for ending chats. Perfect for casual confirmations.