Rescheduling a Date
One person needs to change the time or day of a pre-arranged date due to an unforeseen conflict, explaining the reason and proposing alternative times.
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
reschedule
To change the time or date of a planned event, like a meeting or date. Use it when you need to move something to another time.
unforeseen
Something that happens unexpectedly and you couldn't predict it. Common in situations like sudden work problems.
step in
To take someone's place or help out temporarily, often at work. For example, covering for a colleague.
no worries
A casual way to say 'it's okay' or 'don't worry.' Use it to reassure someone when something goes wrong.
make it up to you
To do something nice to apologize or compensate for disappointing someone. Useful in relationships or friendships.
calendar
A schedule or planner showing your available times. People check it to see if they're free for plans.
casual
Relaxed and informal, not formal. Use it for low-key activities like coffee instead of a fancy dinner.
reservation
A booking for a table at a restaurant or a seat. Always make one in advance for popular places.
don't sweat it
An informal phrase meaning 'don't worry about it.' It's a friendly way to tell someone to relax.
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
I'm so sorry, but something unexpected came up and I might need to reschedule our dinner tonight.
This is a polite way to apologize and explain a sudden change. Use it when canceling plans due to an emergency. The phrase 'came up' means 'happened suddenly,' and 'might need to' softens the request.
Oh, no worries at all, Liam. I totally get it. Work happens!
A supportive response to someone's apology. 'No worries' means it's fine, 'totally get it' shows understanding, and 'work happens' acknowledges common issues. Great for showing empathy in conversations.
I'd love to make it up to you. Would you be free sometime this weekend instead?
Offers to compensate and suggests alternatives. 'Make it up to you' expresses regret, and 'would you be free' politely asks about availability. Useful for rescheduling dates or meetings.
Hmm, let me check my calendar.
A natural pause to think and verify schedule. 'Hmm' shows hesitation, and 'check my calendar' means looking at plans. Say this when confirming if you can meet someone.
How about we try that new Italian place near the park on Sunday around 2 PM for a late lunch?
Suggests a specific plan with details. 'How about' introduces an idea politely, and 'around 2 PM' gives flexibility. Ideal for proposing activities in casual planning.
The Italian place sounds perfect for Sunday! I've been wanting to try that. 2 PM works really well for me.
Agrees enthusiastically and confirms time. 'Sounds perfect' shows approval, and 'works well for me' means it fits the schedule. Use to accept invitations positively.
Don't sweat it, Liam! These things happen. I'm looking forward to Sunday.
Reassures and looks ahead positively. 'Don't sweat it' is slang for 'don't worry,' and 'these things happen' normalizes the issue. End conversations on a hopeful note with this.