Inviting Neighbors to a Get-Together
You are hosting a small BBQ or informal gathering in your backyard and decide to invite a few neighbors to join.
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
wondering
This is the present participle of 'wonder,' used here in 'I was wondering' to politely ask a question or make a suggestion without being too direct. It's a common way to soften requests in English conversations.
free
Means available or not busy. In social contexts, like 'Are you free this Saturday?', it asks if someone has no plans and can join an event.
informal
Describes something relaxed and not formal, like casual clothes or events. Here, 'informal BBQ' means a friendly, easy-going gathering without strict rules.
BBQ
Short for barbecue, a popular outdoor cooking event where food like burgers is grilled. It's often casual and social, common in Western neighborhoods during good weather.
hanging out
Means spending time together in a relaxed way, without a specific plan. It's used for casual social activities like chatting or relaxing with friends or neighbors.
casual
Refers to something relaxed and not serious or formal. In invitations, 'keeping it casual' means no need for fancy clothes or preparations; just come as you are.
catch up
Means to talk and share updates with someone you haven't seen in a while. It's useful in social invitations to show interest in reconnecting with neighbors or friends.
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
Hey Sarah, I was wondering if you and Mike are free this Saturday afternoon?
This is a polite way to start an invitation by asking about availability. 'I was wondering' softens the question, making it less direct. Use this pattern when checking if someone can join an event; it's common in friendly neighbor talks.
We're actually having a small, informal BBQ in our backyard, just grilling some burgers and hanging out.
This sentence describes the event clearly and casually. 'Actually' adds a sense of revealing information naturally. It's useful for explaining plans simply; the present continuous 'having' and 'hanging out' show ongoing, relaxed activities.
Is there anything we can bring?
A polite offer to contribute to the event, showing good manners in social situations. This question uses 'can' for possibility and is great for hosts and guests to build positive relations; it's a common phrase in invitations.
Oh, no need! We'll have plenty of food and drinks. Just bring yourselves!
This reassures the guest that nothing is required, keeping the event stress-free. 'No need' is idiomatic for 'not necessary,' and 'bring yourselves' is a friendly idiom meaning just come. Use it to make invitations welcoming and casual.
Let me just confirm with Mike, but I'm pretty sure we'd love to come.
This shows politeness by checking with others before committing. 'Confirm' means to verify, and 'pretty sure' expresses confidence softly. It's useful for group decisions in social plans; the conditional 'would' adds politeness.
Looking forward to it!
A positive closing phrase meaning excited about the future event. It's short and enthusiastic, often used to end invitations. This expression builds rapport and is versatile for any upcoming social gathering.