Planning After-Work Socials
Colleagues discuss and make informal plans for social gatherings after work, such as happy hour, dinner, or team outings.
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
happy hour
A special time at bars or restaurants, usually in the late afternoon or early evening, when drinks and food are cheaper. It's a common way to socialize after work in English-speaking countries.
up for
An informal expression meaning interested in or willing to do something, like 'Are you up for a movie?' It's used in casual invitations to check enthusiasm.
definitely in
Means completely agreeing to join or participate. It's a casual way to show strong interest, often used in group planning.
no-go
Informal for something that is not possible or not recommended. Like 'That plan is a no-go because of the weather.' Useful for politely declining options.
game for
Means ready or willing to try something, similar to 'up for.' For example, 'I'm game for trying new food.' It's playful and common in social settings.
headcount
Refers to the number of people attending an event. In planning, it's used like 'Let's get a headcount for the party' to organize logistics.
unwind
To relax and reduce stress after a busy time. Commonly said as 'I need to unwind after work.' It's practical for talking about leisure activities.
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
Anyone up for happy hour later this week?
This is a casual invitation to a group activity. 'Up for' is an idiom for willingness, and 'later this week' specifies time vaguely. Useful for starting social plans with friends or colleagues; practice it to sound natural in informal settings.
I'm definitely in if nothing comes up.
Expresses conditional agreement. 'Definitely in' means strong yes, and 'if nothing comes up' uses conditional for possible changes. Great for showing enthusiasm while being flexible; common in work or group chats.
Thursday or Friday would work best for me.
Suggests preferences using 'would work best' for polite options. The structure 'Day or Day' lists alternatives. Useful for scheduling; it teaches modal 'would' for hypothetical preferences in conversations.
I'm game for Thursday.
A fun way to agree to a plan. 'Game for' is an idiom meaning willing. Short and positive; ideal for casual responses to invitations, helping learners sound enthusiastic without overcommitting.
Maybe we can take a quick poll in the team chat later to see what everyone prefers?
Proposes a group decision method. 'Take a poll' means vote informally, and 'to see what everyone prefers' explains purpose. Practical for team planning; shows suggestion structure with 'maybe' for politeness.
That way we can get a headcount and everyone can suggest places.
'That way' connects to a previous idea, meaning 'by doing it like that.' 'Get a headcount' means count attendees. Useful for explaining benefits in plans; teaches linking words for clear communication.
It'll be a nice way to unwind after a busy week.
Future prediction with contraction 'It'll be' (it will be). 'Unwind' means relax. Expresses positive expectation; perfect for ending conversations on a high note, emphasizing benefits of social activities.