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Initial Weekend Availability Check

One friend initiates the conversation, asking the other about their general availability and interest in doing something over the weekend.

Dialogue

Listen and follow along with the conversation

1
Sarah (Female)
Hey David, quick question. Are you free at all this weekend? I was thinking of maybe doing something if you are.
2
David (Male)
Hey Sarah! Yeah, I'm actually pretty open. What did you have in mind?
3
Sarah (Female)
Nothing firm yet, just gauging your availability. I was thinking maybe brunch on Saturday, or if the weather's nice, a walk around the park on Sunday?
4
David (Male)
Brunch sounds good for Saturday, and Sunday afternoon could work too. I'm pretty flexible. What time were you thinking for brunch?
5
Sarah (Female)
How about 11 AM for brunch on Saturday? That gives us time to sleep in but still get the day started. And Sunday afternoon is totally open for me.
6
David (Male)
11 AM Saturday sounds perfect! I'm free then. And sure, we can figure out Sunday if we're feeling up to it after brunch. Is there a specific place you had in mind for brunch?
7
Sarah (Female)
Not yet, I was hoping you might have a suggestion! Otherwise, I can do a quick search. So, sounds like we're on for Saturday brunch?
8
David (Male)
Definitely on for Saturday brunch! Let me think of a good place and text you later. Looking forward to it!

Vocabulary

Essential words and phrases from the dialogue

free

Available and not busy. In planning, we use it to ask if someone has time, like 'Are you free this weekend?'

open

Having free time or no fixed plans. It's casual for saying you're available, as in 'I'm pretty open this weekend.'

brunch

A meal eaten late in the morning that combines breakfast and lunch. Common for weekend plans in English-speaking cultures.

gauging

Checking or assessing something, like someone's interest or availability. Useful in casual talks to see if plans can work.

flexible

Able to change plans easily. Say this when your schedule can adjust, like 'I'm pretty flexible with times.'

sleep in

To wake up later than usual, often on weekends. It's a relaxed way to describe not setting an early alarm.

figure out

To decide or plan something later. Informal for postponing details, as in 'We can figure out Sunday later.'

suggestion

An idea or recommendation. Ask for one when planning, like 'Do you have a suggestion for a place?'

Key Sentences

Important phrases to remember and practice

Are you free at all this weekend?

This is a polite way to check availability. Use 'at all' to emphasize asking if there's any free time. Great for starting plan-making conversations.

What did you have in mind?

Asks for someone's ideas or suggestions. It's a natural response when someone mentions plans, showing interest in their thoughts.

Nothing firm yet, just gauging your availability.

Means no definite plans, only checking time. 'Firm' means fixed; useful for keeping things casual without pressure.

How about 11 AM for brunch on Saturday?

Suggests a specific time politely. 'How about' introduces ideas softly; good for negotiating times in plans.

That gives us time to sleep in but still get the day started.

Explains why a time works. It shows consideration for relaxation; use to justify suggestions in friendly talks.

Sounds perfect!

Quick agreement to a plan. Simple and enthusiastic; replace with 'sounds good' for casual confirmations.

So, sounds like we're on for Saturday brunch?

Confirms the plan. 'We're on for' means it's agreed; ends discussions positively and seeks final okay.