Discussing Activity Options
One friend proposes an activity, but the other might suggest an alternative or express a preference for a different casual plan, leading to a brief discussion of options.
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
free
Means available or not busy, often used when asking about someone's schedule. For example, 'Are you free this weekend?'
checking out
An informal way to say visiting or looking at something new or interesting, like a place or event.
art exhibit
A display of artwork in a gallery or museum, common for cultural activities in cities.
outdoorsy
Describes activities or people who enjoy being outside, like hiking or walking in nature.
open to
Means willing to consider or accept an idea or suggestion from someone else.
combine
To mix or join two or more things together, useful when suggesting a plan that includes multiple activities.
grab
Informal for quickly getting or eating something, like 'grab lunch' meaning to eat a quick meal.
brunch
A meal between breakfast and lunch, popular on weekends for casual social plans.
leaning towards
Means preferring or tending to choose one option over others, often used in decision-making.
looking forward to
Expresses excitement or anticipation about a future event, a polite way to end a planning conversation.
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
Hey Michael, free for a chat about weekend plans?
This is a casual way to start a conversation about availability. Use it to check if someone can talk and introduce the topic. 'Free for' is an informal phrase for 'available to'.
An art exhibit sounds interesting, but honestly, I was kind of hoping for something a bit more outdoorsy.
This sentence politely disagrees and suggests an alternative. 'But honestly' adds a personal touch, and 'kind of hoping for' softens the preference. Useful for expressing preferences without offending.
Oh, a walk in the park could be nice too! I'm open to that.
Shows agreement with an alternative idea. 'Could be nice' is a tentative way to agree, and 'open to' means flexible. Great for keeping discussions positive when compromising.
Or, how about we combine a bit of both?
Suggests a compromise by merging ideas. 'How about' is a common way to propose something, and 'combine a bit of both' uses simple present tense for suggestions. Ideal for collaborative planning.
We could go for a walk in Central Park and then grab some brunch afterwards.
Outlines a sequence of activities using 'could' for suggestions and 'and then' for order. 'Grab some brunch' is casual. This pattern helps describe step-by-step plans clearly.
That's a fantastic idea, Michael! A walk and brunch sounds perfect.
Expresses strong agreement enthusiastically. 'Sounds perfect' uses sensory verb 'sounds' for opinions on ideas. Use this to confirm plans positively and build rapport.
How does Saturday morning sound for you? Say, around 10 AM, we meet at the entrance to the park?
Proposes a specific time and place using questions for agreement. 'How does... sound?' seeks confirmation politely, and 'say, around' suggests flexibility. Essential for finalizing details.
Saturday at 10 AM works perfectly for me. Alright, so Central Park walk and brunch it is!
Confirms the plan and summarizes it. 'Works for me' means it fits the schedule, and 'it is!' is an idiomatic way to finalize. Use this to wrap up agreements smoothly.