Adjusting Pickup Location Due to Obstacles
The original pickup spot is inaccessible (e.g., blocked road, no parking), requiring a quick negotiation for an alternative, nearby location.
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
corner
The point where two streets meet, like 'the corner of Main and Elm'. Use it to describe meeting points in cities.
ready
Prepared and waiting, as in 'Are you ready?'. It's a common question when confirming arrival for pickups.
blockade
A barrier that blocks passage, like a construction blockade. Here, it means something stopping access to a spot.
pull over
To drive a vehicle to the side of the road and stop. Useful for telling someone where to park briefly.
heads-up
An informal warning or notice in advance, like 'thanks for the heads-up'. It helps avoid surprises in plans.
bus stop
A marked place where buses pick up passengers. Often a good alternative spot for meeting since there's space.
pull up
To stop a vehicle, often near the curb. Similar to pull over but used for arriving at a pickup point.
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
I'm almost at the corner of Main and Elm. Are you ready?
This sentence uses 'almost at' to mean arriving soon and asks for confirmation. It's useful for checking if the other person is prepared when nearing a location. The question form helps start communication smoothly.
There's a big construction blockade right at the corner. You can't really pull over there.
Here, 'there's a... blockade' describes an obstacle, and 'you can't really' politely explains impossibility. Great for negotiating changes due to problems like construction; it combines description and suggestion.
Thanks for the heads-up. What's the closest clear spot from your end?
'Heads-up' acknowledges the warning, and 'from your end' means from your perspective. This is practical for asking for alternatives in real-time situations, showing politeness and seeking input.
How about just around the corner on Elm Street? There's a bus stop there, usually some space.
'How about' suggests an idea politely, and 'around the corner' means nearby turn. Useful for proposing close alternatives; it includes details like distance to make the suggestion clear and helpful.
Elm Street by the bus stop? Got it. I see that on my map. I'll pull up there.
'Got it' means understood, and 'I'll pull up' confirms action. This pattern repeats location for confirmation and uses future tense for plans. Ideal for verifying details to avoid confusion during pickups.
Perfect! I'll walk over now. See you in a sec.
'See you in a sec' is casual for 'see you soon' or 'in a second'. This ends positively; use it to confirm and show quick movement. Informal and common in friendly meetups.