Checking for Upcoming Schedule Changes
A customer calls to inquire if there are any planned temporary or permanent changes to the store's operating hours in the near future.
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
inquire
To inquire means to ask for information politely, often in formal situations like calling a business. Use it when you want details about services or schedules.
upcoming
Upcoming describes events or changes that will happen soon in the future. It's useful for talking about plans or schedules that are coming up.
changes
Changes refer to modifications or alterations, like updates to store hours. In this context, it's about whether the operating times will be different.
regular hours
Regular hours mean the standard or usual operating times of a store. It's a common phrase for everyday business schedules, not special ones.
double-check
To double-check means to verify information again to make sure it's correct. It's a practical way to confirm details politely without seeming doubtful.
temporary
Temporary means lasting for a short time only, not permanent. Use it for short-term changes, like holiday adjustments to store hours.
permanent
Permanent means lasting forever or for a very long time, without change. It's the opposite of temporary and useful for long-term updates.
foreseeable future
Foreseeable future means the period of time that you can reasonably predict or plan for. It's a polite way to say 'as far as we know right now.'
clarification
Clarification means making something clear or explaining it better. Thank someone for clarification when they help resolve your doubts.
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
I'm calling to inquire about your store hours.
This is a polite opening sentence for phone calls to businesses. It uses 'I'm calling to' to state the purpose clearly. Useful for starting inquiries about services; the gerund 'inquiring' follows 'to' as an infinitive purpose.
I was wondering if there are any upcoming changes in the near future?
This indirect question softens a request, making it polite. 'I was wondering if' is a common way to ask without being direct. Great for checking future plans; note the past continuous for politeness.
Our regular hours remain the same: 9 AM to 7 PM, Monday through Saturday.
This states standard times clearly. 'Remain the same' means no changes; 'Monday through Saturday' is an idiom for 'from Monday to Saturday.' Useful for describing schedules; the colon introduces the details.
I just wanted to double-check.
This expresses a desire to verify info politely. 'Just wanted to' softens the action. It's practical for confirming without offense; simple past 'wanted' adds politeness in spoken English.
We don't have any temporary or permanent changes planned at the moment.
This reassures no alterations. 'At the moment' means 'right now.' Useful response in customer service; 'planned' in present perfect passive implies future intentions not yet set.
No changes on the horizon for the foreseeable future.
Idiomatic expression meaning no changes expected soon. 'On the horizon' is like 'coming soon'; pairs with 'foreseeable future' for emphasis. Fun and natural way to assure stability in conversations.
Is there anything else I can help you with?
Standard closing question in service talks. It offers more assistance politely. Useful for ending interactions; question form invites response and shows good customer service.
Thank you so much for the clarification!
Expresses gratitude for clear explanation. 'So much' intensifies thanks; 'clarification' specifies what for. Perfect polite ending; exclamation adds enthusiasm in spoken English.