Initial Brainstorming
Colleagues begin discussing potential lunch spots, throwing out various ideas and preferences.
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
lunchtime
The time during the day when people eat lunch, usually around noon. Use it to talk about meal times, like 'It's lunchtime!'
suggestions
Ideas or recommendations from others. In conversations, say 'I'm open to suggestions' to show you're flexible and want others' ideas.
light
Not heavy or filling, often for food. Use it for meals, like 'something light' when you want a simple, easy-to-digest option after a big breakfast.
craving
A strong desire for something, especially food. Say 'I'm craving...' to express what you really want to eat.
classic
Something traditional or always popular. Use it for reliable choices, like 'a classic choice' for familiar foods like noodles.
preference
What someone likes or chooses over other options. Ask about 'preferences' in group decisions to understand what others want.
leaning towards
To slightly favor one option over another. Use it to share your opinion gently, like 'I'm leaning towards noodles' in discussions.
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
Hey everyone, it's almost lunchtime. What are we thinking today?
This is a casual way to start a group discussion about plans. 'What are we thinking' is an informal phrase meaning 'What ideas do we have?' Use it to gather opinions in social or work settings. The present continuous 'are thinking' shows ongoing ideas.
I'm open to suggestions.
This shows flexibility and invites others to share ideas. It's useful in group decisions like choosing food or activities. 'Open to' means willing to consider something new.
What about that new salad place down the street?
A polite way to suggest a location. 'What about' introduces an idea for discussion. Use it when proposing options in conversations about places to go. 'Down the street' means nearby on the same road.
I was kind of craving something warm.
Expresses a mild desire for food. 'Kind of' softens the statement to be less direct. 'Craving' uses past continuous for a recent feeling. Useful for sharing preferences without being too strong.
Depends on the noodles, but probably fine.
A conditional response showing it might work based on details. 'Depends on' means it varies by situation. Use this to agree cautiously in discussions. 'Probably' adds uncertainty.
Anyone have a strong preference either way?
Checks for firm opinions in a group. 'Either way' means in both options discussed. 'Strong preference' highlights intense likes. Great for reaching consensus without pressure.
I'm leaning towards the noodles, personally.
Shares a personal slight favor for an option. 'Leaning towards' is idiomatic for tending to choose. 'Personally' emphasizes it's your view. Use in debates to state opinion politely.
You know what, a warm bowl of noodles sounds pretty good right now.
An enthusiastic agreement or change of mind. 'You know what' is a filler to introduce a new thought. 'Sounds good' means it appeals. Useful for positive responses in casual talks; 'right now' adds immediacy.