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Inviting to a New Social Group

One neighbor is starting a new book club or walking group and is inviting another neighbor they just met in the park to join.

Dialogue

Listen and follow along with the conversation

1
Sarah (Female)
Hi Michael! It was great running into you again in the park. I was actually hoping to catch you.
2
Michael (Male)
Sarah, what a coincidence! Nice to see you too. Is everything alright?
3
Sarah (Female)
Absolutely! I wanted to mention something. I'm thinking of starting a small walking group for residents in our area, maybe twice a week. We could explore some of the trails nearby.
4
Michael (Male)
A walking group? That sounds interesting! I've been meaning to get out more. What days were you thinking?
5
Sarah (Female)
I was tentatively thinking maybe Tuesday mornings and Thursday evenings to start. It would be pretty casual, just a good way to stay active and meet a few more neighbors.
6
Michael (Male)
Tuesday mornings might be tough with my work schedule, but Thursday evenings could definitely work for me. Sounds like a great initiative!
7
Sarah (Female)
No worries at all! Participation would be flexible. Would you be interested in joining us for the Thursday walks then? Or perhaps just getting updates on when we meet?
8
Michael (Male)
Yes, I'd love to join the Thursday walks. Please keep me in the loop! My number is 555-1234, if you're setting up a group chat or anything.
9
Sarah (Female)
Perfect! I'll add you to a small group chat I'm starting for it. We can share details there. Looking forward to walking with you, Michael!
10
Michael (Male)
Me too, Sarah! Thanks for organizing this. See you around!

Vocabulary

Essential words and phrases from the dialogue

coincidence

When two things happen at the same time by chance, not planned. Use it when you meet someone unexpectedly, like 'What a coincidence!'

tentatively

In a careful or not final way, like suggesting plans that can change. It's useful for proposals, such as 'tentatively thinking of Tuesday.'

casual

Relaxed and informal, not strict or formal. Say this for easy-going events, like 'a casual walking group.'

initiative

A new plan or action to start something positive. Praise someone's idea with 'great initiative!' for community activities.

participation

The act of taking part in an activity. Use it to talk about joining, like 'flexible participation.'

flexible

Able to change easily to fit different situations. Good for invitations, such as 'participation would be flexible.'

keep me in the loop

An idiom meaning to keep someone informed about updates. Use it casually, like 'keep me in the loop on plans!'

group chat

A digital conversation with multiple people, often on apps like WhatsApp. Mention it for sharing info, as in 'add me to the group chat.'

Key Sentences

Important phrases to remember and practice

It was great running into you again.

This idiom means meeting someone by chance; 'running into' is like bumping into. Useful for friendly greetings after an unexpected meeting; shows politeness and warmth.

What a coincidence!

An exclamation for surprise at chance events. Simple and common; use it to express delight in seeing someone unexpectedly, building rapport quickly.

I'm thinking of starting a small walking group.

Present continuous for future plans; 'thinking of' suggests an idea. Practical for proposing activities; helps invite others to join community events.

That sounds interesting!

A positive response to an idea; 'sounds' uses sense verbs for opinions. Versatile for showing enthusiasm; encourages more details in conversations.

No worries at all!

Reassures someone it's okay; informal British/American English. Use after someone apologizes or has conflicts; keeps the talk positive and flexible.

Would you be interested in joining us?

Polite question with conditional 'would'; indirect invitation. Great for social invites; softens the request and respects the listener's choice.

Please keep me in the loop!

Idiom for staying informed; imperative form is polite here. Useful in group settings; shows interest without committing fully.

Looking forward to walking with you!

Present continuous for future anticipation; expresses excitement. Common closing for plans; builds positive relationships in community talks.