Making an Appointment
Someone is trying to schedule an appointment with another person (e.g., a doctor, a colleague for a meeting, a friend for coffee), checking availability, and agreeing on a specific date and time.
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
schedule
To schedule means to plan or arrange a time for something, like a meeting. Use it when making plans: 'I need to schedule a doctor's appointment.'
available
Available means free or not busy at a certain time. Ask about it when checking someone's time: 'Are you available on Friday?'
calendar
A calendar is a tool or app to track dates, times, and events. People say 'check my calendar' to see their schedule.
tight
Tight here means very busy or with little time available. Use it for schedules: 'My morning is tight, but afternoon is okay.'
works
Works means is suitable or convenient. In scheduling, say 'That time works for me' to agree on a plan.
perfectly
Perfectly means exactly right or ideal. Use it to show strong agreement: 'That time works perfectly.'
invite
An invite is a digital or formal invitation, like an email for a meeting. In business: 'I'll send you a calendar invite.'
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
I was hoping to schedule a quick meeting with you about the new project proposal. Are you available sometime next week?
This polite request uses 'was hoping to' for a soft suggestion and 'are you available' to check time. Useful for starting appointment talks; practice for professional emails or calls.
Let me check my calendar. What day works best for you?
This shows politeness by offering to check first and asking for preference with 'works best.' Great for responding when someone asks for your time; 'let me' is a common phrase for permission.
How about Tuesday morning? Say, 10 AM?
This suggests a specific time using 'how about' for proposals and 'say' to give an example. Useful for suggesting options; it's casual and flexible for friends or colleagues.
Tuesday at 10 AM is a bit tight for me. I have another call then. Would 2 PM work instead?
This declines politely with 'a bit tight' explaining why, then offers an alternative with 'would...work instead.' Key for negotiations; teaches giving reasons and alternatives.
2 PM on Tuesday works perfectly for me. Great!
This agrees enthusiastically using 'works perfectly' for strong approval. Simple and positive; use in confirmations to show satisfaction and end positively.
I've put it down in my calendar. I'll send you a calendar invite shortly. See you then!
This confirms the plan with 'put it down' meaning noted it, and offers a follow-up. Useful for closing; 'shortly' means soon, common in business English.
Sounds good. Thanks!
A short, casual agreement using 'sounds good' to confirm. Perfect for ending conversations politely; always add 'thanks' for gratitude in English interactions.