Rescheduling or Canceling
One person needs to change or cancel a previously scheduled appointment or plan due to unforeseen circumstances, communicating the change to the other party and potentially finding an alternative time.
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
unexpected
Something that happens suddenly and was not planned, like an emergency. Use it to explain why plans change.
came up
A phrasal verb meaning something arises or happens unexpectedly. Common in casual talk about sudden issues.
no worries
An informal way to say 'don't worry' or 'it's okay.' It's polite and reassuring when someone apologizes.
last-minute
Something done or happening very close to the deadline or time. Useful for describing sudden changes in plans.
apologize
To say sorry for something you did or couldn't do. Always use it to show politeness when canceling plans.
short notice
When you tell someone about a change with very little warning time. It's common in scheduling talks.
reschedule
To change the time of a meeting or event to a later or different time. Key word for rearranging plans.
flexible
Able to change or adapt easily, like having free time. Use it when suggesting available times for meetings.
calendar
A tool or app to track dates, times, and appointments. People check it to find free slots.
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
Hey Michael, I'm so sorry, but something unexpected came up and I won't be able to make our coffee meeting tomorrow morning.
This sentence apologizes for canceling a plan due to an unexpected issue. It's useful for starting a rescheduling conversation politely. Note the structure: apology + reason + what can't happen.
Oh, no worries at all, Sarah. Is everything okay?
A reassuring response to an apology, showing understanding. Use it to be kind and check on the person. 'No worries' is an informal idiom for 'it's fine.'
Yes, everything's fine, just a last-minute family commitment. I truly apologize for the short notice.
Explains the reason briefly and apologizes again. Good for intermediate learners to practice giving details without oversharing. 'Short notice' means little warning time.
Don't sweat it. These things happen. How about we try to reschedule for sometime next week instead?
'Don't sweat it' is slang for 'don't worry about it.' This suggests rescheduling positively. Useful pattern: dismiss concern + propose alternative.
That would be great! I'm pretty flexible in the afternoons on Tuesday or Thursday. Do either of those work for you?
Shows enthusiasm and offers options. 'Flexible' means available. The question 'Do either... work?' uses 'either' for two choices, helping coordinate schedules.
Let me quickly check my calendar... Hmm, Thursday afternoon looks good for me. Say, around 2 PM?
Demonstrates checking availability and suggesting a time. 'Looks good' means it's suitable. Use this to confirm times naturally in conversations.
Perfect! Thursday at 2 PM works for me too. Same place?
Agrees to the suggestion and confirms details. 'Works for me' means it's convenient. Short and direct, ideal for finalizing plans.
Sounds good. See you then, Sarah!
A casual way to end the agreement. 'See you then' is a common farewell for scheduled meetings. Use it to wrap up positively.
Thanks again, Michael. Really appreciate your understanding. See you next Thursday!
Expresses gratitude and confirms the new time. 'Appreciate' means thankful for. Good for showing politeness at the end of rescheduling talks.