Making plans in English

1. TALKING ABOUT
PLANS

2. Making plans…
◦ What are you up to …?
◦ Have you got any plans for…?
◦ We could meet up in the evening?
◦ Do you fancy doing something on Sunday?

3. ◦ We use WILL for things we decide to do as we are speaking. (instant decisions,
offers, promises).
◦ I will go shopping tomorrow.
◦ We use going to or the future continuous for things we have already decided
to do (intentions)
◦ I’m going bowling this weekend.
◦ We use the present continuous for the things we have already agreed to do,
usually with somebody else (arrangements).
◦ I am going for a walk with my best friend.

4. Making suggestions
◦ Shall we…?
◦ How about (+ing)…?
◦ What about (+ing)…?
◦ Why don’t we/ you…?
◦ Maybe we could…

5. Accepting suggestions
◦ Great idea
◦ Yes, that sounds found
◦ I’d love to
◦ Yes, I’d be up for that
◦ That’s a good idea

6. Declining suggestions
◦ Sorry, I can’t
◦ I don’t really fancy (+ing)

7. ◦ Are you free…?
◦ Do you have time…?
◦ Are you busy…?
◦ What are you doing…?
◦ I would love to
◦ Yeah, that’s fine
◦ That sounds good
◦ No, sorry, I have…
◦ I’d like to but I’m not sure…
◦ I’d rather not