20 Common English Phrases to Use in Conversation (Making Plans)

In this English listening‑practice lesson we’re focusing on how to invite someone, make plans, and set dates — from a quick coffee to a full night out. You’ll master natural phrases for casual and formal invitations, learn how to suggest activities without sounding pushy, and discover polite ways to check someone’s availability. By the end, you’ll have new vocabulary, better listening skills, and the confidence to set up plans like a native speaker!

🔗 Get all lessons here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZOJurmtexYqc6KY_Db4-fV7F06af1FkW

📌 Key Phrases from This Lesson ✅ “Would you like to grab a coffee this weekend?” – friendly, informal way to suggest meeting up for coffee ✅ “Would you like to grab lunch this weekend?” – same structure, but for a meal ✅ “Do you fancy going for a drink on Friday?” – British‑English invite, often with a romantic vibe ✅ “Would you like to do this?” – polite, flexible invitation when plans aren’t fixed yet ✅ “I was thinking we could go to that show this weekend?” – sharing an idea while gauging interest ✅ “Want to do something this weekend?” – very casual American way to propose hanging out ✅ “Let’s get together soon.” – open‑ended suggestion without committing to a date ✅ “How about we try that new restaurant on Saturday?” – ‘How about…’ to put forward a concrete plan ✅ “What if we tried that new Italian restaurant?” – ‘What if…’ to float a suggestion and invite feedback ✅ “Why don’t we try it?” – concise ‘Why don’t we…’ proposal for any activity already mentioned ✅ “Why don’t we try that new Italian restaurant?” – specific version of the above, naming the plan ✅ “Should we go for a walk tonight?” – ‘Should we…’ to ask if the other person thinks it’s a good idea ✅ “Should we go for a walk if it’s not raining?” – adding a condition to the suggestion ✅ “Why don’t we check out that new gallery everyone’s talking about?” – inviting someone to a popular event ✅ “Let’s do something fun like bowling.” – enthusiastic ‘Let’s…’ plus an example activity ✅ “Let’s have a catch up next week.” – arranging a future meeting to talk and reconnect ✅ “Should we do this next week?” – checking the other person’s schedule for a postponed plan ✅ “Maybe next time.” – polite way to decline or postpone an invitation without closing the door