Making suggestions and plans can ultimately lead to confusion amongst the ESL population. I’ve seen Colombians, Indians and Japanese get into a shouting match because one didn’t understand the plans of the other.  There are lots of different expressions you can use, but asking about plans and dealing with suggestions could be critical in a lot of situations. Here are some ways you can do it!

Useful expressions to make suggestions and plans.

Asking about somebody’s plans.

• Are you doing anything (on + day/at + time)?
• Are you free (on + day/at + time/them)?
• Do you want to (verb in the infinitive)?

Making suggestions

• Why don’t we (verb in the infinitive)?
• Shall we (verb in the infinitive)?
• Let’s (verb in the infinitive).
• What about (noun/verb + ing)?

Accepting suggestions

• Yes, sure/that’s fine.
• Ok, great.

Rejecting suggestions

• Sorry, I can’t.
• Sorry, I’m busy.

Task

Next week you and your partner are on holiday.  You want to go out together one day.  Decide where to go and on what day.  Agree where and when to meet.

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