Learning Objective(s)
• Identifying the expressions to make formal appointments fluently
• Arranging formal appointments accurately
Why do we have to make an appointment?
There are several phases in making an appointment (if you or the people you want to meet are not available). You might want to change the time, day, or place. You might as well need to cancel it when you can make it.
- I’d like to make an appointment with …
- I want to make an appointment to (see) …
- I’d like to make an appointment to (see) …
- I was wondering if (you) could come and see (me) some time …
- Would you like to come and see me?”
- Would you be available on …?
Yes, Thursday is fine."
Friday suits me."
Tuesday would be perfect."
I’ll wait you there.”
I’ll be there on time”
I’m available on …
I would be available to discuss…. on … at …
Setting a time/day
What day did you have in mind?
Would Friday suit you?
What sort of time would suit you?
Is 8 a.m. a good time for you?
If possible, I'd like to meet in the morning.
How does 2 p.m. sound to you?
Cancelling an appointment
I’m sorry. I’m very busy.
Sorry, I don’t think I can make it.
I’m so sorry I can’t make it.
I’m terribly sorry (that) I have to put off my appointment.
I’m afraid I have to postpone my appointment with …
Is that O.K. if we meet at (9 tomorrow morning)?
Do you have another time (this afternoon)?
Could we change the day (time) of the meeting?
Would you mind if we change the day (time) of the meeting?
I'm sorry. I won't be able to make it on Sunday. Could we meet on Saturday instead?
Ah, Thursday is going to be a little difficult. I'd much prefer Friday, if that's alright with you.
I really don't think I can on the 11th. Can we meet up on the 12th?
Keypoints
So, basically making an appointment is like a negotiation. Sometimes you get a deal, sometimes you don’t. The above phrases are examples so you can figure out what to say in making a formal appointment.- Knowing how to make appointments informally by using the right expressions to make and respond to appointments.
It has been a long time since the last time you meet with your high school best friends. You miss them and you want to meet them. So, you make a plan to meet them. However, unlike when you were in high school, each of you has different schedules now. It is a bit difficult to meet because you are busy and your friends are busy as well. In this case, you have to ensure that you and your friends are available to meet on a certain day at a certain time.
- .… how about Saturday noon at 5?
- .… Should we meet at the usual place?
- Sounds good for me….
- That’s a great idea
- Perfect!
- Making appointment is a skill that you need to arrange a meeting with other people.
- In informal settings, you can use casual expressions.
- In reponding to invitation to meet up, you can agree or decline.
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