Teaching cancelling plans in English requires providing practical examples and guiding students in understanding the appropriate language and social cues for communicating changes in plans effectively.
And the best way to provide practical examples is not by giving your students examples in isolation. Rather, have them practice conversations that mirror real-life situations.
Practice conversations in teaching cancelling plans help students get better at speaking English by giving them chances to practice talking about changing plans. This helps them understand and use the right words and phrases in real-life situations.
In this post, we provide a diverse collection of real-life conversations tailored for different proficiency levels—ranging from low intermediate to advanced.
For ESL teachers, these conversations serve as valuable teaching tools, offering authentic examples to facilitate engaging lessons on practical language use.
From casual meetups to formal business discussions, each scenario is thoughtfully crafted to reflect the nuances of everyday life, making it an ideal resource for classroom instruction.
Whether you’re introducing beginners to the subtleties of rescheduling coffee meetups or challenging advanced learners with complex business conference calls, these conversations aim to bridge the gap between theoretical language knowledge and practical communication skills.
Table of Contents
Cancelling Plans: English Conversations for Low Intermediate Learners
1. Informal Conversation: Rescheduling a Coffee Meetup
Context: Two friends planning to meet for coffee on a weekend.
Person A: Hey, I was thinking of grabbing coffee this Saturday. You up for it?
Person B: Oh, I’d love to, but something came up. Can we do it next weekend instead?
Person A: No worries! What about Sunday next week?
Person B: Perfect! Let’s aim for Sunday afternoon. Around 3 pm?
Person A: Sounds good! See you then.
Person B: Awesome, can’t wait!
Person A: If anything comes up, just shoot me a message, okay?
Person B: Will do! Thanks for understanding.
Person A: No problem at all. Life happens!
Person B: Absolutely. See you next Sunday!
Key Phrases and Expressions:
- Something came up: Explaining that unexpected events or commitments have arisen.
- Can we do it next weekend instead?: Proposing to reschedule the meetup to a later date.
- What about Sunday next week?: Suggesting an alternative day for the rescheduled plans.
- Let’s aim for Sunday afternoon. Around 3 pm?: Proposing a specific time for the rescheduled meetup.
- If anything comes up, just shoot me a message, okay?: Encouraging communication if there are any changes or issues.
2. Formal Conversation: Postponing a Business Meeting
Context: Colleagues planning a meeting to discuss a project at work.
Person A: Good morning, I hope you’re doing well. I wanted to discuss the project with you. How about a meeting on Friday?
Person B: Good morning! I appreciate that, but I have a prior commitment on Friday. Can we reschedule for Monday?
Person A: Certainly. Monday works for me. How about 10 am?
Person B: That suits me. Let’s meet at 10 am on Monday to go over the project details.
Person A: Great. I’ll send you an invite. If anything changes, feel free to let me know.
Person B: Will do. Thanks for accommodating the change.
Person A: No problem at all. Looking forward to our discussion on Monday.
Person B: Likewise. Have a good day!
Person A: You too!
Key Phrases and Expressions:
- Prior commitment: Indicating a pre-existing engagement or obligation.
- Can we reschedule?: Proposing to change the originally planned meeting date.
- Monday works for me: Agreeing to the proposed rescheduled date.
- How about 10 am?: Suggesting a specific time for the rescheduled meeting.
- If anything changes, feel free to let me know: Encouraging open communication if there are any changes or concerns.
- Thanks for accommodating the change: Expressing gratitude for being flexible and adjusting to the rescheduled plans.
3. Informal Conversation: Changing Weekend Plans with a Neighbor
Context: Neighbors planning a small get-together over the weekend.
Person A: Hi there! We were thinking of having a little barbecue this Saturday. Are you in?
Person B: Sounds fun, but I promised my cousin I’d help with moving. Can we do it on Sunday instead?
Person A: No worries at all! Sunday works. What time?
Person B: Let’s say 5 pm? That gives me enough time to finish up with the move.
Person A: Perfect. 5 pm on Sunday it is. Looking forward to it!
Person B: Me too! And thanks for being flexible.
Person A: Of course! Life’s unpredictable. See you Sunday!
Person B: Can’t wait!
Key Phrases and Expressions:
- Promised my cousin I’d help with moving: Explaining a prior commitment or promise made to assist someone with moving.
- No worries at all!: Expressing understanding and reassurance about the need to change plans.
- Sunday works: Confirming that the proposed alternative day is acceptable.
- Let’s say 5 pm?: Proposing a specific time for the rescheduled get-together.
- Perfect: Confirming agreement with the proposed time.
- Looking forward to it!: Expressing anticipation for the upcoming event.
- Thanks for being flexible: Appreciating the neighbor’s adaptability to the change in plans.
- Of course! Life’s unpredictable: Acknowledging the uncertainties in life that may lead to changes in plans.
- Can’t wait!: Expressing excitement for the upcoming gathering.
4. Informal Conversation: Adjusting Movie Night Plans
Context: Friends planning a movie night at someone’s house.
Person A: Hey! Movie night at my place this Friday. You coming?
Person B: I’d love to, but I have a family dinner that night. Can we reschedule for Saturday?
Person A: Absolutely! Saturday it is. What time suits you?
Person B: Let’s make it 7:30 pm. Does that work?
Person A: Perfect! 7:30 pm on Saturday it is. Bring some snacks if you can!
Person B: Will do! Thanks for understanding the change.
Person A: No problem at all. It’s all about enjoying the time together. See you Saturday!
Person B: Can’t wait for movie night!
Key Phrases and Expressions:
- Can we reschedule for Saturday?: Proposing to change the originally planned date.
- What time suits you?: Inquiring about the preferred time for the rescheduled event.
- Thanks for understanding the change: Appreciating the friend’s flexibility and understanding.
5. Formal Conversation: Adjusting a Doctor’s Appointment
Context: Patient calling the doctor’s office to reschedule an appointment.
Person A: Good afternoon. I have an appointment with Dr. Smith on Thursday, but I need to reschedule.
Person B: Good afternoon. No problem. May I have your name, please?
Person A: It’s [Name]. The appointment was at 2 pm on Thursday.
Person B: Thank you, [Name]. Let me check the schedule. How about moving it to Friday at 3 pm?
Person A: Friday at 3 pm works for me. Thank you for the flexibility.
Person B: You’re welcome. I’ll update the records and send you a confirmation. Anything else you need?
Person A: That’s all, thank you. I appreciate your help.
Person B: Not a problem. Have a good day!
Person A: You too!
Key Phrases and Expressions:
- I need to reschedule: Stating the need to change the originally scheduled appointment.
- Thank you for the flexibility: Expressing gratitude for the ability to reschedule.
- I’ll update the records and send you a confirmation: Informing about the administrative steps taken to formalize the change.
Cancelling Plans: English Conversations for High Intermediate Learners
1. Informal Conversation: Postponing a Movie Night with Friends
Context: Friends planning to watch a movie together on the weekend.
Person A: Hey guys! I know we planned to watch a movie on Saturday, but something’s come up. Can we reschedule?
Person B: Oh no problem! What about Sunday evening?
Person C: Sunday works for me. What time were we thinking?
Person A: How about 7 pm on Sunday?
Person B: Sounds good! Let’s do 7 pm. What movie were we thinking, by the way?
Person A: I was thinking of that new comedy everyone’s talking about. Cool?
Person C: Perfect! Looking forward to it on Sunday then.
Person A: Awesome! Thanks for being flexible, everyone.
Person B: No worries, life happens. See you Sunday at 7!
Key Phrases and Expressions:
- Something’s come up: Indicating an unexpected event or change in plans.
- Can we reschedule?: Proposing to change the originally planned activity.
- Thanks for being flexible, everyone: Appreciating the friends for their adaptability.
- No worries, life happens: Acknowledging that unforeseen events can affect plans.
- See you Sunday at 7!: Confirming attendance and the agreed-upon time for the rescheduled movie night.
2. Formal Conversation: Rescheduling a Job Interview
Context: Candidate calling the company to reschedule a job interview.
Person A: Good morning, this is [Name]. I have an interview scheduled for Friday, but I need to reschedule.
Person B: Good morning, [Name]. No problem, life happens. When would you like to reschedule the interview?
Person A: Thank you. Can we do it next Wednesday at the same time?
Person B: Certainly, next Wednesday works. Same time, 10 am. Is that okay?
Person A: Perfect, 10 am next Wednesday it is. I appreciate your understanding.
Person B: Not an issue at all. We’ll update our records and confirm it via email.
Person A: Great, thank you. Looking forward to the interview.
Person B: Likewise. Have a good day!
Person A: You too!
Key Phrases and Expressions:
- I need to reschedule: Stating the need to change the originally scheduled interview.
- No problem, life happens: Expressing understanding and acknowledging unforeseen circumstances.
- Can we do it next Wednesday at the same time?: Proposing a specific alternative date and time for the rescheduled interview.
- Perfect, 10 am next Wednesday it is: Confirming agreement with the proposed time.
- I appreciate your understanding: Expressing gratitude for the interviewer’s flexibility and understanding.
- We’ll update our records and confirm it via email: Informing about the administrative steps taken to formalize the change.
- Looking forward to the interview: Expressing anticipation for the rescheduled interview.
3. Informal Conversation: Changing Plans for a Weekend Hike
Context: Friends planning a hiking trip for the weekend.
Person A: Hey team! I know we were set for a hike on Saturday, but I’ve got a family event. Can we move it to Sunday?
Person B: No worries at all! Sunday sounds good. What time?
Person C: Yeah, Sunday works. Maybe start a bit earlier? Like around 9 am?
Person A: 9 am on Sunday it is. Thanks for being flexible, guys!
Person B: It’s all good. Family comes first. See you Sunday at 9!
Person C: Looking forward to it! And hope you enjoy the family thing.
Person A: Thanks! I appreciate it. See you Sunday morning!
Key Phrases and Expressions:
- Maybe start a bit earlier?: Proposing a slight adjustment to the rescheduled activity.
- Thanks for being flexible, guys!: Appreciating the friends for their adaptability.
- It’s all good, family comes first: Acknowledging the priority of family commitments.
- Looking forward to it!: Expressing anticipation for the upcoming hike.
- See you Sunday morning!: Confirming attendance and the agreed-upon time for the rescheduled hike.
4. Formal Conversation: Rescheduling a Business Meeting
Context: Colleagues planning to discuss a project at work.
Person A: Good afternoon, I hope this isn’t too inconvenient, but I need to reschedule our project meeting on Thursday.
Person B: Good afternoon. No problem, things change. When were you thinking of rescheduling?
Person A: Can we move it to Friday at 2 pm? Will that work for everyone?
Person B: I’ll check with the team, but Friday at 2 pm seems doable. We’ll confirm by email.
Person A: Appreciate your flexibility. Thank you.
Person B: Not an issue. We’ll be in touch. Have a good day.
Person A: You too!
Key Phrases and Expressions:
- This isn’t too inconvenient: Acknowledging the potential inconvenience of the rescheduling.
- Things change: Expressing understanding that circumstances can evolve.
- Can we move it to Friday at 2 pm?: Proposing a specific alternative date and time for the rescheduled meeting.
- Seems doable: Indicating that the proposed time is acceptable and feasible.
- Appreciate your flexibility: Expressing gratitude for the team’s adaptability.
- Not an issue: Assuring that the request for rescheduling is acceptable.
- We’ll be in touch: Confirming future communication regarding the rescheduled meeting.
5. Informal Conversation: Changing Plans for a Potluck Dinner
Context: Friends organizing a potluck dinner for the weekend.
Person A: Hey, guys! So, I was thinking about our potluck dinner on Saturday…
Person B: Yeah, what’s up?
Person A: Turns out, I have a work thing. Can we do it on Sunday instead?
Person C: Sunday works for me. What time?
Person A: Let’s aim for 6 pm on Sunday. Cool?
Person B: Perfect. Gives me more time to prepare my famous lasagna!
Person A: Awesome! Sunday at 6 it is. Thanks, everyone!
Person C: No problem. Work comes first. See you Sunday!
Person B: Looking forward to that lasagna!
Key Phrases and Expressions:
- Turns out, I have a work thing: Explaining the reason for the change in plans.
- Let’s aim for 6 pm on Sunday.: Proposing a specific alternative date and time for the rescheduled dinner.
- Work comes first: Prioritizing work commitments.
- See you Sunday!: Confirming attendance and the agreed-upon time for the potluck dinner.
Cancelling Plans: English Conversations for Advanced Learners
1. Formal Conversation: Rescheduling a Business Conference Call
Context: Colleagues organizing a conference call to discuss a critical project.
Person A: Good morning, team. I regret to inform you that I must reschedule the conference call planned for tomorrow at 2 pm.
Person B: Good morning. No problem, but may I ask for the reason behind the rescheduling?
Person A: Unfortunately, a client emergency requires my immediate attention. I propose moving the call to the same time next Monday. Is that feasible for everyone?
Person C: I’ll check my schedule, but Monday works for me. Let’s go with that.
Person A: Excellent. I appreciate your flexibility. I’ll send out an updated calendar invitation for Monday’s call.
Person B: Thank you for notifying us, and we understand the circumstances. See you all on Monday then.
Person A: Thank you for your understanding. If anything changes, I’ll keep you posted. Have a productive day, everyone.
Person C: You too, and best of luck with the client matter.
Person A: Much appreciated. Until Monday.
Key Phrases and Expressions:
- I regret to inform you: Expressing a sense of apology for delivering potentially unwelcome news.
- May I ask for the reason behind the rescheduling?: Politely requesting information about the cause for the change.
- A client emergency requires my immediate attention: Explaining the urgent and unforeseen circumstances leading to the rescheduling.
- I propose moving the call to the same time next Monday: Suggesting a specific alternative date and time for the rescheduled conference call.
- Is that feasible for everyone?: Inquiring about the practicality and suitability of the proposed alternative.
- I appreciate your flexibility: Expressing gratitude for the team’s adaptability and understanding.
- I’ll send out an updated calendar invitation: Explaining the next steps to ensure everyone is informed of the change.
- Thank you for notifying us, and we understand the circumstances: Acknowledging the notification and expressing understanding.
- If anything changes, I’ll keep you posted: Promising to provide updates if there are further developments.
2. Informal Conversation: Changing Plans for a Dinner Party
Context: Friends planning a dinner party at someone’s house.
Person A: Hey everyone! Hate to do this, but can we push the dinner party to next Saturday?
Person B: No worries! What happened?
Person A: My sister surprised me with a visit, and I can’t say no. She lives abroad, you know?
Person C: Absolutely, family first. Next Saturday works for me. What time?
Person A: Let’s make it 7:30 pm. Is that cool with everyone?
Person B: Works for me. Looking forward to it next Saturday then.
Person C: Same here. Give our regards to your sister.
Person A: Will do. Thanks for being understanding, guys. See you next Saturday at 7:30!
Key Phrases and Expressions:
- Hate to do this, but can we push the dinner party to next Saturday?: Expressing reluctance but proposing to change the original plan.
- Next Saturday works for me. What time?: Confirming availability and seeking agreement on the proposed alternative.
- Thanks for being understanding, guys: Expressing gratitude for friends’ flexibility and comprehension.
- See you next Saturday at 7:30!: Confirming attendance and the agreed-upon time for the rescheduled dinner party.
3. Formal Conversation: Rescheduling a Research Presentation
Context: A researcher contacting a conference organizer to reschedule a presentation.
Person A: Good afternoon. This is [Name], one of the presenters for the upcoming conference. I regret to inform you that I need to reschedule my presentation due to unforeseen circumstances.
Person B: Good afternoon, [Name]. We understand these things happen. When would you like to reschedule?
Person A: I appreciate your understanding. Can we consider moving it to the last slot on the second day of the conference?
Person B: Let me check the schedule… Yes, the last slot on the second day is available. We can make that adjustment for you.
Person A: Thank you for accommodating the change. I’ll update my travel plans accordingly.
Person B: Not a problem at all. We look forward to your presentation. Safe travels!
Person A: Much appreciated. Looking forward to it as well. Until then.
Key Phrases and Expressions:
- Due to unforeseen circumstances: Explaining the unexpected and uncontrollable factors necessitating the change.
- Can we consider moving it to the last slot on the second day of the conference?: Proposing a specific alternative time for the rescheduled presentation.
- We can make that adjustment for you: Confirming the feasibility of the proposed change and expressing willingness to accommodate.
4. Informal Conversation: Changing Plans for a Weekend Getaway
Context: Friends planning a weekend getaway to the mountains.
Person A: Hey folks! Quick change of plans. Can we postpone our mountain trip to the following weekend?
Person B: Oh, what happened? Everything okay?
Person A: Yeah, all good. Got an opportunity for discounted cabin rentals the next weekend. Couldn’t pass it up.
Person C: Sounds like a great deal! Next weekend works for me. What about you?
Person B: Count me in. Let’s do it next weekend then.
Person A: Awesome! I’ll take care of the new reservations. Thanks for being flexible, everyone.
Person C: No problem. Sometimes opportunities pop up. Looking forward to it next weekend!
Key Phrases and Expressions:
- Quick change of plans: Indicating a sudden shift in the original arrangement.
- Couldn’t pass it up: Expressing the irresistible nature of the opportunity.
- Thanks for being flexible, everyone: Expressing gratitude for friends’ adaptability.
- Looking forward to it next weekend!: Expressing anticipation for the upcoming getaway.
5. Formal Conversation: Rescheduling a Training Session
Context: An employee contacting the HR department to reschedule a mandatory training session.
Person A: Good day, I hope this doesn’t cause too much inconvenience, but I need to request a reschedule for the mandatory training session on Thursday.
Person B: Good day, [Name]. Understandably, things come up. When are you proposing to reschedule?
Person A: I was thinking of moving it to next Tuesday, if that’s acceptable.
Person B: Let me check the availability. Yes, Tuesday works. Same time?
Person A: Yes, please. Same time, 10 am. I appreciate your assistance in making this adjustment.
Person B: Not a problem. I’ll update the schedule, and you should receive a revised calendar invitation shortly.
Person A: Thank you for your understanding. I’ll be sure to attend next Tuesday’s session.
Person B: Perfect. If there are any further adjustments needed, feel free to inform us. Have a good day.
Person A: You too, and thanks again for your help.
Key Phrases and Expressions:
- I hope this doesn’t cause too much inconvenience: Expressing consideration for potential disruptions caused by the rescheduling.
- Things come up: Acknowledging the unpredictability of events and changes.
- I was thinking of moving it to next Tuesday, if that’s acceptable: Proposing a specific alternative date and seeking agreement.
- I’ll update the schedule, and you should receive a revised calendar invitation shortly: Explaining the practical steps being taken to formalize the change.
- If there are any further adjustments needed, feel free to inform us: Extending openness to additional changes if required.
Conclusion
Canceling plans is a normal part of talking with others, and it’s important to know how to deal with these situations in English.
The 15 conversations provided here are great for practicing and improving your English skills when plans change. They cover different situations and give you useful phrases to handle canceled plans in English-speaking places.
Learning how to cancel plans well using these conversations will not only make your English better but also help you communicate clearly and politely in social and work settings.
Practicing these dialogues will give EFL and ESL students the ability to express changes in plans while still being polite and considerate. Adding these conversations to your language learning will boost your confidence and skill in managing canceled plans in English.
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