Do you ever need to “flake out” and cancel your plans on someone at the last minute?
Today find out how to do it without losing the connection with the person in English.
Do you get frustrated when people cancel social plans?
Do you tend to cancel plans at the last minute?
Steps that you should take if you need to cancel:
- Apologize
- Give an excuse
- Suggest an alternate solution
These steps don’t have to be in this exact order but you should try to do all three when you cancel at the last minute.
Make sure you understand every word you hear on All Ears English.
Bring your English to the advanced level with new vocabulary and natural expressions.
Get the transcripts from today’s episode.
Learn to speak naturally with the American accent.
How to apologize:
- I’m so sorry, I have to cancel tonight’s dinner.
- I hate to do this but I have to bail on our plans.
- I’m not gonna be able to make it. I’m so sorry.
- I’m so sorry to be a flake, but I can’t make it tonight.
How to give an excuse:
- I have a terrible _____ (cold, headache, virus)
- Something came up (sounds a bit more flaky, but can be necessary to use)
How to suggest an alternate solution:
- Would a day next week/weekend/month for you?
- Let’s make a rain check.
- Can we make a plan to reschedule?
Finally you could apologize again by saying: “Again, I’m really sorry.”
What questions do you have about today’s episode?
Let us know in the comments below.
