Talk about Plans in English

How to Talk about Plans in English (Useful B2–C1 Expressions)

Hello English learners! Welcome to a new lesson. Talking about plans is something we do every day — arranging meetings, organising social events, discussing future goals, or confirming appointments. To sound natural and confident in English, especially at B2 and C1 levels, it is important to use a variety of expressions instead of repeating simple structures like “I will” or “I want to.” In this lesson, you will learn useful expressions for talking about plans in English, including how to:

✔ suggest ideas

✔ discuss arrangements

✔ talk about future intentions

✔ confirm or change plans

✔ express certainty or uncertainty

These expressions are extremely useful for everyday conversations and Cambridge speaking and writing tasks.

Making Plans and Suggestions

These expressions are used when proposing ideas or inviting someone to do something.

Shall we…?

Used to make polite suggestions, often in British English.

• Shall we meet at 7 p.m. at our favourite coffee shop?
• Shall we organise a study session before the exam?

How about…?

Used to suggest an idea or activity.

• How about visiting the art museum this weekend?
• How about trying a new restaurant tonight?

Let’s…

Used for friendly and informal suggestions.

• Let’s organise a picnic in the park this Saturday.
• Let’s start revising earlier this time.

Why don’t we…?

Used to suggest ideas in a relaxed and conversational way.

• Why don’t we try that new Italian restaurant?
• Why don’t we plan the trip together?

Discussing Arrangements and Intentions

These phrases help you describe organised plans or personal goals.

I’m planning to…

Used to describe future plans you have already considered.

• I’m planning to study abroad next year.
• I’m planning to start a new fitness routine.

I intend to…

More formal and often used in professional or academic contexts.

• I intend to finish the project by Friday.
• I intend to apply for postgraduate study next year.

I’ve arranged to…

Used when a plan has already been organised with someone else.

• I’ve arranged to meet my colleague for lunch tomorrow.
• I’ve arranged to speak with the manager next week.

Talking about Future Activities

These expressions help describe possible or planned future actions.

I’m going to…

Used for strong intentions or decisions already made.

• I’m going to visit my grandparents this weekend.
• I’m going to enrol in a language course.

I’m thinking of…

Used when you are considering an idea but haven’t decided yet.

• I’m thinking of taking up photography.
• I’m thinking of changing my career path.

I’m considering…

More formal and slightly more thoughtful than thinking of.

• I’m considering relocating to another city.
• I’m considering continuing my education.

Confirming Plans

These expressions help check details or make sure arrangements are still happening.

Are we still on for…?

Used to confirm existing plans.

• Are we still on for dinner tonight?
• Are we still on for the meeting tomorrow?

Let’s confirm…

Used to finalise details.

• Let’s confirm the meeting time.
• Let’s confirm the travel arrangements.

Do you still want to…?

Used to check whether someone is still interested in a plan.

• Do you still want to go to the concert?
• Do you still want to join the study group?

Changing or Cancelling Plans

Sometimes plans need to change, and these expressions help you communicate politely.

Can we reschedule…?

Used to change the time or date of a plan.

• Can we reschedule our appointment for next week?
• Can we reschedule the meeting?

I need to cancel…

Used when plans must be cancelled.

• I need to cancel our plans for tomorrow evening.
• I need to cancel the booking due to an emergency.

Let’s postpone…

Used when delaying plans until a later time.

• Let’s postpone the meeting until next week.
• Let’s postpone the event until we are better prepared.

Expressing Certainty or Uncertainty about Plans

These phrases help show how sure you are about your future plans.

I’m definitely…

Used to show strong certainty.

• I’m definitely going to the party this weekend.
• I’m definitely joining the training programme.

I’m not sure if…

Used to express uncertainty.

• I’m not sure if I can attend the event.
• I’m not sure if I will be available tomorrow.

I might…

Used to describe possibility.

• I might join you later.
• I might take a short holiday next month.

Asking for Confirmation or Permission

These expressions help clarify details politely.

Is it okay if…?

Used to ask for permission or flexibility.

• Is it okay if we meet a little later?
• Is it okay if I bring a friend?

Can we…?

Used to suggest organising or discussing plans.

• Can we discuss the travel arrangements tomorrow?
• Can we review the schedule together?

Shall we go over…?

Used to review or check details.

• Shall we go over the plan one more time?
• Shall we go over the presentation together?

Final Tip for Learners

When talking about future plans, try not to repeat simple structures like “I will” or “I want to.” Instead, vary your language with expressions such as:

• I’m planning to…
• I’m considering…
• I’ve arranged to…
• I might…
• Shall we…?

Using a variety of expressions for talking about plans in English will make your communication sound more natural, flexible, and advanced.

Learn how to talk about choices in English here

Learn how to talk about beliefs in English here

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