arrange
to organize the details of a plan
We are arranging a group meal.
Lesson 9 of 13 · Intermediate · B1
Making plans with other people
Separate an intention, a confirmed arrangement, and a decision made now.
1. Grammar: Future forms: going to, present continuous, will
Use going to for an intention or plan. Use the present continuous with a future time for an arrangement, often agreed with another person. Use will for a decision made now, an offer, or a prediction. Context matters: more than one form may be possible with a different emphasis.
- I am going to + verb. → I am going to organize a meal.
- I am + verb-ing + future time. → I am meeting Sam on Friday.
- I will + verb. → I will call the restaurant now.
- Are you meeting anyone tomorrow? → Yes, I am meeting a colleague.
Model conversation
A: I am going to organize dinner for our group.
B: Good idea. Have you chosen a day?
A: Yes, we are meeting on Friday at seven.
B: I will contact the others now.
2. Useful words and verbs
Read each meaning and example. Make your own sentence, then try to use the word during the conversation.
invite
to ask someone to attend
I am going to invite my classmates.
book
to reserve something
I will book a table now.
postpone
to move an event to a later time
We are going to postpone the picnic.
confirm
to make an arrangement definite
I will confirm the time today.
schedule
a plan showing when things happen
I am checking my schedule.
arrangement
a plan with agreed details
We have an arrangement to meet on Friday.
priority
something more important than other tasks
Finishing my work is my priority.
3. Conversation: 15 questions
Use complete sentences and add a reason or example when it fits. Open an answer starter if you need help. You may use imagined details.
What are you going to do after this lesson?
Answer starter
I am going to …
Are you meeting anyone at a specific time this week?
Answer starter
I am meeting … on … / I haven’t arranged a meeting yet.
What are you going to make a priority next month?
Answer starter
I am going to make … a priority.
A friend needs help arranging a meal. What will you offer to do?
Answer starter
I will …
Who are you going to invite to your next gathering?
Answer starter
I am going to invite …
Imagine you have booked a table for Saturday. What is the arrangement?
Answer starter
We are eating at … on Saturday at …
You notice the booking time is wrong. What will you do now?
Answer starter
I will … now.
What activity are you going to plan in advance?
Answer starter
I am going to plan …
Are you traveling anywhere on a fixed date soon?
Answer starter
I am traveling to … on … / I don’t have a fixed arrangement yet.
Your friend asks you to confirm the time. What will you say?
Answer starter
I will check … and confirm …
What plan are you going to postpone if your schedule is too full?
Answer starter
I am going to postpone …
Imagine you and a friend agreed to study tomorrow. How will you describe that arrangement?
Answer starter
We are studying … tomorrow at …
You receive an invitation but need to check your schedule. What will you say?
Answer starter
I will check my schedule and …
How are you going to make more time for English?
Answer starter
I am going to …
Describe one intention, one arrangement, and one offer.
Answer starter
I am going to … I am meeting … I will help with …
4. Extend your answer
Choose three questions and answer again without the starters. Use at least three words from the word bank. Add a reason with “because,” an example with “for example,” or a contrast with “but.” Ask your partner one follow-up question.