61   I can make arrangements to meet

A    Mike, we need to talk about the project.

      Can we get together next week?  = meet

B    Yes, sure.

A    Can you make it on Monday morning, say?  

      = Are you able to come?

      = for instance / for example

B    No. I’m not available then.  

      How about Tuesday afternoon?  

      = free to see you

      = What about...?

A    I’d like to, but I’m afraid I’m tied up then.       

      = I’m sorry, but...

      = busy

     Can we make it Friday morning instead?    

      = as an alternative

B    I’m supposed to see Jo then, but I think I can postpone that. I’ll confirm it with you tonight.    

      = I’m meant to

      = put that off

      = tell you definitely / for sure

A    Great, well, I’ll wait to hear from you.

 

Glossary

How about...? is... suitable? SYN What about...?

instead (of sth) in the place of sth (e.g. We could take the train, or we could hire a car instead.). SYN as an alternative.

postpone sth  decide that sth you had planned will happen at a later time. SYN put sth off.

 

spotlight  be supposed to, be meant to + verb

If you are supposed to, or are meant to do something, another person thinks you will do it because you have agreed to do it.

I’m supposed to meet David later, but I don't really want to go.

She’s meant to finish that job today. ~ She's so slow; I don't think she will. 

2     There’s a mistake in each sentence. Write the correct sentence at the end.

►   She supposed to be here at 3.00. She’s supposed to be here at 3.00.

1     Shall we make together for a meeting? ________

2     I’ll tell you definite tomorrow. ________

3     I could put the meeting out until Friday. ________

4     I’m afraid but I’m tied up then. ________

5     A    Let’s meet at a restaurant, saying? ________

B   No, what about the station in place? ________

6     For an alternative, we could meet on Tuesday. ________

1     Shall we get together for a meeting?

2     I'll tell you definitely tomorrow.

3     I could put the meeting off until Friday.

4     I'm afraid I'm tied up then.

I'm sorry but I’m tied up then.

5     A Let's meet at a restaurant, say?

B No, what about the station instead?

6     As an alternative, we could meet on Tuesday.

3     Test yourself. Look at the dialogue and cover the meanings. Can you remember the meaning of each word or phrase in bold?