LESSON 1 – These phrases are designed to facilitate polite and effective communication for setting, accepting, rescheduling, or cancelling appointments.
“May I see you on Monday?”
“Could I/we meet with you this evening?”
“Are you available for a consultation at your office/clinic this evening?”
“I would like an appointment to discuss some financial issues related to my business. What time are you available?”
Making an Appointment Directly (Semi-Formal)
“Could I meet you this evening?”
“Is it okay if we meet on Monday/this evening?”
“Can we meet at Robinson Square tomorrow morning or this evening?”
“Would meeting at Ruby Park tomorrow afternoon at 2 work for you?”
“How about meeting at Central Square tonight at 9?”
“May I stop by your office this evening on my way home?”
“Could I/we expect to see you at Elizabeth’s party tonight?”
“Would you have a few minutes this evening to discuss my new business plans?”
Making an Appointment Through a Secretary/Receptionist/Assistant
“I would like to see Dr. Sen for a consultation this evening. Is he available?”
“Could I schedule an appointment with the attorney tomorrow evening to discuss [topic]?”
“Is it possible to meet with the chairman tomorrow afternoon?”
“Can I meet with the president today at 6 p.m.?”
“Is the lawmaker available today at 7 p.m.?”
“Could I arrange an appointment with the auditor on Thursday evening?”
Confirming or Accepting an Appointment
“Yes, you can see me this evening; I’m available until 7.”
“You’re welcome to drop by. Please try to arrive by 7 p.m.”
“Yes, I’ll be here until 8 p.m.”
“Yes, I’m available; you can meet me this evening.”
“I think Saturday should work; I’ll be away on a business trip until then.”
“Sure, you can come anytime between 5 and 7 p.m.”
“Yes, tomorrow evening works perfectly.”
“Yes, tomorrow morning is fine.”
“What time would you like to stop by?”
Politely Declining or Postponing an Appointment
“I’m sorry, but the attorney is currently on vacation.”
“I’m afraid he won’t be back until June 2nd.”
“We regret to inform you that the doctor is not available for appointments this week.”
“I’m afraid he may not be available tomorrow evening, but you can meet him the day after tomorrow.”
“I wish I could see you, but I have to leave for London tonight. Would Monday, January 2nd, work for you?”
“Unfortunately, I have an important commitment in New York, so I can’t meet with you until I return.”
“I’m sorry, I won’t be available tomorrow. Would Friday evening work instead?”
“I’m very sorry, but I can’t make it to the office by 4 p.m. today. Is tomorrow okay for you?”
“7 p.m. is a bit challenging for me. Would 8 p.m. work instead?”
“I’m afraid it’s not possible today.”
“Thursday is very busy for me. Would Saturday work instead?”
“I need to reschedule my Monday appointment one day earlier; would that be possible?”
Politely Cancelling an Appointment
“I’m very sorry, but I have to cancel my appointment due to an emergency meeting at Margaret’s.”
“My apologies; due to severe weather conditions, I need to cancel my appointments today.”
“I’m sorry for the mix-up. I thought I was available, but I have a meeting tomorrow. Would Monday work for you instead?”
“I regret that I won’t be available tomorrow. Shall we reschedule the appointment for Sunday?”