Sample Response
Coworker
Plans
Learn how native speakers naturally ask colleagues out to lunch, agree to plans, and politely say no.
Wanna grab lunch?
I’m totally down!
I’ll have to take a rain check.
Warm-up Questions
How often do you grab lunch or coffee with your coworkers?
Do you prefer talking about work or your personal life during breaks?
Is it hard for you to say “no” when your team invites you out?
Textbook vs. Real Life
“Would you like to drink coffee with me?” is perfectly polite, but it sounds a bit robotic even at work. Tap to see how we naturally invite colleagues out.
Would you like to come to lunch with us?
Are you available after work?
Yes, I would like to.
I do not have meetings.
I cannot come.
Let us do it another time.
The 3 Stages of Plans
Whether you are pitching an idea, saying yes, or getting out of it, use these natural chunks. Tap the blurred words to reveal them!
1. Pitching the Idea
Start casual. Make it easy for them to say yes or no.
- • Do you wanna grab a coffee later?
- • Are you up for drinks after work?
- • A few of us are heading to lunch. Wanna tag along?
2. Saying Yes
Show enthusiasm. Confirm the details quickly.
- • Yeah, I’m down!
- • That works fine for me.
- • Sure, count me in.
3. Declining Politely
Soften the rejection. Give a brief, valid reason.
- • I’m slammed right now.
- • I’m kind of tied up with a project.
- • Can I take a rain check?
Natural Dialogue
Hey, a few of us are heading down to the cafeteria for lunch. Wanna tag along?
Oh, Yeah, I’m down! I just need to finish this email first.
No rush, we’re meeting by the elevators in 5 minutes.
Sounds good to me. Count me in.
Hey man, are you around after work? We’re grabbing some drinks to celebrate the product launch.
Ah, I’m slammed with this client project right now. I don’t think I can make it.
No worries! We’ll catch up next time.
Yeah, let me take a rain check for next week.
Scenario Practice
Let’s Chat
Who usually organizes team lunches in your office?
Have you ever used a fake excuse to skip a work social event?
Do you think socializing with coworkers is important for your career?
Is it okay to decline an invitation from your boss?
Do you prefer grabbing coffee one-on-one or big team lunches?
What’s your go-to excuse when you’re just too tired to go out?
Podcast Session
Lesson Recap
Listen to a quick summary of today’s lesson, featuring real-life examples on how to pitch ideas and decline politely.