Friends & datingIntermediate
Asking someone on a date in English
What to say when you ask someone out for a date.
Full script
Lin
Are you free this Saturday? Like... as a date?
Them
A date date? Not a study date?
Lin
A date date. No textbooks allowed.
Them
Then yes! What did you have in mind?
Lin
Dinner, then a movie. I'll pick the movie.
Them
Please not a horror movie.
Lin
Too late. I already booked it.
Them
...Is this a trap so I hold your hand?
Key phrases
The lines worth keeping. Read them once before you go out.
Most natural
✓ Are you free this Saturday?Check if they’re free
First ask if they’re free. It feels more natural.
Key
✓ Like... as a date?A real date?
as a date = romantically
Good sign
✓ What did you have in mind?Got a plan?
have sth in mind = already have a plan
Save this
✓ Too late. I already booked it.It’s already booked.
book = reserve
Quick answers
Most natural: what to say in English
Say “Are you free this Saturday?” — check if they’re free. First ask if they’re free. It feels more natural.
Key: what to say in English
Say “Like... as a date?” — a real date. as a date = romantically.
Good sign: what to say in English
Say “What did you have in mind?” — got a plan. have sth in mind = already have a plan.
Save this: what to say in English
Say “Too late. I already booked it.” — it’s already booked. book = reserve.