Friends & datingBeginner
Asking someone on a date in English (beginner)
Beginner English for asking someone on a date. Key line: “I'd like to take you to dinner.”
Full script
Lin
Hey, are you free Friday night?
Them
I am. Why do you ask?
Lin
I'd like to take you to dinner.
Them
Oh, like a date?
Lin
Yes. And no cat stories.
Them
Okay. I can do that.
Lin
So, Friday at seven?
Them
Yes. But I still want cat stories.
Key phrases
The lines worth keeping. Read them once before you go out.
free?
✓ Are you free Friday night?Ask if they’re available
Ask about time first
dinner invite
✓ I'd like to take you to dinner.Polite dinner invite
softer than saying "date"
a date
✓ Like a date?Checking your meaning
They’re checking your meaning
set a time
✓ So, Friday at seven?Suggest the time
Use So to move it forward
Quick answers
free: what to say in English
Say “Are you free Friday night?” — ask if they’re available. Ask about time first.
dinner invite: what to say in English
Say “I'd like to take you to dinner.” — polite dinner invite. softer than saying "date".
a date: what to say in English
Say “Like a date?” — checking your meaning. They’re checking your meaning.
set a time: what to say in English
Say “So, Friday at seven?” — suggest the time. Use So to move it forward.