Appointments are usually made over the telephone. After introducing yourself you can say:
I would like (to make) an appointment with… What time would be convenient for you/him? I wonder whether you could see me now/on/at/before/about? – more tentative
In less formal situations you may say:
I’d like to see (talk to) you (some time) about… What time would be convenient for you? Will you be able to see me now/on/at/before/about? Can you see me now/on/at/before/about?
If the person can meet you at suggested time he (or his secretary) will say:
Yes, that will be quite/very convenient. Yes, that will do very well. – formal, semi-formal
Yes, I’m/he’s free then. – both formal and informal
Yes, that’ll be just fine. – informal
Searching for an alternative, you can suggest another time or ask the person to choose the time:
What time would be convenient for you? Would… be more convenient? Would… suit you better? Could we make it… instead/then? – semi-formal, informal
How/what about… – informal
Is… any good? – informal
To cancel an appointment we can say:
I’m awfully sorry, but I can’t make it on…/at… I have an appointment with you for…, but unfortunately I can’t make it.
INVITATIONS
Invitations may be phrased in one of the following ways:
Would you like to…? – the most common form
I wonder whether you’d like to… – tentative
Would you care to… I wonder whether you’d care to – very formal
Do you feel like …ing? – informal, semi-formal
Invitations may also take the form of suggestion, for example: What/how about …ing?
Acceptance:
(yes,) very much. (yes), I’d like to very much. (yes,) I’d love to. That would be very nice. Thank you. Refusal:
I’m afraid I can’t. I’m sorry I can’t.
Some explanation for your refusal is often desirable.
I’d like to (very much) but…I’d love to but…I wish I could but…Thank you, but (I’m afraid)… No, thank you. No, thanks. – by itself, this is rather abrupt, even rude. However, it may be used among friends if followed by an explanation.
Invitations are often introduced by a question such as
Are you doing anything (special)? Have you got anything (special) on…? Have you got any plans for…? What are you doing…? Are you free…? – more direct
