Lindsay McMahon
"The English Adventurer"

make plans in English

Have you heard somebody say that they will “be around” in conversation?

Do you ever wonder what exactly this means?

Do you want to learn how to use this phrase in English to make connections?

We’re going to show you what this phrase means and how to use this and other similar phrases in your conversations.

We have a question from a listener:

 

First I’d like to say thank you for all of your work! I’m in Iran, and you don’t know how you are helping us from thousands of miles away.

Can you explain the phrasal verb, “be around” in one of your episodes?

Best regards, Mohammad

 

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What Does This Mean?

“Be around” basically means be nearby or be available.

Of course, you can also use it for “I’ll be around the corner”–to physically describe the shape in a true depiction.

You might ask somebody something like:

“Will you be around at 8? Can I call you then?”

You are essentially asking them if they will be available.

Some examples to demonstrate this include:

  • “People always want to be around her because she’s so funny!” 
    • This means that people want to be nearby or physically close to somebody for a variety of reasons.
  • “Meet me at the park. I’ll be around there at 7.”
    • This means that you’ll be near the park at that time. It may indicate that you are walking or moving in that general area and therefore may be in that particular place around that time.

 

This one phrase is used very frequently in conversation, but there are other similar phrases you can use interchangeably.

 

Additional Phrases To Say The Same Thing

Though “be around” works fine, there are other phrases that mean the same thing.

It can help to know several of these phrases so that you can use them in everyday conversation.

  • Be in the area: This means that you are going to be in about the same general vicinity.
    • “I’ll be in the area at 6. Want to meet?”
  • Be in the vicinity: This means the same sort of thing as you will be in the area, but it is a bit more formal in its use. You are letting somebody know you will be nearby but you are taking it to a more formal level.
    • “I’ll be in the general vicinity so we should try to get together.”
  • Spend time with: It means that you enjoy being with that person and being in their company.
    •  “I love spending time with him. He’s so positive.”
  • Be free: It’s another way to say that you will be available at a certain time and can meet or talk or help then.
    • “I’m free at 2 so I can meet anytime after that.”
  • Be available: This may seem like an obvious one, but it’s important to include because it’s commonly used.
    •  “I’m available all day. It’s my day off.”

All of these phrases mean the same thing and can be used in conversation with ease.

 

Takeaway

This phrase is very versatile and dynamic.

It’s a great way to connect, make plans,  and even discuss your feelings about someone.

You have options of how to speak to availability and they all work well in conversation.

This helps you to speak like the natives, but more importantly helps you to make plans and make great and lasting connections.

 

If you have any questions, please leave them below in the comments section.

We’ll get back to you as soon as we can. 

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